Fairy-Tale Therapy~ Trouble In Neverland (Book #1) **ON HOLD**

Chapter 3~ Some Unsettling News

     When I went to sleep that night, I had that very same nightmare. This was the 4th time already. It was as if my subconscious mind WANTED me to see those traumatizing images. That time, my dream was more vivid, detailed. The thickets were greener. Usually, I dream seeing pastel colored shapes that would eventually place themselves to make my hallucinations. Everything was crisp and sleek. I could smell the fresh dew that dotted the leaves I ran past. The rustle of leaves didn't make my escape at all subtle. Usually when I dreamt, I felt like I floated and the images I see make it seem as if I were on hallucinogenics. But not tonight, everything felt all too real.

     My screams echoed all throughout the densely planted greenery. The birds in the distance flew away from my shrieks. I shoved the low-lying leaves away from my view as my feet pounded against the ground. Thorns scraped at my ankles leaving a dull sting. I could feel something running down my legs, blood no doubt. It didn't faze me, I just needed to get away.

     My lungs started to tighten and whine from their constant use. My heart's thumps sent small pulses all throughout my body. Sweat trickled down my temple as I dodged branches and sprinted over logs. My sight was getting blurry. I didn't know if it was from my crying or the dense fog that started rolling in. After ages of running, I finally tripped on a root. I didn't know whether to be scared or thrilled that it was going to get me. I didn't care, I just knew that I would soon be put out of my misery.

     I crawled to a small clearing and turned around. Nothing. Just a forest of trees that were parted by my speeding figure. I grabbed at my ankle, the bleeding had stopped shortly followed by the bruising. I stared at the trees, they've grown darker. That  suspicious aura was again present. The heat instantly surrounded me. The heat was equivalent to that of a sauna. It was suffocating, yet exhilarating. It felt as though I were floating even though I was on the ground.

     Then they appeared. Those familiar white orbs appeared once more. I've seen them many times before, but I still felt the need to run. When I turned, it touched my shoulder. It didn't sting, yet I still felt its touch burn into my skin. The euphoric feeling caused me to turn back around. My eyes met its soft white gaze. I blissful calmness washed over me. It held out its hand. It was mysterious. It never spoke, it didn't make noise, and it's eyes gave off a look of innocence. Innocence that I  foolishly fell for as I reached out for its hand.

     The air around me cooled, I could feel the goosebumps appearing on my skin. It's gaze didn't waver, but it gave off a childish, playful vibe that I couldn't ignore. It lifted me up into the air once more, we were so high that we touched the clouds. As we hovered, it stared at me. It cocked its head to the side and looked at me with a face that mirrored that of a confused puppy. It looked so innocent, it almost fooled me again with its falseness. It slowly began to uncurl it's fingers, teasing me.

     "No, No PLEASE NO!"

     My pleas were to no avail. It let go. I saw it wave and vanish before I hit the ground. This time, I didn't wake up on impact.

     When my eyes snapped open that morning, I couldn't ignore the sting of the sunlight that radiated into the room. I looked at the clock, it read 7:00 a.m. much too early for my liking. It was summer already, I didn't have to wake up for school that day. If I didn't have to wake up, then I sure as heck wasn't going to. As I started to feel myself drift off, I heard the door to my bedroom slam open. Standing within its frame was my father.

     Why was my dad standing there? Was there a reason why he wasn't at work? I mean I knew that it was Summer, but I didn't know that the mayor could take a day off. He didn't look like he was dressed for something as spit and polish as his workplace. He looked casual, he wore a simple pair of jeans and a T-shirt. He wore sneakers and didn't bother combing his hair, he didn't look at all like the mayor of a small town in Maine. I wanted to ask if he had to go to work but dad spoke before I could open my mouth.