The Man In The Fields

Chapter 1

"Bye, sweetie," Addilyn's mother, Nora, kissed her daughter's forehead. "Mom!" Addilyn wiped her forehead. She examined the house. It wasn't the same like the one back in Chicago. This one was darker and had creaky floorboards and it looked ancient. They had to move because her mom got a new job as an editor in New York. Her mom was house hunting and found this house cheaper than the rest and closer to work. But something about this house wasn't right. Every time Addilyn would pass by the basement door, her hair would stand on end. The breeze sounded like voices. Sometimes she would hear her name being called. "I still don't like the house," Addilyn grunted, folding her arms. "Oh honey, we've only been here for a few days in New York. Just give it a try. You can even go and make friends. There are a lot of kids your age out there," her mom encouraged her but Addilyn just slumped her shoulders and walked her mother out. "Mom, you know I don't like talking to people. Well, I don't like people in general," she sighed. "Well, I suppose you should get on with your homework." Addilyn's mom turned to walk away but stopped in her tracks. "Do you need me to at least call over that boy from across the street to stay with you?" she offered but Addilyn rolled her eyes and rejected the suggestion. "Mom, I'm 15 turning 16 next month. I think I can handle myself without some boy watching over me." At that, Addilyn closed the door. She honestly didn't mind some company but she didn't want to let her mom know. The thought of being home alone would've made her excited. But after moving here, she wasn't so sure anymore. This house scared the heck out of her. She went to the kitchen to get a bite to eat. As she opened the fridge, she didn't find anything appetitesing. And she grunted at the thought since she was very hungry and looking forward to brunch. So she decided to find something to get her out of the house. She took her books from the lounge and her coat from the coat rack and went out the door. She closed and locked the door behind her. She quickly put her books in her bag then she bumped into someone, causing her books to fall. "Argghh," she got done to grab her books. "Sorry about that," the person helped her pick up her books. Addilyn looked up and saw him. "Jacob, I'm actually in a hurry so if you just move out of the way-" Addilyn pushed him to one side. "You know you could just call me Jake," he said. "Jacob, nicknames are established when you've become friends with that person. And we, good sir, aren't friends." Addilyn took her bag and made her way to the library. Jacob pursed his lips and waved. "Well, nice seeing you," he said. He sounded a little hurt but Addilyn had other matters to address to.

The library was peaceful. The air was cool and fresh. The window blinds were open, making the building even brighter. At the desk, Addilyn saw Mrs Torysen. She was your typical librarian. She tied her hair with two pencils, a cashmere sweater, a pencil skirt and a pair of see-through rim glasses. When Mrs Torysen saw Addilyn come in, she waved at her. Addilyn used to wonder when did Mrs Torysen get married because she was 21. 'I guess what's the point of waiting,' Addilyn used to always think to herself. "Hello Addilyn. Here to do your homework or check out a book?" Mrs Torysen asked, smiling warmly at Addilyn. Even though Mrs Torysen has known her for a few days, it's like she's known her for years. "Homework," she answered. Even though she hasn't started going to school yet, the school gave her some work to catch up on so she won't be left behind. She tapped her fingers on the desk. "Oh, did you find the book?" she asked. "Ah! Yes, I did," she said. She took a book out from her desk and gave it to Addilyn. "Is it bad?" Mrs Torysen asked her. Addilyn nodded in response. "I do think this sleep paralysis will be the death of me," she opened the pages of the book and sniffed the pages. "I love the smell of library books," she tried changing the subjects. "Addilyn, you can't ignore this. Have you told your mother? I think it's best if you go and get a check up," she advised her. Addilyn looked up from the book. "Maybe it's not even what I think it is. Maybe I could be exaggerating. I'll just read the book to be sure. This way, at least I would've done my research," she ensured Mrs Torysen. Luckily, she was gullible enough to buy it. She nodded. "I understand. Chilly out, huh," she stated. Addilyn found the energy to chuckle. "Yeah. Let me just get this homework done," she made her way to the tables.

14:37. "Dang it," Addilyn said to herself. She quickly got her homework done. She thought about exploring the city until her mom came back home but she comes back at 18:00. Addilyn decided to go to the Central Zoo. She's never seen a lot of animals. When she arrived there, it was pact. Little kids running around with balloons and cotton candies in their hands and parents chasing them. She saw a lot of unfamiliar faces at once. But it was better than staying in that house. She looked around intrigued. She's never been to the zoo before. Her dad uses to promise to take there but never could. When Addilyn was 8, her parents got separated. Even though her dad is never usually there in her life, she was glad her parents never got a divorce. Addilyn thought if she was able to visit him from time to time. It wasn't too far from New York to Chicago, right? But of course she would need permission for her mom. And she highly doubted that she would get it. Addilyn got herself popcorn and observed the penguins swimming. She looked at the time again on her wrist watch. 16:56, it read. She decided to call it a day and head back home.

"You're home early," she said as she got in the house and saw her mom. Her mom smiled. "I got bored in the office so I decided to come home to my darling daughter." She squeezed Addilyn. "Already fired?" Addilyn asked, breaking away from the hug. Her mom chuckled. "Of course not. They let us out early on Sundays. I was too lazy to make dinner so I brought Chinese food." Addilyn smiled and said, "You're the best mom ever." Her mom chucked again. "Come on. Eat up, get washed and head to bed. You got school tomorrow. Your first day," she ruffled Addilyn's hair. "Yay, sleep," Addilyn forced a smile. Sleeping was something she never looked forward to.

Addilyn changed into her pajamas and stretched her arms out, waiting to get to bed. Even though she was going to bed, she didn't like sleep. Ever. She's been suffering from sleep paralysis ever since she was 11. She found those expressions such as 'Sweets dreams' kind of repulsive and redundant. She never knew what triggered it but she never knew how to get rid of it. Addilyn closed her door and went to sit by the desk which was located by the window. She looked out at the yard then at the sky. She tried reminiscing about the old days when she was with both her mom and dad. And how she would visit her grandparents over the summer holidays and she would play in the fields with her grandmother in the afternoons as her grandmother would also tell her all kinds of stories, mythological creatures and spooky games that were played in the older days. Addilyn always did this before going to bed. It helped her to calm down, especially in the creepy house but she knew she had to get go to bed early so she can get up and get ready to go to school tomorrow. She got up from her desk and made her way to her bed. She blinked a few times before realising how tired she was. A few minutes later, she fell asleep.

A/N

This was kinda short but it is my first chapter. The more I write, the better it'll get.