Efflorescence (ON HOLD DO NOT READ YET)

II - Out Of Hand

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I sat where me and Shaye sat lately from the earlier bus on the way to Stanton Museum. There are only three people inside the bus. Unlucky for me, the pain in my leg is demanding to be felt. I took my hankerchief and wrapped it around my leg to keep the blood from flowing and tied it tightly. I gritted my teeth. It really hurt. But I'm more worried about Shaye. I hope she escaped. 

I wondered why the guy from the party stabbed me. Well, I was stupid enough that I danced and even kissed him! And his strength! The way he lifted those police officers is incredulous. Maybe I was just hallucinating. Or maybe I wasn't. It's just so impossible. I am in a state of shock.

"Do you need some help, dearie?" An old lady in front of my seat offered. I realized she was the old lady that Shaye disrespected lately. I noticed how frail she is and that her long white hair is unkept. 

"No, thank you." I told her.

"Oh well then, child." She said. "Just remember to keep an eye around the people you are bound to meet someday."

 "Excuse me?" What is she talking about?

"Keep your eyes open." She trained her soggy eyes on mine. "Trust no one quickly." I nodded. She's creeping me out. "Trust no one." She says again. Her face that was once frail started to flake off leaving only a rotten skin. Her eyes became deep that I can not almost see it. Terrifying! I screamed. 

"Why dearie? You don't like my face?" The old lady said like she's talking to a lost puppy. 

I rose and went quickly to the bus driver. "Stop! Stop the bus! There's...there's an old lady...her..her face!" The bus driver stared at me, confused. "Miss yer disturbing me passengers! Go back to yer seat." He said. I paced to the people inside the bus. I found myself shocked when it's filled with people. And the old lady's face wasn't what I saw lately. In fact, she was looking at me with a terror stricken face. The others were giving me a irritated glance. 

How did that happened? I was pretty sure when I got inside the bus, there were just three people. I led out a loud sigh. What is happening to me? 

I didn't went back to my seat. My leg is torturing me. After the bus reached the street where I live, I hopped off and strolled back home hoping my parents won't catch me. If they do, how could I tell them that their daughter once again sneaked out and this time stabbed by a guy she doesn't even know? 

I grabbed my keys from my leather jacket's pocket and shoved it in the keyhole. Surprisingly, Myles was on the living room. "Myles! Why are you still awake?!"

"I was waiting for you!" He glanced at my bloody leg. "What happened?!"

"Long story." I gently sat on the sofa. "Quick, get the first aid kit at the bathroom upstairs. Careful not to wake mom and dad."

He nodded. Before Myles could get a few more steps up, he started to back down. "Myles! I'm bleeding right here! Get the kit for god's sake!"

"I'm afraid I don't need to." He said. I realized he was right. Mom and dad was already down and I definitely know my dad isn't happy. "Nina." Dad said with no tone in his voice. But I can see the worry in his eyes.

"Nina, darling! What happened to your leg?!" Mom freaked out while examining my leg. "Oh my god! Are you stabbed?!" Moms. Sometimes I think they can predict the future.

"What have you gotten yourself into, Nina? Again." Dad scolded. "I never thought you'd grow up to be such a handful." 

I rose from the sofa ignoring the pain in my leg. "Well, I'm sorry, Dad. I'm sorry that your fake daughter turned out to be such a trouble to you! A burden!" Mom bowed her head to hide a tear making me to regret what I just said. "You know you are not a burden to us, darling. You are my daughter and no one can change that. No matter what you do." Mom said.