When the sky cries with me

3

That night I got to fall asleep to the pitter-patter of the storm. I bundled up in my covers like a burrito and slowly lost consciousness. I had a strange dream. It was dark, ever since I was little I'd been afraid of the dark, and there was a small light, a firefly, just floating around. I felt lonely, betrayed, but I didn't know why. Soon, it started raining, I still felt lonely, it was only until someone grabbed my hand that I felt at ease. I couldn't see who it was, but they held onto me so tightly. Neither of us wanted to let go. I woke up with a jolt. What even was that dream? When I looked at the clock, I nearly screamed. It was already 8:20! I was gonna be late to school! I threw on my uniform and charged for the door,
"Ilah, where are you going this early on a Saturday?" Auntie stopped me,
"It's Saturday?" I asked, "I was going to school, I thought I was late," I stuttered as I pulled my hand away front the front door,
"No, my sweet, it's Saturday, are you sure they didn't hit your head too hard?" She joked,
"Yeah, I had a funny dream so I guess that's affecting my memory," I laughed,
"Well, since your up early, how 'bout you go down to the library, I heard they got a new manga series in, go check it out," she beamed at me,
"I do love manga," I beamed back, "ok, I'll go change," I said running upstairs. I changed into my favorite black hoodie and ripped jeans and trotted back downstairs,
"I'll be home soon, love you!" I smiled and waved,
"Love you too, hon," Auntie replied. I quickly grabbed my umbrella and began to walk to the library. There were trails near the woods that my bike couldn't access, but I could go on foot. It was a nice day for a walk, the clouds weren't as grey as before and rain had subsided. I wasn't sure if it would rain again or not, hopefully it did. I smiled to myself as I walked the familiar path, only to frown once again. Two teenagers, bullies, stood making out by one of the trees. I said nothing and tried to walk passed them, but Jessica stoped me,
"Hey freak," she hissed, "I have something to say,"
"Oh, then go on," I mumbled,
"Sorry," she forced the words out, almost gagging in the process, "sorry 'bout yesterday,"
"It's no problem." I said, taken aback, "I'm used to it," I looked at the floor, not their eyes,
"Heard your stitches popped out," she sighed, "we'll be more gentle next time," I could hear her grinning,
"I wasn't on the verge of death or anything," I laughed, dryly, "is that all? See ya around then," I said as I turned the other way. I felt a strong hand yank my long hair back and something cold graze my neck,
"Not so fast," Timmy said, holding me in place,
"We haven't gotten to play yet," Jessica whined as she pressed the tip of a switchblade to my neck, cutting skin. I held back my screams of pain,
"Because of you, I'm suspended from the football team," Timmy growled, "and poor Jessie here is grounded,"
"I'm sorry to hear that," I whimpered. There had to be a way out of this situation. If I stayed, I was sure they'd kill me, or worse, they'd beat me so bad and leave me for dead. Feed me to the bears or some twisted shit like that. I kneed Jessica in the tits and head butted Timmy. After that, my legs carried me through the woods and into town. I didn't dare look back. It was like a chase scene out of a horror game, if you pause, even for a second, the monster might get you. Game over. When I reached the library, I realized I was still holding my umbrella. My mind wandered, why didn't I beat them with it? I shook the nasty thought from my brain and entered quietly,
"Hello dear!" The startled Librarian, Mrs. Carie, smiled, "oh my, your neck is bleeding," she looked shocked, she retrieved a bandaid from her desk and handed it to me, "we wouldn't want the books to get all bloody," she joked. Bitch, "now how in the world did you get a scratch like that?" She questioned,
"I ran into a couple trees on the way here," yeah, two ugly ones,
"Oh, I suppose you're quite clumsy, aren't ya?" She sighed and turned away, "let me know when you find a book, dear, the mangas over there by the way," she said pointing to the opposite side of the library,
"Thank you," I smiled at her and retreated to the manga section. I searched the familiar shelves scanning each book, each detailed spine, every color and letter. I wondered how I looked, my eyes flicking back and forth in between books, my hair falling gently over my shoulder, my skin illuminated in the libraries light. Auntie said I was beautiful, like a goddess. Was she right? I didn't believe her. Suddenly and unfamiliar voice echoed within the building,
"Welcome! Are you new in town? It's a pleasure to meet you," Mrs. Carie said,
"My names Lilith, I'm thinking about moving my family here," the woman, Lilith, replied,
"Welcome to Braxton Valley's one and only library!" Mrs. Carie seemed to be beaming,
"Actually, it's just me and my kids, I wanted to see if they had the kind of books they like," Mrs. Lilith laughed,
"Well, what kind of books do they like?" Mrs. Carie asked,
"Let's see, my little girl likes romance novels, my son prefers horror, oh, and my late-husbands kid likes, what was it? Manga?" She seemed to have trouble pronouncing the word. I tried not to laugh. Soon after they were finished chatting, I checked out my book and left. What an interesting woman Mrs. Lilith was, for once, I was actually eager to meet someone.