Crystal Skies

Ian

I start to feel weird when I get to school. I think, "It's just my everyday anxiety from school." But it starts to get worse. I sneak to the bathroom. My knees feel weak, and my hands start shaking. I crumple to the ground, and everything fades to black.

***

The first thing I feel is claustrophobia. I open my eyes to see two hedges on either side of me. It looks like a maze. But I feel a presence behind me. I turn around, but I see something totally unexpected. I see an all black figure wearing a tuxedo and a very creepy and unnatural smile. It cocked its head to the side. "Want to have some fun?" It said, its voice sending shivers down my spine. And I start running.

The silence is the most disturbing part. The thing follows me without making a sound. I'm afraid to break the silence by calling for help. I don't think the creature would appreciate that.

It's gaining on me, fast. I suddenly feel cold tentacles wrap around my body, yanking me backwards. I face the creature, staring into his blank face. He laughs and squeezes me, hard. Everything suddenly turns black.

***

I wake up and see Jane. She looks really worried. She gently hugs me and I desperately hold on. Finally, she asks, "Ian, what happened?" And I tell her everything. The guy in the tuxedo, his creepy smile, and him chasing me through a maze of hedges. Her face goes pale. "This is more serious than I thought," I hear her mutter. "How so?" I ask.

Jane explains how she's been having dreams about the same tuxedo guy. When she finished, my brain can't comprehend what she said. "Did we watch any scary movies with that tuxedo demon in it?" I question. "I would've remembered it," Jane says, shaking her had. "This is so weird," I say, running my fingers through my hair. "Tell me about it," Jane mumbles.

Suddenly, Mr. Haecker busts into the bathroom. "You two!" He yells. "Detention after school!" He takes us both roughly by the hand and walks us back to class.

***

After school, Jane and I meet up with Mr. Haecker. "Copy the whole dictionary, word for word, on this sheet of paper," Mr. Haecker orders. Jane rolls her eyes, and Mr. Haecker glares at her. I nudge Jane, silently telling her to stop. She takes the hint, bites her lip, and stays quiet.

Mr. Haecker watches us write. After an hour of silence, Mr. Haecker says, "I've got to go to the restroom." Jane's eyes light up, but Mr. Haecker sees her reaction. "Don't. Move. If you do, I'll know," Mr. Haecker threatens.

After a few minutes without Mr. Haecker in the room, Jane stands up and says, "Dude, I'm so done with this." "Jane, sit down!" I hiss. "Mr. Haecker will have our heads!" Jane rolls her eyes. "Live a little!" She says. Then, we hear a crash. Jane's eyes widen, and my mouth hangs open a little bit. Jane looks at me, and I nod. We have to go investigate.

We carefully step outside of the classroom, making sure no teachers were roaming about. We cautiously walk down the hallway. Then, we hear frantic footsteps. We panic, but then, we see Hazel and Luna turn the corner. They're running. But from what? Then, I see it.

The thing from my dream. The black tuxedo demon. Arms like tentacles. A Chesire Cat grin. And it's chasing Hazel and Luna. Well, it's not really running. More like gliding across the floor.

I felt impending doom. I would soon discover why.