Hourglass

Surprise!

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!" Maya barges into my bedroom, champagne and donuts in hand. She yanks the sheets, exposing my grimace. "Come on!! Get up get up get up! I have a surprise for you!". She tugs my arm and I reluctantly slide myself to the edge of the mattress, "uggghhh fine", I grunt as we make our way to the kitchen. On the counter is an envelope marked "OPAL" & a modest looking cupcake with a single candle flickering on top. "I know you hate the birthday song, so here, blow it out! Make a wish!!". I work up a crooked smile, close my eyes and blow. The smoke tickles my nose, my eyes still shut breathing in the scent. 

My eyes are sore and scratchy, I relish the darkness of my eyelids for just a moment longer. I open them just a slit. I am no longer in my kitchen. The smell of freshly baked strawberry box cake permeates the room, my mother stands at the kitchen sink. Her apron tied in a perfect bow; her copper hair ripples down her back & falls into waves that shine in the sun. She turns to me, a spatula covered in icing in her right hand, "Do you want to lick the icing off? Shh, we won't tell daddy!", she taps my nose with her finger & I'm snapped back to my kitchen.

 Maya's shaking my shoulders, "HELLO?!", she raises her hand to smack me, and I catch it in mine. "What the hell was that?!". Where did I go?! HOW did I go? Last night must have been a dream. "What? What did I do?!" I mumble, "Ew. You just sat there with your eyes rolled back, mumbling Latin, I think? ARE YOU POSSESSED?! Oh my God, I don't know any priests!!". 

I laugh my first real laugh in months, "No I'm not possessed you dick. I haven't been sleeping well, I've been having these night terrors. I think I'm just really tired." Maya raises an eyebrow & tucks a curl behind her ear, "Okayyyy but don't pull that shit again, I'll spray you with Holy Water. Here... open your card at least!". She hands me the cream envelope, her writing lovingly sprawled across the front, little hearts & stars sprinkled throughout. I lift the seal on the back, and pull out an invitation,   

                                       "You are cordially invited to Opal's 22nd Birthday Bash!                                              Place: Home. Attire: Sweats or your birthday suit. Time: 8pm. Pizza and Champagne provided!"

I stare at the invite, "so it's NOT a surprise party?!", I guess she doesn't hate me after all. "WHY?! Did you want a party?!" she squeals, "OH god no! I much prefer this idea, thank you My", I grab her shoulders and pull her close to me. "Ok, go shower & I'll get everything ready! I got us mud masks!". I giggle and shake my head; I love that woman. I grab a donut and head to the bathroom, the clinking of coffee mugs and a champagne cork popping coming from the kitchen. I turn on the light & quietly close the door behind me. I pull back the shower curtain & twist the knob all the way up, my hand under the faucet testing the temperature. The warmth on my fingertips sends goosebumps up my arm. I pour a cap full of Calgon under the running water & watch the bubbles fluff up. Once the temperature is just right, I take off my top and catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I look, step away and bolt back to the mirror. MY EYES!!!!

My chest heaving as I stare into my own reflection, 2 glowing orbs stare back at me. "This ISN'T REAL!!!" I gasp as I squeeze my eyes closed. I brace my hands on the sink & inhale sharply, I slowly lift my chin to meet my gaze. They're gone. I shake my head and drop my shoulders, what is wrong with me? I dip my toe into the tub, and slide the rest of my body in. I rest my head on the cold porcelain, collect a cloud of Ocean Breeze scented bubbles in my palm and blow. A sigh passes through my lips, I dip my head under the water to wet my hair. Muffled Alanis Morissette plays in the background...

I'm plunged into a black abyss, I try to right myself and swim upwards, but I can't make out which way is up. I can hear the blood rush in my ears, my chest grows tight from holding my breath. I feel myself slipping away, it feels calm, and I stop fighting. My lifeless body sinking deeper and deeper. 

An enormous hand scoops me up, like Ann Darrow being picked up by King Kong. Water drips from the giant fingers as I cough, straining for breath through gulps of water. 

"OPAL The Chosen"....

Shit. Not again. "Ye...yes?"

"You choose to shun your duties? To look away from the work you have been chosen to complete. I created you, as I have created Time and I may destroy you as quickly. Choose your journey wisely child, for it is of great importance. You have 3 nights".

The hand flips me onto my belly & I hit the water, it feels like concrete and knocks the wind from my chest. I struggle to right myself, my head screaming "WAIT! 3 nights for what?! PLEASE!!"

I choke back water, as 2 hands grab my shoulders, "OPAL!!!!" she sounds 1000 miles away. Maya drags me from the tub. My body thuds onto the floor and water follows me, soaking the bathmat and Maya's pants. I cough and the relief on my best friend's face is apparent, "I thought you were dead!!! Let's get you to the hospital!!". I sit up on my right arm, "no. no. I'm ok. *cough* can you just help me to bed?". She wraps a towel around me and slings my arm over her neck. My knees weak from adrenaline, she carries the brunt of my weight as we make our way to my room. I fall into bed & Maya places a blanket over me and rubs my back, "I thought I lost you Ope, what the fuck is going on?". She really loves me. I sniffle and tell her I'm just tired, if I told her what was really happening, I'd spend my birthday in the psychiatrist's office. 

"Ok, but I'm calling your dad & keeping my eye on you. Get some rest, I'll wake you up in a few hours." My wet hair clings to my face as I stare out the window, it's still raining. I count the raindrops, one.... two.... three....