Hidden Beasts

Dysphoria

CHAPTER FOUR 

          "What in the hell Ezra?"

I frowned, turning around sharply to see who the mysterious stalker was. Jared seemed worried as he watched me—his head slightly tilted.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, looking around frantically for the attacker. I sound like I tore my vocal chords.

"I was here on a date and saw you with your friends." He began, throwing his hands out in frustration. "When you left, there was this old man who seemed a little suspicious follow you outside, so I went to make sure you were alright."

So there was someone behind me, although I found it slightly odd for him to be here out in the dark with me. His excuse didn't seem too convincing either.

"Where did he-"

Jared shrugged, cutting me off, "He took off once he saw me catch up to you."

I nodded, unlocking my car and getting inside. I was still a little disoriented from what happened moments ago and his explanation wasn't helping. If there was anyone I could trust the most right now, it would be Jared. He's helped me out ever since I arrived in town.

Home.

Yes, I need to go back to the apartment. Wash up and rest before school started. I bit my lip and inwardly groaned. Oh no, school! I put my seat-belt on and started the car. I still haven't finished buying stuff for the apartment or school supplies.

I looked up at Jared and smiled. "Thank you for saving me."

He smiled back and I noticed he was looking around, checking to see if it was safe. Then he waved his goodbye as he headed back into the bar.

I drove with caution until I arrived at the apartment. Opening the doors I turned the light on and put away the toiletries I'd bought earlier that I left in the car. I prepared a bath as I opened my suitcase, setting out some clothes for tomorrow. Anything to distract myself from thinking of the scary and embarrassing moments that transpired earlier.

No, stop thinking about him. I bit my lip, staring off at the lavender curtains. His silver eyes filled my vision and I felt a thrill inside. I was completely distracted until I heard water landing onto the bathroom floor. I ran quickly and turned off the faucet. I sighed, arguing with myself about not being responsible.

The morning wasn't eventful as I wanted it to be. I told myself to go out and search for new bed sheets and pillows before the movers finished unpacking, but got side tracked with school issues. Apparently there was a deadline to buy the textbooks and having just figured that out, I rushed over to the campus, standing in line at the bookstore for over five hours. It was crowded, the tight space was making it worse with all the students—freshman and seniors—pushing against each other, reminding me of a ping pong game.

I sighed in relief when the cashier called my name. Making my way through the crowd, I saw the stack of textbooks she was piling for me. I swallowed nervously, knowing that most of my free time would be studying in the future. I gave her my school card and she started to scan each book, giving me details about how I could save more money if I rented them instead. But my mind was drifting off to the dream I had last night.

I was in a room for once. A beautiful Victorian home with high ceilings and a glamorous crystal chandelier in the middle. The king sized bed was ruffled with gold satin sheets while I sat up in my white chiffon nightgown. My dark hair was long and straight, giving flecks of red in the dim lighting. The two doors opened and he walked in, carrying the elegance he always did no matter what body he was put in. His eyes were pale—the ones I loved the most. His dark figure seemed to be replaced by the man I clumsily spilled the drink on last night. His hair color was almost identical to the sheets I was sitting on as he walked towards me. My chest constricted in a way that made my heart race as he got closer. I closed my eyes as he fingers grazed up my arm. When I opened my eyes, his face was inches from mine. Our breaths mingled and as I waited for him to make the first move, the moment was ended abruptly from the sound of my alarm.

There was a reason why I dreamt of him last night; having been embarrassed from being so clumsy and deeply attracted to a stranger could be the only reason. I couldn't complain, it wasn't a nightmare and the dream still gave me tingles whenever I thought about it. Which only made me more painfully aware that I have never been with a man before.

"Ma'am?"

I looked up at the cashier and she was holding out the bag with the receipt. I didn't realize I paid for it while I was deep in thought. I shook my head and said thank you before heading outside. The campus was beautiful and it was a sunny afternoon. I debated on calling my mom, knowing she was probably worrying about me. My phone buzzed before I could decide, it was from Rose asking if arrived home safely last night.

I replied with a yes and we texted a bit, catching up with our day. I smiled at my phone. Rose was really sweet. Once I finish setting up my new apartment, I would invite her.

"Watch out!"

I turned to see who the guy was screaming at until I felt something hard collide with my face. I rubbed my forehead as I whined in pain. I should've stayed there, the impact on the back of my head would've been better than my face. I could hear footsteps coming closer to my half crouched body. I opened my eyes and realized I was in the middle of a field with numerous students playing sports. Clearly I needed to start watching where I was going.

"Are you okay?" A guy asked, his voice faintly traced with amusement.

Great, so this was funny to him. I could only imagine how many others has witnessed this hilarious scene. I also realized his voice sounded faintly familiar and looked up at him too fast. I got dizzy and stumbled, feeling rough hands catch me from falling over.

"Oh you're that chick from last night!" The familiar voice continued.

I looked up slowly this time and noticed it was the man who couldn't decide what to drink last night. His chestnut brown hair looked messy and his hazel eyes were alight with humor as he held me until I was standing straight. I didn't know what to say, knowing it was humiliating as the scene replayed in my head. I blushed and started to back away slowly.

He noticed my discomfort and smiled apologetically. "Hey no worries, my friend hated that suit anyways."

So they weren't related then. I felt warmth heat up once again when I thought about him being here at this campus too. Numerous questions popped up in my head that I was too afraid to ask but I inwardly hoped I wouldn't have to face him again because it was just too embarrassing.

"Blood!" The guy from the bar screamed pointing at me with a hint of fear in his light eyes.

Blood? I touched my forehead and looked at my red stained fingers. I gasped, scared at how badly I was hurt from whatever hit me. That and my vision was blurring. Oh no, I was not going to faint here in front of this man. How could I have been this clumsy and stupid?

Call him.

Yes call him, your lover.

What? Who's my lover? These voices could be so frustrating. Arguing with myself and the voices to keep myself upright, I didn't hear another man approaching until he spoke up.

"What did you do this time, Elijah?"