The Dark One

III

Unknown/Nth - Hozier

"Margaret," Ana began as we ate our lunch, "What would you like to do at my place tomorrow for your birthday?"

I shrugged, "I don't know," I responded with my mouth full.

"Hmm," she mumbled pensively, "What about a movie?"

"I dunno," I said with hesitance, "As long as it's not dumb."

She grinned, "Sounds like you already know you are coming."

I stopped eating for a second. Dammit, "Whatever, even if there is a slight chance I can come, I'm not about to just sit around for nothing."

She began laughing, "Of course! This is a special birthday anyways!"

I responded with my eyes rolling as I ate my mediocre food. The conversation continued on as we enjoyed ourselves in company. I hated to admit it, but she was quite fun to be around. It reminded me of a sister-like figure that I never had. I had asked my mother why she didn't have any more children, but she only responded with, "You already have a brother." It never made sense. Not once had I shared a living space with others and I never knew about this so-called "brother" she told me about. I tried to press the issue, but she became very angry and told me to stop prying. That was the last time I asked. I didn't want to know who it was. At the time, I was young and didn't want to make my mother mad at me. But I did wonder about him. Was he someone bad? Why wouldn't she want me to know about him? I figured it was because they parted on bitter terms.

Once lunch was over, we both went to our respective classes. Before I knew it, the end of my day arrived. I was really looking forward to seeing Mr. Stathakis for some reason. He gave me a sense of stability and safety when I was around him. When I stood at my locker to grab my books, I felt the sudden piercing gaze from yesterday. The hairs on my arms stood straight. I whipped around to see who it was that was making me feel uneasy. It was getting annoying that I couldn't see the cause of all of this. When I went to turn back to my locker, I felt a presence next to me. Thinking it was Ana, I went to turn and tell her it wasn't funny to scare me like that.

I'm met with that woman from my dream.

"Hello," she smiled. The blood drained from my system. This can't be real. I immediately slammed my locker and ran straight into Mr. Stathakis' room. My breathing ragged as I ran to my desk to sit down. Mr. Stathakis noticed right away and bolted to my seat.

"What happened?" he asked in a rush manner. I only shook my head in response; terrified to sound crazy.

"It's fine," I muttered, trying to regain my posture, "Someone scared me, that's all."

He gave me a look as though he didn't believe me, "It doesn't seem fine."

"No," I shook my head, "It's fine, really. I just thought I was seeing things. It doesn't matter; I get spooked easily."

He only groaned as more students piled in. The class began after he stalked back to his desk. I did not need people to think we were an item. Only bad things happened with that. Deep down, there was a part of me that didn't care about the repercussions. Stop that, I reprimanded myself quickly. You don't know this man, leave it alone.

"Do not forget to ask your mother about tomorrow!" Ana interrupted while smacking my arm lightly, pulling me out of my thoughts. "Give me your phone so I can put my number in!"

I hesitantly reached into my sweatshirt pocket and she yanked the phone before it was out, "Hey!"

She punched in the numbers then handed it back to me with a smirk, "Let me know!"