My Unfolding Story

3. Again!!!

I tossed and turned to get a good sleep but I am afraid of getting the same dream again. I got up and walked towards the book shelf. It was there, the scented candle in a cool glass bottle that Emma gave me. Whenever I feel restless, I just light it up for a bit and the fragrance calms me down. Whenever it's about to get over, she would get me a new one. Though it didn't help me fully from not getting the dream, I feel relaxed for a bit and I fall asleep sooner. I did the same now.

I am seeing him...the person in the black hoodie. He is here! In my room...he is trying to suffocate me with the pillow now. I shouldn't give up. I put all my strength trying to stop him. But he is so strong. Who is he? Why is he doing this to me? I wanted to ask him. I fought for a bit and when I was about to give up, someone shook me and I got up gasping for breath.

"Lexi! Are you okay?" Emma sat next to me worried. "What's the time?" I said to her as it was still dark. It's 3 a.m. I came to drink some water and then I came to close your room door as it was open. "Thanks Emma", I said and hugged her but I was still shivering. It's getting worse now. I was fine before coming to this house. Even in the beginning like for a month or two, I was okay. It's been a year now since I moved here. Now I'm scared to sleep because of this horrible dream. The pattern is the same. It's strange! Sometimes I feel like the house is haunted but no! It's not... because Emma is fine. I'm the only one suffering...maybe it's because of my work pressure Emma had told me so many times but I'm not convinced yet.

I released myself from the hug and sighed. She looked at me pitifully. "Get some sleep Lexi. You are visiting your parents tomorrow", she said and made me lie down, covered me with the blanket and left. I tried to sleep but I can't. I looked at the book shelf and the candle was already put out. But the scent was strong which filled my whole room. I stood up, walked to the couch on the hall and I fell asleep. I slept like a baby without realizing that I am not on my bed, I rolled over and fell on the floor with a loud thud. This has become my routine now. Whenever I couldn't sleep in my room, I come to the couch but the only problem is I never fail to roll over and fall down. Emma crossed her arms and looked at me from the kitchen. "Did you fall again?" she said. "Actually this is better than having those horrible dreams", I said and we laughed together.

"Lemme get ready. I am going to meet my parents", I said with a smile. Though the week days make me feel hectic, weekends make me feel better. I wait the whole week to taste my mom's home cooked food and my father's endless stories. I got ready and I rushed to leave waving Emma 'bye'. I reached the door, turned and ran back to her, gave her a hug and left.

I reached my parents place. I feel happy every time I visit them. Mom opened the door and hugged me. My eyes searched for papa as mom said that he has gone to pick groceries to make my favorite dishes. I felt happy and I sat down on the table while mom started to put something on the plate. "Mom! I already had my breakfast", I said as she put the plate before me. "Eat...eat", she said and pushed the plate further towards me. I smiled at her and she started filling my mouth as she fed me. I looked like a squirrel whose mouth is fully stuffed with food. "Oh my poor baby! Your mum has started again!!" , papa said as he entered the house with a bag full of groceries. "See papa! I am literally a chipmunk now", I said as mom shoved another bite into my mouth. Papa came near me and kissed my forehead. He handed over the grocery bags to my mom and he sat near me.

Their faces are glowing with happiness than any other day. Papa held my hand and started speaking. "Lexi! We have a news for you. We have found you a perfect match", he said and it almost got me choked. I coughed and he handed me a glass of water gently patting my head. "whaaaat!??", I said as it came out of the blue. "You will like him. Please...please. Just talk to him. He is a nice guy. We personally like him", he said trying to convince me. He even convinced me to save his number in my phone. "What's his name?", I said as I reached the space for contact name. "David", my mom said in excitement while I looked at her with a poker face. "Why? Are you not feeling happy?", she said looking at me. "Mom! Papa! How can I be? I need time to process whatever you told me. I am not sure if I am ready now", I said. "What not now? Then....when?" Time flies Lexi. You're not that young teenager now. You're already in your mid twenties", she said as the words hit me hard. "How long am I going to wait to find that love of mine? Should I give it a go? Or should I wait?" My thoughts started haunting me. I know that I have no time to find or date a person myself in my busy schedule. Maybe I should talk to him and see. What if it clicks? ......"Lemme think about it", I said as my parents shouted in excitement. I shook my head and ran my fingers through my hair as nervousness slowly crept in.

"Is he the one I am looking for?"