The Ghost of the Lake

Chapter 9

Nelly claims that it was because of the sun.  Leo says it was a drop in blood pressure.  But I know that it was provoked by fear.  I had seen some sort of vision that had terrified me. 

I had been walking down the street with Balto.  Once we arrived back home I knew something was wrong.  The door was left ajar and it looked like it had been forced open.  I ran inside and saw blood everywhere.  Then I saw myself hanging from the ceiling.

The last thing I remember was the vision ending and finding myself looking at Nelly, before passing out.

***

I open my eyelids and find myself looking at a mother with a worried expression.  I know she is a mother because that is the only thing my brain registers of her.  Next to her is a guy.  I can't remember his name, but I know that he is a neighbor.  I was still a bit unconscious when I awoke.

"Opal.  Opal, can you hear me?" says Nelly and I gain all consciousness back.

"Uh," I say.  I couldn't form any more words.

"Can you say our names?" asks Leo this time.  Was it just me or did he look worried?

"Uh... um... Leo and Nelly."

Leo and Nelly let out a sigh of relief.  "Thank goodness you're okay," exclaims Nelly.

"Yeah you were beginning to worry us," says Leo.

"Uh you were worrying?"

"Yeah.  I mean its not normal that you're passing out this frequently," Nelly points out.  "Maybe we should get you checked."

"I'm fine.  I'm sure it was because of the sun, though."

"Yeah it could have been," says Leo, trying to help.

"Well okay then.  I mean then if nothing hurts or you're not dizzy anymore, then I guess you don't need to be checked then."

"Yeah, Nelly.  I'm fine.  Don't worry," I say for the second time.

"Okay then.  Where is your sister at?"  Nelly asks losing all interest in me.  Which was fine of course.  I don't want all that attention.

"She's at my house with Julia," answers Leo.

"Who let her go?"

"Reu gave her permission to go over to her house," I respond.  I know this was a lie and that May would get consequences, but I just didn't feel like telling Nelly that.  "Speaking of who's where. Where is Jackson?" I ask.

"He's upstairs playing with Balto."

The name Balto reminds me of the vision I had.  I suddenly feel shaky again.  I try to hide it as best as I can.

I say, "Nelly, we can watch Jackson the rest of the day so you can write the book you said you were writing."  Then I add, "If you want."

"You're writing a book?" asks Leo incredulously.  As if this was his first time meeting an author.

"Yeah she does that for a living," I say.

"Oh.  That seems neat.  My mom works as a vet and my dad is a realtor."

"Thats cool," says Nelly.  Then she adds,"I would like to keep an eye on Jackson.  Oh and Opal, swimming starts tomorrow by the way."

"Oh okay," I say. "Thanks."

"I heard that Julia is also in swimming," says Nelly addressing to Leo.

"Yeah actually she is.  She's a pretty good swimmer."