Looking out across the still, quiet lake, I feel at peace. The moon beams seem to radiate brighter on my silver dress. The wind was light and cool on my legs and back. I walk away from the pier and slowly step onto the shore. The dark sand tickles my bare feet and I can feel the dampness of the water as I walk closer to the lake. The light, lapping water and the peaceful air made the stress and tension almost disappear. No wonder everyone calls it Tranquil Lake. Tonight had been a long night. Deciding to walk around a bit, I dig a small hole and walk along the shore collecting small shells and stones and take them back to my little nest. While reaching for a small perfectly rounded white pebble, I feel a touch on my shoulder. I turn fast and look into bright green eyes and smile. The boy, around seventeen, stood taller than me, with a muscled figure and black slicked back hair. He was attractive to say the least. I felt like I knew him, yet I couldn't place a name or place.
"Hello, Cami." His voice is much deeper than I expected. All I can do is give a slight smile as he moves closer to me. I stare, distracted, into his eyes and before I know what's happening, his lips are pressed against mine, his arm around my waist. The kiss seemed to last only a second. I find myself relaxing and I close my eyes. I feel a sudden sting on my back and open my eyes fast. I look up, and instead of seeing the beautiful man's face, I see his skin turning black like tar and melting down. I attempt to scream but only a weak cry escapes. I pull away only to be greeted by more stinging sensations. I look down to realize that it wasn't stings at all. His arm had turned into long, gnarled things ending in five sharp claws. It was then that I realized my dress had been ripped through and I could feel the blood on my back. My head starts to spin as I turn and try desperately to run. I only manage to make it a short way before I feel its claws grab my hair that had come down from its elegant updo and I scream, knowing that we were so far away from the pier that no one could hear me. I hear the sickening ripping noise as my hair is ripped from my scalp. I cry out again feeling the warm, wet blood trickle down my face and back and I'm frozen, losing all of my instinct to fight back, as the thing's claws tear at my dress and skin, adding more blood to the dark mass in the sand. The smell of pennies fills my nose and I can't think as my vision starts to black out, the pain becoming unbearable. The last thing that I see is the moon, glimmering out across the lake, shining, not caring that a persons life was about to be lost.
"Kasey?" I bolted up fast and almost had a panic attack feeling a wetness on my face. I sigh a little relieved realizing it was only sweat. Standing there in the doorway, is my mother, in her house coat with her hair up, a concerned look on her face. I blink a few times before looking at my standard gray alarm clock. 3:07 blinks at me on the small screen. Oh. It was only a dream.
"Kasey are you okay?" I gave a small nod. Although I was drenched, my throat was dry. I reached over my night stand and grabbed my glass of water and gulped it down. I glanced up at my still concerned mom and set the glass back down. "I just had a nightmare. It's nothing." I manage at last my voice only slightly cracked. I laid back down as my mom joined me sitting on the foot of the bed.
"Kasey, is this about your sister?" I could tell she was still uncomfortable about saying her name.
"No. I haven't had any nightmares about Cami. It was about snakes." I lied.
"Look, I know you and her were close. But if you want to talk about anything..." I could tell she was trying to be reassuring. Whether it was directed at me or herself I wasn't quite sure.
"I'm fine mom, really." I said and nodded already feeling exhausted. Mom nodded and stood up.
"Try to get some sleep. Only two days before spring break." I forced a smile and waited until she left, turning off the light and closing the door before I turned over and pulled my covers over myself. It was just a nightmare, right?
