Window To The Soul

Chapter 5

Ross's POV

That morning, my mind is blurrier that usual. I'm not sure why, but something is bothering me. As I walk Austin to school, I keep on nodding, while Austin tells me about a dream he had, not really hearing what he says.
''I was being chased through a candy cane forest by a Viking, grandma and a peanut vendor. They were throwing cantaloupes at me! Then, it got weird.''
''That's nice, buddy'' I try to convince him I'm listening.
''It wasn't nice, I almost died!'' he tells me while looking at me weirdly.
''Sure, we can do that.'' I tell him, unaware to the fact that Austin noticed I'm not paying attention.
''Have a good day at school, dude, see you later.'' I mess up his hair by quickly combing my fingers through it and push him towards the big doors. Austin starts walking while turning his head to look at me for a moment with a confused look and then enters the building.

Not wanting to leave just yet, I walk towards the big school fences and lean against them. Attempting to clear my head a little, I start thinking. It feels like something troubling has happened, but if it hasn't happened to me, to who then?
Suddenly, I hear a familiar voice, and the fog in my mind rises a little. I turn my head quickly and see Laura walking hand in hand with Ally, both laughing. Is she...?
As a response I feel a pain flashing behind my eyes, like I'm looking straight at a big, bright light. I squeeze them shut and rapidly put my sunglasses on, which happen to still be in the pocket of my jacket. I avoid looking in Laura's direction and focus on Ally, running to the school doors. What is my mind trying to tell me? Should I talk to her, or walk away? Does this mean she is bad news or that she's in trouble?

Suddenly she's there. I didn't even notice her walking my way, but now she stands right in front of me so, even if I wanted to walk away, I won't be able to now.
''Hey, I just wanted to let you know I'm sorry about yesterday.'' She speaks softly. I can only blink, and my mouth opens a little, but no sounds come out. I try to figure her out, while she's talking.
''Ross..''
When she says my name, I feel like I'm in a completely different place. I squeeze my eyes shut for a second and all of a sudden I am in a different place. I see Laura kissing someone, and strangely, he looks like me. But then the person changes, his hair turns darker, his body shrinks and his eyes get smaller. I don't hear what they say, but the figure pins Laura against the wall. She looks scared and helpless and I want nothing more than to help her, but I'm unable to move. They start to talk louder and I hear Laura calling for help.
''Help me! Ross, help!'' she cries loudly and keeps struggling. Then I see the persons face. Jason.
''Laura! Laura, hold on!'' I yell and try to run to her once again, but my feet feel like they're connected to the stone floor.
''ROSS!''

''This was a bad idea.''
And I'm back. This is all I hear before I see Laura turn around and walk away, her hair waving on her back. I wait a second to process what I just witnessed, and it makes sense now. It was a dream, but the sign is clear. Laura needs my help.
''Laura, wait! I gotta talk to you about something! Wait up!'' I call and I walk after her. Her body shocks for a moment hearing my voice and picks up her pace. I begin to run, trying to keep up with her and I get closer. When she notices me almost being next to her she starts running away from me. Shocked, I stop running and call her one more time.
''Laura, don't run away, I'm sorry! Just let me talk to you.'' But she's too far away to hear me now. I give up and walk home.

Laura's POV

With a loud bang I close the front door and lean my back against it to catch my breath. I ran the whole way home and I feel my feet protesting against every movement. Kicking my heels off and dropping my jacket on the stairs I walk to the living room and crash on the couch. Why does every conversation with that guy have to be weird and awkward? I don't think I'll ever be able to look at him again.