She danced in the field of trees, twirling about gracefully. A soft breeze caressed her face and gently lifted her hair. She smiled and tilted her head to the breeze. Suddenly, the wind stopped and everything came to a standstill. The air that was once warm now seemed to become colder. The tiny hairs stood on the back of her neck and her body became rigid as cold hands placed themselves onto her upper arms. Hot breath fanned her ear as the voice she seemed to dread said,
“I’ve found you.”
Audra shot up in bed, her mouth open in a silent scream. Her breathing was ragged and her heart was beating erratically in her chest. Her t-shirt stuck to her form, which was drenched with sweat. Her eyes darted around, checking her surroundings to make sure she was safe. A breath of relief escaped her as she slumped back into her pillows. Audra glanced at her clock that was on her nightstand. The red digits read 6:50 AM. With a groan, she rose from her bed and proceeded to get ready for the day.
Thirty minutes later, she arrived in the kitchen feeling refreshed and in a better mood. Pulling out Apple Jacks and other necessities to eating breakfast, she began to eat.
“Audra!” She turned around just to get hit in the face with a rubber ball. She looked to the doorway of the kitchen with anger in her eyes.
“Max.” She growled out. He gave a little squeak as he turned tail and ran, Audra right behind him.
“Mommy!” He hollered as he clung for dear life to their mother.
“Audra, leave your brother alone.” She said sternly, patting his head.
“But-”
“No buts.” Max stuck his tongue at her and she tossed a pillow at him.
“Audra!”
“I’m going.” She grabbed her pack and hurried from the house.
Already she wished she was home. People were screaming in her ear or shoving against her to get to their destinations. Twice already, she’d been pushed into a locker.
“Watch it!” She yelled after the guy.
“Same temper as ever, I see.” Audra whirled around to see the smiling face of her best friend since grade school.
“Alexi!” Audra shouted as she hugged her best friend.
“Good to see you too.” They began to walk up the stairs together.
“Have you heard?” Alexi asked.
“Heard what?”
“Okay, there’s supposed to the this new guy that’s really hot.”
“Oh.”
“Oh? Apparently you haven’t seen him.” Audra stopped in her tracks when she spotted him. Her vision began to swim and the voices grew distant. All she could see was his grim expression and then black.
