POISONED BLOOD

Chapter 3

"Laney, wake up!" I jolt in my skin as if somebody stuck me with a taser. Daisy is staring at me with a worried expression and I realize we're still in the cafeteria. Damn. My heart is compressing in my chest while my lungs frustratingly fight for air. A light pressure touches my shoulder and almost sends me into hysterics. Meeting Bri's eyes, I'm seeing nothing but confusion; it's just like mine, but I am splintered through with a fear so real I want to scream. I haven't had a dream that tangible in a long time. The voices of everyone were so clear and distinct, even their smell and no, I don't go around sniffing people but I never smelt someone in a dream. Grey's features weren't blurry; nothing was as a dream should be. His touch was also quite persuasive. I look at both Daisy and Bri and smile. It feels like puppet strings are holding the corners of my lips up. I don't know if I should tell them. I drop the act and decide to figure out if my dream meant anything, or if it was entirely to scare the daylights out of me.

"Have ya'll seen a dog here in the school?" My voice is getting high in paranoia. They exchange a glance and i'm sure it's the, "she's nuts" message but I am proved wrong as Bri regards me.

"That's what you were dreaming about, wasn't it?" Bri doesn't break eye contact. This increases my paranoia.

"It was included, but have you seen one?" Daisy answers now.

"Lizzy mentioned something about one in the halls." Damn, damn, damn it! My french is going ape in my brain and threatening to escape on my tongue.

I knew it! From the time I was a little kid, I have been able to see things in my dreams that can become reality when I wake. A lot of city people would say I'm psychic, but around here they call me crazy. It's not like I have a crystal ball that I peer into to see someone's soul path. I see what I am shown; I can't choose when or how. Sometimes, it's small stuff. For example: I'll know someone's actions before they are carried out. I'll know my best friend is having a bad day because I'll see her cry when my body isn't there until hours later. Mostly, I don't receive this kind of information, nor do I want it. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I can't alter the situation. People believe what they want to hear and no one ever wants to think they'll be in danger if they go to a party or miss a doctor's visit. There's no way I'll be able to change what's about to happen, but I'll be damned if I don't try.

"We have to go to the bathroom and I mean NOW." I think for a second. "And I need to find a guy named Grey." Daisy nods, quickly standing and sliding her chair under the table. Bri is slower but follows suite.

"I think I know who you are talking about.Did you knock into him this morning?" She questions and I heave a thankful breath.

"Yeah, do you know what class he's in?" She seems blank as new notebook paper, but quickly comes back to life.

"Mrs. Culberth's, room 102, and it's that way." Bri points to the right side of the hallway behind the glass and I gulp a little. How do I explain this to him? I can't let him be there, though. What if he dies? I honestly think someone has a very huge grudge with Grey and won't stop til they're satisfied. Chills run up my spine and I shake my arms, walking to the door. We ask the assistant principal to go to the restroom.He allows us without a second glance. I deeply want to tell him, but refuse. He won't listen. I'm surprised Daisy and Bri did.

"How much time do we have left for lunch?" Daisy tugs out her tiny black and red phone, pushing a button to see the clock. I lean over and pull away, my legs pick up the pace. Ten minutes. How the HELL do I convince him in ten minutes?!

"Nine minutes." Correction, nine minutes.

"Laney, what was your dream?" Bri wonders aloud in a hint of desperation. I bite down hard on my lip.