Fallen

Chapter 5 "Go to Hell!"

The China clashed together in correlation with the sounds of impetuous winds, whipping through the crystal chandeliers, screaming bloody horror. As a howling echoed through the corridors, cascading droplets of illumination with each rattle from those chandeliers, I gazed into an endless arena of disenchanted voices and fake laughter. Riddled with doubt, every movement in slow motion, I read lips, grinding into flesh. No doubt a conversation I should partake in, but I sat in my slumber waiting for this grueling session to end. I did not wish to know the verdict as fingers fidgeted, tapping to an internal drum beat.

"Lydia! What do you think?" said a voice as glares ambushed me.

"Ummm—What was the question, Mom?"

"Tabitha mentioned how long it's been since you two had a slumber party—Right, Tabby?"

"Yes, Mrs. Reed," said Tabitha with a gleam in her eye.

If only my parents could read those so-called not-so-innocent thoughts, they'd know how deceptive that adorable smile was. Tabitha had both of them under her spell.

"Well, hon, what do you think?" said Elizabeth.

"Fine by me—Friday it is. I assume your parents will pick you guys up?" said Chad, biting down into a piece of lettuce. After a few chews followed by a swallow, he continued, "Or, do you want me to bring her down later?"

"No! That's fine," said Tabitha, smiling with a ridiculous grin. "Lydia, just pack your clothes for the weekend—oh, don't forget your bikini!"

"Oh, that's right!" exclaimed Chad. "Your folks have a pool, eh?"

"Yes, Mr. Reed. I mean is it okay for Lydia to go swimming?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Tabby—Of course, Lydia can go swimming! A pool sure would be nice to get out of the heat," said Chad, continuing to stuff another fork of vegetables in his mouth.

"Are we interested in a pool, Mr. Reed," said Elizabeth, smirking.

"One of these days, hon—One of these days," said Chad, reaching over and placing his right hand over Elizabeth's.

"I swear—You two are so adorable," said Tabitha.

Of course, I nearly vomited in my mouth after hearing those words. Tabitha was laying it on thick tonight.

For the most part, the entire evening was the Tabitha Show as she displayed her manipulative prowess like a master con-artist. Even though I didn't say much during the stimulating dinner topic, I was exhausted with Tabitha's performance. She managed to be a part of every single dinner theme, showcasing her gift of gab. Meanwhile, my parents ate it up like Skittles—They just couldn't get enough of her constant pointless babble.

As I descended into my blankets, I gazed over at the shadow in the corner; it was watching me. I knew it was! Even though it was still and only the occasional Texas gust of wind rattled the windows, something occupied that space in the corner. But I didn't mind. After all, I was getting a full night's rest. I opted to accompany my folks as they dropped off Tabitha. Granted leniency being that my excuse was catching up on homework, I'd be left alone to my own devices—Or would I?

I just wanted to get some rest. And as I drifted off, my dreams were occupied by some tunnel. I would say that I had this dream before, but I didn't. Almost aimlessly, I continued further into this tunnel. At first, it was pitch black. It was cold to the touch as I immersed my feet in some liquid about ankle high.

Sewer?

Who dreams about walking through the sewer? Oddly, there was no pungent odor or that dank sewer smell. But it was a dream of course. When does a person actually smell anything in a dream or at least remember smelling anything in specific?