Knock Knock... Don't Invite Me In

Chapter 7: Dark

When I finally reached home, smiling the whole way, I slid through the door, not bothering to be quiet despite the fact that it was nearly one in the morning. The voice hadn't talked to me the whole way home so I figured I had done everything right. He normally only talked when I did something wrong. When I walked down the hallway, I heard my mother's bedroom door open loudly and footsteps running down the halls.

"Karoline?!" She exclaimed, embracing me, "Oh my goodness Kar! I was so worried!" I didn't hug back, but she continued to squeeze anyways. Suddenly, she released me, still firmly holding my shoulders and her tone changed. "Where have you been? Do you realize what time it is? And let's talk about what you did to all your clothing. You are in some serious trouble."

"Yeah, I think not. Let's not talk about anything." I said, maneuvering my way around her and towards my room but she grabbed a hold of my wrist.

"Oh no you don't. I don't know what has gotten into you! You've never been a bad child and suddenly you are someone I don't even recognize. What have you done with my sweet baby girl?" She asked, tears welling in her eyes.

"She's gone." I growled, emotionless and walked into my room, locking the door behind me. I heard her gasp and begin to sob although she attempted to hide it. I knew she had n idea how to control me, and I absolutely loved it. Although we had always been so close, I felt no guilt whatsoever.

'I'm proud of you.' said the voice as I smiled. 'But Karoline.. I have doubts about your true allegiance.' it added.

"What do you mean?" I asked, mouth open in shock, "I am completely devoted to you Jake."

'Prove it.'

"How Jake? I'll do anything for you! Just tell me what!"

'A true sign of devotion is a blood pact. I need you, if you're truly devoted to me, to go into your restroom and slice your hand and invite me in again. That way, you will hear me in more than a whisper. We will be more connected.' I hesitated, scared and he added, 'Don't you want to be with me forever Karoline?' I was terrified of blades, But I wanted him to be with me forever. At this thought, I nodded and stumbled through the dark hallway to the bathroom, shutting the door behind me. My hand was shaking like crazy as I grabbed my mom's razor, taking one out and pressed it firmly against my skin. I sat there like that for what felt like forever, too scared to press down the blade. I could barely keep the grip on the razor as I shut my eyes, counted to three, and slice. I felt an instant sting and had to bite my lip in order to stop myself from screaming. I opened my eyes to see blood dripping from my hand and temporarily staining the bathroom floor a bright red color.

'Say the words, Kar. Say them before its too late.' the voice whispered, calm as can be.

My voice shook as I said, "I invite you in, Jake. I need you. Come be with me." I felt a jolt run through me and heard the voice, now loud and clear, speak to me.

'I'm here to stay now Karoline. I love you. I will never leave, I promise.' I smiled, my face lighting up. That was the first time he had ever said he loved me. I laid a towel over the blood on the flood and stretched my other hand to the cabinet to grab the bandages and wrapped my hand before heading to my bed and falling into a deep sleep.

I woke up in a sweat, fighting back a scream. I had a nightmare that I didn't understand. I was in my own body, walking down the street but I had the constant feeling that someone was following me. At one point, I looked over my shoulder and saw a man, covered in tattoos glaring at me. That wasn't what scared me though, what scared me was the black circle surrounding him, almost absorbing him. I shrugged it off and sat up.

I didn't feel like staying in bed all day, so I got up, made my way to the closet, and slid on a black v-neck, grey ripped jeans, and a pair of old black combat boots I hadn't worn in years. I walked down the hallway towards the door but stopped by the bathroom and felt a tug to go in.

'You would look so beautiful with a little more around your eyes Kar.'

"I've never worn makeup before though." I said.

'For me, please.' At that, I reached into my moms open makeup bag and grabbed an eye shadow palette. I rubbed some black around my eyes and on the corners and felt a warm tingle. Taking that as a good sign from Jake, I smiled and walked out of the bathroom only to find my mom in the living room. When she met eyes with me, she scowled.

"What's up with the black eyes, Kar? You've never liked makeup." I ignored her and walked outside, ignoring her protests as I did so. I rounded the corner of my driveway and saw a worried-looking Caleb running up to me, nearly knocking me over again.

"God, watch where you're going." I said, rolling my eyes. He seemed to study my outfit choice, but chose not to say anything.

"Karoline. We really need to talk." He said, breathing rapidly from running.

I stepped to the side of him and kept walking. "I am not talking to you about anything."

"Karoline. It is really important. Please." I heard a crack in his voice. No matter how much my body protested, my curiosity couldn't resist.

"Fine. Where?" I followed him as he led me a few blocks in silence to a local diner. He seemed very impatient the entire walk, constantly checking over his shoulders. We still didn't speak as we ordered and I was losing my patience.

"Caleb, if you don't tell me what is happening, I am walking out of here right now."

Caleb appeared to be extremely on-edge, glancing around and over his shoulder ever few seconds. Finally, looking me in the eyes, he grabbed my hand that was resting on the table and said, "Karoline, hear me out. I had a dream last night. I was watching a guy following you, he was covered in tattoos and had black surrounding him. He looked like trouble but I couldn't do anything about it. Then I noticed you, and you were walking towards the guy, with black around you too. I don't know what is happening, and I don't know what the dream me but trust me. That voice you're hearing, it's not Jake."