Hiding Behind The Mask

Chapter 3

I didn't realise I was asleep until I woke up trembling. I wriggled uncomfortably, as my sheets felt damp. Was I sweating? I was in my bed, but I didn't know how I got there.

My fingers almost attacked my face in an effort to check my mask. It was still on and I sighed a relief.

"Ney Ney?" I didn't reply as I thought my brain was just playing tricks on me. The only person who called me that was gone. Disappeared without a single goodbye.

"Ney Ney?" The illusion called with worry lacing its tone, but I kept my eyes shut. It would go away soon enough. "Come on, it's me.... Talk to me... I'm sorry."

The illusion kept speaking and I started to cry. Why was I being tortured like this? "Stop talking! Just stop..." I couldn't deal with whatever tricks my mind was playing and started rolling in a ball. Slowly. Forwards and backwards. Forwards and backwards. Though the effect wasn't as desirable as I had hoped.

"That's right, he's not here anymore. You scared him away - it's your fault he's gone." I rambled on, spouting familiar words as I couldn't hear his voice anymore. "He couldn't wait to get away from you... He left you because you're an ugly bitch. You didn't deserve him. You should be punished."

"Whoa, stop!" Two firms hands were placed on my shoulder and stabilised me; stopping me from rocking.

My eyes flew open. Someone was right beside me, gazing melancholically down at my face. It took me a while to realise it was Luke. "Why are you here?" I whispered.

Luke frowned, "Don't you remember? You fainted and then went to sleep, but you kept having nightmares." He explained it whilst stroking my hair in a familiar fashion. It was comforting, but felt like it was meant for an animal. "I'm sorry Ney Ney... I really did break you, didn't I?" He whispered under his breath.

"Lucas," I gasped.

"You remember me," he smiled, a completely familiar and lopsided smile. I guess certain things didn't change with age. "I was sure you'd forget about me. Man, how long has it been? Four, five years?"

"Six." I corrected.

Lucas pouted slightly. "Did you miss me?" His actions were exactly the same as six years ago, but something was different. Maybe it was his more mature face, he'd lost his childish features and they were replaced by slightly harder ones.

"Yes. Life would've been easier for me if you were still there," I spoke honestly.

Lucas grinned from ear to ear. "Is that a confession?" He asked excitedly for some reason. This happened a lot when we were younger.

"A confession of what?" I asked genuinely. He knew I didn't understand people well and if he was really Lucas he would be more specific.

"Of course you wouldn't know. I forgot, my bad, just forget what I said," he smiled slightly, but it looked quite force. I couldn't fathom as to how I'd already upset him.

"Have I said something upsetting, Luca?" I whispered with worry. Not realising I used my childhood nickname for him. It rolled of my tongue so easily. His smiled then turned real.

"No, not a thing. I'm just... happy," he smiled genuinely at me.

"Why?" I whispered.

"I'm just thinking about when we were little. Me and my two besties." He smiled, pulled me onto his lap and wrapped his arms around me, "I've missed you, you know."

"And Nathan too, of course," he quickly added. The mention of his name made me feel sick and scared at the same time. Usually I was not too in touch with my emotions, but he made me understand true fear. Far worse than anyone else in my life.