Hunter

X

Aric sat on the edge of the bed, his head in his hands.
His breath was haggard, coming out in shallow puffs.
"I can't- I can't!" He murmured to himself, sweat dripping off his forehead.
Tears stung his eyes and he shut them tightly.
I want peace. Every night, every God damn night, it's the same thing.
"Let me sleep!" He hissed. "Go away! Let me sleep!"
Painful memories clashed in his head, making it hard for him to think.
He shot up, grabbing the book Jade had given him and went into the kitchen.
He got a glass and filled it up with water, draining it in a gulp. He filled it up again, this time taking his time in drinking it.
Aric crossed his legs, plopping down onto the floor.
He put the book in his lap and flipped it open.
He tried to read in peace, but his mind whirled.
He wanted to be distracted from the pain. He wanted the memories to leave him alone.
He wanted nothing to do with what caused his scars.
Aric took a deep breath.
It's over, Aric. Get a hold of yourself. God damn. Be strong. Stay strong.
He shook his head, rubbing his face.
Suddenly, he heard screams from a room.
Aric readied himself, standing up.
Monsters? But how did they get in?
He twisted the band on his right wrist, ready for a blade to form from it.
He crept into the room, searching for a light.
Another scream erupted from the room..... From the bed.
Aric found a lamp and pulled the cord.
Jade writhed in the bed, wringing the blanket in her hands.
Sweat beaded on her forehead, plastering her curly hair. Her brown skin looked more yellow and pasty.
She whimpered softly, muttering something under her breath.
"No! Aric, no!"
Aric sucked in a breath. Why am I in her dream? What am I doing?
He knelt next to the bed, shaking her arms gently.
"Jade, wake up."
She whimpered, tears flowing down her cheeks.
"Jade! You're having a nightmare."
She screamed again, the sound piercing Aric's ears. He flinched at the sound and backed up. He steeled his nerves and shook her arms again.
He tried again. "Jade! Please! WAKE UP!"
He said it so forcefully, he could feel his voice chords thrumming in his throat, sending vibrations into the air.
Jade's eyes fluttered and she sat straight up.
She looked around, scared.
"No! What? Aric- what are-"
He sat on the edge of the bed, looking at her.
"You were screaming."
He stayed silent for a moment, studying her face.
Her eyes were wide and scared, her skin dull. Tears stained her cheeks.
He spoke softly. "Did you have a bad dream?"
She nodded slowly.
"Do you, uh- Do you wanna talk about it?"
She started to shake her head but stopped. "I- I don't know."
"If you don't want to, it's ok."
He stood up, walking to the door.
"I'll get you something to drink."
She nodded and lay back down, her chest slowly rising and falling.
Aric looked in the cabinet, pulling out another glass. He quickly filled it up and walked back to the room, handing it to Jade.
She drank it on gulps, finishing it off in a matter of seconds.
She took a few deep breaths and looked at Aric gratefully.
"Thanks."
He shrugged. "No problem. Do you feel better now?"
She shook her head slightly.
"My stomach kinda hurts and my leg is killing me."
"You need food. And I told you to let me treat your leg."
She rolled her eyes. "I know. It's just....."
Aric smiled slightly. "We only just met?"
She nodded.
Jade started pushing back the covers and standing up.
As soon as she tried to balance on her feet, her leg gave out.
She shrieked and fell to the floor, cursing.
Aric went over to her, crouching down.
"Do you want me to look at it now?"
She looked, defeated, and nodded.
"I'll be right back."