Code: 16B

Chapter Five

Five

    That night I couldn’t sleep.

    At first before I went to sleep I thought I would have a nightmare about the show being a disaster. I know this is what I would unintentionally do, especially when it’s less than one week before we open. But this night, there was only one person in particular in my dream.

    Cyrus Huntington.

    I know it may sound stupid, and sorta clichéd, but I…I guess I couldn’t help it.

    In my dream, it almost looked like something out of an Academy Award winning, or nominated romance movie. I was wearing a beautiful baby pink dress that reached my knees. My long dark (almost black) brunette hair was flowing freely in the breeze as I walked in a beautiful meadow that’s blooming with wildflowers. Don’t get me wrong, the scene is beautiful, but it’s just weird how there’s hardly any meadow’s like the one I’m standing in anymore, especially if you live in the city like me.

    I continue walking through the vast field of flowers, and on occasion, I’d pick up a flower, smell it, and tuck it into my hair. That is until I heard someone calling my name. I turn to see Cyrus walking towards me, and, as usual, I find myself starring at him with my mouth slightly gaping. I also began to feel my pulse quickening, my heartbeat racing, and a slight smile form on my mouth. I couldn’t help it. I mean, is there any other guy who holds good looks worthy of magazines, and movies?

    I almost had a stroke when I find him standing so close to me, and his hand stroking my bare arm till it gently grasped my hand. I noticed belatedly that his touch slowly left trails of heat, which quickly turned into goose bumps along were he stroked my arm. And when I look into his dark eyes…I would’ve passed out if he weren’t holding my hand. Something inside me wanted to know what it’s like to kiss him. To feel his lips on mine, to wonder what kind of emotions will go through my body. I had a feeling that I would feel really, really good.

    I really wanted this dream to continue, wanted to know what happens next in my little dream, hoping that he would just shut up and kiss me already, I would’ve continued if it weren’t for my alarm clock buzzing.

    I lazily pushed the button to make it stop, but I was desperately trying to salvage the dream so it could continue, but it was already too late, I’m now awake. I sat up slowly with a groan, and I felt as if everything had disappeared in a big puff of smoke.

    Then, almost immediately I had the feeling that something is very, very wrong, almost as if someone is actually in my room. I could’ve sworn that my window was already closed when I went to bed last night. I replayed everything that led up to me coming up to my room, and getting ready for bed…no, the window was closed.

    After quickly glancing around my room, and proving that nothing was taken, I slid my window shut, this time I made sure that it was locked. Then, after calming myself, assuring that nothing was taken, I managed to slip out of my pajamas and into a black and white blouse, along with a black pencil skirt, and my black ballet flats. I wanted to do something with my hair, but I simply made my little tiny bump at the top of my head with a hair clip.

    I looked at the clock, and realized that I don’t have much time until the bus comes. So, after grabbing my backpack, lunch bag, and a granola bar, I quickly ran out the door. I didn’t even have time to lock it as I ran as fast as I can towards the street corner. So, I didn’t see that pinecone that caused me to trip and fall onto the street, which is unfortunately made of concrete.

    “Shit!” I hissed loudly as I see that my knee was scraped, bleeding badly, and I couldn’t go back to the house to clean it up. I try to ignore it as I got up, only to see the bus leaving my street corner, not even taking note that I was running towards it. “Aw crap.” I muttered under my breath.

    I was preparing to begin the seemingly long walk when some-thing caught my eye. A sleek, black, and obviously brand new Camaro slowly rolls down the street. I was prepared to move out of the way so the car could stroll on by, when the car began to coast to where it was matching my slow, almost limping pace. I try to ignore the flashy car, but I find myself sneaking quick glances at it unintentionally. I’ve seen a few cars similar to it on the highway, and in the movies, but I haven’t seen one like this in the neighborhood, though I am aware of the make and model, thanks to Missy’s obsession with Cameros. When I managed to finally make it to a stop sign to catch my breath, the car stopped.

    The automatic whir of the window rolling down made me look, only to see what looks like a college student staring at me with dark sunglasses, despite the fact that it’s still dark outside, especially around six thirty in the morning. He was wearing all black, but his startling tousled red hair and fair skin were the only contrast to the dark interior of the car, along with the black attire.

    “Ms. Amanda Sleem?” he said, and from the light inside the car, he looked too serious to confirm someone’s identity.

    “Yes?” I said, and my voice sounded too worried. I don’t even know this guy, and yet he seems to know who I am.

    “You need a ride to school?” he asked, his voice was alluring, but I still didn’t move. My parents, Amber, and numerous motivating speakers had warned me when something like this would happen.

    “I don’t know…” I said, sounding unsure, and at the same time wondering if I could make it back home and wake Amber.

    “C’mon. You want your perfect attendance in order don’t you?” he said, but this time I couldn’t think of another reason to turn back. He found my weak spot.

    “Fine.” I snapped as I open the car door, and slowly enter the passenger seat, being careful not to get blood on the interior.

    As I close the door, the boy hands me what looks like anti-bacterial wipes before he starts the car, and speeds out of the neighborhood. I take one of the sanitary wipes reluctantly, and stroke it across my bloodied knee, and I was surprised to see it get all the blood in one swipe.

    Then, I remembered that I’m in a stranger’s car, and the said stranger hasn’t even given himself a proper introduction.

    “I’m sorry, who are you?” I asked incredulously as he navigated his way through the early morning traffic, and I don’t even flinch when he runs red lights, and cuts people off.

    “Victor. Victor Young.” He said, his eyes never once left the road. But the way he spoke his name, it immediately sent a chill down my spine.

    Something isn’t right, and I can feel it. I shook my head, clearing it up long enough to try and ask him the next question.

    “H-how did you know my name, when I was outside the car?” I finally asked, and I was careful to keep the fear out of my tone. This guy could be a psychopath, or a stalker, or a serial murderer for all I knew.

    “I’ve seen you around the neighborhood.” he said, but I wasn’t buying his attempt at nonchalance.

    I continue to stare at him incredulously as he made his way down the familiar roads towards Wunsche. That’s when I decided not to speak any further. I was afraid that if I say too much he probably would…I don’t know, do something out of a spy move, and Victor without a doubt would be the bad guy. I don’t know why, but there’s just something deep down that’s telling me to get the hell away from him, now!

    I notice him slowing the car down as he follows a line of cars to the front doors of the school. I gather my things and prepare to leave as soon as he stops, but he didn’t stop until we were right at the front door, and I could see a bunch of male car enthusiasts (mostly students) gawking at the car with lust in their eyes.

    “Thanks for the ride.” I mumbled as I unbuckled my seat belt, and prepare to open the door.

    Just when my hand touch the door handle, I am immediately stopped when I hear Victor say, “Be careful with who you trust.”

    His statement was still echoing in my head as I climbed out of the car and head straight to class. And the way he said it, it sounded almost sinister. Actually, a lot sinister if I was honest with myself.