Hickory

Ruined Plans

Everything was dark, except for one circle of light in the center of Hickory's vision. It didn't help him see anything, as the area looked to just be an empty void. Reaching outwards, his fingers roamed around, feeling for anything materialistic. Nothing.

Then something grabbed his hand. It was sharp, painful, and sent shivers through his body. Gilbert stepped I to view, the source of light closer than what it appeared. Laughter began to fill Hickory's ears, Gilbert pulling himself closer by Hickory's arm.

He saw Gilbert's lips move, but heard nothing. Gilbert cupped Hickory's cheek, more pain shooting through. Hickory noticed blood trickling down Gilbert's tanned arm. He then took into view his entire form. Gilbert was bare, covered only in blood. Hickory looked at his own arm, deep lacerations planted where Gilbert touched it.

Panic sunk in and Hickory tried to remove the pain inducing hand from his face. His attempt failed, his own hand becoming covered in more red welts. Gilbert used his other hand to cup the other half of Hickory's face. Hickory opened his mouth to scream, but nothing came out.

Gilbert came closer, pressing himself against Hickory, and intense feeling of knives stabbing him covering his whole body. More words were uttered by Gilbert before he roughing pressed his mouth to Hickory. The light from before grew brighter, blinding Hickory's view until all he could see was white.

"You're dead."
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"Aahhhh", Hickory screamed as he shot up from his bed. He looked around frantically, wiping his face when he realized it was just a dream. Falling back down, he sighed, resting his hand on his burning forehead.

It's okay, he told himself. Gilbert is gone today. He'll just go home to 'return the trailer' and tell his parents they needed to leave. Gilbert was right about him not making it on his own, but his mother was always there to help. Though his father and him weren't buddy-buddy, he knew he'd protect him to an extent to keep his mother happy.

Feeling everything would actually be okay, he hopped out of bed and got ready. He couldn't help but think about his dream as he did so. The only words he heard echoed in his mind.
You're dead
He tried not to think about it too much.

Finished with cleaning himself up, he headed towards the kitchen. Something was off though. Before he opened the door, familiar scents filled his nose. Vanilla. Cooked sausage. He pressed his ear to the door, hearing the faint sound of sizzling. Dread filled his stomach.

"No", he whimpered. "No no no." Hickory grabbed at his wavy hair, eyes watering.

He took a few deep breaths, telling himself it'd be okay. Just because he was here doesn't mean his plan wouldn't work. He had a legitimate reason to go over to his house. Maybe he was just running behind.

Hickory slowly pushed open his door, instantly catching sight of Gilbert's red hair. He took another deep breath and forced himself out of his room.

Gilbert turned, smiling his oh so deceiving smile.

"Morning Hickory", he chirped. He turned around, hands on hips, wearing a cliche apron reading 'kiss the cook'.

Hickory gave an awkward grin and mumbled a good morning. The sight of Gilbert was starting to make Hickory feel a bit nauseous.

"I made some frech toast and sausage. Thought it would be nice to make some breakfast. Don't get me wrong, pop tarts are pretty good, but nothing beats a cooked meal. Don't you think?"

Hickory nodded. God, how could he be so happy, when just last night he... It didn't make sense. He seemed like such a friendly person. How could someone like him become enraged enough to... Hickory shook his head, trying to free the thoughts from his mind.