Haven

12. Panic

Norah hadn't used the small tub for a bath yet, but she was thinking it was going to become a regular thing.

Her skin stung, the water too hot and Norah clenched her hands, breathing sharply through her nose as she waited for her body to become accustomed to the water. The lavender scent of her bubble bath filled the room and her body started to relax as peace stole over her.

The sound of her laptop playing music drifted through the closed door and she closed her eyes, enjoying something she hadn't done in a long time. Gradually, thoughts started drifting in and she processed them slowly, her fingers playing with the bubbles.

Norah felt terrible for Madison. The girl had obviously been head over heels and with no one to talk with, it was any wonder she hadn't gotten over him yet. They all treated her like a porcelain doll that would break at the slightest mention of Parker.

Norah opened her eyes, looking at the ceiling. She was only a doll because they had made her that way. The phone started ringing and she ignored it, knowing it would go to the answering machine. She wanted to help Madison get through this grief that had been eating away at her for nearly ten years. Grief was paralysing, and Madison would never be able to move on with her life until she dealt with it and to deal with it, she needed someone who wasn't afraid to show a little tough love to get her there.

She heard the beep of the answering machine and zoned it out, sinking lower into the tub. She would have to have a talk with Wendy about helping Madison. She knew they were best friends and she was sure she could convince Wendy to help. Feeling satisfied with her decision, she blocked out all other thoughts, allowing herself to simply enjoy the water.

Every now and then her characters would start playing on her mind, potential scenes drifting through her head and she allowed them to play out, sometimes changing a moment or two, or ditching the scene when it didn't properly reflect her character's personalities. Eventually the water started to cool and Norah climbed out, her skin beginning to wrinkle. Grabbing her towel, she padded through to her bedroom and quickly dried off, slipping into a pair of black shorts and purple singlet. The air was beginning to grow cold so she threw on her large grey sweater which hung down to her knees and pulled on a pair of pink and white bed socks. Her outfit was completely mismatched but she didn't care. Comfy clothes didn't have to match, that wasn't their job.

Feeling warmer, she went out to the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea before grabbing her computer. As the kettle boiled, the song changed to, 'Fly me to the moon' and Norah felt her heart twist. Leaning against the counter, she stared into space as she smiled softly.

She hadn't listened to this song since her father had died. And before that, when her mother died. It had been her mother's favourite song. Norah had so many memories as a child, of sneaking down the stairs long after her bed time, and watching her parents dance in their living room to this song. She used to poke her head around the corner, fascinated at the sight of her parents dancing to such a pretty song. On several occasions she had gone back to her room and tried to imitate their steps with a teddy bear as her partner, but it was never the same.

She had often longed for the day she was old enough to dance with someone like that. Now that she was old enough though, she had no one to dance with.

Norah's smile faded as the kettle whistled and she poured her tea, wondering if she would ever find that someone special to dance with. The flashing light of the answering machine caught her eye and she pressed the button, moving across to the table to grab her laptop when her insides turned cold.

"Hey, Norah. It's Alice. Now listen, don't get freaked out, but Daniel stopped by today. He was trying to be subtle about finding out where you were the little shit, but I managed to scare him off. Ray said I shouldn't tell you.."