Hush

> Chapter Seven <

Raine

My hands shake as I make my way to my First Period class. I haven't heard that voice since yesterday, and I'm just waiting for it to appear out of nowhere. I can't help but be distant from Paige again. I feel so bad, but my anxiety's getting to me. That, and the voice; it wouldn't stop talking about how untrustworthy Paige is, and I fear I might start to believe it. But I just can't tell who speaks the truth. My instinct should be to believe my best friend.
          But I think the voice is becoming my best friend.
          Of course, I would never want that, but it's sort of forcing itself on me. Like a weight. A huge boulder that's almost breaking my shoulders with the sheer weight of it. What will relieve me of that boulder?
          Come to Fellhollow. All your worries will disappear...
          Great. It's back.
          Oh, come on, you know you like me.
          I really don't.
          You will.
          Suddenly, I feel a sharp pain in my head with the force of the words. I press my palm to my temple, steadying my notebook to prevent my pencil case from falling. I reach my classroom and step inside, the teacher greeting me with a wave I don't return. Plopping my stuff down on my desk, I slump into my chair.
          Today's gonna be a long day.

<><><>

I survived my first three classes, making it to Lunch. I walk down to the cafeteria alone today, and when I sit at my usual table, no one bats an eye. Paige leads the conversation, explaining some weird dream she had last night. I don't think much of it until I hear my name.
          "The ghost lady said something about 'having fun with Raine'. I don't quite understand it, but it's creeping me out." Paige says, leaning into the table so everyone in the group can hear.
          "That's so messed up, dude." Jorden comments.
          "Does Raine know?" Astrid asks.
          Well, I guess I do now.
          "I don't know if she was really listening, so..." Paige answers, glancing at me.
          Oh, I was listening.
          "Do you know who the weird girl was?" Ross questions, sounding immersed in the subject.
          "I've never heard a voice like that in my life." Paige replies, shrugging and leaning back in her seat.
          Little does she know, that girl was me, the voice whispers in my head.
          That was...that was you?
          Yes, it—or, I guess, she—answers simply.
          Why?
          I thought, after all the time I was spending with you, I would get to know your friend here a little better.
          Oh...well, will I get to see you in a dream?
          Soon, my dear, soon...