Hush

> Chapter Eighteen <

Raine

"I'm sorry, honey. There's always high school." my mother says in an attempt to comfort me. Her and Dad were in the audience watching, so they obviously know I lost. But they will think much different soon.
          Tomorrow, I see you in person for the first time. How exciting, the girl says suddenly.
          I'm so excited! I really wanna get my hands on whatever "award" the girl spoke of a while ago, before the Spelling Bee.
          Eager, are we?
          Especially so.
          "It's alright." I say in reply to my mom. "I didn't think I would anyway. Paige deserved it."
          Just as she deserves what's coming to her.
          What?
          Oh, nothing, dear.
          Okay then...

<><><>

I lay in my bed, trying to sleep. But I'm so excited I can't help but keep my eyes wide open. I turn my head to look at the digital clock on the bedside table. It looks to be 11:30 p.m. The girl said her power would be replenished at midnight. Then, she can use some of it to make my mom and dad think the draw is through with and that I won it. The girl can probably put them to sleep for the rest of the week so I can just go by myself, with the help of some sort of magical transportation.
          Are you awake, strange girl?
          Always.
          What is the award I'm getting?
          Well, I can't reveal that just yet. You'll learn of it when you learn of my identity.
          Tomorrow?
          Tomorrow.

<><><>

I awaken Sunday morning, feeling completely normal. My alarm went off at 9:00 a.m, the sun shines through my window, and now I lean against my headboard, scrolling through Instagram. Then, I hear a knock at my bedroom door.
          "Come in." I call from my cozy place, snuggled up in my soft blanket. My door creaks open to show Mom leaning against the frame.
          "I just wanted to congratulate you again, Raine. My little girl won the Spelling Bee and the school-wide draw!" she exclaims, clapping enthusiastically for me.
          Huh?
          Oh yeah, now I remember.
          It seems that girl really does have magical powers.
          I laugh nervously. "Yeah..."
          Mom yawns hugely, rubbing her eyes. "Weird. I still feel really tired." she remarks.
          Time for the second phase already?
          Why not?
          "I think I'll take a nap. Your father is already passed out on the couch." my mother laughs, pulling my door closed with a small wave.
          "So, are we leaving now?" I whisper.
          Does this answer your question?
          All of a sudden, the bed has disappeared from beneath me. The world is white and soundless, when suddenly, I'm in a meadowy clearing. The clearing from my dream, in fact.
          I glance around, spotting the familiar trees and feeling the damp grass. "Hello? Girl?" I ask the space around me. There is no reply.
          I don't come out until the sun sets.
          Why?
          You'll find out soon enough.
          She doesn't say much more after that. I guess, for now, I'm stuck in this empty clearing, awaiting nightfall.