Hidden

Chapter 4.

My stomach turned. My head ached. My face went pale. Like a ghost. I couldn't keep my eyes open. But I fought what sickness was taking over me. Why am I turning ill all of a sudden? It's summer, usually no one gets sick. I lay there in my bed. Cradling the blankets up to my face.

"Coraline, here is a wet cloth for you." Mum placed her hand on my forehead, " For heavens sake Coraline you are burning up." She place the wet cloth on my head. "I'm going to make you some soup." I heard mother say as she was walking out. I nodded. For some odd reason. I felt a hand sliding up and down my arm. I didn't open my eyes. I didn't have the life to. The hand was know on my cheek. Cupping my face. I started to feel better. I felt less cold, and achey. I opened my eyes. Slowly. I regained my sight. Nothing was there, who was touching me?

"Hey baby girl, you feeling better?" My dad asked. Sitting down on my bed next to me. His eyes looked at me with curiosity.

"Yeah, I feel much better. Thanks for asking father." I smiled. My dad pinched my cheek.

"You look just like your grandmother, she was beautiful. Very radiant. Almost glowing like a angel." Father said. Smiling, he must be thinking of grandmother Coral. He was right, she was gorgeous. But I didn't see myself in her.

"Thanks father, that's very kind." I blushed. Father looked down his face went cold.

"What's going on with you Coraline? Some strange things have been happening with you. I'm worried. All of us are worried."

" I think it might just be the house, it's taking a toll on me. Where I don't know anyone, or this town." I didn't want to tell dad the truth, he didn't need to know. Nothing serious was happening. Yet. Father nodded.

"Okay darling, I just wanted to know what my baby was going through." He hugged me. This was the first hug I have gotten from him in ages. I hugged back awkwardly but lovingly. He broke our hug, smiled at me and left my room.

"Coraline....Coraline.....Coraline...." I heard the same voice say from the night before. I ignored it. But I felt heaven breaths hitting my ear. Sending shivers through my body. "Coraline.... Coraline..." The voice trailed.

"What..?" I asked my eyes still closed. If there was something there I didn't want to see it.

"I..love...you." The breathing stopped. The whispering ended. What? Did this voice say 'I love you'? What the hell is going on? I pulled the quilt over my face. Shielding myself from everything that could possibly be in my room. That night, was sleepless. I was lightly sleeping, I was there but I wasn't.