The Lucid Effect

Chapter Six

She knew she couldn't run, because running would grab the Nightmare's attention. Oh, but she wanted to. She wanted to scream and bolt and let her legs carry her far, far away, until she couldn't run anymore and her lungs burned and maybe her heart stopped beating from the over-exertion. The thought of dying seemed more comforting than letting that Nightmare get to her.

But, Alice didn't run. Instead, she let Rashid shove her under the stall table, hidden by the tablecloth. It was hot and stuffy and Alice found it difficult to breathe, but she curled into herself, daring not to move.

She had played games like this when she was young. She would pretend that someone or something was looking for her, and she would hide under her bed or in her closet, trying not to move or breathe. It was a game she played by herself, when Arin was no where to be found, and sometimes her imagination would get the better of her and she would sob silently in a cupboard for hours, having convinced herself that something was coming to hurt her and she had to be good and hiding or else something terrible would happen. Alice didn't know she would have to seriously put those skills to use one day.

Two pairs of feet came into view. One pair was clad in severe black boots. Those feet stood firm, unwavering, completely grounded. The other pair was bare, dirty, and shifting. She knew those feet belonged to Aziz, and despite his smarmy expression he wore earlier when questioning Rashid, she suddenly realized that he wasn't as confident as his face let on. The way he rocked back and forth on his heels was all the evidence Alice needed to know that this man was a nervous man. She wondered what it was he was so afraid of.

Surely it wasn't her, right?

"Rashid. It's a pleasure to see you again."

The familiar sound of the Nightmare's voice made Alice curl into herself even more.

"I'm afraid I can't return the sentiment."

"Well then let's skip the pleasantries. Where is the girl?"

"My niece?" Rashid feigned. "I sent her to my home. I'm sure Aziz here told you that she had an accident and fainted in the street."

"Is that so?" the Nightmare asked. The pain in Alice's chest deepened and her pulse quickened. She could tell that the threatening woman that stood merely inches away was not buying Rashid's lie.

"Rashid," It was Aziz's voice this time, and Alice was a bit pleased to hear he sounded distressed, "Please just tell her what she wants to know. We don't want a repeat of last time."

"We wouldn't need to have a repeat of last time if someone would stop acting so afraid," Rashid spat. Alice didn't know jolly man was capable of speaking with such venom—and what did he mean by last time?

"No, he was correct to come to me with his concerns," the terrifying Nightmare crooned. "We don't want anything to upset the balance we've created, now would we?"

Rashid didn't say anything. Aziz rocked on his feet. The Nightmare took a step forward.

"If you have nothing to hide then you shouldn't have a problem showing me this niece of yours, hm? I do know where you live, so if you want to prevent unnecessary damage like last time, you'll cooperate."

Alice heard Rashid inhale sharply.

"Very well, then. Let me just close up shop and I'll take you—"

"There's no need for that. We'll be just a minute, won't we? He will watch over your wares while we are gone."

Alice didn't have to guess who "he" was, as Aziz stopped rocking.