Returning to Oz

Chapter 1

Dorothy looked out her circular window one last time at the waves colliding with the rocks on the shore. The sky was somewhat gray and seemed to match the uneasy feeling inside her stomach. It was her first day of school at Oregon High as a junior, and although she was physically prepared and had her brown hair straightened combined with a white headband that she hoped didn't make her look like she was five years old, her nerves were a mess. Her light blue denim book bag was full of books, binders, notebooks, folders, and any accessories she might need. She wanted to be more prepared than not.

Dorothy wanted to look professional, and therefore had a white button up collared shirt with black dress pants. She was trying her hardest to look happy for her Aunt Emilia, especially since the move had been hard for both of them, but it seemed impossible with all the embarrassing scenarios she could see herself playing a major role in. Plus, another nightmare hit her hard last night and every time she closed her eyes she saw a furry hand grab at her, so for the most part she tried to keep her brain occupied.

After the fifth time of checking to make sure nothing was forgotten, Dorothy went over to Toto to give him a kiss and whispered with regret filling her voice, "I wish you could come with me".

She continued sitting on the bed trying to allow the lull of the waves, and presence of her best friend calm her, until she heard "Breakfast is ready Dorothy, try and hurry up. I know it's your first day of school, but I'm sure you look fine, and that you have everything, and that everything will be okay. You can't hide forever."

Despite her aunt's teasing, that's all Dorothy wanted to do: hide. Hide for a million years and never need to sleep again. She'd never have to be the new kid, or the weird kid, or that one kid that wakes up from a five minute nap screaming bloody murder.

Her aunt was being extremely patient and understanding, and although that was normal for her, Dorothy was sure there was more going on beneath the calm surface of her Aunt's façade. The move was rough on Em, Dorothy was sure. She had to leave everything, the horses, the farm, the garden, everything. But the move was also necessary, according to her, apparently a change of scenery would help the nightmares, help Dorothy to forget the trauma. One could only hope for such a miracle.

Every time she would relax and just close her eyes, she heard a monkey screeching, and she could feel its furry paws continually grab at her face, and instead of seeing Scarecrow, Tinman, and the once-cowardly Lion, poor Dorothy saw her uncle. Two things could happen then, Dorothy would either lull into a deep sleep, and see more horrid images, or she'd jolt herself awake, make herself some coffee so she would not be able to sleep. Whenever the latter happened she turned on some Beverly Hillbillies because it made her laugh, and it was Em's favorite too, so the distraction and company would usually be enough for Dorothy to pretend she was okay.

Toto was in the middle of a good belly rub when Dorothy started nodding away, she was so tired, she had barely any sleep at all last night. Her aunt wouldn't mind, just....a few....moments.

"I'll git you my pretty! And your little dog too! Mwhahahahah!!" The cackling woke Dorothy up, and she was in her old house, up in the air, again. She looked around for toto, but she couldn't find him. As she looked out the window the witch was still on her broomstick, looking smug.

"You'll never catch me. Remember? I melted you!" Dorothy screamed out the window, hoping her cover would work.

"Ha!" the witch cackled back, "that was once, but now I know what to do, and you'll never make it back to your precious Aunt this time! Just you wait!" The hag flew away, and all Dorothy saw was the remaining smoke and miscellaneous items in the storm. She grew into a nervous panic, would she ever get out of here? Her face began to grow clammy and pale, while her hands began to shake, and this helpless feeling grew out of the pit of her stomach. It was like being extremely claustrophobic, while being buried alive in a tiny coffin, such was the feeling of Dorothy.