Program: Superhuman *ON HOLD*

Chapter 4: New "Friends"

The next morning, I groaned upon hearing the alarm clock. My eyes felt crusty and my head half asleep. Turning, I slammed my fingers down on the snooze button, resting my hand on the nightstand beside it. Visions of the nightmares I had had the night before filled my mind. I tried to remember exactly what they were about, but it was rare for me to get a clear dream - or at least remember it the next morning. I knew why I had had them, even if the nightmares hadn't even been about it: Mr. Vale and his threat.

Just thinking about it scared the crap out of me. I snapped my eyes opened when I realized what I had just thought. It scared the... "crap"... out of me. What... the... heck? I was never allowed to use that word growing up - my mom said it was borderline between being okay and being a swear word. She always told me never to say it just in case it offended someone... and because she felt uncomfortable with me using that word.

I'm guilt tripping myself for saying a word that isn't even swearing, I sighed and threw my covers off, sitting up. Christian... even though I'm not. Not fully, at least.

I flicked my eyes up and grabbed my glasses, slipping them on. Everything came clearer then and I glanced to my desk. Having done some unpacking the day before, I had found a framed picture that now sat behind my laptop. Inside, there was a picture of Dad, Mom, and me... and if you included the baby bump Mom was sporting, Arden, too. I was less than two and Dad was carrying me in his strong arm, the other holding Mom's waist tightly. They both beamed at the camera, so obviously in love. As my gaze turned to my father, I wondered what he would think of me. Me like this. I didn't have quiet times. I only prayed when I needed help. All-in-all, I really just tried to ignore God. How would Daddy react? If he was still alive, would I even tell him?

I looked back to the ground with unsure eyes, feeling insecurity gnaw at my stomach. Maybe... maybe it was time to have a quiet time. Spend some time with God. Hey, if Vale was really serious about killing me, then why not get a head start on him?

Standing up, I went to one of the boxes in my bedroom. I dug around for a few seconds and finally grasped the fake leather cover of my Bible. Leaning back on my chair, I flipped through the pages. What was I supposed to read? I usually never read the Bible... Coming to a decision, I thumbed all the way back to Revelation and began looking over the lines. Everyone said that this was a good book, so might as well.

Wait, no, I have to pray first.

I slammed the book shut, making sure to use my thumb as a bookmark. Then I sent a quick prayer heavenwards, asking for God's presence in the room, and for his guidance. When I was finished, I opened up my Bible again and began reading. I half expected my mind to be opened, for a sudden happiness to lift my heart. But I felt exactly the same as I had before.

The words in Revelation confused me. I knew John wrote it, but it was just strange to read and I didn't know half of what was going on. By the end, I felt worse. Everyone else loved the Bible - why couldn't I? Was it just that I didn't understand it, but everyone else did?

Putting the book on my nightstand glumly, I picked out some ankle-long, yoga pants and green shirt with a light blue cardigan. I decided to change in my bedroom instead of the bathroom. Outside, Sammy scampered down the hallway with his claws scraping the ground. This time, though, I didn't lean down or even smile. I just swept my hand over his head and continued on to the dining room. Arden sat on one side of the table, brown hair in a complete mess, and only wearing basketball shorts. He gazed at the opposite wall with staring, blue eyes, even though a full bowl of cereal sat in front of him.

I ignored him and got my own bowl and spoon. After seating myself, I poured the food and took a bite.

"You sleep okay?" Arden asked, voice a little hoarse.