Black Rose

Twenty-One

Melrose Pov

"Bella don't go to far. Stay where I can see you." I told her, kissing her cheek.

"Ok, mommy." She yelled back and ran towards the children filled playground. Since the sun finally came out of hiding, I decided to bring the girls out for some fresh air. Looking down, I smiled at a sleeping Amberly in her stroller. At three months old, all she does is sleep, eat and repeat. She was born four months before her due date and we faced many life threatening complications, but my baby girl is a fighter. Although she's still tiny, she's healthy and happy. That's what matters to me.

Every so often, I'd look up to make sure Bella is exactly where she's supposed to be. Sometimes she can be a handful and doesn't listen to me or Raine, so we have to constantly keep an eye on her.
"Melrose."I heard an unnatural tone from behind me. It sounded like it's trying to imitate human voice but it's subtly wrong.

Slowly turning around, I frowned expecting to see a person, but it was a silhouette instead. My protective instincts kicked in immediately and I grabbed hold of Amberly's stroller and stood up. "Who are you?"

"I'm your worst fear." It said. Its voice echoing through the entire park. "Death!"

Without wasting another second, I quickly walked away from it in search of Bella. She wasn't where I last saw her and I started panicking.

"Bella! Bella! Where are you baby?!" I screamed, maneuvering around everyone.

"She's gone." I heard the silhouette say. My breathing hitched as my chest heaved up and down. I could feel my pulse beating in my ears, blocking out all other sounds except my rapid breathing and the demonic figure evil laugh in the distance. "You'll never see her again, Melrose."

"No, NO! Bella! Bella baby come out. You're scaring mommy." Now running through the crowded park, I gained weird stares and pointed fingers from everyone. "Bella! Bellaaaaaaa!"
~~~
"Mel! Mel wake up." My body shook uncontrollably and I heard Raine begging me to get up but I couldn't move. Sleep paralysis. In times like these, both my grandmother and Venus says it's a witch riding your back and to think of someone you love the most. Someone who gives you peace and protection. I began to pray and wiggle my toes--something that never fails me when this happens.

After a few minutes my body felt lighter and I opened my eyes to see Raine kneeling beside my bed with his head bowed and hands intertwined. He was praying too.

"Raine." I called his name and his head popped up. "What were you doing?"

"Praying. That's what I do when I have sleep paralysis." He said, sitting on the corner of the bed.

"How did you know that though?"

"I saw your toes wiggling." He chuckled. "I read somewhere that's another way to get over it, so lucky guess."

Nodding, I sat up and looked around the brightly lit room in confusion. "What time is it?"

"One thirty."

"Really?" I exclaimed, jumping out of bed. "I have a client coming over at two-forty five for a painting I haven't completed yet."

Running into my bathroom, I rushed to freshen up and make myself presentable. Although it's a home visit, I still want to showcase my professionalism at all times with my clients. Raine came in the bathroom while I was brushing my teeth and leaned against the shower door. Ignoring his presence, I continued to get ready. Just as I was walking out of the door, he stood in front of me.