Once Upon a Dream

Introduction

I glanced at the alarm clock on my bedside table. It was 1:54 in the morning. I sighed deeply and laid down, trying to fall asleep once again. I shut my eyes tightly, but didn't see darkness. Instead, I saw Faye's face grinning back at me as she laughed. Her last moments before the accident... I realized as I finally saw the wedding dress. My breaths started to quicken. No, not an attack, not now. I chided myself. I slowly managed to slow my breathing, but as soon as that happened, unwanted tears formed in my eyes. Groaning, I decided I wouldn't try to stop the tears, that seemed more intent on slipping out of my eyes and sliding down my cheeks. I had learned a couple weeks ago that trying to stop the tears would only make it worse when they finally came. It was like when a dam started to crack, and you just tried to fix it without letting a drop of water slip out. You might be able to that, but if it would be good or not also had to be considered.

A sob ripped from my throat and I covered my mouth. I don't know why I did, though. Mom had returned home black-out drunk, as every other day this week. That was at 6:30. I had made some toast and smeared some peanut butter on them, filled a glass with water, and set some Advils on her bedside table.

Dad was... still at the hospital. I never told him of mom's... 'appointments'. At the local bar. That's what she called getting drunk. It was code. We didn't know if the doctors would be able to find a cure on time. I mean, they had been working on this for seven years now. Each time we visited, they assured us they were almost there. Close to a breakthrough. I had believed them... at first. Not anymore. Now, there always seemed to be some sort of setback, those that made me believe that the doctors were lying. Lying about being close to fixing the bugs. Cracking the code. They had never been close at all. They hadn't had progress-or not much, anyway-in the past seven years.

I rolled my eyes. I was being morbid again. Pessimistic. And that wasn't good. Sadness led to stress, stress led to panic, panic led to heart acceleration, acceleration led to shortness of breaths, short breaths led to the attacks. And nobody liked the attacks. I'd had them since I was four. Pushing the darker thoughts away-Though, what thoughts are really very happy these days?-I picked up my phone. I lifted my wrist up to my chest, simultaneously shining my flashlight, I began rereading the word that had been printed on my wrist since birth. I-um...Hey. I'm new here, are you Grace Lockwood? 'Cause if you are, apparently you're supposed to show these barbarians the fresh meat. So, lead the way guide. I smiled slightly at the words.

My breathing became even calmer. I liked familiarity. And consistency. It helped me relax and calm down. I'd only worked out a few things about these words so far. 

1. It was clear this happened at a school or somewhere similar.

2. This kid was slightly dorky and very sarcastic. (A combination I liked.)

3. I would love this person.

I continued staring at my wrist before my eyes finally could not stay open any longer, and I fell asleep.

A.N. Heeeeeyyyyyy. So, I, um, made a thing... I'm considering entering it in the Wattys. I mean, I'd probably fail, but, y'know. Why not? So, if it's not too much trouble, vote please. Also! I've got a tumblr. It's hufflepuff2010. I know, I'm soooo original and creative. Ha ha. Anyway, yah. Okay, bye then.

See you, my lovely kiwi-y readers.

Love, Nina (the biggest disappointment you know.)

Word Count: 637 (Ew, short, sorry.)