Paranoia

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

     Raven ran as fast as her feet can carry her. She blinked back the tears as her heart pounded hard against her chest. Is Rebecca really haunting her?

     She let out a silent cry, covered her face with her palms and stopped. Maybe mom bought her the flowers. Maybe, it was just there. Maybe the flowers we're just covered by some dirt.

     She wiped the tears away and started running again. A shock of pain suddendly vibrated through her body. She groaned.

     "I'm really sorry miss, I didn't see you there," Drake said and helped her get up.

     Raven dusted herself. She looked at him and blinked.

     "I'm really sorry. Are you hurt?" Drake asked again with a worried expression.

     "I'm –"

     Of course you're alright Raven, a voice said followed by a slight laugh.

     She shivered. "I. . . I got to go," her voice quivered as she spoke.

    She didn't have time to thank the guy, when she started running again. Rebecca's laughter kept ringing, covering her ears she ran even faster.

     She hurried inside the house and froze at the foot of the stairs when she heard clattering from the kitchen. Did her sister follow her all the way here?

    She hugged herself and walked slowly towards the kitchen. She braced herself, holding het breath. Closing her eyes she made a quick sidestep, fronting the kitchen doorway.

     She opened her eyes and saw a brunette fixing lunch.

    "Mom!" she exclaimed, running towards Jena and wrapping her arms around her.

    "Hey there sweetheart. What's gotten into you today?" she asked as she placed her hand over Raven's back.

     She tightened the hug as she shook her head.

     "Whoa there cowgirl! That grip of yours is going to kill a cow," Jena said as she lifted her hands in the air.

     Raven let go of the hug and looked at her. Seeing a brunette-like doll, with those big baby blue eyes, small lips, perfectly raised cheek bones and an angled nose. Jena was flawless. Rebecca reflected so much of their mother's features.

    She looked down, embarrassed with herself. Why can't she more like her mom and sister? Perfect.

    "Hey now, have you been crying?" Jena asked as she placed a hand over Raven's shoulder and lifting her chin up with the other one.

   "No," Raven quickly defended and shook Jena's hand away and looked down again.

     "I know you've been crying. Your eyes are swollen. I understand you missed you sis –"

     "Mom, did you give Rebecca some tulips?" Raven asked cutting Jena off.

     "Tulips?" Jena blinked. "Why, no. I didn't give her any. I gave her roses last week, just in case I get busy today," Jena added.

     "Oh," was only Raven could say. Was her mind playing tricks again?

    "Why did you ask dear? Did you saw some tulips at her grave?" Jena asked as she placed some potatoes in the oven.

     She sighed. "Just don't mind my question mom."

     "Are you sick again?" Jena asked worriedly.

     Raven looked at her, disgusted.

     "Mom, I'm not sick okay? I know what I saw," she replied, irritated.

   "Honey, are you sure you're not just seeing things?"

    "Mom! I get it, okay?" she said frustrated. "Why can't you just believe me or even pretend that you do, even, just this once," she pleaded.

     "Oh honey," she said soothingly as she paced towards Raven and gave her a hug.

      Raven kept silent and let her hug her.

     "I'm sorry dear, for being so selfish. For not being there for you when your sister died. It's all my fault," Jena said pulling away from the hug and looked at Raven.

       "Mom, don't blame yourself," she said.

      Jena slighlty smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Go get yourself cleaned. Lunch will be done around thirty," Jena said and busied herself again with the cooking.

      Raven sighed and exited the kitchen. Walking up the stairs, she heard a familiar voice, making her stop half-way.

     Why do you always hurt mom Raven? Why can't you just accept that you're sick?

     She half-ran towards the kitchen in fear.

     "Um, mom?" Raven said.

      Jena turned around and looked at her.

     "I thought you went upstairs," Jena inquired.

      "I just decided to um, eat first before I take a shower," she said and gave a weak forced giggle.

     Very nice excuse Raven and she heard a slight laugh from behind her.

     "Um, mom. . . could I help?" she said walking towards Jena.

    "Oh, of course. You could wash the lettuce then cut some tomatoes and onions for me," Jena said.

      Raven started washing the lettuce. "So . . . how's work?" she began.

    "Fine. I'm doing great actually. Your dad's still coping, but he's doing alright. How's your part-time job coming along?" Jena asked, stirring some sort of flour mixture.

      "I'm . . . managing," Raven replied.

     She held her breath when she heard laughter behind her, but exhaled deeply as it faded away.