Wide Awake

Walking down the hall she adjusted her black book bag, the heavy textbooks inside making her shoulder ache. The hall was dimly lit, the only light provided being from emergency lights that were placed every ten feet or so. She hadn't realized it was already this late. The clock on the wall read 8:30, but it felt later. 

“I can't believe I fell asleep..” She grumbled under her breath. With so many tests lately she had been staying up later to study and today while reading in the library her fatigue finally hit her full force. 

“You shouldn't be here...”

Turning around she looked down the hall. Seeing no one she shrugged and continued on her way.

“I must be really tiered if i'm starting to hear things.” Turning down the schools main hallway she was surprised to see the front office lights off. Even though it was late some teachers were usually still here. Stopping in front of the main doors she grabbed the handle and pushed. The door didn't budge so she tried another one. Getting a bit worried she continued down the line of doors until she reached the last one. It was locked. Brushing her dark blond bangs from her face she took a deep breath.

“You need to go...”

With a slight jump she looked at the window covered door.

“Don't turn around..”

Slowly she could see something coming into focus behind her, edging closer and closer. The hairs on the back of Maria’s neck stood up as the air became cold, her breath beating against the door. As the figure came even closer she squeezed her eyes shut. Suddenly a hand grabbed her shoulder and she screamed.

“What the hell?” Turning around she was surprised to see a boy instead of the gruesome figure that had been reflected in the window. “You know, call me crazy, but I don't appreciate being greeted by a scream.” The taller boy seemed agitated. Shying away from him some she uttered a small apology. “What are you doing here this late anyways, Maria?” She looked up having heard her name and realized the boy was her neighbor, Cole. Relaxing some under his cool red gaze she crossed her arms, not wanting to admit she had fallen asleep.

“I was, er, studying in the library and lost track of time..” He didn't seem to fully believe her, but wasn't going to question it.

“Okay well it doesn't matter. You should probably leave.” He leaned against one of the doors and shoved his hands deep into his black pants pockets.

“I tried, but all the doors are locked.”

“It's not safe here.”

Cole shifted slightly, glancing down the halls. Grabbing Maria's hand he pulled her down one of the halls.

“H-hey!” She was surprised by his sudden move and tried jerking her hand from his firm grip. He continued to pull her along. “Where are you taking me?”

“I'm not kidnapping you or anything. Don't flatter yourself that much angel face.” Maria puffed out her cheeks slightly in annoyance.

“Alright, then where are WE going?”

“Somewhere other than here.” His voice rose a bit as he shoved her into a classroom and shut the door.

“Would you mind explaining what is going on now?” Her patience was running low.

“You’ve been hearing a voice for the past half hour or so, am I right?”It was more of a statement than a question.

“How did you know that..?” She looked at him suspiciously, brows raised.