Monster of Blue

Chapter 9

 Chapter 9

     A week passes by in a blur of uncertainty and paranoia. With every sound and sudden movement I jump in fright, expecting him, that monster, to be there with a wide toothy grin on his half-covered face. I’ve taken to locking myself within the walls of my room, sneaking out to use the bathroom and only doing so whenever light fills every inch of the apartment. All I do now is curl up into myself, my memories recalling my monster’s visit as I wait for the inevitable; refusing to fall asleep until I can no longer keep my eyes open. 

     Mitchell knows something is wrong, even pleads for me to tell him but I never do. I can’t. Not when he’s already thinking I’m teetering on edge. Every morning, afternoon, and evening he brings a meal to my room; only knocking the door to signal his arrival before slipping away back down the stairs for me to eat in peace. I can’t imagine how much it must worry him that the plates remain untouched and go to waste. 

     This goes on for two days until I finally gather up the nerve to answer the door after he knocks. I still didn’t eat it all—barely enough to count as a meal—but it was enough to make Mitchell smile. Unfortunately, as soon as I let him back in the questions started up again. I want to tell him, to release this burden from my shoulders but in doing so I know it’ll only make things worse. He has already shown that he cannot see the monster that terrorizes me. There is nothing he can do to help. 

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     Something light brushes across my cheek as I drift in and out of my half-awake sleepy state, the movement making me groan in annoyance when the feather-like touches refuse to leave. I swish my hand over my cheek, hoping to knock off whatever it is before snuggling back into my covers. But, again the light touches continue. Traveling down my cheek to my neck and resting on the jugular vein. Fluttering my eyelids I gradually drift away from the land of sleep and draw my gaze up, ready to snap a remark at Mitchell for awaking me. Instead, I come face-to-face with the monster in my dreams. 

     A grim smile pulls back the gray skin surrounding his mouth, the familiar gesture anything but friendly. I still as his fingers drift back up and lightly brush my cheek. A small whimper escaping me as the touch becomes heavy and I’m able to feel the chill his skin holds. Black consumed eyes stare down at me, reflection nothing of what the creature is thinking. 

      “I’m coming for you soon, Shae,” he softly whispers, his hand cupping my face, “You won’t have to wait much longer, love.” I squeak in surprise as the monster comes closer to me, his face hovering just an inch above mine. 

      “P-please…” I whisper, voice cracking, “Please, leave me alone.” 

     The man in blue tenses, the hold he has on the side of my face tightening to an almost painful hold. A dark chuckle echoes in my ears, his breath cold like ice. I stiffen and try to sink further into my bed, closing my eyes in the hopes that he’s just in my mind. A pair of lips kisses the bridge of my nose and his voice rumbles, “I must have a nibble.” 

     A strong hand harshly grips my wrist and I open my eyes in shock. The scream rising from my throat cut off by the other hand muffling my mouth. My eyes drift up to my capturer and I scream despite the appendage over my lips. Rows upon rows of sharp teeth gleam down at me, the gums a violet purple with a black tongue slithering within. 

      “Just a nibble,” he speaks, “Just a taste.” 

     Slowly, deliberately the monster raises my wrist to his face, causing me to kick and scream. I want out! Out of this nightmare! But it’s of no use and he begins to thoroughly lick the lower area of my forearm, the hazard-shaped teeth grazing across the delicate skin in forewarning. The ends of his lips twitch up in a smile as I continue to fight back and with another chuckle a sharp pain sinks into my skin.