Masked

XX

In the middle of the night, twice Taran would start screaming and I would hide under her bed as her parents came in to wake her up. She would mumble my name as she fell back asleep. Not sure why she kept screaming was bothering me. I hoped it was for a different reason besides me.

Morning arose and it was Saturday so I didn't wake her early. Hoping she would sleep in as long as possible, I left and knocked on the front door.

"Good morning Michael, Taran is still asleep. She had an uneventful night last night, but come on in. She should be up in a little bit," Mr. Blake said as Alex and Shawn walked down in their pajamas to the dining table.

"Michael are you hungry? I could fix you some breakfast if you like?" Mrs. Blake said from the kitchen as she was frying bacon in the skillet.

"That would be great, as long as I'm not intruding or anything."

"Oh don't be silly Michael, you're welcome here anytime."

I smiled at her invitation and sat down with Mr. Blake, Alex, and Shawn waiting for the bacon and pancakes to finish.

"It smells good Mrs. Blake," I said trying to be as polite as possible.

"Why thank you. Just call me Mallie, and my husband's name is Ryan."

I made a mental note in my head of their names and hear quiet footsteps pad down the stairs. Taran stopped at the stairway in her full pajama outfit and smiled when she saw me.

I got up and hugged her while whispering, "are you okay? You scared the crap out of me last night."

"Yea I'll explain later," she said going with me to sit down and eat breakfast.

I watched her as she grabbed some bacon from the plate and poured orange juice for everyone. I ate little during that time, too nerved by last night to really develop an appetite. Taran seemed to notice and scarfed down her food, before taking me upstairs and shutting the door.

"Sorry I didn't think I would be screaming again."

Again? I thought in my head, realizing this was an occurring thing.

She caught my stare and explained, "yea it's a combination of nightmares from the past experiences I've had."

I caught on and let her go change in the bathroom real quick before taking her into my arms. "I truly am sorry Taran. I only wish I could protect you of everything, but since it's apparent I can't, I'll do my best to still try."

"Michael stop, I know that you're just trying to get yourself out of feeling guilty of Lacie's death but I won't let you destroy yourself. Just don't let everything bother you as much as it does. I know it's a lot to ask, but as least attempt to for Lacie and for me."

I just stared at her; surprised she could figure me out that well.

She pecked my lips, "I know what we should do to help you not feel as guilty. There is a party tonight at Jackson McCullough's house. I can guarantee you will feel better and enjoy yourself. No alcohol there, or any of that crap. He's a good guy and is a senior too. What do you think?"

"Perfect," I said knowing nothing could go wrong, at least for one day... if not a few hours I hoped.