It's All In Your Head {Sequel to STCG}

Chapter 4 ~ "He's Still Alive"

The story spills out my mouth quicker than you can say "Ah!" Mrs Maiden listens intently as I tell her everything about Leather Face and all the deaths of my friends I went through... Everything.

Once I'd finished my story and she'd finished writing on her notepad, our eyes met and she nodded at me.

"I understand how hard it must be for you, but I'm hear to help. Don't hesitate to tell me anything more and if you have any questions, ask away."

Nodding, she continues.

"Why do you think you've been having these... Hallucinations?"

"Leather Face never really left my mind," I state blankly. She nods and writes it down on the paper.

"And will he ever leave?" she asks.

Shaking my head vigorously, I say quickly "no." Her face is solemn but still looks friendly as I answer her questions.

"What we need is to help you forget about him. He's not alive but still bothering you, and I find that a problem-"

"He's still alive! If he was dead, I'd sleep peacefully at night. If he was dead, I'd be problem-free. If he was dead, I wouldn't be here. I see him everywhere and he never leaves me in peace. I'll NEVER forget Leather Face!" I burst out into tears and run out the room, slamming the door shut behind me. Mrs Maiden calls after me but I ignore her and leave the building, running into a car park.

I gaze around me, trying to think of a plan. Nothing comes to mind and I trudge groggily over to a bench and sit down, resting my chin on my hands. Everyone I see looks happier than me — even the clouds seem to be in a better mood.

A gleaming deep red car drives into the car park, seemingly familiar. Once my vision unblurs from the tears, I realize it's Mum.

"Emma, what are you doing out here?" she asks.

"Let Mrs Maiden explain, it's a long story."

She looks confused but steps on the acceleration and we speed back home.

~

"Why won't you tell me what happened, Em? I can help," Mum says. I shake my head and divert my gaze from her watery eyes. Mine are flooding with tears too, and one little rebel droplet manages to escape, rolling down my cheek with elegance. I see in the mirror beside me my cheek glistening wet, showing how pink they're turning. But I can't stand another look, and turn my head away sadly.

"Emma?! I can HELP!" she screams desperately, shoving off a vase. It smashes into a million tiny pieces, resting on the soft carpet with the jagged end pointing up — wanting to harm someone.

I stand up and face away from her, shielding my wet eyes from hers. The pieces of smashes vase glint in the light and I feel attracted to them... As if there's a magnet between us, dragging me closer and closer to them...

Suddenly, I lose balance and topple over forwards. My hands extend before me to protect me but it does the complete opposite — the China vase shards slice through my flesh, getting deeper by the second. Crimson liquid spurts out and drowns the wall in blood, like paint. A squeal escapes my lips, rewarding me in Mum's attention. She gasps and rushes over to pick me up.

I yelp out in agony as she grabs my hands to look at them. Blood pours out, drenching her own hands in the stuff.

"Oh, Emma darling. Why?"

"I'm sorry, I-"

"Shh shh.. You don't need to explain to me."

"I don't want to go back to Mrs Maiden."

"But she wants to help you!"

"I know, but I don't like telling her personal things."

"Ok. Ok, fine. You don't have to go back if you really don't want to."

I breathe a sigh of relief, as if a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I feel so much better now. So much better.