Good Kids, Bad Things

Chapter 1: Awake but Dreaming

Running. Running as fast as she can. As she turns around to see if she’s still being followed, Blaire trips over her own feet. Dizzy. She opens her eyes to a face hovering above her. An unwanted, familiar face.

    “Why won’t you just leave me alone!” Blaire shouts at her follower.

    “You’re unforgettable. I could never leave you alone.”

    Suddenly, Blaire felt an arm wrap around her. All she could do was try to fight. She thrashed around, trying to find any weakness in her captors grasp. She flailed and flailed until she couldn’t flail anymore. There was no escape. Blaire collapsed into the arms of whoever was carrying her away. She closed her eyes, accepting her defeat.

    “Blaire? Blaire! Please Blaire wake up. I promise you’re safe. Please just open your eyes.”

    Blaire felt her eyes begin to open. She was still wrapped up tight in someone’s arms. A sudden strength came upon her, so she tried to fight whoever had taken her again. She bashed, thrashed, punched, kicked, did everything she could to get out of the embrace that she was trapped in.

    “Hey, Blaire. Shh. You’re okay. You’re safe. Ow. Please stop. I got you. You’re okay. It was just a dream. Please.”

    Blaire knew she was trapped again, and it was no use fighting anymore, just like before. Whoever was holding her was too strong.

    Suddenly, she felt the arms that were holding her in place give out, but she couldn’t bring herself to move. Blaire had given everything up, and dropped to the floor of her bedroom, crying.

    “Blaire, please. It’s me, Connor. You’re not in that place anymore. You’re safe here now.”

    Blaire felt a hand grab hers. Her heartbeat started to steady. She looked around at the room she was in. Posters were hanging on the wall. Her fish tank in the corner. Safety overcame her, she just needed to calm herself down.

    “Okay Blaire, find five things that you can see-chair, poster, bed, TV, Mirror. Okay. Four things you can touch-comforter, carpet, painting, door.” She said aloud to herself, feeling her pulse calm. “Three things you can hear-fish tank, your heartbeat, your breathing. You are here. You are alive, and you are calm.” Blaire felt her pulse return to normal, her breathing steadying. She turned around, wiping the tears off her face that had fallen during her breakdown.

    “Blaire? Are you okay?” Connor asked, still holding Blaire’s hand.

    “Connor? What are you doing here? What happened?” Blaire asked, confused.

    “Well, when I heard that you were released from the hospital, I came straight over. The nurses wouldn’t let me visit you while you were in the hospital because I ‘wasn’t family’, but I knew that you didn’t have any family that would come visit you, so I’ve been waiting around to hear that you were released. I came over straight away. I’ve been staying back home for a while. I couldn’t stand being here without you.” Connor explained.

    “But how did you end up in my house? And in my room?” Blaire asked, still confused.

    “I mean, I ended up in the house because I live here too, remember? And I came into your room because I heard the screaming.” Connor said, pleading his case. “I ran into your room to find you sleeping, yelling and thrashing around, so I grabbed you and tried to wake you up, but you started fighting me. I took a couple hits before I felt you go limp. I was nervous that I hurt you because you started crying, so I let go. You were awake but it was still like you were dreaming. I don’t know how to explain it. I was just trying to help…” Connor said.

    Blaire’s head was still spinning. She was angry at Connor for coming into her room and scaring her, but she knew he meant well.

    “I’m sorry I attacked you. Thank you for trying to help me. Are you okay?” Blaire asked Connor.

    “I’m okay. Just a few bruises. It’s what best friends do for each other. Do you want me to leave now?”

    Blaire had to get used to being on her own again, but it had only been one day since she was released from the hospital, and she wasn’t ready to be alone.

    “Actually, if you don’t mind, would you stay with me tonight? You can take the bed. I’ll sleep on the floor. I just don’t want to be alone.” Blaire said to Connor.

    “There’s no way you’re sleeping on the floor. You need all the rest you can get. You’re recovering. Plus, you’re still all beat up from your escape. You need to sleep in your own bed, and I don’t plan on leaving your side until you’re better.” Connor said.

    “Well, I guess you’re joining me on the bed then. Don’t worry, I’ll try not to go crazy again.”

    Blaire climbed into the bed and under the covers, and Connor followed.

    “I’m so glad you’re here, Connor. Thank you.” Blaire said.

    Connor smiled. “I always will be.” He said. Blaire moved a bit closer to him, and felt Connor’s arm reach around her, pulling her close. She knew she was safe again, in Connor’s arms, and she drifted off to sleep.