Wicked

Chapter Twelve

I knew I was running because my feet ached and I could hear the skin hitting the forest floor, echoing in my ears. They hurt, but I couldn't stop them.

Why?

Fear.

There was someone chasing me. As if just remembering this, I turned my head trying to see what it was I was running from. My brain felt foggy as if none of this was real. Then again, lately I couldn't tell the difference.

Behind me, there was a dark figure, but I couldn't make out their face. I looked forward again, almost smacking into an Oak tree that was a couple feet wide. My fingers splayed in front of me, brushing against the vein-like trunk.

"Ah!" I yelped, trying to move quickly around the tree. The figure was closing in.

My heart beat and beat and beat...

I ran into a clearing of wheat-colored grass that was waist high. I thought about hiding, but he was too close. It was definitely a guy, I knew this as his arms reached out for me. I kept screaming over and over and over...

As his fingers brushed up against my back, there was a zap of electricity that shot me forward. I fell to my knees, fingernails full of dirty, mind full of panic. I needed to keep moving, yet my body stopped listening to me. I couldn't control it anymore.

He grabbed me, yanking my upright from my waist. I wanted to fight against him, but I couldn't feel my body anymore. I could see what was going on, but I couldn't move. An icy sensation worked its way from my toes all the way to my head -- it pulsated through me like a new heartbeat.

The guy stood me upright, facing me now. His face was still hard to make out, but then the clouds cleared and the full moon gave me the light I needed to see the persons face.

Just as the pieces in my brain started to form a name the person craned my neck and bit into my soft flesh. Not only did I feel the bite, but I also heard the crunch my skin made as it gave way to the sharp instrument the person must have been using. There was no way persons own teeth could use such force. I gasped, unsure if I was in pain or Ecstasy.

My toes curled and my fist clenched. It was both horrible and most pleasant.

Then it all stopped, the guy let go.

His face was covered in blood.

Then I woke up.

Sweat dripped from my face and the back of my neck. I tried to wipe it away, throwing the covers off me. I headed to the bathroom to splash my face with water. It had been a long time since I had a nightmare, but I had never dreamt something so real feeling. Even now, I felt the guys hands on my body. His touch was like a bruise.

After washing my face, I attempted to go back to sleep. Except, I kept smelling chocolate. I never thought chocolate would annoy me so much, but it did. The sweet, tangy smell of chocolate kept nudging me. Finally, I gave up and decided to get ready for the day. It was six o'clock, which wasn't too early I guess.

I went downstairs in my pj's, wondering if anyone else was awake. I didn't think Dara was -- she usually slept until noon. Gran might be awake though. My feet creaked against the wooden stairs, causing me to remember my dream. I shivered.

My feet led me to an empty kitchen. I sighed, maybe I should go back upstairs and try to sleep again. Then, I remembered the electric shock when the guy touched me, shivering I decided to stay awake. I filled the teapot and put it on the oven, to heat up the water. I would make some tea. I thought about Gran's Lavender and Chamomile but decided against it. Even if I could fall asleep, I didn't want to take a chance of waking up in the middle of the nightmare.