The Catalyst

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

                                                                  Sony

The thunder and lightning crackled above me in echoing booms and blinding flashes. I ran down the dark hidden path, I could hear the footsteps behind me, trying to catch up. My feet pounded against the ground and my breath was heavy, tears streaks covering my face. I glanced back and ran faster. He absolutely could not catch up. That would be the end. I felt my foot catch a root and I fell to the ground. I gasped and pushed myself up.  I kept running, staggering, though, I could feel the pain shooting through my ankle. I coughed and choked on my tears and the dirt in my mouth. I found a bush and hid behind it. It was barely big enough to fit me, but I managed to curl up behind it. Maybe he won’t find me? Maybe he’ll just pass right on by and not notice . . . . maybe. I hope. I shivered against the rain. I closed my eyes tight, remembering her once warm embrace. I had taken away that warmth, I had taken everything from her. I opened my eyes and looked at the ground. A shadow fell over mine and I heard a heaving breathing behind me. I slowly looked up. My eyes met with those of the devil himself.  I attempted to scream but my voice caught in my throat. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, “I didn’t mean to do it! I’m sorry . . .”

I woke with a start, gasping for breath, sitting in my bed. I glanced around me for those terrible eyes. All I found was my room. I felt my heart slow down to a trot. Guilt and sadness filled me. It was just a dream. Yeah, a real dream that will never leave you and haunt you for the rest of your life. It is all your fault anyways. Thank you conscious! That just made me feel a ton better. I swung my legs over the bed and pushed myself up, staggering a little. Just breathe, I told myself, it was just a dream.

 I walked over to my door and peeped out, hoping Nolan wasn’t out there. Michael I was fine with . . . Nolan, well that would just be awkward considering the fact I didn’t wear pants to bed that night. He wasn’t there. I dashed down the hall and to the bathroom and closed the door behind me. I leaned against the door, letting out a huge whoosh of relief. I walked over to the mirror, inspecting how bad my hair was. Not very. My hair is butt lank and practically clear it’s so white. I brushed my hair out and tied it into a pony tail using a ribbon. I washed my face and brushed my teeth. I swished the water in my mouth then spat it out and looked at myself in the mirror, again. My eyes are bright purple, like ice I have been told. Purple ice. I chuckled at the thought. Purple ice, impossible. My eyes were framed with a think, long layer of white lashes. Natural of course, same color as my hair. I never wore makeup, I never really knew what color to wear with my eyes. They never advertised makeup that would “match my eyes” or make them “pop”.

I opened the door a crack again to see if Nolan was out. Thankfully he wasn’t, again. I ran to my room in a split second a shut the door. I flicked through my clothes, figuring out what I should wear. I decide on a light blue skirt that matched my hair ribbon and went about two inches past my fingertips, a black fitting v-neck  t-shirt, and some white three inch pumps. I inspected myself in my full lank mirror and gave it the ok. I’m honestly not a super self-conscious. I’m not always touching my hair, or finding a mirror to look in. I just like to look my best like any other  . . . decent person. I’m actually really shy. I can’t help it, it’s really not fun. I grabbed my bag and headed for the living room.

Nolan was in the kitchen making breakfast. I walked over and stood on my tippy toes to see over his shoulder.

“Oooh, eggs, yummy,” I said. He turned his head and grinned at me. I stood flat on my feet next to him, pouting,

“How come I never startle you? It’s not far!” I grumbled. He laughed,

“Well, I’m sure you will figure it out one day. How do you want your eggs?” he asked.