Book 1: Beyond Me and You

Nightmares

The only light comes from the small gap between the door and the floor under it. The walls are think but I can faintly hear the yelling from the fight. My mind wanders to Nathan and how he's doing. I knew that my chances of being able to fight anyone off was basically zero, but I couldn't dare to just sit there calmly as I watched Nathan literally fight for us.

Losing wasn't an option for him but the odds were against us. I knew for a fact Zane was doing everything in his power to make sure Nathan lost. But I know Nathan and I know he wasn't going to let that stop him.

The sound of footsteps approaching the door made me nervous again. I crawled to the farthest corner of the room, where not even the light reached me. But the door never opened, instead I could see the feet of someone as they walked back and forth in front of the door.

I don't know how much time went by but it felt like an eternity in this empty and dark room. There was no window so I couldn't tell whether it was even the same day. My stomach growls reminding me that I haven't had a proper meal in over 24 hours. My mind wanders to Ailee and whether she's okay right now. Then I think about Nathan and whether or not he's okay.

Before I know it my hunger causes me to drift off to sleep. My dreams turn into nightmares as I see Nathan getting punched over and over again. Him screaming in pain as I'm forced to watch is so vivid I can't take it anymore. If this is what it's like when I try to sleep, I would rather never sleep for the rest of my life.

"Nooo!!!" I wake up yelling. My heart is racing feeling like its going to fall out of my chest. My eyes are open but I still can't see anything except for the small light coming from under the door.

I hug my knees and I remain on the floor. Tears make their way down my cheeks as I let them flow freely. There's no point in trying to hold them back if no one can see me.

"I can't do this anymore" I cry out. I make my way towards the door and begin to slam my hand against it as hard as I can. "Please!" I scream as I continue to hit the door. "Let me out!"

I drift off to sleep again but this time I couldn't find the strength to move away from the door.

And just like that my nightmare came back. Nathan being punched replays in my head again.

"No!" I yell opening my eyes once again.

"Shh it's okay...it's okay. I'm here now" Nathan says as he sits next to me on the floor and pulls my body closer to his, into a hug. I hug him back with the little strength I have left as he caresses my hair. "You're safe now."

But in an instant his body disappears from my hold.

"Nathan!" I yell as I open my eyes. It was all a dream.

I rub my face with my hands hoping it would wake me up because I don't want to fall asleep again. Each one feels worse than the last whether they make me feel hopeless or fill me with false hope.

"I said move!" I hear someone yell from the hallway outside the door.

"I can't do that." Someone else says. I imagine it's the guy who's been standing outside my door who said that.

The sound of the guy landing on the floor fills my ears. Whoever is on the other side of the door is pissed and I'd hate to be next.

As I hear the door knob twist I quickly crawl to the farthest corner from the door. As the door opens, light begins to fill room. I hold my hand in front of my face, slightly blocking the light so it doesn't blind me all at once.

Slowly, as my vision adapts I see someone standing at the doorway. He doesn't move as he stares at me but the light from behind him makes it difficult to see his face. The figure slowly walks up to me and kneels in front of me so that we're at the same eye level. A hand reaches out and holds my face. It's a soft and gentle touch, one I'm all too familiar with.