Thixophobia

Chapter 3

Hazel woke up in the morning, stretching her arms, detangling her messy hair... still yawning and a bit drowsy (guess she has forgotten about the dream)
And while she moves her fingers in the hair, she is suddenly hit by a glimpse of someone beside her. She looked around, but nobody was there...she quickly ran to the washroom shut the door and sat behind the door, hiding. (Hiding? But from whom?)
"Hazel! Sweetie come quickly...the breakfast is laid." Mrs. Matthews called out, while she arranged the breakfast table. Mr. Matthews was reading the newspaper and he suddenly realized that Hazel had a dance competition at college that day.

Hazel is not only fond of dancing, but she's a very fine dancer. Mr. & Mrs. Matthews love to watch their dancing doll. They keep everything aside for her stage performances. Of course, she's a pro...she has won many competitions. Today was one such big day, but is despondent Hazel participating?

Mr. Matthews ran upstairs to Hazel's room "Hazel!...Hazel!"
He looked around for her, he went near the washroom and lovingly called out "Hazel! Darling are you in there? "
Hazel fearfully stood up still. "Hazel, it's me... Dad. Are you fine?"
She looked into the mirror and looked around, everything seemed to be fine... She quickly washed her face and opened the door.

She pretended to be fine and came out wiping her face and said "Yes Dad! I am fine."
"So my princess, you have a dance competition today and you know how I love watching you dance." said Mr. Matthews excitedly.
"Yeah! I know.. " she replied with a plastic smile.
"Did you give the passes to your mom?"
"Yeah Dad, they are in the cabinet in your room, in the first drawer, on the left hand side."
"Great! What time are you leaving? Should I drop you?"
Hazel responded with rolling eyes "Dad, I will manage."
Mr. Matthews took a deep breath and said "Sweetheart! Let me drop you... Please! I...I'm done for the day...and no more work. (sighs) I know I am not able to spend much time with you. But I'm trying." (looks at Hazel with expectant eyes)
"Okay Dad, as you say. Just gimme an hour to get my stuff and get ready"
Mr. Matthews jumps in excitement "Yes my princess, see you in an hour." (winks)

Hazel sighs and goes to take a bath. While bathing, she notices some marks on her left upper arm. She rubbed it to wash it off but it was still there. She scrubbed it off, but it was still there. She quickly stepped out of the shower, wore a bathrobe and ran out shouting...
"Mom! Mom!.... "
Mrs. Matthews came out worried "What happened Hazel? Are you fine? "
"Mom, see these marks."
"Where? (Mrs. Matthews looked all over her hand) I don't see anything. "
"Right here..."
Hazel looked at her left upper arm and pointed at it. But to her surprise there were no marks. She thought she's mistaken. She looked to right upper arm in haste.
"Mom, It was right here. Believe me."
Mrs. Matthews replied in a calm voice "Relax darling must have been there n got washed away."
"But Mom...." Mrs. Matthews hushed her and led her to her room "Come on, get ready...Dad is waiting."
Puzzled Hazel again looked for the marks but there were none. She looked in the mirror and thought to herself "Maybe mom is right, must have washed off."

Do you really think the marks got washed away? Is it that it was an illusion like the glimpse she had? Hazel rubbed it, right? And she panicked because it still was there. Then where did the marks go?

Hazel got ready and joined her dad who was waiting in the car parked in the porch. Both of them left for the college.
On the way, Mr. Matthews asked Hazel "So, it's been long we had a father-daughter conversation"
Hazel replied "Yes Dad! And it's absolutely fine. I know u are occupied with work."
Mr. Matthews apologized for not being able to talk to her too often and assured her to have such conversations frequently. They continue to talk and as they reached, Mr. Matthews asked "Hazel... how do I say this...(nervous and took deep breath) Just don't get it wrong. (paused) I just wanted to know... "

Friends, your continued association shows your liking for the story. I would love to hear from you all. I will soon be coming with Chapter 4...
To know what was that glimpse Hazel saw...to solve the mystery of marks..and what did Mr. Matthews say...and what happens at the event... ?
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