A House of Lies

~ Chapter 2 ~

I rushed down the long hallway that connected many of the rooms in my house, trying to breathe. Once reached the end, I took a deep breath in. I felt suffocated inside the house and decided I would go out for a run that day. I needed to go inside the one room of the house that scared me the most. My parents room. It was the largest by far, and it has many places for someone to hide behind. And worst of all--It's really dark. The lights are always off considering my parents almost NEVER go inside and it terrifies me. I could've sworn this house was haunted.

"Nothing too bad." I told myself, putting on a sour smile. But right before I stepped inside, I backed up. I didn't want to bother my mom with another panic attack.

"Nathan! Could you come here please?" I shouted down the stairs.

"What is it?" he responded. Probably studying, I decided.

"Could you come help me with getting mom's suitcase please?" I said.

I could hear him sigh. I knew he hated it when I did this.

"Could you please do this yourself Tam?" He asked. I could sense the strain in his voice as he struggled to sound kind.

"Um.." I mumbled. I desperately didn't want to go in there alone. But I knew it would bother him to come so..in I went!

"O..okay!" I shouted, trying to keep confidence in my voice.

Clasping my hands tightly together I walked in. Beads of sweat built up on my brow as I whirled around, facing the door, making sure it hadn't sealed itself. As I walked, I constantly looked back at it, making sure it didn't slam shut. Finally reaching the space in the corner where the bags sat, I picked up the topmost one, and set it on the ground. It was surprisingly heavy for it's looks, and I wondered what could be inside it. 

All of a sudden, I heard a noise in the middle of the room. Startled, I glanced over at it. What I saw was a large, overhanging silhouette of a creature. Drawing a shaky breath in, I backed up against the wall, practically willing it to let me through. The monster came closer and closer, when a loud voice cut through the silence.

"Tamara Sandeep, get down here! You are NOT missing another meal!" 

The familiar sound brought a small smile to my face. My mom. When I looked back to where the creation once stood, it was gone. Everything was pitch-black and dead silent. I glanced back at the door, and only then noticed the distance between me and it. Dropping to my knees, I started to emit a loud wheezing noise. Tears welled up in her eyes and I slowly sobbed. 

"Tamara!" The voice once again said. "Tamara? What's wrong?" I could sense worry in her tone. Loud footsteps clomped up the stairs as I silently freaked out in the corner. Finally, I heard a silent voice by the door. This time it was deeper, more composed, but still had that similar tinge of worry.

"Tamara?" Nathan stood at the door, scanning the room. I finally emitted a choked plea for help. He immediately looked in that direction, and his eyes widened. He ran over to me, and helped me to my feet. Gasping, I put my full body weight on him as he led me to the door. Once we finally were out, I fell to the ground, finally able to breathe again. I looked up at my brother, who glanced at me, his gaze asking me if I was okay.

"Th-th-thanks.." I smiled weakly. "C-could you possibly go in and get m-my bags?" I asked timidly.

"Sure." he responded, with a bit of a stronger smile. He entered the room, and soon came out carrying two bags in his arms. Helping me up, he led me into my room and dropped the bags on the floor. "Tell me if you need any help, okay?" he asked, clearly concerned. He gave me a tight hug and got up.

"Okay." I said, my voice audibly shaking. My brother slowly exited the room, and soon enough I was all by myself. I helped myself up, and started to pack my things in the case.