A Lifetime Ago

Chapter 17

It was awkward for me to even give a thought on Sarah and Jason's interaction. Something sometimes didnt seem to quite orderly fit in the puzzle. I had a urge to ask Sarah if she has any interest in Jason... not that I had any feelings towards him but it just looked like they might make a perfect couple by the way they always talked and joked around.
*****

The cold water seemed to tingle me. I harshly splashed water on my face to wake myself back to the world. I had been feeling very lonely lately, like something or someone was missing in my life. Like a huge part of me... I felt like crying out loud but I definitely didn't want to look like a lunatic in the change room and make fun of myself. Something definitely wasn't feeling right. I felt dead inside. My eyes started welling up once again.  The change room was now empty... I stared at my reflection. I looked weak and broken. The dim lighting washed over my weakened soul and a trickle of tear escaped my eyes.

"What's wrong with me,"! I said letting out a cry. Why do I feel so sad. Something is so wrong, I need to make it right before it consumes me entirely. I feel so alone and a captive of someone's menacing plan of darkness... 

"I  CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE", I screamed staring at the reflection!
I fucking CAAAAAAAAAN'TTTTTT!!!

The fluorescent light started to flicker. It flickered again. Someone was standing behind me from what I could make out from the reflection of the mirror... The door closed abruptly from some unknown force.
The lights went out in the change room, only the lighting from the hallway flowed in through the upper windows dimly...

My skin tingled as I felt the breathing over my shoulders. My heart was pounding. I was too confused and panicked to turn around. A hand slid over my waist and pulled my hand gently turning me around. Heavy breathing...  I wasn't able to make out the face but I somewhat weirdly felt safe. The figure stood tall and masculine in front of me. I felt a gentle caress on my face. I felt his breath. I closed my eyes and felt his lips on mine. Deep and passionate. I had a deja vu feeling as his lips were locked on mine. The taste of his saliva, his body scent, his hand wrapped around, his breath,  his body felt like a part of me...

I opened my eyes as I felt a trickle of water fall on my cheeks... his tears.... I can now feel the pounding of his heartbeat but he did not say a word.. he pulled me closer and hugged me tightly... he lowered his head and whispered on my ears that made me tremble ...

"I will protect you tonight. Do not trust them."

I felt a brief kiss on my lips and than I was just standing all alone in the room. The door slid open and the lights came back to life... I stared at the empty change room.

"Did i just imagine this," I said to myself. I still felt the saliva and my lips felt numb. For sure it was no dream...

I glanced at my wrist watch. It was 5pm already and Sarah's birthday celebration would be starting at 7pm. I rushed through the halls with the intense feeling of being watched at the same time. I stopped few times to look back but apart from few students talking and going pass I can't see any other soul stalking me.  The words rang in my head as I walked. "Do not trust them"... that's what he had said... who??? Did he mean Jason... or Sarah & Jason...
No. Maybe someone else. But I hardly interact with anyone else. He had said he will protect me tonight... I was definitely attending Sarah's birthday. Is it someone or something was coming in the party who will create a unnecessary tension there. Or is Sarah going to be in danger that he will come to protect us...

Sarah had already gone home around midday to spend time with her parents.
And no idea about Jason, he seemed to have disappeared in thin air..

My mind didn't seem to take a break from the numerous possibilities of what just had happened...

Nevermind, let me set my mood for my bestfriends party I told myself as I slid inside my car and sped to get ready...

Hunter greeted me, jumping excitedly as he saw me. I patted him gently and kissed his head. He just gazed at me with those human like eyes... I rushed upstairs to get out an outfit to wear at the party... Pity I have been so lost in my boomerang world of circumstances that little things seemed to slip out of my head.

I pulled out a sexy long black backless sequin dress, a long slit from the thigh. My mom had brought me this dress from her trip to Dubai and I believe it definitely needed a outing now.

"You look stunning baby girl," Mom said as she entered my room as I was doing the final touch up of my makeup...

She hugged me and kissed my forehead. "You have grown up so fast my baby", Mom said emotionally. "I love you".

"Thanks mom. C'mon am not getting married or disappearing forever so no touchy topic yet," I said with a laughter.

We were interrupted by Hunters barking. He stared at me and barked again as trying to compliment me too.

"Doesn't she just look absolutely beautiful, Hunter. Seems you agreeing too", Mom said smiling.

"I love you Mom".
"I love you too honey".

She closed the door behind as she left.

I picked up the gift from the dresser which I had wrapped for Sarah. It was something I had made to make her cherish our friendship forever. A bracelet with both our initials together with a glass globe with two girls hugging. Our statues to mark the strong friendship we share...

No matter what happens or whatever is currently happening. I will always cherish our friendship. I love you my friend... You mean a lot to me in my life and I know you will never betray my trust.....

I said emotionally with as all our years of togetherness came rushing in....