In Your Dreams

Chapter 2

Artemis POV

My body is heavy but I slowly feel consciousness slipping back in. I keep my eyes closed for a minute longer because Im so comfortable in the bed. The sheets feel softer than I remember and it's as if I'm in paradise. But when my eyes open the emotion instantly dissipates and turns into fear.

Where am I? Whose room is this? I whip my head around examining the bedroom. This was not my dorm.

Oh my god where am I?

This room was larger and fully furnished. I was in a house. Whose house I could not tell. I toss the sheets off myself and place my feet on the white carpeted floor. I needed to figure out where I was and how I got here.

In front of me there were tall white drapes that matched the cool gray walls, covering a long window. The only light in the room came from a gap where they met. Walking over I pulled the drapes apart and saw a lush forest ahead of me that went on seemingly forever. Dawn brought morning light that diffused over the clouds above softly. It seemed as if the house was randomly placed in the middle of the woods. This keeps getting more confusing I think to myself.

Glancing around, I saw two closed doors in the room. I went up to the one that faces the bed and slowly opened the door, revealing a spacious bathroom. It contained a marble countertop with dual sinks, a toilet, and a roomy walk in shower.

Past the shower there was a huge, empty walk in closet. Does nobody live here? I stepped out of the bathroom and advanced toward the other door. I stop in front of the door and breathe in and out once slowly.

I can do this. You can figure this out. I confide to myself before turning the doorknob and pushing the door open.

In front of me was an open space, past that a balcony that went over a living room. To my left there was a short hallway that had three doors. I walked past the balcony and down a staircase that led into a foyer. Off to the right there was a dark wood double door.

I rush to the doors and pull them open. More woods. Beyond the porch there were no roads or sidewalks or houses. It was just the house by itself in the middle of a forest. Was I even in California anymore? My phone was nowhere to be seen so I had no way to check my location.

I closed the doors, defeated. There was no place to go, It didnt seem smart to blindly run into the woods with no idea what was out there. Was I kidnapped? I haven't checked the whole house yet. What if there was somebody else here? How was I even brought here if that were the case. All I could remember was getting to the dorm last night. Nothing added up. My head hurt as all the possibilities consumed me.

No, I need to calm down. Focus. I need to focus. I can figure this out. Its going to be okay.

With my new found confidence, I inspect the foyer. Next to me sat a decorative table with a tall, empty glass vase atop it. I grabbed it for protection, just in case. I cautiously walk down the hallway, looking in every room as I go. The first room in the hall was a study to my right. Nobody there. After, a dining room also to my right, Empty. Next theres a living room to my left. All clear.

I come up to the next opening on my right. Advancing forward I turn my head to look in the doorway. Immediately I step back behind the wall and grip the vase harder. There was a man. He was facing the other way but he was there at the kitchen sink, looking out the window. I drew in a quiet breath before jumping in front of the doorway and yelling,

Who are you?! Why am I here? The guy flinches hard and turns around to face me. His forest green eyes make contact with mine and I notice now that he looks younger than I thought. Maybe my age even. His hair was dark brown and fluffy. His expression was one of anxiety and alarm.

I- what do you mean? Who are you?! He retorded. The question took me by surprise. What was he talking about?

Okay, I don't know who you are or how I got here but I need answers. What is going on? Where the hell are we? I demanded. The guy looked offended, as if he didn't understand the question. I raise the vase in my hands threateningly.

I am not afraid to hurt you, answer the questions.

He looks up at the vase concerned, then breathes out uneasily. Listen, I dont know whats going on. Last thing I remembered was going to sleep in my bed. Next thing I know I wake up in this house next to- he looks down at the floor, breaking eye contact, I don't even know. Im just as confused as you are. He rubs the back of his neck and clenches his jaw, outlining his sharp jawline. Stress was apparent in his facial expression.

It sounded like he was telling the truth, but if that were the case, how did we get here?

Who are You? I ask, lowering the vase slightly.

My name is Jaxson. he answers calmly.

I hesitated so he looked at me and asked And you?

Artemis. I replied collectedly. He thinks for a moment and then says.

Dyou know Artemis is the greek goddess of the moon and hunt, and is sometimes referred to as Luna?

His fun fact throws off my train of thought. Uh, thats nice, but this is really not the time for casual conversation. Was he always this composed in stressful situations?!

Um, yeah, youre right. Whats the last thing you remember? He inquired.

Same as you. I fell asleep in my bed and woke up here.

There was a moment of silence that could only be described as extremely awkward.

Ive looked around most of the downstairs and I believe nobody else is here. But I saw a few doors on the second floor so maybe we should check the upstairs rooms?

I nod, Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.

He walked past me and said follow me. in a hushed voice. I followed him out of the kitchen and into the hallway, but as we walked towards the stairs he halted and began to lean back. He fell onto me and I pushed him off immediately.

I angrily whisper-yelled, You need to be serious, why are you trying to trust fall right now?

I give him a little kick with my foot. Jaxson, get up, come on, we need to check upstairs.

When I realize he's not joking and has actually passed out I quickly try to shake him awake.

Jaxson?! what is happening? I checked his pulse and was relieved to feel his heartbeat.

Im about to get up when I hear a loud knocking coming from the front door ahead of us.

Who could that be-

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