"You should wait for Helen," my mom said to me.
"I'm in a hurry mom, she can go to school by herself, she is not a child" I replied quickly, already halfway out the door. "Goodbye, Dad!"
The door shut behind me.
"She behaves just like you,"My mom muttered to my Dad with a playful smile written on her face.
My dad laughed softly.
And honestly… she wasn't wrong. Dad was just as grumpy as I am. I guess I inherited it from him.
On my way to school, I heard someone calling out my name.
"Clover!"
I turned immediately to see Jane, my paddy and only friend, waving wildly from across the street.
"Wait for me she screamed!"
She ran toward me, slightly out of breath, and we hugged like we hadn't seen each other in years.
As we walks to school, she excitedly filled me in on her weekend. She had gone out with her boyfriend John, how they went for movie show, the late-night ice cream, and long walks. Her eyes sparkled as she talked, and I found myself smiling along with her.
I am twenty-two years old.
No boyfriend.
No romantic story.
I haven't even hold a guys hand yet.
Just… me.
My life was a mess. Or maybe the real problem was actually me, starting with my weird name. I mean what kind of guy would want to date a girl like me? Especially one named Clover.
My heart cried bitterly but I still manage to give out a sweet smile.
Jane suddenly stopped talking and looked at me expectantly.
I stared back at her not understanding why she was looking at me.
"What about you? How was your weekend?"
My stomach tightened.
How could I tell her that nothing special had happened to me after she have already filled my in on her experience.
How could I tell her that all I had was a terrifying nightmare about a monster stealing someone's life force, and waking up this morning to see a mysterious red mark on my neck?
She would definitely label me a psycho, adding that to the long list of side names people already calls me.
"I was sick," I lied smoothly. "Didn't really go out."
Her face softened instantly. "Oh no, sorry."
I nodded, relieved that she bought the lie.
We entered class together as Jane is not only my friend but my course mate. And shortly after, just like every other day, I spent most of it fighting sleep… and eventually losing.
By the time lectures ended, I was drained.
"I'm home!" I announced as I stepped inside, already heading upstairs.
"What about Helen? Mom asked from the kitchen".
"How would I know I replied ".
"You should be more nice to your sister" she said.
"Yes mom" I replied.
"Change and prepare for dinner," she said.
"Okay," I answered lazily, shutting my bedroom door behind me.
I threw myself onto the bed, exhaustion swallowing me whole.
And then I drifted off.
Darkness.
I saw her running.
The same woman from my dream, the one with red hair that looks just like me,was sprinting toward an endless abyss. Her hair once fiery, now looked dull and withered as if life itself was draining from it.
Behind her was dozens of weird ugly creatures.
Their growls echoed through the darkness as they chased her, claws scraping against unseen ground.
She stumbles as she ran.
They were close, too close.
Just as they lunged to devour her, i woke up with a violent gasp.
My heart pounding wildly against my ribs, faster than normal, almost painful. I clutched my chest, trying to steady my breathing.
Why do I keep dreaming about her? I wondered.
And the painful question is why does the dream feels real?
That was the terrifying part.
It didn't feel like imagination.
It felt like a part of me.
The uneasiness in my stomach grew, i rushed into the bathroom and turned on the cold shower, letting the icy water pour over me. My body trembled.
"Why do I keep seeing her?" I whispered to myself totally confused.
After the cold bath, I changed into my nightdress, hair messy and headed downstairs for dinner.
Everyone was already seated, waiting.
I sat quietly and began eating without saying much.
"Helen's boyfriend is so sweet," Mom said cheerfully. "He dropped her off at home today."
She brushed a strand of Helen's hair away lovingly.
"What's so special about having a boyfriend?" I asked casually, though jealousy burned in my chest. "Apart from keeping you awake at night and wasting your time, I don't see the big deal."
Mom chuckled. "That's the fun, honey. Midnight calls… butterflies… all of it."
"Oh, Mom, no need to explain to her," Helen said sweetly. "She probably hasn't had a boyfriend before, so she wouldn't understand."
Her innocent smile made it worse.
"I guess," Mom sighed. "Sometimes I wonder if she'll ever get married if she continues like this."
That one hit.
I scoffed loudly and pushed my chair back, standing abruptly.
"I chose to be single!" I snapped. "I rejected all of them!"
The lie tasted bitter.
I stormed upstairs without looking back.
"You're wrong this time," Dad said quietly to Mom before following after me.