Chapter 55
Tessy’s POV
Why would a girl decide to draw a scorpion on her waist? Well, she is a bit weird but it’s none of my business, I am exhausted, and I need some rest.
“Good night Sophia, I am exhausted already, thanks for the drink and stories too.”
“You are welcome, my good neighbor, good night.” She hugged me and we both walked to our various apartments.
I locked my door and collapsed onto the couch, exhaustion consuming me. Sleep claimed me instantly.
In my dream, I found myself running through a dense forest, branches snapping beneath my feet. Panic fueled my sprint.
“You need to die!” voices shouted, echoing through the trees.
Figures emerged from the shadows Viper and Dragon mask on their faces. Their eyes burned with an unnerving intensity.
Oh no, what do I do now?
I tried screaming for help, but my voice was muffled, trapped in my throat.
Viper’s iron fist clenched, ready to strike.
Dragon’s gaze pierced me, his eyes blazing like embers.
I turned to flee, but roots tangled around my ankles, holding me captive.
The underworld duo closed in.
Suddenly, a faint humming noise grew louder.
A motorcycle burst into the clearing, screeching to a halt between Viper, Dragon, and me.
A figure leaped off the bike, wielding a pair of gleaming knives.
“Run!” they shouted.
I broke free from the roots and sprinted toward the mysterious rescuer, I screamed while running.
I woke up screaming, my heart racing like it was going to burst out of my chest. The darkness felt oppressive, suffocating. I couldn’t shake off the vivid images of Viper and Dragon chasing me through the forest.
4:00 AM glowed on my alarm clock, illuminating the room with an eerie light. I threw off the covers and stumbled out of the couch, desperate for water. My legs felt like jelly, and my mind was still reeling from the nightmare.
As I shuffled to the kitchen, the silence of my apartment seemed deafening. The only sound was my ragged breathing, echoing off the walls. I flicked on the light, squinting against the sudden brightness.
My hand trembled as I reached for a glass from the cabinet. I filled it with water and took a long sip, feeling the cool liquid soothe my parched throat. But my mind remained turbulent, reliving the terror of the dream.
I kept telling myself it was just a dream. But the fear lingered like a shadow waiting to pounce. It keeps coming once in a while, can’t I stop dreaming of these masks? Is it because I once experienced it while I was in danger? Lord save me.
I stood there, frozen, as the clock ticked away. 4:05 AM. 4:06 AM. The darkness outside seemed to press in, making me feel trapped.
Suddenly, I needed to come up with a way I could be normal again. Then I suddenly thought of Anthony. If he was here, he could have taken me out to spoil me and relieve me from this trap.
I took a deep breath and headed back to bed, but my mind was already racing ahead, I couldn’t sleep, I was like that till it was bright.
My phone rang, and the vibration nearly gave me a heart attack. I hesitated, then picked up when I saw dad’s name on the screen.
“Hey, sweetie. How are you this morning?” His voice was warm, concerned.
“I’m fine, Dad. Just woke up.” I tried to sound cheerful even if I was lying, I didn’t sleep well because of the nightmares.
“Did you sleep well? Any nightmares?” His tone turned serious.
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. “I’m fine, Dad. Just a little tired.” I didn’t want to bother him, he has mom issues to deal with because she is really not settling with him anymore and the cause, I still have no clue.
“Okay, baby. I was worried. You’ve been having those nightmares again, haven’t you?”
“Dad, really, I’m fine. Just don’t worry about me, okay.”
“You are my only daughter, I have to worry, I would love to watch you every day. Too bad you had to return to your apartment because of school, but I’ve already booked a therapy session for you. Just in case.”
“Dad, no. I don’t need therapy. I’m fine.”
“Tessy, listen-”
“Dad, I have to go now.” I cut him off, feeling a mix of guilt and frustration.
“Alright, alright. But promise me you’ll take care of yourself.”
“I will, Dad. Love you.”
“Love you too, sweetie.”
I ended the call and murmured to myself, “I don’t need therapy. It’s just a nightmare.”
But the memory of Viper and Dragon’s menacing faces lingered.
I shook off the lingering unease from the nightmare and began getting ready for school. The warm bath and soothing soap helped calm my nerves. I dressed in comfortable jeans and a faded t-shirt, twisting my hair into a messy bun.
In the kitchen, I scrambled some eggs and toasted whole wheat bread. The aroma filled the apartment, momentarily distracting me from the haunting dream.
As I ate, my mind drifted to Anthony. I missed him. Is he not really returning to New York? I know Eddy is lying, he will come because I am here, he told me himself he will be back soon. His bright smile, infectious laughter, and gentle touch. I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the day ahead.
At school, the familiar hallways and chatter enveloped me. Elizabeth hugged me from behind, wrapping me in a tight hug.
“Finally, we’re here! Let’s check where we’re posted for our IT.”
As we walked to the bulletin board, I spotted Jackson across the room. He waved at me with a warm smile.
Elizabeth followed my gaze and raised an eyebrow. “Seems you need some privacy. I’ll wait for you, go to him.”
She whispered, “Despite transferring, he came back because he wanted to see you. You have three men dying to have you,”
I blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and curiosity. What did Elizabeth mean by three men?
“Who’s the third?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Elizabeth’s grin was mischievous. “Your sugar daddy one, Eddy makes it number two, then we have Jackson. Now go, talk to Jackson.”
“You are silly, I have just one lover and it’s Anthony.”
“I know you will say that, I will be waiting!” She left.
I took a deep breath and walked directly to meet Jackson, “Hi!” I said with a brief smile but he hugged me, I never expected that from him but it’s just a hug and nothing more.
“I’m glad you are safe.” He said to me and I unlocked from the hug.
“Thank you, I heard you transferred, how is your new school?”
“Well great but found no one as pretty as you.” He added, making me blush.
“Oh please.”
“I will get going now, I feel better now.” He replied with a smile but I was wondering about his visit, like he just came and now he intends to start leaving already? Why did he come in the first place?
“Leaving already? I thought you just came?”
“I came because I wanted to see your pretty face and also to be sure you are well. I heard the news, I was worried but I am glad it’s all over now, please stay safe for me okay? I will take my leave now.” He kissed my cheek before leaving and it felt completely weird.
What was that for? Can someone explain the whole thing to me? I didn’t know what to do next, I finally let out a smile and decided to join Elizabeth who broke the news to me saying, “We got transferred to the Hailey Hospital, both of us!!” She screamed in excitement and I also joined saying, “Yes!!!! This is good news, I can’t believe this.”
“It’s a call for celebration.”
I felt fulfilled knowing we were going to the best of the best hospitals in town, finally!! I decided to call Mom and share the news with her. She was happy for me. I felt bad when I found out from her that she had already left town, like so soon. I think Dad will be in a devastated state right now, I need to check on him ASAP.
I didn’t go out with Elizabeth to celebrate because I wanted to be sure my dad was not in a sober mood.
I took a taxi to his home and searched his room, he wasn’t there, where was Dad? I decided to check the swimming pool area and I found him there in the water drinking.
He finally came out of the water, he was shirtless but his shorts were on but something else caught my attention in the process, the tattoo on his body. I had no idea my dad had tattoos, I suddenly remembered the tattoos on Anthony’s body, they are similar in a way, what is going on here? Could this be related to the tale??
TBC..