better&to be AWAKE

[paigeolaughlin]

I stepped into the lounge from the frigid outdoors, carelessly brushing the snow from my coat. A fire blazed in the hearth, the orange flames dancing merrily to their tune of warmth. I glanced around, sighting an overstuffed leather chair next to a sofa. Both were empty. On the other side of the room, three girls sat around a table chatting and giggling. I rolled my eyes, already annoyed. I looked back at the sofa, which seemed to invite me closer. It looked comfortable, and I was exhausted. I plopped myself down on the couch, nestling into a corner. I kicked off my boots and pulled my legs in towards me. I layed my head back and shut my eyes. The world dissolved into blackness, and I slept.

The house was warm; much more comfortable than the storm that raged outside. I was curled up by the fire in a huge, leather chair my father loved. My head was against the sturdy side of the chair, my cheek touching the smooth, red leather. A book lay open across my lap, but my eyes were no longer on the page. I had been planning on getting up, to get ready for my date with Jonathan. We were both home from vacation, and hadn't seen each other for a while. My boyfriend had called and offered to pick me up to go out to dinner, and I had agreed in a heartbeat. It had been the only thing I had thought about all day. But it was so warm right now, and I had a few more minutes before I had to get ready... My eyes were slowly fluttering shut, and I fell into a warmth induced slumber.

It seemed to have been just a moment when a shrill ringing filled the house. I sprang from the chair, startled from my sleep. The ringing continued, and I stretched quickly and then sleepily made my way to the kitchen. I glanced at the clock, and then jumped for the phone, hoping Jonathan was calling, but wasn't disappointed. I couldn't believe I had fallen asleep when I was supposed to go out with him! I pulled the alarmingly loud phone from the hook.

Hello? I answered anxiously.
Paige? A woman sobbed my name into the receiver, her voice cracking.
Yeah, that's--who is this?! My voice rose in alarm.
It's Claire, Paige, I can't-- you have to-- She broke down, her words almost indistinguishable.
Claire, you need to tell me what is going on. My voice was calm, but it only barely masked the fear I felt inside. Claire was Jonathan's mom, and clearly she was upset about something. Was Jonathan terribly angry with me for breaking our date? Had he upset Claire as well?
He was going to your house. She sniffed. The car --- slipped. On the ice. She sobbed again. My breath caught in my throat. The room began to spin, and I braced herself against the wall.
He couldn't control it and he spun off the road a truck hit him --- Claire's words came in a flurry, and then her voice fell to a whisper. He's dead, Paige.
No. The phone fell from my hand, and falling to the hardwood. The back came off, and batteries scattered across the room. I slipped against the wall, sliding onto the ground. I wrapped my arms around my legs, hugging them tight to my chest, and screamed. I kept screaming until my voice was just above a whisper, and then my eyes shut. I would wake up. It wasn't real. It couldn't be.

My eyes snapped open. My breath was caught, and I took in a single, shuddering breath. The dream had haunted me since he had died. It woke me every night, and often I was screaming. I was grateful that I had managed to keep my mouth shut this time. The last thing I needed was to be called a freak. The girl who woke up screaming. I took another deep breath, and curled up tighter in the corner of the couch.


words: 670

[Rachel Corrigan]

I had nothing better to do at the moment so I decided to take a look at the student lounge. When I finally found my way there, after gettin lost a time or two, or five, I made my way to the large door with a STUDENT LOUNGE plaque on it. Carefully, I twisted the shiny bronze doorknob and pushed the door open enough to get in quickly.

The second I stepped in though, I thought I heard someone panting. I don't want to know. I don't want to know. My brain was moving in only one direction, out the door again. On the other hand, there was a squeezing concern in my chest, screaming to get out and go find out what bad thing happened.

As I walked further into the room, I thought I saw a figure curled on the couch. I took in the plush furniture, small kitchen, fireplace, and entertainment center. Getting even closer, I realized that she was the one panting. Like she had a bad dream or something. Wow those memories popped up, fresh popcorn ready to make a skull sxplode with pressure, Hey, are you okay? You need some water or somethin? You look like you woke up to a horrible reality or just from a nightmare. What the heck!? Since when am I Miss Mother Hen? Oh well, better be nice anyways... I looked over the girl and went to at least get me a soda. I figured that if she wanted something too, she can ask.

ooc: sorry this is very short... =/