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The Morning After Sandra turned down the radio. Knowing what that meant, Chloe sighed and looked out the window of the car. She was actually looking forward to school now.
“Let’s talk about last night,” Sandra said. Chloe tightened her grip on her bag. “I’d rather not.” “We have to talk about it, Chloe. What happened last night? I thought the nightmares had stopped.” “They had stopped,” Chloe admitted, turning from the window. “Mom, I promise.” “I believe you, honey. But, maybe I had you move too quickly. You might want to go stay with your father for a while and be closer to your friends.” “And to be closer to Dr. Moorehead.” Sandra sighed. “I’m worried about you, Chlo. Besides, you got along so well with Dr. Moorehead. She might could help you with whatever is triggering the nightmares again.” “I doubt that she could help me with what you saw last night, Mom. That is what this little talk is actually about, isn’t it? You’re freaked about what you saw last night.” “I’m concerned, Chloe.” Sandra tried to keep her voice neutral and soothing, but she knew she was failing. “It’s happening again.” “I can’t help it!” “I’m not accusing you!” “Yes, you are! I know what you saw in my room last night. I saw it, too. I don’t how I did it, but I made it happen.” Sandra gripped the steering wheel tighter. The conversation had taken a nasty turn she hadn’t expected. However, they were now at the school, indicating that time was up. “Chloe, I’m just trying to understand what’s going.” The girl shook her head as she gathered her school stuff. “What do you think I’m trying to do, Mom?” The girl sighed. “Look, I’ll see you tonight.” “Chloe!” Yet, she was already getting out of the car. “Bye.” * * * * * Sitting under one of the large oaks on the school lawn, Chloe continued to dwell on the conversation with her mother. She caught snatches of the lunch conversations around her. But she didn’t give the other students much thought. “So, you’re the new kid?” a guy asked, propping himself against her tree. “I’d preferred Chloe,” she replied as she looked up, “but, yeah, I’m new here.” The boy kept studying her. “You’re Chloe Thompson?” Chloe shifted, not liking the guy’s sudden, stark interest in her. She could barley see his eyes under the unruly dark hair. Yet, she could see his smile and she didn’t like it. “Why would you like to know?” “Let’s just say I’ve got some friends that would like to meet you.” Grabbing her bag, Chloe rose to her feet. “Sorry, but I’m not interested in meeting your friends.” “Hey, everyone could use new friends,” the guy said, grabbing her wrist. “Besides, you’re a long way from Tennessee, aren’t you, Chloe?” “Who are you?” Chloe demanded. She twisted her arm but the guy’s grip still held. His smirk broadened. “Call me Lance. I think my friends are going to like you a lot.” “I told you that I don’t want to meet your friends.” “I don’t see where you can do anything about it,” Lance replied, tightening his hold further on her arm. “Come on.” Chloe tried to jerk her arm free again. Lance just laughed at her efforts. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that the other students were glancing in their direction. “Is something going on here?” a gruff voice demanded. Lance turned and was clearly surprised to see the security guard. Capitalizing on the distraction, Chloe turned and ran. Lance spun to grab her again but the girl was already running away. When he turned back around, the security guard had disappeared as well. “That little bitch,” he growled. He ran in the direction Chloe had taken off in. However, he knew that it was useless. School gave her too many places to hide. He would have to try again later. |
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