10:00

Holding Skye in my arms, I can feel her shaking like a scared little dog.

"Skye you're shaking," I whisper.

She doesn't answer; she just burrows her head into my shoulder. I rub her dark brown hair out of her face. "This was my day."

"What?" I ask. She repeats herself.

"It's my birthday, Barry. My day. It was supposed to be perfect. Instead my friends may be dead."

I sigh. Despite my fear and shock, I feel the need too help Skye more than help myself. "Remember last Christmas Eve when my parents kicked me out because they said I wasn't aloud to celebrate the holiday?"

Skye nods slowly. "I'm not in the mood for a motivational story."

"Well, I came to your house and knocked on your door. Your mom answered and at first I was a little scared that she wouldn't let me in, but then she did. And you were wearing your red flannel pajamas and no makeup."

Skye chuckles a bit and whispers. "Yeah, I remember. I didn't want you to see me without a complete face of foundation."

"We sat by the fire, watched Christmas movies, and drank hot chocolate."

"Is this going anywhere?"

I grin. "Well you aren't shaking anymore are you."

She smiles. "Thank you, Barry."

The sound of a familiar scream fills the air. Autumn.