L I S A

Another Nightmare. The same feeling rushed through me, flowing along with the blood in my veins last night.

I forgot the numbers―at first I'd count the days I saw the same dream on rewind but then it all started happening so frequently to the point I stopped bothering.

Every night I'd wake up screaming from the incident.

After perceiving it so many times, I now vividly remember each and every single detail even after my stupor was broken.

I felt numbness brushing over my features as I awaited him, my death. He'd leisurely walk towards me and take entire control over my body before I could rebuke. He'd then slowly . . .

I didn't know. I never got to see more than that. Never in my dreams I made that far and would just faint, waking up into a darker reality, realizing everything I'd owned once had slipped away like some old memory.

But that wasn't the end.

As I'd wake up from the horrendous experience, I'd feel a peculiar presence around me like someone was lurking in the shadows of my room.

I'd peek into the corners holding the quilt up to my neck as if it could protect me from the inevitable peril.

But then after some default trials I'd go to sleep feeling discontented.

However, last night was different.

Before my dream broke, I saw a hand on the other side of the car. I could see his rough surface on the mirror that was still veiled by the mist and smog released by the engine.

He held out his hand to help me and just when I was about to take it I was brusquely hurled outside, fainting once again.

As I woke up I felt something unlike, disturbing even. My room was filled with the scent of recently wet soil still lingering in the air I breathed.

But I wasn't out and even aware of the heavy storm outside―thinking it was Jenna I slapped my pillow and put myself to sleep.

The sun was bright today, hanging up in the clear sky like a dream-catcher along with the white clouds, promising a good day and moreover, probably making up for the cold that went through the town last night.

I still wasn't sure about what I saw.

The dream, the stranger helping me and the scent―well that one must be Jenna. But after all these years, why now?

I didn't feel the same shadow last night that I'd been sensing since I was a kid. Last night, the sensation was more of a presence of some physical element instead of an invisible phantom.

Anyway, I wanted it to be different. Today wouldn't be anything relating to chaos.

I needed a break from the craziness inside my brain, both consciously and subconsciously.

I couldn't recall the last time I went to bed in peace.

Jenna as always was already up and had stuffed the kitchen with her amazing cooking skills.

The aroma filled my nostrils as soon as I neared the table. She must've heard my steps for she turned back in a spin.

"You're awake!" She greeted as I went nearer to wrap my arms around her from the back.

I always loved that and also the fact that she wouldn't resist me no matter how firmly I squeezed her.

It was a part of my morning routine and in my act I'd also get a sneak peek of the scrumptious breakfast.

"Hey Lisa, would you clean up the yard before breakfast? The storm did a number on my tiny plants." She said churning the pasta on the pan.

"Sure." I agreed with a smile.

Liberating her from my grip I made my way to the front door and the patio.

The storm really took a toll on the bushes and even the firmest tree in the neighborhood! It must've been really bad and the evidence was right in front of me as broken pots and wet soil spilled on the paved floor.

It'd be tiring but the aroma of delicious reward was soon to boost my will and determined mind.

After mopping the entire floor with a broom I got rid of the broken pots.

After that I went to the side where Jenna's little garden of multihued flowers stood in all its glory―but even the poor lives couldn't stand the awfully hard strikes of thunder. Either they're torn away from the mud or curved south in their vessels.

I felt bad because Jenna would be upset to see all of this. I did my best to straighten the curved plants and for the torn ones, they'd just have to be replaced with new buds.

I was satisfied to see that her vegetables were unharmed and untouched by the atrocity of the storm. Thanks to the so much protection of the plastic nets that covered her personal farm.

I thought I could hold it but sadly my hunger got the best of me and just as I was about to leave, I saw a man standing in front of the entrance on the yard.

I was perplexed because of the lack of notification about an incoming visitor. Maybe he was just lost.

Before I could take a step toward him, he turned back.

My breath caught at my throat and my heart skipped a beat, unable to fantasize the next moment, awestruck by this awfully terrific stranger dressed in a black oxford shirt that flawlessly framed his torso with broad shoulders.

He had sharp and shaven, inclined jaw framing his murderous facade. His brilliant pale complexion almost concealed his small light brown eyes that glistened with innocence.

He seemed somewhat like twenty years old to me with six feet and three inches. The silky golden brown strands on his temples slowly glinted with the sunlight, changing their shades from time to time.

Soon his incredible aroma of sandalwood and damp earth was brought to my face by the same wind in which his long and loose strands were waving.

I was left there to gape at the loss of my words and the spell this guy had just put on me.

"Who are you?" I managed to say under my shaky breaths.

I'd be surprised if he heard me.

His brows twitched and eyes narrowed. Frustration slowly took over his soothed features as if he was racking his brains into calculating the most perilous sum.

He seemed troubled and annoyance became evident in his eyes. Was that because of my question?

He didn't reply at all and just stood there glaring at me and shot what looked like a disgusted glared towards my direction.

I abruptly gave in and pouted like a seven year old kid. This guy knew no manner and was starting to get on my nerves.

"Hello there!" I said with much gravity grasping his attention but he seemed perplexed and looked behind him, "Yes you." I growled.

"Your name?" I shook my head as he just continued to stare at me like I somehow hurt his pride with my tone, figuring something out in the meantime.

"Edward." He stated boldly.

"State your business." I demanded probably taking him by surprise by the audacity and authority in my tone.

"He's a friend of mine." I followed the source of the sound and suddenly Jenna stood at the threshold of our house.

I glanced between her and this new guy in disbelief.

I had this intuition me telling me something was off. The way his sharp predatory features framed his debonair face and the aura around him constantly caught me off guard. He was just beautiful―to an inhuman level.

Eventually I gave in when Jenna dragged me inside by my wrist and threw me on the table, just to sit nose to nose with my charming doubts.

Meanwhile, his eyes never left mine, studying me from head to toes and with each moment I felt myself cowering under his gaze.

"So how long have you known each other?" I asked out of the blue to cover the growing tension that was kicking at my gut.

"Three years. Why'd you ask?" Jenna exchanged a glimpse with him before turning to me.

His stare was surprisingly dreadfully unwavering.

"Just curious." I replied trying to concentrate on the appetizing spaghetti instead of his cruel stare that was piercing into my soul.

"Nice food Jenna, as always." I hoped I didn't sound desperate but it was rather too late to cover it with some dim-witted excuse.

His sight quickly captured his plate as a smile danced between his fawn pink lips.

And just like that a ridiculous thought of how soft they would feel like invaded my mind.

I caught myself staring and swiftly looked away, embarrassed. I didn't think like that! No, I wasn't that girl!

I coughed awkwardly and stuffed my mouth with the whole dish. Despite how awful it must've looked, my hunger was appeased.

Before the moment could get any weird by my presence I quickly scampered towards the staircase, muttering a 'thank you' to the chef.

I was oblivious of the fact why I acted the way I did but surely enough it had something to do with this very disconcerting foreigner.

I hadn't even reached the first step when I was embraced by another one of my nightmares.

"Edward will be staying with us for some time." Jenna dismissed, discontentment clear in her tone.

I felt my eyes rolling at the scene as I gave in to her decision.

Upstairs I unbolted the door of my room and aggravated rushed to the bathroom on the right of my bedside.

I went inside the shower and slipped out of my dress. Then I dawdled towards the bathtub that I'd prepared before the breakfast.

My bathroom wasn't well-appointed but it was a peaceful escape from the rest of the world. I'd spend hours under the shower if I felt like crying.

The floor was paved with wooden tiles and the walls held a few flower embroidery designs on the different shades of blue.

The tub was small and seated at the end of the room surrounded by white draperies. It was a horrific combination―not the color though.

During nights I could feel someone prying inside my room and it made me timid, so I stopped taking night showers―unless I was too restless and even then I'd make sure to bolt the door.

No! Door! I didn't fasten the lock.

It was already too late as I laid into the warm water with my toes curling with the easing sensation.

I closed my eyes relaxing my body and mind, letting go of the stress and thrust my head behind. I expected such relief coming from my body but what I didn't predict to let myself ease into a catnap.

All the while my thoughts kept drifting towards our new house-mate, his light brown eyes that were baring my soul in front of him; I'd want to feel cowering under his gaze once again.

A smile curved my lips until it reached my eyes as I waited for the darkness to steadily cuddle me.