Gem of Hearts

My body slams onto the water's surface. A loud splash echoes across the wide ocean. The water engulfs my body and slowly pulls me down. I struggle for the surface, for air. I kick with my feet, striving. My head emerged from the water and I took in huge breathes of air. I looked around me.

Nothing but water in sight. I have no choice but to swim in any direction until I find a boat, or land. For what seems like hours I paddle my way through the sea. My body starts to shut down from exhaustion and a lack of water. My legs and arms begin to cramp. I slowly sink, unable to carry on. I slip below the water taking one last breathe with me.

An endless body of blue surrounds, becoming darker as the deepness of the ocean increases. Bubbles slip from my nose and my lungs scream for air. In the distance a small figure appears. It swims slowly towards me. A fish, a turtle, or maybe a shark that sees me as dinner. I have no strength to fight. I let it come near, colors and shapes becoming more distinct. As i began to die from no oxygen, the figure swims up to me. I make out the face of a beautiful woman then my eyes close and my body is numb.

I sit up in bed, gasping for air. Sweat drenching my body. These dreams were becoming more and more real lately. In every one, I drown in the same place, at the same time, and just before I see who the woman really is. I look at my alarm clock; seeing it's only five in the morning. I push the blankets off me and tiptoe down the stairs for some water.

At night, my house is pitch black. Dark curtains keep any light from shining through into our house. I run my hand along the wall, tracing where I am. I've been doing this ever since I was little. I know when I have to turn and where a certain object is, so I don't run into it.

I make it to the kitchen and turn on the light. I squint from the brightness. Once my eyes adjust I grab a glass and pour some water in it. I quietly enjoy my cold water, hoping nobody wakes up. I think about going for a jog later or going to the local pool for a swim. It's summer and I have nothing to do.

I finish my glass and turn off the light, heading back for the stairs. Just before I reach them, someone knocks on the door.

I freeze. Who would be bothering people this early? The knock comes slowly and lightly, as if the person is trying to see if there is anyone awake or not. The knocking becomes harder, rattling the door.

My breath becomes shaky and I wonder why my parents aren't awake yet. Soon they bang on the door without pause. The constant banging drives me with absolute fear, against the wall.

I only stared at the door, waiting for it to bust open, revealing the horrible creature behind it. Then all at once they stop, Not a bang, not a knock. Only silence. I sit against the floor, pressed to the wall.

After a few minutes I slowly got up and inched away from the wall. Step by step I made my way over. I peered out of the peep-hole trying to see if they were gone.

There was no one there. Maybe I imagined it, or maybe I was still dreaming. I watched making sure nothing moved, suggesting they were waiting for me to open the door. Nothing move. I sighed heavily and pulled away from the door. Whatever that person wanted gave up. But what if they needed help?

No, they would have said so. I made it back to my bed and went back to sleep. This time I dreamed about talking bananas and juice boxes.

I woke to the smell of bacon, one of my many favorite foods. I walked downstairs, yawning. I hadn't remembered anything from last night until I glanced at the door. I walked into the kitchen and leaned on the counter, watching my mom cook.

"Hey mom, good morning." I said sleepily. She kissed me on the cheek as a reply and continued cooking. "Did you or dad hear anything weird last night?" She stooped stirring the eggs and looked at me.
"No, why? Did something happen?" I thought it over. Mom's a light sleeper so she would have most definitely heard that.
"N-nothing, I just thought... I heard a weird noise. No big deal." I don't want my mom thinking I'm crazy so i left it at that and ate my breakfast.

Dad was already gone to work and mom left after I ate. I decided that going for a jog would be a better ideas than the pool. I threw on some jogging shorts a t-shirt and a hoodie. I love my converse but tennis shoes are better for this.

I ran a few miles then headed back to my house. Lunch was coming soon and a nice big sandwich sounded really good. I jogged into my neighbor hood then slowed to a walk when my house came into view.

I nearly fell over at the sight. Standing at my front door was a hooded figure. They were doing something that sent a chill up my spine, they were banging on the door. I didn't know what to do. I looked around, maybe a neighbor was seeing this as well. The street was empty.

Something came over me and I yelled out to them from the driveway. "Hey! What are you doing?" I gasped when they turned around. The person under the hood was the woman from my dream. Her red hair peeking out from her jacket and cascading down over her chest.

She looked at me with emerald green eyes. Something about her was different but I couldn't remember what it was. My eyes landed on the small box in her hand. For a second, joy spread across her face but it was quickly replaced by fear. She dropped the box on the step then bolted past me to the woods. I called after her but she kept running, disappearing into the trees.

I walked up to the door and carefully picked up the box, turning it in my hands. It was small enough to fit on my palm. It was Dark red with a small golden ribbon tied on it. A small piece of folded paper fell off the bottom, onto my hand. I read it.

~To Katiana, my love.
You may not remember me, but I know you well. You are to me beyond words can explain. You are special. Special in ways you do not understand now, but you will soon. Time has come that we meet again and you find your rightful place in this world. There will be those who try to keep you from that. Don't trust anyone and always be aware.
From someone who loves you dearly~

I stared at the note, utterly confused. My only guess was that this was some sick joke, until I opened the box. Inside was a necklace. A silver chain with a mystical pendant attached. The pendant was the size of a quarter. Silver lines, curling and twisting into beautiful shapes along with a blue stone that seemed to almost glow. I stood awe-struck by its beauty. Another small piece of paper was in the box.

~For your protection~

Protection from what? I slipped inside my house, locking the doors tightly. I went up to my room and put the box on my desk. There is no way I'm wearing that thing. I eat some pizza for lunch then watch TV until eleven. I fall asleep without realizing it. Yet again, I dream that dream.

My body slammed onto the water. Creating small waves a ripples to extend outward. I surfaced, taking in huge gulps of air. I looked around. Nothing but water in sight. I start swimming without any idea of where I'm going.

I begin to feel weak and my body shuts down. I, again, slip beneath the water. I wait for her. I want to see her, see what wasn't there before.

A speck appears in the distance. I try my best not pass out right away. It approaches becoming more distinct. I wait eagerly, my lungs screaming for air. I recognize that it's a person.

They swim closer and I soon begin to realize, that's not her. No red hair or green eyes. Not even the face of a female. Instead, it was the face of a gorgeous boy.

******* Thanks for reading! If you like my story so far, please comment and tell me what you think.*******