Unique~ Chapter 2

I was running, running through the forest. My heart pounded, my breath came out in gasps. Leaves crackled under my feet and branches tangled through my hair, trying to restrain me. Jagged rocks and thorns tore at my feet and legs, making them bleed and burn. But I kept going.

Kept running. Adrenaline shot through my veins and I sprinted faster still, my lungs about to explode from my chest. I didn't know who or what I was escaping from, but I just knew I had to get away.

"You can't hide from me forever, Brooke..." a deep booming voice cackled all around me in the forest; through the trees, in the wind, and RIGHT NEXT TO ME- making my body shudder with fear. I tried to scream but nothing came out except a muffled whimper. I started sprinting harder and faster, though I knew it would be useless

Tripping over an outstretched branch, I fell on my face. NO! I mentally shrieked. Willing my body to move, I made a silent prayer. But my body would not move. It was frozen stone and it felt like gravity had put 7 times more pressure on the earth just to keep me there.

Branches snapped and leaves crumpled as he got closer. "No," I cried and tried to close my eyes. But they, too were frozen. I was no longer in control of my body, it moved on its own now; tilting my head to the side so I would see...........HIM.

His face was twisted into a permanent smirk, reaching his grey-green eyes. His midnight black hair was swept to the side, the breeze slightly tousling it as if it was under his command. I noticed he wasn't wearing a shirt. He had his arms crossed but I could see his very chiseled abs, like they were the work of a famous sculptor or something.

But not matter how hot he was, I knew all too well that stangers with some serious muscles going on that are hunting you down probably don't have any nice intentions for you. So I screamed and thrashed and screamed at the top of my lungs until someone or something started shaking me.

"Brooke! Brooke! Wake up!" It was Nathan's voice. The forest and the guy slowy faded away, and as it did I could've sworn the guy mouthed the words "See you soon..." and winked. I shook my head. When I opened my eyes, Nathan was staring at me, his face filled with worry and anxiety.

"Brooke, you were screaming, what happened? Did you have a nightmare? Are you okay?" Nathan's raspy, morning voice asked.

"Uh, yeah, I had a nightmare. I'm okay now, though," I answered, but Nathan's worried expression didn't vanish.
"Really, I'm fine," I lied.

He sighed and closed his eyes. He knew when I lied, though nobody else could. I didn't even know why I tried, but I just wanted him to feel some sense of security that things were alright.

"Okay," He put his hands in the air as if he was giving up trying to figure me out. "I'll go make some cinnamon rolls, come down when you're ready." Nathan then got up from my bed, walked tiredly out of my room.

I pushed the dream out of my head. It's not real, it's not real. I kept reassuring myself. I held Chrissy, my blue stuffed bunny Grandma Clarice gave me when I was 3, close to my chest. He's not real. No one is out to get you, stop being so paranoid. But I couldn't help feel the fear I felt in the dream.

I glanced at my clock and sighed. It was 5:34 AM, I never wake up early. Oh, well. I stretched, got out of bed, and lazily put on my clothes. My wardrobe isn't exactly the trendiest stuff ever. It's more of a Plain Jane style. A style that no one picks at, no one follows. A style that is perfect for someone who wants to be invisible. A person like me.

Today I wore my inconspicuous grey tank top with tiny black hearts on it. Over it, I wore a black leather jacket that my "friend" Emmy gave me for my 13th birthday last year. No, I didn't ask for anything from anyone. But as always, I got loads of presents last year from literally EVERYONE at school. I'm not very good at being invisible.

I wore my dark blue jeans that had a black spiral-ish design on the top of my left leg and a glittery peace necklace my other "friend" Karen gave me for Christmas. It was pretty and I wore it often. But I didn't care much for Karen, she was a gossip and she talked constantly. Oh wow, I sounded really cold. Geez, and emo. Maybe I was. No one had really given me a label yet. I was too hard to figure out.

Tying my sneakers, I thought about it some more. Am I a cold-hearted person? Ah, who cares. Whatever I'm doing, it keeps me out of trouble.... But what about that guy in my dream? My other side contradicted. He's trouble and you certainly couldn't avoid him.

He's not even real, I told myself. Shaking my head, I went downstairs where the smell of cinnamon and hot chocolate wafted around the kitchen. Nathan was slouching in a chair, his I <3 NY mug in his left hand as he typed with his right. That's some talent right there, I sucked at typing.

When he saw me enter the room, he glanced up. "Rolls are on the counter." I floated over towards the counter and took 3 cinnamon rolls, put them on a plate, set them on the table, and sat down where a glass of milk was waiting for me. I quickly scarfed down my favorite breakfast. I loved my brother.

"Feel better?" Nathan asked.

"Yes, a billion times better. Your the best, Nate," I answered gleefully, licking the sugar off my lips.

He looked relieved. "Good."

I took one last gulp of milk before I washed the dishes and said goodbye. I gave Nathan a big hug and an "I owe you one." as I ran out the door for the bus.

I was halfway down the driveway when Nathan called, "You sure you don't want me to drive you?" It was either him driving me (which I didn't deserve) or taking the bus with a bunch of kids I disliked (which I didn't want). I weighed the pros and cons. In the end, I convinced myself that it would be more reassurance for Nathan if he took me to school. He knew my dislikes and that I had a rough start to the day, and obviously just wanted to help. So I let him take me.

~At school~

I opened my locker and took my books out for first period. Upon closing my locker, I heard a high pitch squeal next to me.

"OHMYGAWD! YOU'RE WEARING THE TANK I GOT YOU!" Emmy's face lit up and she bounced up and down like a little kid who had too much sugar, her short brown ponytail bobbing

"Yupp," I answered with my nice girl fake smile. Emmy couldn't tell the difference though.

"OHMYGAWD! It looks totally awesome on you!" She exclaimed, still bouncing off the walls.

"Thanks," I said appreciatively, internally yelling 'SHUT UP'

"Oh, did you hear about the new kid? He's totally a hottie! 100% yummalicious," Emmy said, licking her lips.

"That's cool. Where'd he transfer from?" I asked, wincing a little at the lip licking.

"Don't know. All I know is that he is h-" Her eyes widened and she stared mesmerized at something behind me.

"What?" I turned around and there he was. Still smirking and looking straight at me.

The guy from my dream.

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