Dun, dundunnn... I've updated! Not one, not two, but FOUR parts! I know, I'm great ;))))

4) Part Two

*

I could tell it was morning when the bright sunlight streamed in through the windows, warming my arms and face. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes I sat up, wincing when my back protested.

The previous night quickly came back to me in a flash. The boy had been here, in my room. That was what I first remembered.

Images of his slick wet hair and worried expression came to mind. His face had been truly handsome - almost as if it had been sculpted by the hands of a divine maker, removing my fear. But something else had been here. Something much more threatening.

The hairs on my arms rose. I was still in danger.

Why the hell was this happening to me? I thought. Why couldn't it all go away? I hated being weak and fear-filled.

As if sensing my thoughts, Sara knocked on the door before poking her head through. When she took in the sight of me she pulled a face. "Rough night?"

Did I really look that bad?

I nodded. "The storm kept me awake." Along with several other things.

She looked at me in sympathy before smiling suddenly. The act instantly made me suspicious. "I've got a surprise for you," her eyes twinkled. God. "And it involves me taking you out, so chop chop! Get ready. I'll see you downstairs in twenty minutes." The last bit wasn't a question funnily enough.

Just what I needed, I thought in annoyance, but then I realised that it probably [was] exactly what I needed. A break from the house.

All the weird shit that had been happening so far had occurred in my aunt's house. If I was outside then maybe nothing would happen and everything would go away.

Maybe the house was just cursed.

Still, I'd never really liked my aunt's surprises and decided to play it with caution. "I don't like the sound of this." I told her truthfully.

She waved her hand at me dismissively. That definitely wasn't good. "Just get ready."

When she left, I did got up and had a wash before piling on a long sleeved turtle neck dress with matching cotton tights. It was perfect for the cold weather.

Just ten minutes later, I was sitting at the kitchen table shovelling in my English breakfast, as always. My aunt's excitement was... intense and however hard I tried, I just couldn't match her enthusiasm.

"So where are we going then?" I asked as we stood to clear away the dishes. The scent of citrus fruits coming from the washing-up liquid clung to my aunt's clothes. She soaked her gloved hands in the sink before washing the plates.

When she ignored me, I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "At least give me a hint." Like I said, I hated surprises.

She shook her head. "I'm not telling you anything, you'll find out!" I had ten scarring years of 'surprise birthday parties' to back me up on the fact that Sara's surprises weren't good, so I was annoyed that she wouldn't tell me anything at all.

I needed to be mentally prepared, damnit.

When we were done and fully adorned in our winter clothes, we stepped outside. The first thing I felt was the cool breeze hit my face, fanning out my hair from under my beanie hat, although the movement was restricted. "Are you seriously not going to tell me anything?" I stared at her in question whilst she locked the front door.

"Not a thing."

Pulling out the keys from her purse, she unlocked her silver ford. "Hop in!" Now I was feeling terrified. I had to remember however, that I probably had good reason to before the embarrassment took over.

Just remain calm, I commanded myself. Remain calm. "How long will it take?"

After checking the door was definitely locked, she turned around. "Well, the drive will only take about half an hour or so. The rest...you'll just have to see about that bit." She looked like she was about to start bouncing on her toes.

The rest? What did she mean by 'the rest!'

"Fine." Begrudgingly, I climbed into the passenger seat with a vast sea of possibilities swimming through my head. Where were we going? Would it take a long time? Was I going to have to do a sport? Undergo a therapy session even? Quickly, I gave up trying to decide. It obviously wasn't going to get me anywhere. I might as well make myself more comfortable...

"Seeing as I've had no choice but to attend at your mercy, I get to choose the radio station." I told her, already reaching for it.

She merely shrugged, paying little attention to what I was saying, I suspect. "Fine by me."

Exactly half an hour later (I'd timed it), we were parked outside a small building slash hut. I say hut because it kind of looked like one but larger. Fields surrounded whatever it was as the building itself was situated on a quiet side lane which branched from a country lane. I asked the most obvious question. "Why are we here?"

I noticed posters littered the wooden slated walls, mostly advertising plays or upcoming films. Ours was the only car in the parking lot apart from another small ford which was blue. We were in the middle of nowhere.

Sara on the other hand, was practically bouncing in her seat as she switched off the ignition. "Surprise!" She was expecting some sort of reaction.

"Er..." I had to disappoint. As far as I could tell we were near enough in the middle of nowhere. "Nothing's here." I said, still looking around.

She sighed with impatience which annoyed me slightly. Was she expecting me to be some sort of mind-reader? Where were we?

"Actually, there is something here." She then did the unthinkable and unclipped her seat belt so that she could face me. Uh-oh. "You parents and I are concerned, April." I knew it!

You don't go out that often and we don't even remember the last time you actually brought a friend home."

I objected. "I have friends!" So what if I didn't take them home? It wasn't a necessity or anything, and I wasn't a loner - they knew that. What the hell?

She looked at me pointedly. "Nonetheless, we've decided to take action." Some of her excitement had deteriorated. I felt slightly queasy. Why hadn't I just listened to the small voice in my head that had told me not to leave with her?

As if preparing herself for what she was going to say next, she clasped her hands in her lap and squeezed her eyes shut. "I've signed you up for a drama club." She gushed out.

"You what?" She'd been right to brace herself. "You've got to be joking."

Slowly, she opened her eyes. "Why? We know you've had no one to talk to about your experiences, so I thought that a drama group would be the best way for you to get your feelings across." She tried to smile at me. "This way you can let out your frustrations and channel them into something healthy!" She eyed me for a full minute. "What do you think?"

I couldn't speak for a moment. "Why a drama club? I could've maybe understood counselling, or a sport but a drama club? I can't even act!"

The last time I'd even participated in a play I'd been about ten. I'd been the cook from 'Oliver Twist;' the line: '"More? You want more?"' I'd had to bellow, had actually been more of a squeak due to stage fright. From the beginning to the end I'd been shaking, and I hadn't even been on the stage for thirty seconds. From then on I'd vowed never to 'act' again.

She looked at me seriously. "We've tried counseling, remember? You refused to go after several months and we couldn't convince you to go again."

She'd got me there.

I wasn't shy, but I didn't belt out my problems to the world like some people did. Apparently that made me not a very 'talkative person.' Well excuse me for not wanting to share my feelings with a stranger. After several sessions I'd decided to call it quits. It was true that I had never gone again.

I tried to think up my next argument, but that was before I'd seen the pleading look she'd been giving me. I nearly caved right then and there.

"Please?" She pleaded. "Do this for us, April. We're all worried about you. If it doesn't work out then you don't have to go again. Please?"

I hated her right then. "How often will I have to attend?"

"Every two days." She looked apologetic when she'd said that. "It's a course for-"

"People like me." I finished for her. This was the whole 'helping those in need with creative courses.' Finally, her puppy dog eyes got to me and I cracked. "Fine, I'll go." Although I wasn't too happy about it. She squealed.

Squinting at the building again, I realised that there seemed to be no signs life coming from inside. "What time does this thing start?" Maybe they were spying on me, trying not to get caught.

She looked down at her watch and before looking back up. "In about five minutes, actually."

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