5 Part V

Coming to a stop in the middle of the stairs, I look back and see nothing, no sound except that of the clock ticking and my heart beating. Releasing a sigh of relief, I put my arms on knees and try to steady my ragged breaths so no one suspects I went in there or saw anything.

No matter how hard I try, I can't shake the fright off my body. I feel like I'm back in that room with an image behind my reflection in the mirror. I can hear Betty's laugh from the kitchen. I have to be calm. Breathe in. Hold. Breathe out. After three tries, I'm calmer surprisingly. Watching yoga shows actually really paid off.

"Hey", I say to no one in particular trying my hardest to smile as I enter the kitchen filling my nose with the salivating aroma encompassing the entire kitchen. Jake smiles widely at me, sitting opposite from Dylan while Betty sets the table.

"You're just in time for breakfast sweetie. Sit down quickly I'll finish setting up the table" Betty says smiling gleefully at me, filled with so much energy as usual. She seems so calm and happy. Am I the only one seeing things and hearing voices? Still fake-smiling, I sit at the table beside Dylan who's face is buried in a fashion magazine that's turned upside down.

"If you want to pretend you're reading that so you can ignore everyone, you should at least do it right", I whisper and his eyes widen in realisation, closing the book instantly and putting it on the table without looking my way.

The small red wounds on each of his right knuckles brings back this morning's memory and I hold my sweaty palms tightly, trying to control myself. The image of him shouting and assaulting the wall plays in my head. His red eyes, hard breaths, even an over worked dog wouldn't match it.

I've always been scared of spiders, reptiles, cats amongst many other things but never have I ever imagined being scared of Dylan.

The man I love and I would love till I can't anymore. Only death, only my death can stop me from loving him.

"Crystal?", I nearly jump in my skin at the sound of Betty's voice now sitting in front of me with a somewhat confused look on her face.

"Are you okay?" She asks concerned. Should I open up to her and tell her we should leave? That'd be inconsiderate seeing how much she's enjoying this place.

"Yes", I reply, trying to sound okay, "I was just lost in thoughts. I'm fine"

"Okay then, you should eat up", That's when I notice the table's already filled with food.

Scrambled eggs, pies, pancakes, cookies, a big jug of orange juice, sliced fruits. How did she manage to do all this by herself just this morning. Now I see why Jake adores her. I can't wait to give her grandkids.

'That's if you can', a tiny voice says in my head and suddenly, Dylan's words echo in my head repeatedly, "we face death or death faces us". It gets louder by the second and I shut my eyes tightly trying to keep it out of my head but it only gets louder. I block my ears with both hands but it only gets louder. I think I'm losing my mind. I'm going crazy.

Screaming, closing my eyes tight, putting my palms over my ears hard, I try to block out the voice but even my tears move freely from my tightly shut eyes. I can feel myself drowning. Drowning hopelessly.

"Crystal!!!" Dylan's thunderous voice, impliable hold and violent shake on my arms brings me back. My eyes open widely and the voice disappears away with every atom of strength I have.

"What's wrong with you Crystal?" Dylan asks with so much worry and fear in his voice, his eyes looking deep into mine as if trying to peek into my soul. Betty and Jake crowd me, looking at me intently. I want to speak out but the strength to do that is diminutive. Almost non existent

"Crystal, you have to say something", Jake says crouching in front of me beside Dylan whose worried face automatically turns to resent and irritation.

"Is this also part of it?", Dylan growls lowly, glaring at his father

"What do you mean?", Jake asks trying to feign confusion but I can see his knowing expression from my heavy eyes that I can barely keep open.

"Is this also part of it Jake?!!", Dylan shouts, tackling his father to the ground and raising a fist high in the air.

"Stop it Dylan!", Betty cries out with all the strength she could muster up, pausing Dylan's hand in the air, saving Jake's face from the ruin it was about to become.

"You know the repercussion of what you're about to do Dylan so would you please just think. Think!" Betty says frustratingly, "and stop being overly emotional!!"

Dylan gets up and says something but my body refuses me from comprehending what was happening anymore.

My head feeling very light, lighter than a kite in the sky or a feather flying freely. I wish I could fly freely from here. From all this drama and chaos. Mysteries and secrets. Fear and terror. Before I know it, my eyes close, my body weakens completely, my limbs give out and a deep unsettling darkness overwhelms me, sending me into a murk abyss.