CHAPTER FIVE
I woke up after what felt like forever, I was still laying on the wet floor with the shower curtains sprayed over me and around, water pouring down the shower-head. What just happened?It took me all the strength I had left to push myself off the floor and onto my feet. Once I was up a massive pain-bomb exploded in my head, shooting pain to every corner. It was as if someone used a sledgehammer to pound it.
I managed to walk to the mirror, I had a huge bump on the right side of the back of my head, which by the way was extremely swollen. Turning back to the shower I couldn't help but wonder. remembering what happened, then it dawned on me. ' how was that even possible!!!'
It all came rushing back to me in waves. I recalled the night before, then became conscious of the pain in my arm. A wave of fear hit me, crawling up my spine to my cerebellum registering the danger. I ran out the bathroom, quickly into my closet, pulled out some clothes, I got dressed and left the room.
Mom was on the phone when I came downstairs to the living room.
It's a relief to be around someone.
It reduces the fear a little.
"Feeling alright, dear?", She asked.
"Yeah a little bit", I lied.
I had to lie, if not we'll have a fight again, because she wouldn't believe me, and I wasn't looking forward to that.
" I have to go shopping for groceries and then go pick up Bell from school".
"Can I come along?".
"Sure, why not?".
We got into the car and the engine roared to life, she drove us out onto the road towards the town center where the local stores and schools are.
"So how is your arm?", She asked turning to look at me for a brief second before looking back at the road.
"Its fine, I guess", I shrugged.
"You know Junior, whatever decision me and your dad take concerning this family is for the best! we will never make any decision that will hurt you and Bella in anyway, I hope you know that?".
"Yes mum I do, its just... well it's...."
"Its what? tell me darling you know am here for you". She said interrupting me.
"Well I miss grandma a lot".
"OH sweetie, we all do but it doesn't mean we should stop living. We've welcome change into our lives even your sister did, you too should, its for the best". She said reaching out to ruffle my hair as I nodded.
"Aww", I winced as her hand made contact with my head bump.
"Are you okay?", She asked trying to find a place to park the car.
"Am fine don't worry", I said in a futile effort to dismiss the topic.
"Don't worry? don't worry you said. Why shouldn't I be worried when there's clearly something wrong with you!".... "Now let me see your head young man", She said in her bossy no-bullshit tone.
I obeyed.
"What the hell! how did this happen? hope you didn't do this to yourself again", She said all in one breathe.
"Calm down mum it's nothing, really. Just had a slip in the bathroom and bumped my head that's all".
"We got to go to the hospital ASAP". She said trying to get back on the road.
"Mum really am okay, it's just a bump, please chill".
"Are you sure?".
"Yes mum, am sure don't worry".
"Alright, let's get to the shop then".
The grocery shopping was a welcomed distraction, so was the drive to school. Bell was already waiting for us outside the school building when we arrived to pick her up.
Hey honey! How was your first day in school?, mom asked as she turned the car back on the road.
It was fantastic mom my sister said excitedly from the back of the car. I made a new friend today. Her name is Frances .
Wow, isnt that wonderful dear! Its nice seeing you already making friends at school.
Yes mom, she even told me about...".
With my sisters story I was reminded of my encounter early that morning, so I zoned out of the conversation. Deep in thoughts thinking about the girl I met at the lake, how surprised she looked seeing me, like she was shocked I was speaking to her or maybe was surprised I found the lake, was it not supposed to be found?
Something caught my eyes ahead of us. I looked up on time to see a man standing in the middle of the road.
Mom watch out!!!
The car swivels to the opposite lane and came to a halt narrowly missed hitting another car. It took a few seconds to recover from the sudden shock and mom asked us if we were alright and we both nodded.
Junior what the hell was that?, She yelled. You almost got us killed.
There was someone on the road! You almost hit him, I said looking back at the spot.
There was no one on the road Junior I did not see anybody there.
Whats wrong with you?, She added.
Mom, there was a man standing on the road, I swear it.
STOP IT! Just STOP IT. Enough with that nonsense, She said shaking her head in a tone of finality.
Why dont you believe me?, I yelled.
Because you are just making these things up. There are no such things as ghosts or spirits or whatever, She yelled back.
I was too upset to continue that argument so I just let it slide and focused my attention to the woods around us. Mom started the car again and climbed back onto the road and we headed back home with the three of us all quiet. I could see my sister peering at me through the side mirror obviously with pity, but I was beyond angry at the point to even care.
When we reached home, I got out from the car without a word and headed towards the house. I heard mom calling to me to help with the groceries but I ignored her and kept walking, only when I got to the door did I realize I was so pissed off to remember the door was locked and I have to wait for mom to come unlock it.
Let me help you mom. I heard Bell says.
Thanks baby here grab this for mama, mom replied.
Immediately I felt bad and decided to go help out. I got back to the car and grab a brown paper bag containing some vegetables with my good arm.
I followed mom and Bell into the house to the kitchen where I dropped the bag on the aisle and walked up towards my room without a single word.
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OKAY GUYS!!!
Heres another update on the haunted house, hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
And sorry for the late update please bear with me.
ENJOY🙂
YOURS FAITHFUL,
PRINCE ABDUL 🤴.