Bad Dream

Much to my disappointment, I was unimpressed, unlike Rose who was wowed as we got out of the truck. I sighed and followed her. Rose glanced at me curiously, but I said nothing as we stepped inside the house through the side door where the butler was waiting.

He led us into a white and stainless-steel kitchen with a staircase that led to three stories. In addition, there were a couple of short hallways that connected to other parts of the house. Still, I didn't seem interested and in fact, I looked more depressed.

Are you okay? You look like you have seen a ghost. Her eyes were filled with concern as she asked.

I'm okay. I replied dryly.

No, I know you and you are not okay. Is the house haunted? Can you feel ghosts? Her eyes widened as she inquired.

No, Rose. This house reminds me of our house. The only difference is that ours is a two-story building.

Omg, I'm so sorry. Let's just go back home. She apologized.

It's alright, it's just depressing. Let's just clean up and leave.

The butler instructed us not to clean the first floor. It belonged to Mrs. Wang.

He left us and stepped outside to water the garden.

Rose glanced at me and shook her head.

What? I ask her, looking confused.

We can't stay here all day. You can do your voodoo thing.

I get a bigger check. I said and laughed as she pushed me.

I don't care. Go ahead and do your thing. She is always amazed at how I do things.

We climbed up two flights of stairs before we made it to the hallway. I could feel the magic enveloping the first floor as we passed it. There's something magical about her things, especially the way she smells, which makes me think she's dead.

We walked from room to room, and I did my magic. Everywhere was neat but dusty and smelled stale, especially the room at the end of one of the hallways. I opened the door, revealing a large modern bedroom. The bed was to the left and to the right was the door to the large bathroom that included a tub, shower, and sink. Just ahead the wall was entirely made up of windows with a door built in that led to a balcony that housed the hot tub.

It has been a while since anyone opened it. I decided to do some extra work after all the rooms were squeaky clean. I closed my eyes for a few minutes and the room smelled sweet. Strawberries are my thing. The first day I spoke with Rose after weeks of not talking to her. She asked if I bathed in strawberries. I told her that was how I had always smelled.

Furthermore, I gave other rooms a vanilla, earthy, and piney scent, similar to those in a forest. I love the smell of forest; I take comfort from it. I remember the time when we were running for our lives and entered an enchanted forest. Some of them didn't come, they were scared about the stories they heard about it. I didn't think twice, I just ran in there and a few people followed. I'd rather die in an enchanted forest than be captured by my aunt again.

Rose was happy. The butler was happy too and handed an envelope to her. He just smiled and showed us the door.

We entered the truck and left.

My goal was not to ruin Rose's mood, so I fake smiled, and we talked about random stuff until we got home.

What took you so long? Jane yelled at us and threw the cup she was holding at us.

Feed the cows, horses, and pigs. Clean the dung. Also, you both need to clean the barn and stock the hay and grains before I kill you. As she stared at us, she gritted her teeth.

Let them eat and rest, they will do all that later. With his hands, James gestured for us to leave while smiling at her.

Do you want to join them? She hissed at him.

Get to work kids but eat before you pass out. He yelled at us as we made our way to the barn. They have 3. One is for storing food and the other two house the animals.

Despite finishing in under an hour, we stayed there so Jane wouldn't ask us to do anything else.

Jane talks a lot. You can never be bored of her. Three hours later James came to call us back inside and that dinner was ready.

You stink, hmm, you don't stink today.

Yes mother, we had our bath before coming in. A grin spread across Rose's face as she looked at her mother.

That was a lie. We didn't bathe. Jane always hissed at us that we stink as soon as we open the door. It is only when James is working with us that we really stink, then I will be unable to use magic.

That's good. You are learning. Jane eyed us.

We all sat at the table and ate. And no one dared talk or Jane would throw anything that was close to her at you.

When we finished eating, James cleared the plates. I and Rose climbed up into the attic. They wanted to give me a room beside Rose, but I opted for the attic. I didn't want anyone to find out what I was. Hell, I don't even know what I am.

Can I sleep here tonight? Rose yawned and lay on my bed.

You sleep in your room once or twice a week. Why are you asking? I retorted.

Because it's polite. She hissed at me and turned to sleep on her side of the bed.

I lay on the side of the bed and dozed off in minutes.

It was very cold. I couldn't even feel my toes. The moon was shining very brightly but that didn't stop darkness from closing in.

I suddenly felt the dirt under my feet slowly eating and digging through my toes even though I wasn't moving. The eerie look of the dead trees on every side and beyond made the setting more terrifying.

With my blurry eyes, I was able to discern a distorted and amorphous figure not so far away. I took a step back from the dark shadow. I wanted to run but my feet weren't moving. The figure kept following me until her face was clear. It was Aunt Selene's most trusted lich and the vampire who tracked magical creatures for her.

"Please, please, don't take me back to her." I begged. In the midst of the conversation, Aunt Selene appeared from behind them.

You can't run away from me my dear nephew. Her voice echoed in the forest.

"Zhan, wake up!" wake up! Suddenly, Rose began shaking me violently.

My eyelids fluttered open as my body automatically sat up on the bed. I was sweating profusely, as usual.

You were screaming in your sleep. Are you alright? She looked scared.

One of those dreams, I was in chains. I lied. I didn't want her to worry. I'll take a walk to clear my head. I mumbled.

I'm coming with you. She held my hand.

I'm fine, Rose. I just need to clear my head. I assured her.

Be back before morning. Her voice was soft but laced with concern.

I will, I promise. Then I jumped out of the attic window.

Aunt Selene is closing in on me. I need to leave this place before she gets here. I don't know how far I have walked but I found myself deep in the forest at the entrance of the underground dungeon. But it wouldn't be a terrible idea to pour my frustration out on people and earn some cash.