You’re not safe

The lights flickered again, plunging the room into a brief, eerie darkness. My heart pounded in my chest, and for a split second, I felt like I was trapped in one of the horror movies Chloe and I had watched.

I took a deep breath, reminding myself that it was just a power surge. Nothing to freak out about. But as soon as the lights snapped back on, I gasped, nearly jumping out of my skin.

Chloe's mother, Mrs. Everett, stood right in front of me, her face mere inches away from mine. 

"Good evening, Elena," she said in her usual, overly composed tone, smiling as if she hadn't just scared the living daylights out of me.

I screamed. It wasn't a little yelp or gasp, but a full-on, horror movie scream. Mrs. Everett flinched, stepping back with a surprised look. I immediately covered my mouth, feeling my face flush with embarrassment.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" I stammered, trying to calm my racing heart. "You scared me."