My Only Exception

Chapter #5 Burned

Amanda's POV

That night after I had laid out an outfit for myself for the next day, I hopped into bed. I didn't know how, but I was actually kind of tired. I pulled the covers over me and closed my eyes, falling asleep quickly. As I slept I started having a bizarre dream.
I was running through the cemetary down the street from the school. I suddenly tripped over something and fell on my stomach. As I looked up, my eyes went wide with fear. I appeared to be looking at a gravestone, though I couldn't see who's it was. Suddenly a pale white hand grabbed my shoulder and I screamed. That's when I woke up screaming as well.

My parents, Josh, and Petey were in my room seconds after.

"Amanda what's wrong?" Mom asked alarmed.

"I had a nightmare, I was in the cemetery, someone grabbed me." I exclaimed.

Josh looked at me and raised an eyebrow. "Told you this place sucks." He said.

"Honey take a look at this. There's a huge hole in her closet wall over here, the wind whistles through here like a train." My dad said from across the room.

We all went over to the closet and he was right. The hole was huge, big enough for a person to fit through....

"The wind must have made you have a bad dream." Mom suggested.

"I guess..." I agreed.

"Tell you what, I'll patch that hole up tomorrow sweety." Dad offered.

"And I'll stay with you tonight until you fall asleep." Mom added.

"Ok...." I said finally, moving back towards my bed.

"We never should have moved....and that's all I'm going to say." Josh spoke, before getting walked out of the room by dad.

"Close your eyes sweetheart. I'll be right here. Maybe try thinking about Ray to help you drift back to sleep." Mom smiled.

I didn't say anything back. I just closed my eyes and let my mind wander, oddly enough, think of Ray was exactly what it did. His tall, slim physique, his dark blonde hair, and those piercing blue eyes.....not to mention his icy touch that sent a shiver up my spine....

The next morning I woke up and slowly got dressed. Making my way downstairs, the smell of bacon filled my nostrils. Mom had prepared bacon and eggs for breakfast and was dishing up the plates as I walked into the kitchen. There were also three other figures at the table besides my family. It was Karen Somerset and her parents! Mom must have invited them over for breakfast.

"Good morning Amanda." Mom said gesturing towards my place at the table, in between Karen and Josh.

I sat down. "Hi Karen. Hi Mr. and Mrs. Somerset." I smiled.

"Hello dear!" Mrs. Somerset greeted, her ear to ear smile plastered on her face.

We all ate our breakfast and happily made small talk. The Somersets were all so nice. I was glad that we had friendly neighbors.

"So, how are you guys liking Dark Falls?" Mrs. Somerset asked.

"I think we're all starting to get used to it, the one having the hardest time adjusting is Petey." Mom explained.

"That's understandable though, it's not unlike dogs to be wary of new surroundings and new people." Mrs. Somerset replied.

"Hey Amanda, let's go hang out in your room, I want you to show me how to draw!" Karen urged.

I smiled and we both got up from the table and went up the stairs. Entering my room I grabbed the notepad that I used as a sketchbook and a pencil.