The Shadows

The darkness is moving, I thought. Of course, this is normal. Ever since I was a baby the darkness has moved. I see figures lurch in the darkness. It seems like they are trying to talk to me, trying to tell me something. It seems like the shadows inch towards me so they can move closer.

The sound of of a yard stick slamming against my desktop captures my attention. "Talia! Pay attention." Mrs. Prescott shouted. I never understand why she gets so upset. I am the best student in her class. I looked over at Athena. Her pencil is hard at work, as usual. No one really understood Athena. Except for me.

Athena has raven black hair that cascades gently down her back into loose curls. Her eyes are a mysterious purple. Always formed into a line, she has full red lips. She truly is beautiful. The problem is, she is incredibly shy and shuts down every guy that tries.

The bell rings and Mrs. Prescott dismissed the class. I glance over at the door and see a black figure standing ominously, shrouded in shadows next to the door. I watch Athena walk through the door hanging her head. I drag my heels as I slowly walk towards the door. The figure is still there, beckoning me, urging me to go closer.

I stop right before I reach the door frame. I slowly go through the doorway to get one last look at the menacing hand reaching out toward me.

"It has never reached for me before." I whispered to no one in particular, my eyes glued to the white and grey tiles that made up our hallway floor.

"Finally. 2:45. Do you want to do something with me today?" Athena asked bringing me back to reality.

"I have to stay after and shut off the computers in the library." I said, not bothered that I had to stay. I watched as Athena's slight smile begin to vanish. The light in her eyes dulled slightly.

"Talia, you know you can talk to me anytime... right?" Athena said warily. She was trying really hard. She was the only friend I had.

"Yeah... I know..."I said distractedly. Athena smiled weakly. She opened her mouth to say something but she stopped, waved, and walked away.

I begin to walk down to the library. As I walk I watch my feet to avoid the other students and the figures lurching in the shadows.

I look through the glass doors leading to the library. All the lights are off except for the faint glow of the monitors from the computers. I take a deep breath. My knees are shaking from nervousness. The figures are hiding. They were always there... hiding.

I put my hands on the door. They linger for a moment then I push gently and the doors inch open. I step into the library. The only sound that can be heard is the sound of my footsteps echoing throughout the room. I reach the first computer and shut it off. I shut off the second one. Maybe nothing is going to happen. I get to the last computer. I warily look around and drag the mouse to the power button.

The monitor begins to fade into complete, utter darkness. The heat of someone or something's breath is instantly felt on the back of my neck. I freeze and panic surges through my entire body. Suddenly the breathing stops. The room is eerily silent. Almost in a whisper, it snarls,"Run!" I shove myself away from the desk causing my chair to crash against the carpeted library floor. I run as fast as humanly possible out of the library and down the long winding hallways of the school out into the cool open air.

The school grounds are empty. I race around the school to the parking lot and pull out my car keys. I click a button and I hear the faint sound of the lock unhinging. I yank on the car door handle and slip inside, slamming the door shut behind me. I shove the key into the ignition and turn it all the way to the right. The roaring of the engine is heard as my car starts. My knuckles turn white from clenching the steering wheel. I look behind me. I can't see any figures.