Don't Be Afraid

Chapter Six

Now I was only a few feet away from it. I was going to hit it and the thought occurs to me now. I slam on breaks right in front of whatever it is. In the process I hit my head on the steering wheel, and god did it hurt. I groaned, nice going Athena, you had all that time to react and you wait until the last minute to do so.

I look up from the steering wheel and turn to the figure standing before me. The headlights on my car shone bright on it. There was the read glowing eyes that stared back at me. The evil grin that spread wildly on his face showing his razor sharp teeth. His horns stand on top of his head curving a little at the ends. It was the demon that showed up in my room that night, the demon that I drew, the demon that haunts my dreams.

I kick into defensive mode. I put the car in reverse and then slam my foot on the accelerator. I was just about to hit the demon, but then it disappears. I slam on breaks again and look around me, it wasn’t anywhere. Where could it have gone?

The radio turns back on “You can’t get rid of me that easy, Athena.” An evil voice says through the radio. Then it turns back off. Now, I was really scared. I close my eyes and breathe. In and out, in and out, in and out; like the therapist told me to.

I need to get to Adler Community College. They can help me, I try telling myself but I couldn’t believe it. It was almost five, I need to get there. I start up the car again and went there.

***

I pull up to a big building. It looks brand new and it had college kids around the entrance. This was Adler Community College for sure. I got out and lock my car, I took a deep breath. I could do this and I will do this.

I open the doors to the college and walk up to directory. The test study was in room 2B which was upstairs. I took the nearest elevator.

I found the room easily and I walk in. It was five, I was right on time. I took the only empty seat in there. It looks like they haven’t started yet. I look at the people next to me to my left was a girl a little younger than me. She had bright orange hair that was really curly. She looked really skinny and tall, like a model. She notices me looking at her.

“Hi I’m Cindy.” She says. She had a small soft voice. Her eyes were a blackish greyish color.

“I’m Athena.” I took her extended hand and shook it. She looked nice enough.

“That’s a really pretty name, like the goddess.” She says smiling. I don’t know why my mom nam me after a goddess.

“Thanks.” I say. Then I turned to my right and you wouldn’t guess who I saw. Jesse.

“Athena?” he asks. I roll my eyes. “No my name is trailer trash.” I say sarcastically. He looked confuse. This boy is really dumber then I give him credit for. I roll my eyes again.

“Of course it’s Athena, Blondie. How many brain cells did you kill from sniffing whiteout?” I ask.

“I don’t sniff whiteout.” He replies dumbly.

“It’s an expression dummy.” I say. I think his hair is getting to his brain. “Oh.” Was all he says to my comment.

“So what are you doing here? Are you following me?” I ask.

“I saw the ad in the newspaper add and thought ‘What the hell, I got nothing to lose.’ So now here I am talking to you. What are you doing here?”

“I was browsing the internet and came across it. You still read the newspaper?” I ask. That’s a shocker.

“I was rolling it up to hit my dog with it because somehow he got to my underwear and chewed through them, the ad stood out when I was about to swing at him.” He says. Poor dog.

“Do we need to go to Victoria Secrets to get you more lingerie? I think I’m free Monday.” I ask.

“No, I’ll go by myself.” He answers. I start laughing really hard. I’m pretty sure I had tears rolling down my eyes. I almost fell out of my chair. Jesse just looked at me confuse. “What’s so funny?” He asks. He really didn’t know which made me laugh harder.

“Y-you…Jus-just….admitted…yo-you…go…t-to….Victoria….Se-secrets….for….underwear.” I say between laughs. He looks at me and frowns. He hit me on the arm.

“Ow!” I say covering my arm. My laugher dies down.

“So I wanted to talk about what we talked about at the library. I’m sorry for trying to understand how you feel. I know that you’ve been through a lot but all I want to do it help. I told you I don’t care what people think, you’re not a bad person. Just please stop pushing me away, I want us to go through with this together. I’m not going to hurt you, I promise.” He says sincerely. I was in shock again. This boy really knows how to surprise someone. I knew that I should be the one apologizing instead of him. I was afraid to let him in and he knew that. I just didn’t want to get hurt and he knew that to. Maybe I should give him a chance. Before I could respond someone spoke.

“Hello, my name is Mike. I am a physiologist professor here at Adler and I will be the instructor of this test study. I going to hand you a sheet that asks you question about you’re your childhood, family life, dream occurrences, etc. Just fill it out and give it to me and we will be done for the day. The real stuff will happen on Friday.” He says. He looks one of those cool teachers. The ones that are in there 50’s and look like John Travolta.

He came around and hands everyone a piece a paper.

First question: Were you ever were or currently diagnosed with a mental illness? If so how long have you or were diagnosed?

Currently diagnosed with schizophrenia for three years.

Second question: Do you have any family troubles? (Do not have to answer if uncomfortable doing so.)

My father is in a mental institute, diagnosed with schizophrenia. My brother hates me and so does my mom.

Third question: Is there any childhood experience that might have to do with reoccurring dreams?

Not that I can remember.

Fourth question: What are your dreams about?

Death, murder, killing, war, ghost.

Fifth question: How long to you sleep at night?

Three to four hours uninterrupted

That was all the questions on the paper. I stood up and gave him my paper. Jesse was still working on his. I walk out of the room and head to my car.

I was about to get in my car when I hear my name being called.

“Athena, wait up.” It was Jesse of course.

“Yes?”

“You didn’t answer my question.” Oh, I forgot about it.

“Fine, Jesse I’ll give you one chance. If you screw it up then you can kiss me helping you goodbye.” I say.

“Thank you, Athena. Thank you so much. I promise I won’t screw it up. I’m really trying to help you.”

“Yeah, ok.” I mumble back.

“So call me when you’re ready. You have my number, right;” I nod my head. “Good. Bye, I’ll see you tomorrow.” He smiled and left. I sigh and got in my car. I think I was actually starting to trust him, which was bad. I can’t trust anyone, I never can.