Selene

Perhaps it was a dream, she thought. Perhaps if she pinched herself, she would wake up. But she didn't want to wake up. She wanted to stay in this dream world where the sores in her mouth and throat didn't hurt. Where she didn’t have to suck on ice chips to drink water. Sarah wanted this world where the sun didn’t burn her and her hair blew in the wind. 

There were no hospital machines, tubes of fluid or nurses bustling about day and night. The only sounds were the birds and the stream trickling by as the trees swayed. No silent crying of her mother or Sarah’s own rattling breath. 

“You can stay if you would like.” A woman was sitting beside her on the grass with a smile so soft it was almost made of sunshine. Her hair had flowers woven into it and dress made of nature itself. Her skin was bronzed, dark and smooth. 

“Who are you?” 

“I am many things. Here, however, you can call me Selene.” Sarah stared at her a moment longer before turning her attention back to the creek. “Staying sounds nice. However, I want to go back. To be healthy.” Selene gave a knowing smile. 

“I can help, my child.” 

“Do it”, Sarah barked. Anger flooded her. Everyone always said that. Sarah wouldn’t look at her.

“As you wish.” The woman opened her mouth with fangs protruding. In one, swift movement bit Sarah on the neck. 

~*-*~

Sarah refused to open her eyes. The dream she had was so real. It was everything she wanted. She could breathe, smile and feel air. The pang in her neck let her know it wasn’t a lie. She could feel the sting of an open wound. Still, there was a possibility it was wrong. That she had been lucid dreaming and a nurse was pricking her with a needle. Why wake to the possibility of heartbreak? She forced her eyes open and let out a sigh of disappointment.. They fluttered against the hydromorphone. Was it real? Did a woman grant her freedom by a stream? Or was it another drug induced nightmare?

“Honey?” Sarah’s mom shifted in her seat. Her body giving away the uncomfortable nature of the chair she slept in. The smallest wince in her eyes, the grip of her hands as she moved her hips. 

“Mom. Please. Go sleep at home.” Sarah looked past her mother as she pierced her daughter with deep brown eyes. Murky with pain and hope. Both fell silent for a moment. There was a heavy hush of unknown. As she did every Friday, Mrs. Cowlwell cleared her throat, put her day old washed hair in a bun and announced, “I’m going to get us some popcorn. Any preference?” Sarah watched her with every intention of committing her to memory. The bite of her drug induced sleep was already fading. 

“You know I love movie theater butter.” A weak smile followed and Mrs. Cowlwell squeezed her daughter’s arm. Once the door closed behind her, Sarah was throwing the blankets off. Was it really a  dream? Stumbling to the bathroom her legs gave out once she gripped the edge of the sink. It almost hurt with how roughly she breathed through her nose. Grease was smudged on the mirror as her nose pressed against the glass. Sarah’s eyes widened as she saw it. Two fine pricks against her pale skin. Two small holes. Two holes that gave her actual hope in these last three years. 

~*-*~

“I don’t think she’s the one for this.” A man stood, face drawn as he confronted the one before him. His counterpart was in front of a large window that overlooked the garden. His hands were folded together behind his back. Gray eyes looked through the window but not really seeing anything. He had yet to look at who had spoke. 

“I am telling you that she is the one.” There was a suffocation and visible waves of energy in the room. The one that had spoken first had his face set. His lips were in a thin line, turned down at the corners as he winced. “She is it,” said the man  She’s the one to start it all. She still believes.” The first drew back with the smallest of bows. He’s breathing strained. 

“Yes, sir.” Satisfied the older man let his arms fall to his sides, allowed a small grin to grace his angled features and gave a curt nod in return. How could this fail? The world was losing its Magik and only he and his kind could bring it back. Father would be so pleased. 

Author's Notes:

I have been sitting on this story for years. A lot of bare bones here. I still need to flesh out Selene who she is and who the mystery man at the end of the story...who is he? What is his family? How does the magik work? Why am I even sharing this?! There needs to be so much done haha. Oh well, enjoy. If you have suggestions, let me know.

I do not have a lot of of the background or the reasons of why for this story. It started as a prompt in an old journal and well...this is as far as it has ever gotten! I had another story I wanted to submit, but I am actually working on it and have WAY more thought out.