Terror Within (Section 1)

She awoke with a cry of terror on her lips, the stench of sweat clung to her nostrils, her heart refusing to slow to a normal rhythm. As the terror of the nightmare flashed vivid photos through her brain she whipped back the covers and leaped out of bed. The wildness of her eyes still focusing on the horror she had dreamed, she stumbles across the hall to watch her daughter sleep in bliss. Tears of relief roll down her cheeks and she walks on shaky legs toward the bathroom. She flips on the light and stares at the haggard face looking back at her. When did she become so haunted? Her eyes, almost black in color, held fear and uncertainty, her complexion pale and lifeless, her once glorious mane of chestnut hair now ragged tangles falling to her hips.

She strips her body of the faded cotton nightgown and steps into the cold porcelain bathtub, draws the plastic curtain and puts the hot water on full blast. As the water cascades down her body, she allows the tears of uncertainty to flow down her face and splash into the stream of the hot water. How had she become this way? Why did she fear so many things? Only after the water ran cold did she seem to snap out of her stupor. She dries her body with an old, worn towel and slips the faded cotton gown back onto her damp body.

Walking back into the empty bedroom she can still feel the lingering fear in the air. Flipping on the light switch, everything looks normal and in the correct place. Glancing at the clock on the nightstand she sighs – 2:56 a.m. No sense in trying to go back to sleep, too many memories and old hurts floating through her head. She takes out her laptop and settles into her desk area to work on a new writing project that she should have begun a week ago.

A ringing cell phone breaks her concentration; she glances at the clock – 5:43 a.m. – that would be the public school district that she works for as a substitute teacher. After she hangs up the phone, she checks on her sleeping daughter again before starting her morning routine of getting the dogs outside, cleaning up any messes they may have made, throw together something for lunch, today it is tuna noodle casserole already in the freezer and frozen fruit. Staring at the selection of clothes in her closet, she opts for a pair of black slacks and a soft purple sweater, black flats and gold jewelry finish the look. She runs a brush through her long, tangled tresses, puts a little mascara and lip gloss on and heads out the door. Forgetting to let the dogs back inside, she unlocks the door and quickly gets them settled, then she remembers to jot a note for her mother about her daughter’s activities that day. Back out the door she goes.

Fifteen minutes later she pulls into the high school parking lot. Taking a deep breath and grabbing her tote bag she breezes through the side doors with a confident stride and an easy smile masking the true emotions running through her soul. “Good morning, Judy” she chirps as she walks into the main office.

“How’s it going, Haley?” Judy asks as she hands over the day’s assignments and rosters.

“Same as always,” replies Haley. She gives a plastic smile to Judy and the others in the main office. She strolls through the commons, nodding and smiling at the students as they call out to her. “Hi Ms. Mason!” “Good morning, Ms. Mason!” “Who are you subbing for Ms. Mason?”

Finally making her way to her classroom for the day, Haley Mason falls into the desk chair and lets the smile fade. Leaning forward she takes a cleansing breath and shuffles through the paperwork Judy had given her as well as the plans left by the residing teacher. By the time the first students shuffle into the classroom the mask is firmly back in place and Haley Mason greets the students with warmth and welcoming.

The same tasks are performed for six classes and the students groan and complain about the work they are expected to do. Finally, after the last bell rings, Haley gathers her paperwork and heads to the main office. “How was it today?” Judy asks.

“They were great,” Haley replied.

“So what are your plans for the weekend?” Judy was one of the main office busybodies. Small built, short brunette with a quirky smile, Judy was a happily married woman with two grown children, It is her belief that all people should be paired up and it was her goal to see that it happens.

“Just hanging out with Ariel and going to a craft show in the city.” Haley quickly gathered her tote bag and headed out the door with a quick smile and wave. Sticking around any longer would give Judy the opportunity to try to set her up on a blind date or invite her to one of Judy’s infamous mixers.

Driving home, Haley tried to sort through the jumble of images that she remembered from her dream. Every night it was the same terror, just different scenes; always the fear for her daughter and the fear of losing her daughter.