Forgotten Innocence

[A Nightmare on Elm Street]

Ch. 10

Accusations

"You think I what?" Eli couldn't believe what she was hearing. Laying in the hospital bed, her mother, father, doctor and three police officers around her, she toyed with the idea she was still dreaming. You know, like those dreams people have of waking up, but not really waking up?

"Ms. Bishop, your parents tell us you occasionally sleep walk-"

"So that automatically means I killed my sister?!"

"Now Elizabeth, calm down." her mother placed a hand on her daughter's arm. "He didn't mean it like that."

"The Hell he didn't, Margret!" her father shot up, glaring at the officers, particularly the one who was talking. The man straightened his top, and stared indignantly at Mr. Bishop.

"Don, sit down." Eli groaned, and placed a hand on her bandaged cheek.

This whole thing started when Eli's parents ran into her and Megan's room. Her mother nearly passed out, and her father quickly ran into the hall to call an ambulance. Megan was pronounced dead at the scene, and Eli was rushed to the hospital. Two hours and seven stitches in her cheek, followed by a bandage to keep her from picking at them, Eli was being accused of killing her sister. Presently, her father was arguing with the officer, rather detective, who called himself Kenneth. From Eli's standpoint, he probably couldn't detect his way out of a brown paper bag.

"Mr. Bishop, Elizabeth is the last person to see Megan alive. She discovered the body, she's the prime suspect. Unless you'd like to confess something." Eli saw the vein in her father's head twitch with every word Detective Kenneth spoke. Yeah, Kennith was a jackass. Eli could figure that out in the ten minutes he's been there. Grade A, 100% Pure Jackass.

"I'd like to confess you're a prick!" Mr. Bishop spat. Eli sighed, and laid back on her pillows. Her mother glanced over and stroked her head.

"Are you alright sweetheart?"
"Just tired, Mom." And it was the truth, Eli felt exhausted. She hadn't slept since she woke from that nightmare. But the memory of that guy kept her from drifting off. He smelled of smoke and must. And his face. Eli would never forget his face. Or those claws. Claws that cut her.

No, I scratched myself in my sleep. Eli was determined to keep the nightmare out of her head, but it was hard. It was all too real. The night's chill, the feeling of nicotine on her tongue, the pressure of the man on her back as he tackled her, the girl. Annabel. Why did that little girl look familiar? Had Eli seen her before? Was she an old childhood friend?

Eli was half conscious of the three officers leaving, and her father cursing under his breath. The doctor cleared his throat, pulling Eli from her thoughts.

"I think we should let Elizabeth, here, get some rest. She's been through a lot these past four hours." Her mother nodded, wiping a tear away with a piece of cloth. Her father ran his fingers through his hair, but said nothing. The doctor shooed the two out, then turned to Eli.

"Get some rest, alright?" Eli nodded and smiled. When the doctor closed the door, Eli took to staring at the ceiling. For whatever reason, she felt safer not going to sleep.

Annabel sat down, staring at a wall. When Freddy had returned, he had yelled at her, and made her stand in the corner. She had cried for five minutes, but now, she felt ill. She sniffed, and rubbed at her red eyes. In the other room, she heard Freddy growling, and tapping the table with his claws. Annabel wasn't sure what she had done to make him upset. She sniffed, and hic-coughed. The tapping stopped, and Annabel tugged at her sweater's arms.

"Annabel. Come here." Annabel stood still for a moment, before slowly making her way into the next room.

"Y-yes, Freddy?" He was sitting in the same chair as last time, only now there seemed to be a few more scratches in it. Fred beckoned her over, and she stepped closer. He continued to crook his finger, until Annabel was right in front on him. Fred sighed and removed his head from his hand.

"Annabel, why were you talking to that girl?" Annabel toed the ground, keeping her head low.

"I just wanted to play." she muttered. Fred sighed once again. She was still a child. Annabel glanced up at Freddy.

"I'm sorry." Freddy jumped slightly and looked at her. "I didn't mean to make you mad, Freddy. Honest. I just wanted to play." Fred stared long and hard at the small child. He finally smiled, and stood. Annabel gulped and stared up at him. He knelt down to her level, and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry I yelled at you. I was worried you'd get in the way of my work." Annabel bought the lie and smiled, meekly.

"It's okay, Freddy. I forgive you." she tossed her arms around his neck. Fred smiled, and patted her back.

Why the Hell haven't I killed her, yet?

Maria stared at her daughter, laying on the hospital bed. She looked so peaceful. Maria was a mess. Her eyes were red, and she wasn't wearing make-up. Her hair was frizzed and tangled, her voice was cracking, and her cheeks were pink from crying. She took in a shuddered breath and and stroked Annabel's cheek.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Annabel, please wake up baby. Please." She hadn't been to work all week. Her boss had finally called her and said if she missed any more days, she'd be fired. Maria knew she had to work. She promised her boss she'd be in Monday. Swallowing, she leaned forward and kissed her daughter's cheek.

Maria had heard of all the deaths. She felt sorry for all the parents. Some where her mother's friends, and she felt obliged to go to the funerals. Her mother had left Springwood after Maria had Annabel. She hadn't heard from her, since. No address, no number. Nothing.

Maria sighed, and stared at her daughter. She was the last thing she had to hold on to. Annabel's father was dead, but Maria didn't have the heart to tell her daughter this. How do you tell a six-year-old child her daddy is dead? Not to mention the terrible things he did. Maria felt tears spring to her eyes, thinking about it, as well as bile rising to her throat. She tossed the memory aside, and stood. Wiping her tears, she turned, and exited the room.

"Leaving already, Ms. Richards?" Maria looked over at the receptionist, and nodded.

"I need to gussy myself up. I've got work this Monday, and need all the rest I can get." The receptionist nodded.

"Take care, Ms. Richards." Maria left, and headed straight for the store. Tonight was a good night to drink bad memories away.

A/N:

Hot damn, I shot this one out, fast!

Apologies if this one seems rushed.

"Reviews make you cool!"