Chapter Thirteen:

Thirteenth Encounter: Age 13 and a Half

Mysteri laid in bed weeks later, after her dancing dream with Erik, thinking through the past eight years she had known him. It was an introspective night, two days before New Year's Eve, which made one think of their life and promises of the past and future. And what Mysteri happened to be thinking of, was Erik.

Erik knew almost everything about her, but what did she know about him? Well… not half of what his knowledge was. She didn't even know his face…

"You're only a mask to me." She said aloud. "Erik, what is your secret? How are you a nightmare? How can someone as gentle as you, be a nightmare?"

She closed her eyes, and laid back against her pillows. "Erik…"

"I'm coming, Mysteri, I'm coming."

Soon she was lying down in the meadow, and she turned and opened her eyes, to find Erik beside her, lying on his stomach reading a book.

"Hey you." She said.

He looked over at her, and set down his book. "Hello Mysteri. How have you been?"

"I've been fine. And you?"

"I'm doing well too. Now that you're here."

She smiled. "Erik, am I the only one you see?"

"What do you mean?"

"These dreams, do you see other people in them?"

He shook his head. "No. Just you."

"Are you alone a lot?"

"Yes. But I'm used to being alone."

"Erik," She whispered, touching his arm, "I don't want you to be alone."

"I might be alone Mysteri, but it doesn't mean I'm lonely." They both sat up, and he stared down at her. "Some people… they are just meant to be by themselves."

"So, you're always alone, except for when I'm here?"

"Very much so. Now, enough of this dark conversation. You called for me tonight."

"Did I?"

"Yes. Your yearning for my company was so great, I couldn't ignore it. Is everything all right?"

She smiled and nodded. "Everything's fine, Erik. Does something have to be wrong for me to want to see you? There are times I really miss you."

"And I miss you too." He studied her for a moment, then sighed. "You're looking older and older every time I see you."

"So do you. You age every time I see you, and you always talk like an adult. You're not like anyone else I've ever met, Erik." She sighed. "I want to know more about you. It's frustrating, how little I know…"

"You will understand everything eventually. When you get older…"

Finally she lost her temper, and stood up. "Erik, you just said I look older and older every time you see me! When am I going to be old enough to know who you are? How long do I have to wait?"

He stood too, and gazed at her in shock. "Mysteri!"

"I care about you, Erik!" She continued, "You're my best friend, and you know me better than anyone! We've been friends since I was five for God's sake! Erik, I want to know you! I want to know you as deeply as you know me! I'm not afraid of your secrets!"

Suddenly she flew forward, and the next few moments seemed to happen in slow motion. She reached toward his face, and gripped the white mask. Soon she fingered the edge, and pulled it off his face. For one second her eyes caught a glimpse of the horror underneath, before he pushed her to the ground and turned around.

What she saw she thought had been a figment of her imagination. Even though it was only a second of knowing, the image that remained was sickly yellow skin, abnormally hallow cheeks, and… no… it was impossible. Did he have no nose?

She then realized that everything was deathly silent, and she looked around. Her surroundings had changed dramatically. The sky was now dark with storm clouds, and the grass below her was brown and dead. Erik stood in front of her, his back to her, and his shoulders hunched like he was in pain. She saw he was struggling to put the mask back on, and that he was breathing roughly.

"Erik," She said softly, "Erik…"

He stopped breathing, and now that the mask was on his face, he turned toward her, his eyes full of fury.

"Why the hell did you do that?" He yelled, "Didn't I give you warning! Didn't I tell you that my face was a nightmare!"
"Erik, please stop!"

"Oh no, I have done everything you have ever asked of me! It's my turn now to make the demands!" He grabbed her shoulders roughly, and shook her as he talked. "I have given you everything you've ever desired, everything that was in my power to give! And this, this is how you repay my kindness toward you! You broke the only condition I had!" He then let go of her, and she collapsed on the ground. "Damn you! I thought I finally found someone who understood… damn you for giving me hope! Damn you!" He then grew still, and stated coldly, "You'll never see me again. It's over, Mysteri. You and I… we are destined to be alone. And it's such a pity, you showed so MUCH promise."

Suddenly she fell through darkness, and into a fitful sleep.

The next morning she woke up screaming and crying. Her mother ran in, and cuddled her close on the bed.

"Mysteri, what is it?" She asked worriedly, "Baby, tell me…"

But she only shook her head, and cried harder into her mother's arms. "Oh Mom," She whimpered, when she could finally speak, "I had the worst nightmare."

"What was it about darling?"

"I had the most beautiful thing in the world," at this point she burst into sobs. "And I lost it."

Sorry for the short chapter, but as you can see, it's very intense. I thought it was best to make this event short, and deep.