I'm running as fast as I can. The monster is chasing me. Again. There's fire everywhere. The monster roars behind me. I scream. I can't breathe because of the smoke. There's a blast and suddenly I'm flying. I'm about to hit the ground.
I wake up, sweating and panting. Bloody nightmares. When will it stop ! I'm aware of my phone ringing. It's 7 in the morning. I check he caller id and see my dad's name. I pick it up. "Hi dad. I'm sorry I meant to call you yesterday but I fell asleep.". " Good morning love, it's alright. Did I wake you up?". "No, I was about to wake up on my own." I say as I rub the sleep out of my eyes. "You sound upset Ana. Did you have another nightmare?" he inquires. "Yeah. How did you know?".
"Well I just do. You haven't had a nightmare in a while. Is everything alright?" . "Yeah dad I'm fine. You tell me, how are you? " I change the subject. "Same old. Sam was looking for you yesterday. Said that you'd help him with math. And that he'd tried calling you but you wouldn't pick up the phone.". oh crap! I'd forgotten about it. "It completely slipped out of my mind. I'll call him once I reach there.". "About that. When are you coming back?" he asked a little hesitantly. "I'll be back by evening I think. I have class tomorrow and I can't miss the revision just before the finals." I say as I ponder upon how I'm going to break this particular bit of news to my parents. I don't imagine it's going to be easy. "Alright then. I'll see . Love you.". "Love you too dad." Just as I'm ending the call. There's a knock on my door.
"Come in" I say as I fold my blanket. Dad enters the room. " Good morning," he says with a smile."Good morning." I reply. He sits on my bed "So what would you like to do today? I was thinking we all could go sailing ,but if you have anything else in mind, we could do that." he asks, hopefully. Damn. "Actually I wanted to talk to you about it. I would like to go back to your Forks ." His smile died on his face, as if it had never existed. "No. No way.". Ok I didn't think he would be this adamant about it. "Dad I have to go back.". "No you don't. You don't ever need to go back. This is your house Ana.". "What is taking so long honey?" mom says, appearing at the enterance of the room. "Our baby wants to go back Ana." dad says with emotion in his voice. Shit. I've upset him.
"What?" mom's eyes tear up immedeatly. Oh god. "Listen to me please. My finals are starting next week onwards. They'll be revising stuff in the school. I need to attend that.".
"That's quite alright. You can attend school and come back home after school." mom says. "As much as I'd love to do that , I have promised a friend of mine that I'll help him study. And I also have some group study sessions planned with my friends. I'm sorry but I'll only be able to come back after my exams. Please try to understand."
Both of them remain quite for a moment and exchange looks. "Ok Annabeth. But on one condition." my dad says, his tone all business like. "What condition?"
I ask. "You'll have three bodyguards with you. At all times. They will accompany you to school, to your friends house, and anywhere else you go.". "Dad ,
I'm a very private person and I do not like anyone invading my privacy." I say as I try to hide my horror. "It's just to ensure your safety love." Mom says as she rubs a hand on my back. "Isn't there any other way to do that?" I ask, pleadingly. "Please?" I try to be pursuasive.
"Annabeth, there's one thing we could do. You would not see them. It will be as if they do not exist." my dad says. "But they'll be watching me all the time. I'll be very self-consious.". "You'll forget about them love. They will not interfere in your life unless there's danger. Please just do this small thing for us. You don't know how hard it is to agree to let you go after we've found you. Both me and your mother will be at peace knowing that you are safe. You wouldn't know what it's like. Not untill you have children of your own," dad isn't going to let this go. I can see that.
After thinking for some time I agree to it. Both of them smile at me but they are still very sad. I try to cheer them up by reminding them that I'll be back as soon as my exams are over. I feel a small victory at winning the argument.