Dark Dreams
Chapter 4: Not A Word
Westin Hills
7.20am…
The tip of a silver pen scribbled down some notes on an A4 pad as Neil noted down the names of the two new teenagers admitted to the hospital within the last forty-eight hours. Tracy Swann and Carlos Rodriguez. Both were only sixteen years old and from Neil's initial conversations with them, they had been dreaming of Krueger for the last week or two, after hearing of him from their fellow classmates. Now, at the moment there was eleven patients in the ward. But he knew that would constantly change. New faces would arrive, then within a few days Krueger would claim their lives. It was an endless cycle of death.
Neil knew that today was the day that Dr Reynolds and his colleague would be arriving in Springwood. It was imperative that he held a discussion the kids, to insist that they kept anything about Freddy a secret from the two new Doctors. He wanted to keep them safe.
There was a small knock at the door, and he looked up from his desk. "Come in"
The door opened to reveal Paul and Max, both men held sullen gazes as they entered. "We got the numbers of deaths over the weekend. As you know we've been lucky this weekend. He hasn't killed anyone in the ward. But in the community, it was bad. In Sycamore Drive and Haywood Park there was five deaths, all supposed suicides. There was a car crash near the Central Park. Three teenagers were in the car, all aged seventeen years old. The car smashed against a tree then burst into flames. There were three cot deaths. And a seventeen-year-old boy was found in the school football pitch on Saturday night. He was hung from the goal posts. The police are calling it a suicide"
"That bastard" Neil muttered softly. He opened the top drawer of his desk and lifted a small notebook and flicked through the pages until he came to a new blank page. He noted down the date, and the number of victims. Below he wrote.
Total deaths so far at the 7th ofFeb 1994 – 3224.
This number of deaths was only from September 1989, it didn't include the deaths of the Elm Street children and the subsequent deaths after Kristen demise in May 1988.
"Since last Monday he's killed at least another thirty-two kids. Are there any disappearances?" Neil asked.
Paul shook his head. "I checked with Sheriff Garcia, no reported disappearances of any children or teenagers"
Neil nodded quietly.
Max cleared his throat, grabbing Neil's attention. "We should get the kids together in groups. We need to tell them about the new doctors coming today. They need to know not to say anything about what is happening here. About Krueger"
"I know. They are having their breakfast. Most of them managed to stay awake during the night" Neil nodded with his head at his small brown sofa, gesturing for them to sit. "Has the new girl Tracy settled in, okay?"
"Yeah, I put her into Karen's room" Max replied. "I put the new boy Carlos in with Spencer and Shaun"
"That's good" Neil nodded and then stifled a yawn.
He saw Paul rise from his seat and venture behind his desk towards a small table were a pot of coffee and several mugs were kept. He began to pour them out coffee. "What time are the new doctors arriving?"
"I spoke with Dr Reynolds last night" Neil took the mug off Paul and took a long drink, "he said they would be leaving Central City around 8.30am They are checking into their motel around 10.30am. I said we could meet around 1.30pm. I want to give them some time to pack, settle in"
"What motel have you arranged for them?" Paul settled onto the sofa beside Max.
"You know that one that opened in the late 80s, Hampton Lodge?"
Both men nodded.
"I have arranged rooms for them there. Though Alan had said they would rent an apartment in the centre of town. But I told them the accommodation has been booked. I'll be paying for their stay here. Just to show my appreciation" Neil took another sip of his caffeinated drink. "But also, I want to keep them away from the locals. If anyone knows they are new in town or are working in Westin Hills, God knows what will be said to them. Have you noticed that some of the adults in town are starting to become delusional?"
Max sighed, "Yeah, I have heard or some incidents. A few of them have been admitted to B Wing"
Paul slumped despondently into his seat, "Things just seem to be getting worse" he looked up towards his boss. "Who is Dr Reynolds colleague? You never mentioned his name"
Neil knew that he had to tell them before Dr Reynolds arrived. "It's a woman who is coming. I don't know their name"
A hushed silence fell upon the room as Max and Paul gathered their thoughts. Neil both knew that they were worried by this admission that the other doctor was female. The callous way that Freddy had murdered Dr Stewart last year was still fresh in their minds. He had to allay their fears. "Look, I know what happened last August was horrific for us to witness. But I will make sure that nothing happens to them. Especially the woman"
"Do you know anything about her?" Max leaned forward in his seat.
"Only that she got her doctorate in Child Psychology in 1992. She also has a degree in Youth Counselling. She's only thirty-one. He worked with her in the Youth Shelter in Central City. She asked Alan about working in Westin Hills. It's only a short-term contract" he replied, then insisted. "Alan may be our only chance of beating Krueger"
"Does his colleague have any experience in dream therapy?" Paul asked.
"No" Neill shook his head.
"I don't like this Neil" Max moaned, "It's just too risky!"
"Max, they won't find out!" Neil persisted. He nodded towards a pile of brown files on his desk. "I'm in the process of getting all the old patient files reviewed. Anything that mentions dreams, or his name is begin redacted. I'm starting to write up the two new patients files and will leave his name out. They won't know"
"They may not find out about Freddy from us, but what about in town?" Max glared at him.
"Sheriff Garcia knows about the new Doctors arriving. He has a team together going around the libraries and public record offices to remove anything related to Freddy" Neil tried to reassure his colleague. "Would you be able to speak to some of the kids? There are some still having their breakfast. The others are in their rooms, I'll speak to them in the games room"
"I'll talk to them now" Max rose to his feet and left the room.
Paul finished his drink and noticed the weary deposition on Neil's face. "Listen, you should get a few hours sleep after you talk to the kids. You can't let Dr Reynolds and his colleague seeing you like this"
Neil groaned with exhaustion as he climbed from his seat. "I will after I speak to the teenagers"
They left Neil's office and wandered down the dimly lit corridor, passing by a few nurses and junior doctors. As they passed a window that overlooked the carpark outside, a crackle of yellow lightening splintered across the dark morning sky. Neil pulled opened a set of doors and they continued their way pass several of the teenagers' rooms and turned right into another corridor where a few kids lingered outside the recreation or games room. One of the girls, with shoulder length blond hair noticed them approaching and quickly made her way into the room followed by two other girls and four boys, their ages ranging from fifteen to seventeen years old.
Neil and Paul stepped into the room, eying them quickly as he commanded their attention. The four boys lingered at a three-seater sofa. "Tracy, Carlos." Neil began, "Are you settling in, okay?"
A young fifteen-year-old Hispanic with black hair and dark brown eyes nodded sheepishly. "Yeah, thanks"
In the corner of the room a sixteen-year-old girl sat on a single chair, distancing herself from the others. Her arms were wrapped around her slim athletic frame as she gently rocked bath and forth, her blue eyes forlorn and full of fatigue. A few strands of her blond hair shieled her face as she looked up at him. "I got through the night okay"
Neil smiled at Tracy and then slowly studied the rest of the teenagers. There was Karen, a seventeen-year-old with fair wavy hair past her shoulders. She was one of the longest attendants in the hospital, having been there for the last ten days. Somehow, she had managed to fend off sleep and Kreuger, but for how much longer would she able to accomplish this? Beside her was another girl sixteen-year-old Megan with short black cropped hair and bright green, emerald eyes, standing at just 5 feet, the shortest of the girls in the ward.
The four boys congregated near PlayStation console and TV set. Carlos stood beside Spencer, who was the same age as him with shoulder length blond hair tied back in a loose ponytail, with a few shorter lengths around his face. Next to him was Shaun, someone that Tracy had known through school having shared a few classes together. The brown hair boy hadn't made it known, but he had a secret crush on her. But had kept his space from her, knowing that she was a little difficult to speak to. She would constantly shy away from any boys' advances in school or about town. The last boy amongst them was a young fifteen-year-old Japanese boy name Lee, with jet black hair and light hazel eyes.
All of them were on edge, exhausted.
"What are we doing here?" Karen demanded huffily, "Max came to our rooms and told us to come here. Why?"
"I've some news for you all"
"Is it a way to stop that bastard?" Shaun hopefully asked.
"We have some new doctors arriving today" Neil answered, "They'll be here around 1.30pm"
"Do they live in Springwood?" Carlos fiddled with his left ear, adjusting the volume on his hearing aid. "Do they know about him?"
"No, they are from Central City. I have asked one of them for their help" Neil glanced at them each, inspecting their expressions. They seemed curious, but a growing sense of uneasiness was starting to manifest on their fatigue faces.
"Their help?" Karen scoffed. "I can't believe that anyone would come here, knowing what is going on!"
"They don't know anything Karen" Neil explained curtly. "As far as they are aware they are being brought here to help deal with patients who are depressed and are suffering from severe anxiety. I have briefly mentioned about a few suicides. But they know nothing of who Freddy is, of the nightmares you are all suffering from"
A feeling of dread surged through the room amongst the teenagers as they each exchanged looks of horror.
"They'll find out Dr Gordon! Someone always finds out about Freddy!" Spencer warned.
"They won't. I have redacted all information about your dreams and any mention of HIM from the patient files. I just need ALL of you to promise me you will not speak to the two new doctors about what is going on here. We can't risk them knowing about him too soon"
"What if they ask questions?" Shaun asked with concern.
"Just think before you speak. Choose your responses wisely" Paul suggested.
Spencer leaned against the edge of a grey couch, resting his weary body. "I just want to know how the hell are they going to helps us!"
"One of them specializes in dream therapy" Paul turned towards the young man. "We are hoping to get him to teach you all about lucid dreaming"
"What is that?" Tracy lifted her head, a curious gleam flickered in her eyes at this.
Karen straightened up and smugly cut in. "I think I know what that is. I read about it in a magazine once"
Tracy slumped back in her seat and inconspicuously rolled her eyes in disbelief. She silently talked to herself as her lips moved slightly; there she goes again. Obnoxious bitch. Thinking she knows everything. She probably hasn't a clue what it is.
From across the room Carlos had silently noticed Tracy's lips moving and could not help but smirk at her, then turned away and feigned a cough to cover his light chuckling. He had gained enough experience over the last few years to read people's lips when he had turned off his hearing aid or if he was in a situation where the noise was too loud. He had to admit he had to agree with Tracy. Karen was well known throughout Springwood High School of being arrogant and felt she was superior to others seeing as her parents were wealthy and owned several businesses in the town.
Neil cleared his throat and began to explain the term 'lucid dreaming' "It's a technique used to control your dreams. The doctor has said he has used it in various therapy treatments with his patients. If in a short period of time he can teach you to control your dreams when you sleep, then maybe you or even all of us can fight back against that fucker!"
"What about the rest of the town?" Shaun asked with worry. "I was lucky enough to escape that fucker the other night, but two of my friends have died!"
"Yeah" Lee spoke up, "I'm the last one out of my group of friends. Freddy is wiping everyone out in town, they're being left to fend for themselves. They aren't getting any help!"
"Lee, I understand" Neil walked over to him. "I do. But we are trying everything that we can. The major and the sheriff are trying too. It's just that" he turned to stare solemnly at the other kids. "word of Freddy keeps being spread by everyone. All the teenagers are hearing about him from their friends, they talk about him. About their dreams. Thinking it's just strange dreams until it's too late and then Krueger takes them out. Even little children are finding out about him"
"I heard about that" Megan muttered grimly.
"About what?" Spencer looked over to her.
"There are some strange painting and chalk drawings being found around the elementary school and kindergarten"
"Drawings?" Shaun glared at her. "Of what?"
"Of him!" Megan gulped. "My mom works in the Elementary school; she told me there's been drawings of that house too on Elm Street and that old jump rope song!"
"Who the fuck would do that?" Shaun seethed.
"It must be Krueger" Neil shook his head in disgust. "You all know how his power is from the souls of the people he's killed. He has murdered so many teenagers and children over the years he probably has accumulated so much power that he can influence the waking world. By conjuring up paintings, drawings of himself to spread his name to those don't know of him yet"
He turned towards Paul, "Listen, maybe you should contact Sheriff Garcia, ask him if he knows about the Elementary School and the kindergarten. He could get the drawings removed. He could maybe check other areas in the town for any paintings related to him. Get rid of them"
Paul gave a curt nod and quickly left the room.
"Dr Gordon, can we not get our memories erased?" Karen asked.
"We tried hypnosis before. A few years ago. Just say there were a few deaths" He muttered. "I believe that lucid dreaming maybe our only way to defeat him"
"What are their names? The doctors?" Shaun rubbed at his eyes.
"Dr Alan Reynolds. I'm not sure of his colleague. It's a woman, just recently got her doctorate in Child Psychology" Neil again looked at them with stern eyes. "Please do not say anything to them!"
The group of drowsy teenagers nodded in agreement.
"Look, I know you are all exhausted. I have some more stimulants coming in this afternoon. I'll get Max or Kenneth to distribute them out to you all. Keep them hidden from the doctors if they visit you in your rooms. Understand?" Neil stared sternly at them.
Again, they agreed with sharp nods of their heads.
"That's everything. You can go back to your rooms. Thanks for listening" he smiled.
All of them filtered out of the room apart from Tracy who lingered on her seat. Neil turned to face her as she eventually rose to her feet and took a cautious step forward. He stepped towards her, and she flinched away slightly. He noticed the uneasiness on her face. "I'm sorry, are you okay?"
"Can I ask you a question please? A request actually…" she sighed, "I know I am new to the hospital. It's just I prefer to be on my own. I mean, can I get my own room? Or even moved to a different room with someone else?"
"Why?" Neil's eyebrows furrowed with concern.
She groaned. "Ugh, it's just Karen. I know her from school. I'm not that fond of her. She brought Spencer, Carlos and Shaun into the room last night. I don't like being around so many guys"
He nodded thoughtfully. From discussion with the doctor in the General Hospital two nights before, he had discerned that Tracy was afraid of being examined by a male doctor and a female doctor had to take over. There was an underlying issue with her. Something he had hoped to find out through discussions with her. "Did you find it uncomfortable?"
She nodded. "Yeah. Would it be possible to get my own room?"
"But you may fall asleep if you are on your own" he warned. "That's why we have you all in pairs or even three to a room, so you can keep an eye on each other and keep each other awake"
"Uh, unless I move in with Angela and Megan? They're not as stuck up as Karen"
He smirked, "Okay. I'll have a word with Max. I'll try and get you moved this afternoon or early evening. Does that suit you?"
"Great, thank you" Tracy broke out into a smile. "What will you say to Karen though?"
"I'll just say we are rearranging some rooms. Freeing up space. People come and go here"
"You mean. People die" She replied sombrely.
He nodded grimly.
She shivered and with a quick smile and another mumble of 'thank you' she left the room. He exited the room and headed back to his office. As he entered Max rushed up behind him, "Neil, I have spoken to the rest of the kids in the canteen. They know to say nothing. I have arranged a meeting with the nurses and orderlies at noon to talk about the new doctors"
"That's good" Neil motioned for Max to sit, "I've been thinking over the last few months. You know my suspicions about Krueger. That there is something about him that we don't know"
Max sat on the small sofa, "Neil maybe you should contact Sheriff Garcia. He might know something. He was an officer when Donald Thompson was Sheriff in the last 60s. Thompson was the one who arrested Krueger isn't that right?"
"Yeah, that's right. Garcia was only twenty-two or twenty-three at the time and was one of the officers who had assisted in the arrest. He was promoted to Sheriff when Thompson was murdered in 1986. He was Lt in 1980 when the first deaths began. When Nancy first confronted Krueger" Neil replied, he thought for a moment and then grabbed a small notepad from the top of the bundle of patient files. He pulled a pen from his top shirt pocket and flicked through the pages to a blank page. "I'll write down what I know when he was alive"
1962-1967 – Krueger kidnapped and killed at least 23 children.
December 1967 – Krueger arrested.
February 1968 – Krueger released from prison, then hunted within a day or two to the power plant. Burnt alive.
Max sighed reading what Neil had written. "I wonder where he lived. What part of town?"
"Sheriff Garcia hasn't mentioned anything to me about that. I mean, I'm not sure if they knew him before they discovered he was the culprit taking away the children"
"How old was he when he was apprehended?"
Neil exhaled slowly; this was a tough question. "I'm not sure. There's a lot about him that we don't know. From what I found out from Amanda, his mother, he was born in 1938. So, about 29 years old. We need to find out everything about him. I keep thinking about what he said to me. About that the town had to pay for what they did to him"
"But Kristen was the last kid from the group of parents who murdered him" Max rubbed his head in thought. "Unless he is fucking with your mind Neil. He's probably trying to make you paranoid"
"But why won't he stop?"
"He's a serial killer. Some serial killers are just addicted to the power of having someone's life in their hands. He is addicted to that power. He has no moral conscious; all he cares about is killing. That is why he won't stop" Max sat forward. He saw the fatigue in Neil's eyes. "You need to stop overthinking things. Get some sleep. I will start amending these files" he nodded at the bundle of folders. "I'll wake you up at 10am"
He sighed and gave a sheepish nod and ventured over to the small sofa, "Thanks"
Max quickly sat behind his desk. "What are you plans for the doctors when they arrive this afternoon?"
"I'll introduce them to the staff. Maybe you or Kenneth can give them a quick tour of the facilities and the ward? Show them where the kids sleep, and where their offices would be" Neil paused and kicked off his black shoes. "We can briefly show them where the patient files are kept. But we need to keep the cabinets where some of the old patient files locked. As some of them haven't been amended yet"
"No problem"
"I was thinking we should bring them out to dinner in town. Help them settle in a little more. Get to know them more too"
"Sounds good" Max gave a thin smile.
"Max…" Neil knew the uncertainty that Max had with the new recruits coming to the town. "I promise, I will not let anything happen to them. I won't allow there to be another incident like Dr Stewart. Dr Reynolds colleague will be okay"
He nodded. "I trust you. Now get some sleep. I'll wake you up in a few hours"
X x x x
Central City,
8.20am…
The hushed voices of Doc and Diane resonated from the living room as Maggie carefully inspected the items from her large black suitcase in her bedroom. She took a mental note of her belongings – clothes, toiletry bag, black high-heeled shoes, two pair of black combat boots and a white pair of trainers, underwear. There were several other items she was bringing with her safely concealed in her grey grip bag. She quickly zipped her suitcase and dragged it towards the bedroom doorway. The last few weeks had flown in quickly. Perhaps too quickly for her. She felt a pang of apprehension at leaving Central City. Despite it being only for a few months, it would be the longest she had been away from the city in years. It had been her home for as long as she could remember and even being away from it for a week or so made her uneasy. So, to go to a new town for a job position was something new to her. She was hoping to adjust to her new job quickly and her new surroundings.
She had questioned Alan a few times over the last few weeks about what their new jobs would entail. But what he told her wasn't very forthcoming. It was basic information that he was given. Just that a group of teenagers were suffering from bouts of severe anxiety, depression and that a few of them had committed suicide over the last few months. This was what Dr Gordon has informed him. Maggie felt dismayed at the lack of information. It had made her suspicious. But she had to push those qualms to the side. It was probably her overthinking, something that she had a habit of doing.
Maggie grabbed her black/red checked shirt and pulled it over her red tank top, buttoning it up to the third last button and then took one last gaze at her bedroom. Her double bed beside a small white dresser and on top was her sketch pad. Her drawing from last night stared up at her and she sighed, frowning in confusion. She had yet again created that drawing of that guy. The last few nights she had barely got any sleep and instead was in a frenzy drawing in her sketch pad. She walked over to her dresser and picked up her pad as a scowl of confusion spread across her face. It was the exact same drawing from the last few months – trench coat with the collar pulled up around the rim of the man's intense face that was cast in the shadows. Bright blue eyes stared up at her and the top of his head was covered in tussled sandy blond hair. "Why the fuck am I drawing you?" she muttered quietly. She had thought of asking Alan about it, but she knew it was probably nothing. Throughout the years she had always had a strange habit of drawing different pictures of various people. It was just her imagination taking over. She always knew she had a vivid imagination.
Maggie sighed and pulled opened the bottom drawer of the dresser and threw the picture inside amongst a few other old sketchpads she had kept throughout the years. Underneath was a small brown envelope, something she had forgot she had. Inside appeared to be polaroid pictures, perhaps seven or eight of them. However, she had not opened it. Just like she still hadn't opened the box that had her name MAGGIE scrawled on top.
Shaking her head lightly she shoved the drawer closed and left the room, dragging her suitcase behind her. She had more important things to focus on now, namely her new job.
Maggie entered the living room and saw Diane and Doc deep in conversation.
"How long will you both be away for again?" Diane glanced up at her adoptive daughter.
"I'll be there for six months" Doc replied in between sipping his coffee. He was dressed impeccably in a dark grey suit under his heavy black jacket. Something she rarely had seen him in. It seemed he was eager to impress their new employees.
Diane turned towards Maggie. "And you Maggie dear? How long will you be away for?"
"My contract is short term. Three months" she replied and made her way towards the kitchen as she continued. "I'll be applying for some jobs when I'm in Springwood. I mean, any jobs in Central City. I'll be checking online"
"You'll be home in May?"
"That is the plan" Maggie called from the archway that led to the kitchen.
Alan excused himself and followed her into the kitchen, seeing that she was opening up her tablet organiser box. She slipped out a small tablet, which he knew was her Clozapine 12.5mg tablet. He watched as she popped it into her mouth and washed it down with a cold glass of water. Sensing him watching her she turned and smiled. "Are you checking up on me?"
"Have you got all your medication?" he asked.
"Yes" Maggie sighed. She knew this was going to happen. As much as she appreciated Doc's help, he was too intrusive sometimes. Constantly checking if she was taking her medication regularly and wasn't skipping any tablets. Though, deep down she knew that he meant well. Considering what had happened at the end of last year. She twisted around to him with her tablet organiser in her hands. "Yes, I have two months' worth of Clozapine, two months' worth of Celexa. I have brought one months of Valium and the same for Fluoxetine. They are all in my first aid bag in my backpack"
"Good" Doc gave her a pleased smile. "Your grey grip bag is in the car"
"Thanks" She returned his smile and placed her tablet box into her backpack and zipped it up. "Do you think if I would need more fluoxetine or Valium that you would be able to get them for me? I know we are going to a new town"
"Don't worry Maggie. I have my DEA licence and can prescribe you any drugs that you need"
She laughed, "God, you would think you were my dealer!"
He chuckled light-heartedly.
She quickly rushed from the kitchen back down to her bedroom and then reappeared carrying a thick brown leather book. "I forgot to give this to you last week for your birthday. I got it made for you; it has your name on the front" she pointed at the engraved name – Alan Reynolds. "It's a new journal. I know that you like to keep a note of your dreams"
"Thank you" Doc grasped it tightly in his strong hands. "I know that we are going in my car, but I got a set of keys made for you. If you wanted to take the car when we are in Springwood"
She gave a little smile in appreciation and glanced at the archway as Diane came into view. "Are you sure you have paid the rent on the apartment? Do you need any money?"
"Diane, it's all paid for February and March. I'll pay April's wage when I get paid at the end of the month. Don't worry, okay?" Maggie walked past her and grabbed her knee length maroon leather jacket and dark grey scarf from a small coat-stand.
"I know. You know how much I fret over you"
Maggie sighed in aggravation and snatched her handbag from the living room. "I'll be fine"
Diane nodded quietly and followed Alan out of the apartment has he carried Maggie's suitcase and backpack. Maggie quickly pulled on her jacket and wrapped the thick woolly scarf around her neck, and with one last inspection of her apartment to ensure all the switches were turned off she departed. Her keys jangled in her hands as she turned the silver key in the lock, securing her apartment.
The cold morning air flutter over her face as he exited the foyer of the apartment complex. A light drizzled began to fall from the overcast sky. Maggie strode over to Alan's car and saw yet again Diane conversing with him in a quiet manner.
"Please look after her Alan. She means so much to me" she whispered.
Alan gently clasped her shoulders and reassured. "She will be fine. I'll make sure nothing happens to her"
Maggie stepped up beside her and added. "Diane, I will have my cell phone. I will phone you once we get there"
"Take care sweetheart" Diane reached out and carefully wrapped her arms around Maggie's back. Maggie stiffened suddenly and meekly patted Diane's back, then swiftly stepped away and gave a weak smile.
Diane gave a sad smile in return, as much as she knew Maggie hated any kind of affectionate contact it still hurt her for Maggie to act this way. If only she could open up, let herself accept the love that was being bestowed to her. It was like she was afraid. Deep down Diane understood that her childhood was troubled, being constantly moved from town to town. They had talked about it during her therapy sessions, but Maggie still was shutting everyone away from her.
"Bye" Maggie forced a smile and walked to the front passenger seat.
Diane took a few steps back from the car as the engine spluttered on and with a quick wave she watched as the Alan's car pulled away from the sidewalk.
Maggie took one last glance in the rear-view mirror at Diane as Alan turned right into the adjacent street. As much as she knew that Diane desired some feeling or warmth from her, Maggie just couldn't let any emotion come to the surface. It terrified her of saying the word I love you to anyone, no matter how close she was to them. She believed that they would in the end hurt her. She sighed softly and turned her gaze to the left, staring at Alan as he concentrated his attention on the road. From the first time she meet him, when she was sixteen in her therapy session and through all the turbulent times in her life, through her studies and work, she knew she could rely on him. She could trust him, and in some way, she cared for him. More than anyone else in her life.
Her eyes caught his as he glanced at her, "You okay Mags?"
She smirked at the nickname he had called her. It had been so long since he called her that. "Yeah" her gaze soon turned towards the back seat. In a large brown cardboard box was a white monitor attached to several red and blue wires, and various electrodes.
Doc cleared his throat, grabbing her attention as she twisted around in her seat. Her eyes flickered out the passenger window as the car turned left, down a small carriageway on the outskirts of the city. "Dr Gordon faxed me a few pages about the facilities in Westin Hills if you want to read it. it's in the glove compartment"
Maggie reached over eagerly and popped opened the compartment. Inside were two small papers that were attached by a silver paperclip. She laid it on her lap, then asked. "What time are we meeting Dr Gordon?"
"He said for us to come to Westin Hills at 1.30pm"
"Where are we staying?" she glanced at the pages on her lap.
"A motel" he replied quickly.
She scoffed in astonishment. "A motel? Really?"
"He sent me pictures" Doc explained. "It looks nice. We both have our separate rooms"
Maggie rotated her body in her seat, adjusting her seatbelt. "Why can't we stay in the town centre?"
"Dr Gordon said the motel is located closer to the hospital on the north side of the town. Five minutes in the car. He is paying for our stay while we are there" Doc explained.
"Oh really?" Maggie arched an eyebrow in interest. "He must be making good money to pay for BOTH of our rooms!"
"He said it was the least he could do"
Maggie pursed her lips tightly as she pondered this. "He must really need your help Doc"
"Our help" Doc corrected her.
With a small nod, Maggie finally looked down at the pages and began to read the information laid out in them…
WESTIN HILLS EST. 1924
Harrington Road, Springwood.
Two Wings/Wards currently in operation.
A wing
B Wing
C Wing – currently under renovation. Due to be opened autumn 1994.
D Wing – permanently closed. No one is allowed access.
A Wing – Currently occupied by teenagers suffering from anxiety, depression. They are part of the ''programme' under the supervision of Head Administrator Neil Gordon. There are three full time doctors – Dr Paul Coleman, Dr Scott Barton, Dr Adam Jenson. Four full time nurses, two part time nurses. There are eight orderlies under the supervision of Chief Orderly – Max Fishburne. Seven administrative staff are dedicated to this Wing, undertaking clerical work.
B Wing – is designated for adults suffering from various mental health issues - schizophrenia, mania, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorder Personality Disorder, Dissociative Disorders, Eating Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Psychosis, Stress-Related Disorders.
Maggie's brown eyes continued to scrutinize the rest of the pages. There was no information about the teenagers that were currently residing in the hospital. The next page listed a brief list of treatments.
Cognitive therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Psychoanalytic Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy.
Her fingers tightened around the page as she scanned the rest of the page towards the bottom. It briefly noted the rules and regulations of the hospital. "Doc, I don't like this" she hissed. "They haven't told us anything about the kids we are going to be treating. Not a damn thing!"
His pensive eyes darted towards her for a moment then back to the highway as they drove past a small town. "I know Maggie"
"Why?" she folded the pages away back into the glove compartment. "I mean, it would be beneficial for us to have some idea of who the kids are. Did they not even fax you through any information from their case files? Even how many kids are on the ward?"
He quickly shook his head in discord. "No, not a thing"
She snarled, "This is fucking great! We're going to a psychiatric hospital where we know fuck all about what is going on with the patients"
Doc shared her frustration at the lack of information. "I know Maggie. I told him that I was a little concerned about not receiving any details about the teenagers. But he did promise me he would explain things when we get there. All he mentioned was that they were suffering from severe anxiety"
"But what KIND of anxiety?" Maggie crossed her arms in irritation. "There are different types of anxiety disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder. Not to mention various forms of depression" her eyes constricted as she murmured, "We better be allowed access to their files. If not, then I'll be having words with Dr Gordon"
Doc's eyes glimpsed in her direction and his voice went deep in pitch as he warned her, "Maggie, don't start-"
"Don't start what?" her voice growled as she snapped angrily. "I don't like things being kept form us. Especially when it comes to our line of work. The best way we can help the teenagers is for Dr Gordon to be honest and upfront with us from the start"
His grip tightened on the steering wheel, and he took a brief glance his rear-view mirror as he manoeuvred the car into the fast lane, overtaking a few cars ahead of them. "I will speak to Dr Gordon and will make sure that you have immediate access to the files. I know that Dr Gordon will insist on talking to me about dream therapy"
Maggie threw him a curious look, "Dream therapy? Does he think it would help the kids?"
"Yes" Doc nodded sharply, "He is keen to know more about lucid dreaming. I've brought all my books on lucid dreaming, the few books I had published regarding my theories. Maybe you could help them too. Teach them what I taught you"
"I'm not sure Doc. It's been a while since I have used them in a dream" her right hand discreetly began to fiddle with her braided bracelets on her left wrist. "I think I'll just use the conventional approach"
He steered the car back into the slow lane and glimpsed at another sign to his right, seeing that their turn off the highway was another three junctions away. About 6km to go. "It'll be another hour before we get to Springwood. You should get some sleep Maggie"
"No. I'll be fine. I'll have an early night tonight" she proposed. Her bottom lip sucked inward under her top as she anxiously pondered something that had been playing on her mind the last few nights. "Doc, what does Dr Gordon know about me?"
"Know about you?" he asked confusedly.
"Did you tell them about my condition?" Her eyes directed towards his as he took a fleeting glance in her direction.
He immediately shook his head and began to reassure her. "Maggie, I haven't told them anything about your condition. It is confidential between us. All they know is that you recently obtained your doctorate in Child Psychology in 1992. You have worked with me for the last four years. I have known you for the last several years and that you had a few other jobs as a Youth Counsellor in Jameson Hospital and Hillview Health Clinic before you came to work in the Youth Shelter. That's all they know. They don't know that I was your psychiatrist or anything about your time in hospital"
Maggie took a shaky breath and exhaled long and hard, relieved at this. She forced herself to smile. "That's good. Um, so…" her mind was in a blur as she tried to focus on another topic to speak about. "What about this town? Springwood. Have you been there before?"
"No, I haven't"
They both took a brief glance at another road sign to their right –
Greensborough – 24km
Huntersville – 20km
Springwood – 15km
Doc then continued. "It's a small town from what Dr Gordon explained. Population around 15000"
Maggie groaned out loud, "Oh god, it's one of them towns! Everyone knows everyone! Great!"
Doc laughed.
"What time is check in at?"
"It's normally mid-day. But we can check in early. Neil…" he saw the confused look from Maggie, then alluded. "That is Dr Gordon's first name. He arranged for us to check in early. Paid for it"
"Mmm" Maggie smirked, "He's really accommodating, isn't he?"
He nodded.
She reached down towards her bag as she asked. "Is it okay if I have a smoke?"
"Just pull down the window"
She grasped the silver handle of the window roller and rotating it anti-clockwise. When the window was rolled down halfway, she stopped and quicky grabbed her bag, taking out her Marlborough cigarettes and quickly lit one up. She eagerly took a drag and exhaled the smoke out through gap in the window.
"You really should quit" Doc insinuated.
She scowled and glared at him. "God, you sound like Diane. I only smoke about twenty cigarettes a week. And it's only when I am bored or anxious"
"Are you nervous?" he rose an eyebrow, "About going to Springwood?"
Maggie took another puff of her cigarette and shrugged her shoulders. "A little. I mean, it's just a new town. A new environment I'm going to. In Central City I was in a good routine. I was in familiar surroundings, socially and through my job. Everything was good. It's like I'm starting all over again" she flicked her ash out the window, "But I'll be okay when I settle into the job after a few days"
"Remember, I will be there. You can come to my motel room if you need to talk about anything. Okay?" he lifted his right hand from the steering wheel and gently rubbed her shoulder for a few seconds, then placed the hand back on the wheel.
They continued down the busy highway in silence. On each side of the highway was large vast snowy covered fields, with several farms dotted in the distance. A new road sign appeared up ahead after five minutes and they both glimpsed at it as the car sped past.
Greensborough – 20km
Springwood – 11km
Maggie felt her stomach lurch as she felt her muscles on her arms and legs tense. Why was she feeling sickened? Was it because she was going to Springwood? It was a ridiculous thought. Something she had to get over quickly or else she would be popping the Valium pills every day. The last thing she wanted was being zoned out each day during work. She took one last drag of her cigarette, and she discarded it out the car, then reached over to the black dial on the car radio and pushed it on. Her fingers twirled and turned the dial until a guitar riff blurred from the speakers as it tuned into a radio station. She felt her lips curl into a smirk and soon began to hum, then whisper the lyrics of a song that was beginning to play.
"There's somethin' wrong with the world today
I don't know what it is
Something's wrong with our eyes
We're seeing things in a different way
And God knows it ain't His
It sure ain't no surprise
We're livin' on the edge
Livin' on the edge
Livin' on the edge
Livin' on the edge"
Doc rolled his eyes and sighed as her voice began to grow in pitch, becoming louder. "I'm glad you have a decent singing voice. Because I don't think I could stick you singing all the way to Springwood"
Maggie turned and smiled, "Ah, thanks! You should hear me doing karaoke"
"I have. Remember? On several occasions" he reminded her.
She chewed her lips, thinking and then sighed. "Oh yeah, you have. I guess I was drunk and forgot you were in attendance!"
He chuckled.
For the next twenty minutes they debated and chatted about the songs that came on the radio, with Maggie giving her two-cents worth on each song. Analyzing it and criticizing the artist, lyrics of the song and the meaning behind it to Doc's amusement. After listening to the news headlines at 10am, Doc switched off the radio and they drove in silence the rest of the way, turning off the highway onto a long winding road that merged into a small country road. Doc turned the car right and they passed a small grime covered road sign.
Springwood 2km
Maggie felt her heart sped up, thumping thunderously against her chest. She stared out her window and slowly began to take short, sharp intakes of air as she regulated her heartbeat. Her head dipped forward as she bent down towards her bag and rummaged through it for a bottle of water and grabbed it. Her hands trembled slightly as she unscrewed it and took a long swig.
"Are you okay?" Doc gave her a concerned glance.
"Yeah" she nodded in between taking another drink. "I'm just a little warm"
Doc focused his attention back to the road and they both gazed up at the Welcome to Springwood sign. The smiling faces of a young family loomed down on them. It looked like a typical family from the 1950s/60s, a woman with curly brown hair, man with black hair and a young girl with hair tied back in plaits. The sign was smeared in dirt.
Welcome to Springwood.
Population 15265
A Nice Place to Live.
The car rolled past the sign and the frame of the vehicle shuddered as the tyres dipped slightly over the small grove in the road. Maggie looked attentively out of her window and studied the outskirts of the town. To her right were sparsely scattered trees, stretching out for about two hundred years. As the car continued down the barren road the trees began to filter out, revealing dead withered grass with rolling hills on either side of the road. She glanced forward as Doc flicked on the windscreen wipers as a heavy rain fall began to descend on the town. She licked her parched lips and drank the rest of her water. Suddenly a piercing pain shot through her temple, and she grimaced. Doc noticed and threw her a concerned look. "Maggie, are you okay?"
"Yes" she bent down again to rummage through her bag for some aspirin. "Just a little headache. It came on suddenly. Must be my nerves"
He nodded and turned the car around a narrow bend. A few buildings came into view about one hundred and fifty yards up ahead. After taking two aspirin Maggie sagged back in her seat and took a few quick deep breaths. Her attention soon became interested in the gas station to their left, seeing a few cars parked on the forecourt. Past the gas station was a small diner and a little further up, about fifty yard was a small bar. It looked shabby, a few light bulbs missing and cracked from the sign that loomed above the entrance. On the right side of the road was a small grocery store that was boarded up, the windows cracked. Maggie gave Doc a curious glance. "The town seems a little rundown"
"We are only on the outskirts remember" Doc clicked up the indicator and maneuvered the car into the middle of the road as the Motel loomed beyond a small cluster of tall oak trees behind the abandoned grocery store. "This is us"
Maggie swung her gaze back to the road and saw a one storey building, the stoned walls painted in a deep maroon colour. The parking lot was large, with only two cars parked in the spaces near a small reception area that was disconnected from the main motel rooms. There were about ten motel rooms, with small rectangular windows and each door was painted a light grey with each number painted in black. She glimpsed up as they turned into the car park through a small wooden archway about fifteen in height. Attached across the top was a large red neon sign – Hampton Motel. Below it in smaller letters in green lights was – Vacancies.
As the car rolled to a stop in a small car space Maggie quickly unbuckled her seat belt, a little eager to get unpacked and settled. She threw opened the door. "I'll start getting the bags out of the car"
She flinched at the heavy rain that continued to pour down on them. Doc climbed out of the car and made his way towards the reception area. "I'll get our keys"
xxx
In the darkest corner of the power plant, in an old cracked disused furnace three serpent creatures stirred. Sensing a presence, two new minds entering Springwood. Their scaly, grotesque bodies were submerged in the dark as the slithered and crawled over each other. Despite joining with their human vessel's body and soul over two decades before they were able to manifest themselves in the dream. Freddy at this moment was too preoccupied stalking one of his prospective victims, a young girl aged about thirteen. They didn't feel the need to interrupt him. Though, they knew that if they did, he would be pissed off. He hated being disturbed when he was on the hunt.
One of the new minds, the new presence that had entered Springwood was of great intrigue to them. Their subconscious was not fully accessible yet as they were still awake, but from what they had sensed this person's aura was like Freddy's.
Could it be them?
A face from Krueger's past? The reason why he was annihilating the children in this town?
They murmured in deep discussion. Knowing that they had to keep the presence of the two newcomers away from Freddy for the time being. They did not want him to be distracted from his job.
One of the demons, with long, thin arms and lean snake like frame spoke. "If it is them who has returned to Springwood, what shall we do? Shall we tell HIM?"
A second demon replied. "Let us ascertain if it is really them first. We will wait until they sleep tonight. We shall shield their subconscious, their identity from Krueger until we know for certain"
They conferred silently for a few more moments then shrunk back into the shadows, until they disappeared.
Xxxx
"Here is your room key" Doc called over as he walked back to the car.
Maggie spun around and snatched her motel key as it soared through the air towards her. "Thanks" she looked at the number. '7'
"I'm just next to you" Doc assisted her in taking out his case. "I'm in room number '6'. We are the only ones staying in the motel"
"That doesn't surprise me" she scoffed. "I have not seen one single car going by"
"I have to say, the manager was a little surprised to see us. He wished us good luck" Doc shrugged his shoulders.
"Good luck?" Maggie stared over at the reception room and saw a shadow at the window beyond the venetian binds. "What does he mean by that?"
"I'm not sure" Doc strolled over to his room with his suitcase in tow. "Let's get unpacked. I'll come to your room in an hour"
Maggie dragged her grip bag and suitcase towards her room to the right and unlocked the door. She reached inside to the right for the light switched and flicked it on. Her dark brown eyes inspected the room. It was a decent size, far bigger than any of the motels she had stayed in. To her right was an oak desk, with a thick brown leather chair tucked underneath. Across from it was a large double bed, on each side at the top was two small oak chests of drawers about two feet in height. A small navy lamp was on the furthest chest of drawers. A small black phone was on the nearest one close to the window. Each of them had a single drawer. A small 32inch TV was sat upon a TV stand five feet from the bed near the door. Beyond the bed to the far left was an open wardrobe that had about ten wooden clothes hangers. There were two small shelves attached to the wardrobe, ample room for her boots and trainers. Facing her about several feet from the bed was an archway leading to a small kitchenette. Finally, to the right beside the small kitchen area was a doorway that she assumed lead to the bathroom. A smile crossed her face. This would do nicely. "Not bad"
Doc closed the door to his motel room having finally finished his packing. He pulled up the collar of his jacket shivering in the winter air as he ventured towards Maggie's room. He sharply rapped the door and waited for a response. From beyond the doorway the boisterous noise of rock music blasted from Maggie's cassette player. He groaned and again knocked the door, a little more urgently.
After a few seconds she opened the door and grinned, "Come on in"
He entered and grimaced at the noise invading his ears. Thunderous drums and piercing guitar riffs. The song began to fade as it ended until a new one began. Maggie hummed along to the new track. Doc surveyed the room and seen that some of her clothes were hung in the opened wardrobe and her radio /cassette player was on the oak table to his right. Most of her other belongings were scattered on the bed.
Maggie walked by him and grabbed her packet of cigarettes from her handbag. Her head bobbed to the lyrics as the gravelly voice of the Pearl Jam vocalist sang the start of the track – Alive.
"Son," she said, "Have I got a little story for you
What you thought was your Daddy, was nothin' but a-
While you were sittin' home alone at age thirteen
Your real Daddy was dyin'
Sorry you didn't see him
But I'm glad we talked"
Oh I, oh, I'm still alive
Hey, I, oh, I'm still alive
Hey I, oh, I'm still alive
Hey, oh"
Maggie saw the disgruntled look on Doc's face at her choice of music. She smiled and stepped over to the radio player and pressed the 'stop' button.
"How can you listen to that noise?" Doc grumbled.
She swirled around and jumped onto the desk, swinging her legs merrily back and forth. She slowly flicked her lighter on and lit her cigarette and took a long deep inhale of smoke, the plumes floating above her head as she theatrically raised arms above her head. Her fingers wiggled deliberately as she smirked. "Aw, life would be so tedious without rock music. All that anger and angst in the lyrics. Powerful stuff. There is something about a song with dark, wrathful lyrics that urges you to think screw everyone!" she curled her fingers into a rock sign. She quickly took her cigarette in her mouth and then flicked the 'bird' to no one in a fuck you gesticulation
Doc rolled his eyes. He had noticed her mood had improved from earlier. "Well, that type of music is not for me. I am more of a Marvin Gaye man myself"
"Oh" she raised her eyebrows and teased as he took a drag from her smoke. "Looking a little sexual healing are we Doc?"
He twisted away in embarrassment.
Maggie laughed at this and jumped off the desk, and lightly slapped him on the back. "C'mon, I'm just joking with you"
He turned to her and glared. "Try and be serious Maggie. We are here to do a job"
Maggie stubbed out her cigarette in a silver ashtray she brought with her. "Oh, you know I can be serious. Dead serious. So, what are the plans?"
He glanced at his watch. "I was thinking a bit of lunch. Then we can go to Westin hills" his eyes scanned her attire. Jeans, red tank top and her feet were bare. She wiggled her black nail polished toes and glanced at them, then at him.
"Don't worry I have just the outfit" she beamed and strode past him to her wardrobe and unhooked two garments from the hangers. "Give me two minutes. Sit down, put on the TV. Chill out!"
Doc sighed quietly and watched as she disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. He slowly walked into the kitchenette, observing that her bottles of medication were laid out in neat rows with her tablet organiser was opened with her Celexa tablet gone. He smiled pleased that she had taken it. Turning around he wandered back to the desk at the window and saw her various child psychology books were stacked on top of each other. Along side it was a bundle of notepads, with various coloured pens, pink and yellow markers, various coloured sticky notes. His eyes then landed on a large navy book that looked similar journal she had given him that morning.
There was a small creak as the door to the bathroom eased opened.
He spun around and smiled as Maggie appeared in the doorway. Her attire was more professional, now dressed in a smart black trouser suit with matching jacket. Underneath was a pristine white shirt. Her brown hair was now tied back in a tight bun with a few tresses of her hair hanging at the side of her face. A light bronzer tainted her cheeks, and a dash of mascara tainted her long eyelashes that mad her eyes stand out. Giving them a darker tone to them. She broke out into a wide grin, her lips now decorated with dark red lipstick. As before she melodramatically raised her hands above her head in a ta-da motion. "So, do you think the boys will like me? Am I going to drive them wild?"
"Yeah" he teased and chuckled. "They're going to love you Maggie"
She gave a light husky laugh and winked. Her body slumped onto the bed as she grabbed her black heels. "Damn it. I hate wearing heels"
"Then wear something else" he suggested.
"No, you always said to make a good first impression. So, just going to look my best today" she slid each shoe onto her feet. "I will wear something more comfortable tomorrow. I have plenty of shirts that I can wear with my dark jeans and boots"
He nodded and she quickly gathered her knee length black leather duster jacket and pulled it on. She then lifted her laptop case, briefcase, and handbag. Her eyes scanned her messy room. "Anything else I would need to bring?"
"Make sure to smile"
She gave a big grin.
Xxx
Maggie and Doc had finished their meal, having been in the Craven Inn for the last hour. The drive over was uneventful, but Maggie felt a feeling of Deja vu as they drove pass a few shops and businesses. She wasn't sure why though. It was not as though she had been to this town. She knew all the towns and cities she had lived in. It was her apprehension kicking in again. When they were making their way through town, she had noticed that despite it being mid-day the streets were quiet, deserted. It was like a ghost town in an eerie way. Then again it was a school day. When they had arrived at the Diner Maggie had taken in the exterior of the building with curiosity. The name of the diner was in large black and white letters with a large neon shaped milkshake and plate of burgers and fries high above the entrance. Just like when they were driving through the streets, she felt another sense of recognition. But she had quickly pushed it away. The décor inside was from the late fifties, with thick red leather booths, red leather stools at the counter and various old pictures of rock stars decorating the walls. An old jukebox was in the corner and several small sliver tables were dotted around the large diner. It was only herself, Doc, and a small group of four teenagers that had occupied the seating area.
Maggie sat back in her seat as they were located beside the window. She took another sip of her coffee. "Alan, I will buy us our lunch. Do you want another coffee to go?"
He wiped at his mouth with a napkin. "No, thank you"
She sauntered over to the counter and waited her turn as the waitress took another order from a young teenager. Maggie reached into her bag for her purse and took a fleeting glance at the young boy. He was aged about fifteen or sixteen with dark circles under his jaded eyes. He looked agitated, exhausted.
His voice was soft as he spoke to the middle-aged waitress. "Can I have two more pots of coffee and four cokes please?"
The waitress noted it down on her notepad frowning. "You have been here all morning. All you have ordered is coffee. Should you not be at school?"
"It's closed for the day" the boy replied. "They had to because of what happened at the weekend"
She lowered her voice as she replied. "I heard about that. Someone was found on the school football pitch. Did they kill themselves?"
The teenager ignored her question, persisting. "Just please get us my order?" he threw a bundle of notes on the counter and walked back to his friends as they sat huddled in a small booth.
Maggie discreetly stared over at them and discerned that the group of teenagers looked like hell, messy hair, fatigued body language. She frowned slightly as a girl popped a few pills into her mouth. Where those kids on drugs? She was good at distinguishing people's body language and from their appearances they looked on edge, full of apprehension. They looked petrified.
"Can I help you?"
Maggie jumped slightly at the woman's sudden voice, and she gave a little apologetic smile. "I would like to pay the bill please. Two ham omelettes and two coffees"
The woman rang the order into the cashier. "That will be $12.50 please"
After handing over fifteen dollars Maggie insisted on the woman keeping the change for the tip. "Thank you"
She swirled back towards the booth where Doc waited and grabbed her coat "Doc, I will be back in five minutes. I just want to freshen up"
"I'll wait in the car"
In the small rest room in the back of the diner two young girls huddled beside a sink, both were in shock. Consumed by grief at the horrific news from the weekend. One of them leaned against the sink, her hands gripping the ceramic material. Her eyes were sullen, dark circles visible underneath her hazel eyes. "I can't believe Ethan's dead"
"Look…" her friend began. "He killed himself. I know that you said he was having strange dreams. But Ethan had cuts on his arm Veronica"
She seethed and swung around to her friend, "He didn't, okay? I know Ethan. He was my boyfriend for the last two years since we were fifteen. He was not depressed!"
Her friend began to protest but Veronica cut in. "It was him! That bastard got him!"
"Oh, don't start that nonsense again!" she brushed it off angrily. "Ethan was depressed, he was cutting himself! He never got the help he needed, and he took his own life! He hung himself!"
"Annie, you have to believe me!" Veronica grabbed her shoulders. "Ethan was having dreams of him for weeks. I am starting to dream of him too!"
"I can't listen to this bullshit!" Annie snapped. "It's just stupid rumors that everyone is spreading!"
"It is not rumors! It is true!"
Annie shook her head.
"It was HIM! IT WAS FREDDY!"
The door to the restroom sprung opened startling both young girls as they shrieked and swung around to face Maggie. She stared at them for a few moments as they lingered at the sink. She may not have heard much of their conversation as she approached the rest room, but it was hard not to hear the outburst at the end. And the name Freddy being shouted. She brushed off their sudden outburst and quickly strode past them to the far sink and began to rummage through her bag for perfume and her lipstick. Her eyes darted over to the two girls and saw the looked of trepidation on one of them as she whispered to her friend, and they hurried from the room.
xxx
The next chapter will have several dream/ interactions between Freddy and Maggie. Though I am enjoying writing Maggie and Doc's interactions.
Please review - any comments, suggestions etc - as it helps me keep motivated. Thank you.