Sweat drenched my sheets and my pyjamas, they clung to me, and the sheets were wound in a large white mess. Last night, that dream had been reacurring, over and over again. I'm not sure if I even had a proper night's sleep. I felt stiff, and when I stretched my arms above my head, they clicked, making me wince. Then I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, and let my legs dangle over my bed as I sat. That dream...it was just so...vivid. Or at least the first time. Then it just kept replaying in my mind. The way he grabbed me, and spoke so robotically...urgh, it make me shiver. I needed to stop thinking about it, and focus on today. Later on, I would be out of here, sitting in my Aunt's warm living room, snuggling up to the fire. I couldn't wait. But right now, I needed a hot shower, and some way to sneak the sheets into a washing machine. How was I going to do that?
First, I needed to shower. I left the bed, and rumaged through my backpack, finding a different jumper with a owl on it, and my favourite blue jeans, that were quite worn, but I loved them. Then I pulled out my toiletries, and my underwear. I tried to remember where the bathroom was, and after turning many knobs on locked doors, I found it. I was so happy, I leaped in the air. Now, I couldn't wait for my shower, and some way to wash away that terrible dream.
***
The shower was so soothing, and as the scolding water ran down my body, I felt my muscles un-tense. Since I couldn't be bothered, I left my hair in a ponytail, and didn't wash it. I dressed quickly, and ran back into the room, barefoot. I'd forgotten my socks, but then I realised I didn't need them, and tidyed my room and bed, stripping the sheets, and bundling them up, so I could wash them and my night clothes. My feet padded quietly as I ran around the house, trying to find the kitchen, and after a very long time, I found it. Right from that moment on, I knew I hated mansions. No matter how many pictures, or intricate designs it contained.
Luckily, Jake wasn't in the kitchen, so I could shove the sweat-soaked materials into the washer. After that, I realised I needed something to drink, so I chose water; because I'm not that fussy. Then I made prepared myself some cereal, Coco Pops, and dug in.
From my frantic searching, and long walks around the house, I noticed how I had spotted no workers. Which left me to continuously wonder how the food had gotten on the plates lastnight. This house was creeping me out more and more by the minute.
"What are you doing?"
I jumped almost a meter in the air when I heard Jake's unfamiliar voice behind me. Since I was sitting on a moveable stool, I swiveled round to face him, thankful he wasn't right there. He was dressed and freshly showered, like me.
"Eating breakfast...?"
"Why?" He asked, sitting down next to me.
"I woke up early." I stated, digging back into the remains of my breakfast.
"I would of made something for you."
"No thanks. I'm good."
"Are you sure?"
"Yup. And I'm leaving soon, so no need to fatten me up." I said, but noticed at the mention of my leaving, Jake's face darkened. But in a flash, it was gone.
He looked a little uncomfterble. "About that," He looked at me. "The phone lines are down because of the rain last night."
"Rain? That little shower broke your phones?"
"It happens alot around here."
"Sure..." I muttered, so he couldn't hear me. "Wait, so what does that mean?"
"They usually aren't up and running for a couple of days."
NO! I needed to leave here! "Uh, how far is the nearest town?"
"Quite far, but their lines are normally effected too. And I don't have a car, so I can't drive you anywhere else."
This was impossible. Not only could I not go to my Aunt's, I couldn't get out of here at all. For at least two days! "Oh, god."
"Look, I know I said only today. But considering the circumstances, I think I could let you stay for a little longer."
"Oh. Really, thanks." I smiled at him, but it wasn't genunine. I didn't want to stay in this hell hole. Not a second longer.
"Your welcome," He stood. "I'll be back in a minute, just got to get some washing."
My washing! I'd completely forgotten! Luckily, it had stopped before Jake came into the room. As soon as he left, I tidyed my dishes away, and grabbed the sheets from the washer, along with my pyjamas. Then, I searched for a different room with a tumble dryer, and put the washing there snugly to dry.
When I returned to the kitchen, Jake was waiting.
"Where'd you go?"
"Bathroom," I lied. "Since I'm staying a little longer, I need to do some washing too, and tidy my room. So I'll see you later."
"Ok."
***
Once I was safely inside my room, I shut the door, and locked it tightly. I then ran around like a crazy fool, looking for a plug socket. When I did, I grabbed my phone, and it's charger. If Jake was lying, then this was how I was going to find out. I sat impatiently, as I saw the bars slowly tick upwards. When I thought there was enough battery, I searched through my contacts, and clicked call on my Aunt's page.
I waited, and thought she wasn't going to answer, but after several rings, she did.
"Brey?"
"Aunt. Hey."
"Where are you?" She asked with a panicked voice.
"I'm fine. Totally fine. But last night, the bus driver kicked me off the bus for no reason in the middle of nowhere, so I went looking for civilisation. I found some old mansion, where this boy lives; and he let me stay last night."
"You're not at the Armstrong Mansion, are you?"
"That's his second name."
"Brey. You need to get away from there now. That family was not right, not right in their heads. It's not safe! You need to get out, get out right now-"
The phone went dead. I looked at it, and tried to call again. But it wouldn't connect. Then I panicked, and dropped my phone. My breathing became faster, and my palms started to sweat. I ran around like a lunatic, grabbed all of my belonging that weren't in my bag, including my phone, and ran to the door. My sweaty hand unlocked the door, and I turned the knob.
When the door opened, I started to run. Only to be stopped by Jake.