The Dark Side of Love

THE DARK SIDE OF LOVE

The temperatures plummet under zero in the frigid outskirts of Michigan, and the deafening cacophony of a rainstorm wails, large drops of rain pour heavily out of the dark sky. Thunderous rumbles vibrate my house while beaming lighting scatters. I lay in bed, deep in my own thoughts, momentarily oblivious to the intensifying storm around me, as my bedroom lights up from the flashes of lightning, then again drifting back into the absence of light. My ears caught a subtle sound on my window, paying no concern, I disregarded the noise and went back to my dream-like state, believing it was created from the mess outside. Despite my indifference, I couldn’t help feeling an unfavorable feeling brewing within my gut. My thoughts were inturrepted by a sudden series of taps, repeating against my window. The soft, almost melodic, rhythm became urgent, increasing in volume with a dramatized fortissimo, until I was almost certain this insufferable racket wasn’t caused by the storm, but by something living. My attention stuck to the window, my gaze never faltering as I sat there unblinkingly. My intense focus was broken after hearing a thump-like noise just left of the windowsill. At this point, I was attempting to gaslight myself into believing that this is a dream; a fabrication of reality. Though I didn’t even believe myself, I was terrified, so much so that my face resembles a clean sheet of paper. The mysterious noise was continuously growing more distinct, now it sounds as if a fork was scratching against an empty glass plate. I had no intention to make even the slightest of sounds, and it was apparent I lost my sense of time as the seconds ticking away felt much longer. After many long minutes coming and going, the noise from my window receded before stopping completely. I felt a moment of calm, though my relief was quickly turned around to fear. After the noise on my window returned, the strong glass was not able to withstand the sheer force of the being slamming on. Hearing a small shard of glass drop to the wooden floor caused me to freeze, and my body reacted, immediately yanking my blanket over me, engulfing my body. In the back of my mind I’m aware hiding under an insignificant blanket wouldn’t stop even a fly from getting to me, although, I’m solely focused on the fact I’m not completely defenseless. Though, I almost am. Before getting a soothing breath in, the glass making up the clear surface of my window shatters violently, splitting once more after hitting the ground. A different and uninvited sound filled the room, a distinct thump, much clearer than the last, sounding similar to a heavy object falling to the ground, followed by muffled heavy footsteps intruding my ears. I press my eyes tightly together as I feel an unwanted presence loom overhead, distant heavy breathing blowing onto my hands, holding onto the blanket as if fighting for my life. My knuckles began to turn white from the grip I held, wincing under my breath when I felt my nails dig into my palms. The breathing retreats along with the footsteps, and at last, I feel at ease. I slowly open my eyes, they shoot open wide as my body flinches since the alarm clock suddenly goes off. I slowly pulled the covers off of me, I glanced at the broken window, water and small pieces of ice spread across the floor. My head snaps to my doorway as the door swings open, revealing my mother, radiating with anger.

“Ava, do you know what time it is?” My mother asks loudly, not attempting to hide the anger in her voice. I scramble out of my bed covers, nearly tripping over my blanket as I clumsily get up.

“Sorry!” I calI out, running past my mother and quickly dashing to the bathroom across the hall, showering and hurrying my skincare routine. “I’m such a moron.” I scolded myself, rapidly going back to my room with a stream of water following behind me.  I sloppily dress into the school uniform I hate, missing a few buttons of my undershirt— but that’s not my biggest concern right now. Hearing the loud engine of my bus approaching, I curse under my breath for even bothering with my skincare routine, wasting precious time. Running downstairs as if I was a drunken man, I trip and fall on my stomach before hearing an unsupportive voice above me. “You’re a mess.” My mom scoffed with both amusement and annoyance. She helps me back up to my feet as I glance over at the window, the bus approaching. Without a second thought, I grab my backpack, slide my shoes on without tying them and I bolt towards the exit. Just when I thought my luck couldn’t get any worse, the bus drove dismissively past my house, not slowing down for even a second. “You’re joking,” I say out loud in disbelief, watching the bus pass by. , alone and looking stupid on my driveway in twenty degree weather. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” I continued saying. A brief moment passes until I feel a rush of determination. I stepped forward and chased after the bus, flailing my arms like a crazy person but being mockingly ignored. I stop after I lose my breath before letting out a big, defeated, sigh. About to turn around and break the news to my mom, I hear a car pull up beside me. Their windows are heavily tinted and the car is a navy blue. For some reason, this mysterious person is giving me bad vibes as the window rolls down, revealing a face hidden under a black ski mask. “Need a ride, Missy?” The guy inside asks, his voice low and slightly raspy as his two bright blue eyes looking at me stay cold and unblinking. “I’d say yes if I knew you,” I responded with slight skepticism. “You look like the guy who’d hide under my bed at night, no offense.” I continue, crossing my arms over my chest. A short pause lingers between us before he speaks up. “I get that a lot. But come on, don’t be a pessimist.” He says with a tone that reads amusement. “I’m not being a pessimist, I just don’t trust you.”