Denounce

by Alex Dafney

  She drops to her knees next to the two men, instantly turning to ash. I glance up to find the girl of my dreams standing with a bow stretched in front of her. Her black leather outfit similar to the one in my first dream. I shake my head quickly, pinching my eyes shut. “Wake up. Wake up. Wake up.”

  I slowly open one eye, then the other, finding myself still in the alleyway. I look back to the girl with whitish, blonde hair and killer curves just as she reaches behind her, securing her bow on her back. Her eyes meet mine and she lets out a long sigh as she looks upward. “Double fuck.”

  I can’t help myself from letting my eyes rake over her body. She wears a skintight, black, leather ensemble again. Her thigh high boots with five-inch stilettos laced perfectly along her muscular legs. She clears her throat, folding her arms under her perky breast, thrusting them out even more. I stare at her with my mouth hanging open as she shakes her head.

  “Eyes up here.” I snap my mouth shut, lifting my gaze to her glowing green eyes. “Get home and wash that off. Otherwise you’ll have one hell of a burn.” She juts her chin toward my blood smeared face.

  She spins away from me, walking toward the main street. I manage to get myself together, jogging behind her. “Wait!” I call as she steps out onto the dimly lit sidewalk. She turns back to me, her eyes no longer glowing, just vibrant green, and a fierce look on her face. “You didn’t see me. You didn’t see any of this.” With that she turns out of the alley onto the sidewalk as I jog toward her down the alleyway. I reach the main sidewalk, looking left to right and seeing no one.

  I place my hands to the side of my head, spinning around in a complete circle. “I’m losing my fucking mind.” I mumble to myself as I stare into the empty street. After a few moments I return to my discarded grocery bags, picking them up and walking toward my apartment briskly. I glance over my shoulder every few seconds until I step into my building.

  I wake up the next morning still unsure if seeing the girl with the bow and arrow was a dream, or reality. Placing my hands to my face I let out a groan as I sit up in my bed, swinging my legs to the floor. Shaking my head, I stand from the bed, walking into the bathroom across the hallway. “It was all a dream.”

  My eyes lock on the washcloth lying on the sink counter. In my dream I remember scrubbing the blood from my face before climbing into bed. I step over to the counter, my heart pounding in my chest as I gingerly pick it up. There’s no sign of blood, but the once white cloth has black stains all over it. I glance at my reflection in the mirror, my eyes widening.

  I lift my hand, running my fingers along my cheek that has red streaks across it. It looks like a sunburn. A sunburn in the shape of a handprint. I toss the washcloth to the trash can next to the sink, gripping the edge of the counter as I stare at myself. “No. Fucking. Way.” The girl in my dream had told me to wash the blood from my face or it would leave a burn.

  I shake my head at my own reflection. Dismissing the idea that what happened last night is anything more than my overactive imagination paired with the content I’m constantly reading at work. Yeah. That’s it. I’ve let my conscious slip into the fiction that I read daily.

  I blow out a long breath, stepping over to the shower and turning it on. The girl with the green, glowing eyes flashes in my mind as I shed my clothes. I shake the thought from my mind. “Just a dream.” Try as I may to convince myself, there’s this nagging feeling that it’s all reality.

  After showering I make my way into my small kitchen, starting a pot of coffee and opening the refrigerator. My eyes roam over the things I bought from the corner market the night before. I close the door, leaning back against the counter and folding my arms over my chest. If I have the things I bought in my dream, how the hell could it be a dream?

  I forgo my usual cup of coffee and walk into the living room, pacing the short distance between the rooms. How can I not remember what actually happened last night? I know I went to the store, but how did I get back from the store, put everything away, fall asleep, have a crazy dream, and not remember anything more than the vivid dream?

  I place my hands to my head, continuing to pace. I’ve got to get my shit together before I go back to work on Monday. Surely these dreams are stress induced due to my new promotion. I stop pacing, letting out a long sigh as I nod my head to no one. That’s exactly what this is. Stress.

  Walking over to one of the bookcases in the living room I scan the worn book titles looking for something to read to calm my mind. The corner of my mouth pulls into a smile as I pull out my old copy of, Of Mice and Men. I flip the front cover open, running my fingers along the handwritten note scrawled across the inside.

  Ashley, you were always meant to have an incredible journey. Embrace the weak times, the happy times, the sad times, and even the false hope. Your dream farm is out there. Dad

  I can picture myself as a young boy, unwrapping this very book one Christmas morning. When it was time to go back to school after vacation, all the other kids were talking about their new video games and bicycles, I just had my book and felt like I’d received the greatest gift on Earth.

  I flop back on the couch, kicking my feet up on the coffee table as I flip the pages to the start of the first chapter.

  I close the book as I finish the last page, glancing out the window in my living room. The sun is starting to set. I stand from the couch, stretching my arms over my head, and tilting my neck side to side to work out the kinks from sitting in one spot all day.

  Just as I head toward the kitchen to find something to make for dinner my phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out, glancing at the text message from Cam. I need your help. Meet me for dinner? I type out a quick reply, telling him to meet me at my favorite Mexican spot a few blocks from here.

  Grabbing my keys and wallet from the kitchen counter I walk toward the front door, already knowing what he needs help with. I could almost guarantee with my being out of the office for the week, my manuscripts that I was supposed to read were distributed out to the other junior editors.

  I hit the sidewalk in front of my apartment, crossing the street and turning at the corner toward the restaurant. I shove my hands in my pockets as I stroll along the sidewalk. Stepping in the restaurant I spot Cam instantly, a stack of manuscripts sitting on the table as he glances at the menu.

  He looks up as I slide in the booth opposite him. “What did you need help with?” I give him a smart-ass grin as he sighs. “Dude! They gave me everything you’re working on. I’m already behind on my reading for the week, and with all of this I’m going to end up getting fired!”

  He gestures his hand to the tall stack of papers. I let out a small chuckle as I pick up the menu in front of me. “Don’t worry. I’ll take them home and start on them tonight. By Friday morning I’ll have them back to you and you can turn them in as if you read them.” He lets out a relieved sigh as he tilts his head back resting it on the booth.

  The waitress stops by our table, taking our orders and walking away. Cam gives me an impish smile from across the table. “I don’t know what I’m going to do when you move upstairs.” I wave my hand toward him, lifting my beer from the table. “The same as you always do. Bribe me to help with Mexican food and beer.” He lets out a small chuckle as he lifts his own beer, leaning forward and clinking it to the side of my own.

  “So, you are in fact moving up?” My eyes widen briefly. I turn my gaze away from him, settling on the TV that sits above the bar. “Come on, Ash. I know Hendricks didn’t give you a week off because you have too much vacation time.” I sigh heavily as I move my eyes back to his, noticing the slight smirk on his face. I clear my throat, lifting the beer bottle from the table. “I got promoted.”

  “Hell yeah! Congratulations, bro.” I give him a small nod of thanks as my lips lift at the corners. “You can’t tell anyone though. James asked me not to say anything until he makes an official announcement.” Cam lifts his hand, acting like he’s zipping his lips. “Secret is safe with me.”

>   I lift my beer, taking a generous pull. “Seriously, Ashley. Congratulations. No one in our department is more deserving of a promotion than you are.” I smile gratefully at him as he lifts his beer, holding it between us. I clink my beer bottle to his, both of us taking a drink.

  Chapter Three

  After a few beers, Cam and I step out of the restaurant together. We shake hands as I hold the stack of manuscripts under my other arm. “Seriously, bro. Thanks for your help.” I give him a slight nod before we part in opposite directions. In all honesty, I’m happy to have something to keep my mind off the strange dreams I’ve been having.

  I round the corner to my street, noticing an elderly woman with a cane walking along the same side as I am. I glance around me quickly. We’re the only two people in sight and a woman her age shouldn’t be out at this time of night walking alone. My eyes widen as she starts to stumble.

  I break into a jog toward her as she falls forward, catching herself with her hands. I kneel in front of her, setting the papers beside us on the ground as I place my hand on her shoulder. “Mam. Are you alright?” She slowly lifts her head, red, glowing eyes and a wicked smile on her face looking back at me.

  I jerk my hand from her shoulder trying to stand, but within the blink of an eye she’s on me, her hands locked around my throat, pinning me to the ground on my back. I place my hands on hers, trying to break her grip, but damn she’s strong for a little old lady. Her mouth parts, blood dripping down her chin onto my face.

  I turn my head as her blood splatters on my cheek, instantly burning my skin. Her grip begins to loosen, and I take the opportunity to push her away, rolling over the sidewalk and hopping up just in time to watch her vanish into thin air. Reaching up with my hand I wipe her blood from my face as I look around me.

  The blond woman in the leather outfit walks toward me. A fierce look on her face. “You again?! For triple fuck’s sake!” I let out a long sigh as I bend down, picking up the manuscripts from the street. I’m getting beyond tired of these damn dreams. Without looking at her I stroll past her toward my apartment building. I cross the street and jog up the four flights of stairs, pulling my keys from my pocket as I go.

  Pushing the door open I fling the manuscripts to the kitchen counter, walking directly into the bathroom down the hall. I look at my reflection in the mirror, quickly gripping a washcloth and turning on the tap at the sink to rid my face from the burning blood. After washing my face, I step into my bedroom, slamming the door closed behind me and shedding my clothes to crawl into bed. Might as well lay down in my dream too.

  My eyes slowly open to my dark bedroom. I glance at the alarm clock on my nightstand seeing its early morning. I let out a yawn as I sit up in the bed, wincing as my cheeks move. I lift my hand to my face, gently patting my cheek, feeling tender, raised marks along my jaw and cheek.

  Opening my bedroom door, I cross the hall into the bathroom, flipping the light on and squinting at myself in the reflection of the mirror. As my eyes adjust, I see why my cheek is hurting. Splotchy, red spots that look and feel like a burn. I flip the light off, walking back to my room and stripping the bed sheets quickly.

  The only logical reason I have burns on my face is something on my sheets. Right? I throw the sheets and comforter out into the hallway before getting dressed in my workout clothes. If I’m up at this time of day I may as well get a workout in while my laundry washes downstairs.

  I grab my keys and wallet from the kitchen counter, thrusting the front door open and stepping out. My foot kicks something as I close the door behind me. Looking down I see a small box. I juggle the sheets and comforter under one arm, bending down to pick it up. There’s no name or any markings on the plain black box.

  Shaking it, I can hear something moving around inside. I unlock my door, stepping in and throwing the laundry on the floor as I open the top of the box. A small, blue, glass jar sits on top of a piece of paper. I cautiously remove the jar, holding it between my thumb and forefinger up to the light in the kitchen.

  It’s some kind of liquid. I place it on the counter as I lift the piece of folded paper from the box, flipping it open.

  For the burns. -E-

  I tilt my head up to the ceiling, closing my eyes and letting out a long sigh as the girl from my dreams comes to my mind. Opening my eyes, I snatch the glass jar from the counter, walking toward the bathroom. I flip the light on as I step in front of the mirror and pull the small lid from the jar.

  Pulling it up to my nose I smell it. Even if I am sleeping, which I apparently still am, I don’t want to poison myself. I let out a humorless laugh. “I’m losing my fucking mind.” I tilt the bottle up, pouring a tiny bit on my finger. I give a shrug to my reflection, lifting my hand and running the cool liquid along the marks on my face.

  My eyes widen as the red marks begin to instantly fade away. I run my fingers along my face where the red marks were there only a few seconds earlier as I stare at my bewildered eyes in the mirror. Closing my eyes, I take in a deep breath, blowing it out slowly. “Anything can happen in a dream, Ashley. Calm your ass down.”

  Opening my eyes, I step out of the bathroom, making my way back to the living room and picking up my bedding from the floor. I’m hell bent on making this the most mundane dream in the history of dreams.

  Jogging down the stairs of my apartment building I step into the basement, walking straight for the laundry room door. None of the machines are in use so I throw everything in the one closest to me. Turning around I reach in my pocket for my wallet, getting change and inserting it in the machine, starting it, and walking back out the door.

  I smile to myself as I walk up the stairs to the main lobby. Mundane dream at it’s best. I make the short walk to the gym, using my key card to get inside. Once again, no one is around at this time of morning.

  After working out for a solid two hours, I walk out of the gym with my T-shirt in my hand. The cool, fall air feels amazing on my sweat soaked skin. It’s still dark as I start for my apartment. I notice a couple along the sidewalk, the woman’s back against the brick wall. We’re the only people around.

  When I’m within a few feet from them I see the man draw his hand back, swinging forward and connecting his palm to the woman’s cheek as she screams. I start for them at a quick pace. “Hey!” The man looks at me over his shoulder, turning and running down the sidewalk.

  I start to slow as I reach her. Her head is hanging down, her dark hair covering her face as she quietly cries. “Are you alright, mam?” She turns her head toward me slightly, launching herself at me, and wrapping her arms around my neck as she cries against my chest. I keep my arms out at my side, not entirely sure what to do. “Do you want me to call the police?” She cries harder, tightening her hold around me.

  I gingerly wrap one arm around her, patting her upper back in an attempt to comfort her. She tilts her head to the side, pushing up on her tiptoes to rest her head in the crook of my neck. I stiffen when I feel her breath on my neck. Before I realize what’s happening, she sinks her teeth into my skin, pain searing through my neck as I push her away from me.

  Her back hits the brick wall behind her as I lift my hand to my neck, drawing it away to look at the blood on my palm. I look back to her with a shocked expression, just then noticing her red glowing eyes. I turn from her, running along the sidewalk, before turning into the lobby of my apartment building, running straight up the stairs and throwing my door open.

  I lean back against the door, my chest heaving. A knock on the door causes me to jump. Spinning to face the door I stare at it. “I know you’re in there! Open the damn door.” I stay in place, staring at the door. Instantly, I recognize the voice as the girl from my dreams. A sudden wave of nausea hits me. I rush for the kitchen, barely making it to the sink in time. My head suddenly begins to pound as I lean over the sink, trying to stand up straight.

  I hear another knock from the door. “Seriously, open the door. I need to speak with you.” I stumble toward the do
or, my vision blurry and beginning to blacken around the edges. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but for some reason I think this dream girl can help me. I fall to my knees in front of the door, using every last bit of energy I have to unlock it and pull it open. My vision goes black and I feel myself falling to the floor, my side hitting the carpeted floor roughly.

  I vaguely hear talking as my stomach churns and my head throbs, but I’m unable to open my eyes. “Did you ingest any of their blood? Or get bitten?” I feel a hand on my forehead, pushing my hair back as I groan in response. “Ori, help me!” Everything goes dark around me.

  I ever so slowly open my eyes; afraid I’ll still be trapped in this dream that has become a nightmare. I feel something run through my hair, lifting my hand to my head I feel someone else’s hand there. I tilt my head back slightly, finding the girl in my dreams looking at one of the manuscripts, my head on a pillow in her lap as she leisurely runs her fingers through my hair.

  I pinch my eyes shut, groaning lowly. I should just enjoy this beautiful woman running her hand through my hair, because damn it feels good, but I’m tired of being stuck in this dream. “You recover fast.” Letting out a sigh I sit up quickly. Too quickly. The room spins around me as I pinch my eyes closed, holding my hands to the side of my head.

  I feel a hand on my shoulder, pulling me back to where I originally woke up. “Lie back down. I’ve got you.” Fuck it, I think as I roll to my side closing my eyes and letting sleep take me again as this beautiful, fantasy woman strokes my hair.

  I don’t know how long I sleep for, but eventually I blink my eyes open, rolling to my back on the couch. I stretch my arms over my head, hitting something with one of my hands. “Hey! Watch it!” I bolt upright, my head swimming as I turn to see who the hell is in my apartment. My mouth drops open when I see dream girl. Her legs are crossed under her on the couch, her back against the arm rest and a pillow in her lap.