The Dream

Five Months Ago.....

In the Human World.

     "Help!! Please help me! Stay away from me all of you!!" I am so tired, but I keep on running and shouting at the same time because they are still chasing after me. I feel tears running down my cheeks.

"Malia! Wake up! Hey honey, please wake up!" I heard my mom shouting my name, and she is shaking my whole body. I opened my eyes and I feel so relieved that everything was a dream.

"Same dream again?" My mom asked. I nodded to her while trying to wipe the tears away. "I am just confused mom, why in the past months I experienced the same dream all over again. There were so many of them chasing me, they were wearing black robes with black hoods. I can still feel it Mom, I don't understand, why it seems like I am in a different world. It feels so real." I said in a whisper.

"Well, the good thing is, it's only a dream, you are safe Malia, and remember, my dear, no one will hurt you, your Dad and I will never let anyone harm you." My mom said, then she put my head on her chest stroking my long hair.

"Yes, Mom, but I am so scared, every night I don't want to go to sleep anymore, since I don't want to experience the same nightmare again. I always pray before I go to sleep mom, but why it keeps on happening."

"Go take a bath now Malia or else you will be late for school." Mom said.

I don't have a choice but to get up and take a shower fast. I eat breakfast with my parents. They are both going to work, and they will just drop me at the school entrance.

Every afternoon I go home with Freda, my best friend since first year high school. We will ride the train from the city.

It makes me wonder why my parents allow me to commute as long as Freda is by my side. Without her, I have to wait for them at the campus.

When Freda, and her family first moved into our town, our parents became fast friends and just like us we became best friends overnight. We are inseparable.

We are not considered rich, but my mom and dad have a good job. My dad is a professor and my mom works in a bank.

We are not also poor. We don't have everything but I have everything I need. I am happy and contented with our lifestyle. I am happy for what I have.

We have our own car and our own two-story house. I have a spacious, beautiful room because I am an only child.

"Malia child, your Mom and I will be coming home late tonight, just order something for dinner." My Dad said.

"Don't worry Dad, I can take care of myself. I will just cook, or eat bread and fruits." I replied to him.

"You take care Malia and always close the door, and don't let any strangers get inside the house." Mom said.

"Mom, I am almost eighteen, my birthday is fast approaching. Guys, I am not a child anymore. Why are you always worried about me meeting strangers?"

"It is for your own safety Malia, don't let us worry okay? You are our only child that is why we want you to be safe."

"Yes, Mom! But don't you know it is ridiculous? I think within the whole population of the entire school, I am the only one who is not allowed to commute alone." I said to them in a disappointed tone.

"We will not argue about this anymore Malia just don't commute without Freda by your side. That is an order that you need to follow." Dad said with finality in his voice.

"Okay dad, whatever you say." I keep quiet until we have arrived at the school entrance. I kissed them both on the cheeks before I climb out of the car.

"Hi Malia, what's with the face?" Freda asked me after I have met her in the library.

"You know as usual, my parents reminded me this morning to only commute when you are around. What is wrong with them Freda?"

      "I can't believe they treated me like a child until now, I am turning eighteen soon for God's sake."

"Well, to make you feel better I love to accompany you everyday Malia. It doesn't bother me at all." Freda said.

"Yes, I know about that, but I also want to be an independent woman. Mom and Dad never allow me to go shopping alone. Can you live with that?"

"What if I will start dating? You will be there to witness my first date and my first kiss? Or worst my parents will be my bodyguards."

"I feel so lucky to have them as my parents, but sometimes I feel suffocated. And I am so sick of it. Why they are always afraid that something would ever happen to me?"

"Do you think my parents have mortal enemies? And they are so scared that I will become their target."  I said to Freda while shaking my head.

"I don't know how to answer all your questions Mal, but I am sure your parents don't have enemies for they are good people."

"Just think about it that they only want you to be safe at all times okay. At least you have me Malia."

"Of course Freda I am always happy to be with your company. I never complained hanging out with you. I just don't get it why they are so strict, by the way I dreamt again last night, it was more vivid compare on the previous dreams, I can tell now what they are wearing, it was so creepy Fred, I totally freaked out this morning. Good thing my mom wakes me up just in time." I said to Freda, I still shiver just thinking about my nightmare.

"I think you should stop choosing horror movies every time we watch Netflix, maybe it triggers your dream." She said smiling at me.

"I don't think so Freda, there is something about my dreams, I think it is trying to give me a message, but I am afraid to continue my dream, that is why every time I am dreaming those bad guys running after me, I do my very best to wake up before they can catch me." I said to Freda feeling like a fool again, I am just glad that she never get tired listening to all my qualms.

"Malia it was just a dream, okay? No need to worry, just relax and let us enjoy our senior year together, we have been dreaming about this, since we were in the first year. Remember the times we impersonated some hot cheerleaders because we wanted to be like them? It was hilarious, looking back at those moments of our innocent days, and now we are hoping to be in college, time passed by too quickly." Freda said looked amused.

"Yes! Freda, I remember every stupid things we have done together, how I wish we will forever be in high school. Thank you for making me feel better, you always have that kind of energy within you. Every time I feel sad, hurt or lonely, you just simply talk to me about anything, and then I will feel good again. How did you do that?" I asked Freda in bewilderment.

"I just did nothing Malia, you are just used to me giving you advice and comfort, now let us go to our first class, I think we only have ten minutes to spare, move your ass now, or we will be late. Don't overthink it."

"I think there are reasons behind their protectiveness and maybe they will tell you when the right time comes, besides only our parents know what is best for us. It only means one thing though, they love you so much, and be happy about it." Freda said while we are walking towards the direction of our first class.

"Yeah! I know, I am glad we are still in the same section. I can't believe that we managed to be classmates since we are in first year."

     "Well, we are both honor students, I can't imagine going to class without my best friend, you know?" She asked me with a wink.

I almost tripped when we reached our classroom for our first period, Literature. One of my favorite subjects. Upon our arrival, the class is almost full. We don't have a choice but to sit at the back of the classroom.

"Well, I guessed everyone was excited to be in the senior class." I said to Freda in a low voice.

We just arrived on time. I sat on my desk and our teacher came in. "Alright class, welcome to your first day of school."

"I hope you will enjoy my class for the rest of the school year. Now please get your book and turn to page one."