• Don’t Look

    Don’t Look

    Part: 2

    She was on the closest building now, and I was able to see in full detail of what she was wearing, which was a clean knee length, laced white dress. It contrasted against her pale grey skin. Swallowing hard, my mouth felt dry and as I tried to rip my gaze from her, but finding myself unable to look away. I grew curious, wanting to know more, wanting to see her face. But before I could be lured in, I was violently brought back into reality. Black veins moved just under her skin like vile warms trying to break free. And as if on cue, the unheard melody she hummed, carried across the wind. Although I couldn’t make out the words, it sent shivers up and down my spine.

    Scared if I should proceed, knowing that the next time I would see her, it would most likely be on the road and that thought scared me more than anything. Sighing in dismay, I banged my head on the wheel, trying to come up with a plan to escape this hell and wishing I could remember what grandma had said about the rest of the superstition. Abruptly, I stopped banging my head on the wheel, when a thought popped into my mind. Turning the car around, I drove in the opposite direction, hoping that this would work and mentally kicked my tired brain for not thinking of this earlier. My lips curled at the corners in satisfaction when I didn’t see her or the sea of yellow helmets.

    “Please…Please! Work!” I begged, but my please fell on deaf ears. Slamming hard on the breaks, my mouth unhinged in horror. There she was, her back facing me, with her head staring up at the moon. On the other side of the street, were the construction men, they too, looked up at the moon caught in some sort of trance. Noticing a difference between them and her, was that the construction workers arms were spread out, their chest pointed up towards the sky and their mouths hung open in a silent scream. Their feet were unconnected to the earth, while still keeping their heads fixated upwards towards the moon. Their skin was a sickly pale and their veins too, moved about under their skin like warms searching for an exit. As for the girl, she was relaxed, as if she had more freedom and her feet stayed tethered to the ground, but where the construction workers skin was dull, her’s was just as illuminating as the moon.

    My stomach churned, ready to empty out it’s contents all over my car, but I manage to fight it back down. Blinking, the figures disappeared. Searching about and unable to find them, not sure if that was a good or bad thing, but hoping that I might have possibly escaped. My tranquility was quickly disrupted by something fluttering out from the corner of my eyes, shattering any hopes and dreams. Out of fear, I snapped my neck in that direction and my eyes fell back upon the girl. She had her hand behind her back this time. I moved my hand to put the car in reverse, while never taking my eyes off of her. A sinking feeling in my gut told me she was about to make a move. Her grey-black veiny feet slid back and I took that as my cue to step on it. I drove fast backwards, but when I blinked, my car was going forwards. Glancing down and to my surprise, my car was still in reverse.

    “H~how in the Frick is that possible!” Ripping my gaze back onto the road, there she stood in the middle of it, her back still facing me as she remained fixated on the moon. In a panic and scared we were about to collide, I stepped on the breaks and shut my eyes. The car screeched loudly, breaking the eerie silence yet again. When no thump was felt, I opened one eye and looked out the window, the girl was no longer there. Opening both eyes to study my surroundings, only to find empty air. When a knock on my door window forced my muscles to go stiff. The melody played more prominently in the wind, where it was faint before and barely audible, could now be heard and the words were bone chilling. It forced me to remember what my Grandma had said and that made me lose all hope in survival. I blinked again and my car was surrounded by the construction workers, this time they were facing me. The hat kept their eyes covered but their mouths were clearly visible. They had big smiles plastered on their faces, showing me teeth that were unnervingly white and straight.

    Closing my eyes, too scared to see what was about to happen next, when warm liquid soaked my pants and seat as I shivered uncontrollably. Whimpering and unable to control my emotions. “Anyone! Someone! Please help me!” I squealed out in sobs, clutching the steering wheel so tightly, I thought my fingers would break. The seat next to me squeaked, her presence undeniable and quickly hushing my whimpers like a mother hushing a baby. The stench of decay filled my car, but I was too scared to move or even gag. Something soft and feathery brushed against my face, then a hand caressed my cheeks. They were cold, so cold and hard. Squeezing my eyes even harder, my heart beat violently against my chest, trying to escape the horror themselves. Her icy fingers moved my hair behind my ears, while her cold dead breath, which chilled me to the bone, whisked across my face, as she sang her accursed lullaby.

    I remember now… I thought. It was a song Grandma had taught me so long ago, I can’t believe I had forgotten. Going limp, I fell back into the seat.

    “The moon shines bright

    Come bask in its light

    And follow me into the dead of night!

    On all Hollow’s eve

    I will give no please

    Once you see it,

    It’s already too late!

    Once you hear it you’re Mines to take!

    From whence you cannot escape.”

  • Don’t look

    Don’t Look

    Part 1:

    Shivering, I reached out to bump up the heat to max and then turned the other knob to raise the volume. The voice of a narrator of a creepypasta I was listening to, boomed through the speakers. The moon hung full and fat over the world as clouds surrounded it in an eerie canopy. Looking at the time, I yawned. It was already one a.m, heaving a mournful sigh, I quickly regretted the party I attended, stupid enough to think I’d be back by eleven.

    “You’ll Never Leave!”

    Almost Jumping out of my skin at the sound of a distorted voice blasting through the speakers, as it violently broke me from my reverie. My heart thumped wildly in my chest, reaching quickly over, I turned it down. At the same time, I drove towards a construction site, where the contrast of the black and eerie sky coupled with the almost naked trees, and empty, but almost finished buildings lie. The houses skeleton bared itself to the world, not yet covered and with empty slots where windows should be, It resembled empty black pools of nothingness, as darkness swirled within its eye sockets. It was a perfect scene for something creepy to happen and coupled with the unnerving music from the creepypasta’s soundtrack, it made my thoughts drift to a much creepier place.

    “Remember… Never look at an unfinished construction site, especially at night… for if you do, she’ll come for you.”

    I shook my head at the random thought. Remembering one of my grandma’s superstitions. She had a lot of them but I remember this one specifically, as grandma’s eyes turned serious and cold, with her voice more stern than an old and frail women could make. I always believed my family was weird due to the superstitions we grew up with and it annoyed me how much we all followed them down to a T. But some how I found myself shuttering at this thought and decided to turn off the creepypasta and blast some music instead, starting to feel a bit uneasy as I grew closer towards the construction site. My unease proved right, when the radio screeched like a banshee, swerving as I fumbled with the radio to shut it off, I hit the breaks. Breathing heavy, I took a minute to regain my composure. Looking around, glad I was the only one on the road, I drove back onto the right side of the road.

    “Get a hold of yourself, your just psyching yourself out, it’s just a silly superstition.” I shook my head again and laughed at myself. The smile I grew shrunk so fast when I looked into one of the void windows. Something pale stood inside, it’s hair flowing in wind that wasn’t even blowing that strongly, but it covered their face. Her hair danced within the crazy wind and only a few strands would go just far enough down to show her jawline, revealing what I think were lips. Upon inspecting further, I noticed they were moving, as if she were humming a melody. A small sea of Yellow helmets were gathered below her, their hats barely peeking just above the gate that said “Hillsville coming November 2023.”

    Remembering my Grandma’s words, I ripped my gaze away and gripped the steering wheel as I pushed down on the petal, driving a bit faster. Passing the building, I let out a deep sigh, but that was short lived. The building appeared again and the figure and yellow hats I saw were now closer, appearing in another building. Taking my eyes off the construction site, I put the petal to the metal and drove pass them. My heart sank as the building came back into view, they remained looking up at the moon and the barely existent wind kept blowing the wind in her face.

    “No…No…No!” Noticing the more I pushed on, the closer she got. Stomping on the breaks, the screeching of tires filled the dead air. In panic, I looked ahead, trying to distract myself from looking over. But before I knew it, my car was facing them, as if someone took my car and turned it. In horror, but enthralled by the scene before me, I stared in awe.

  • Text

    Bursting out into a fit of laughter as I watched a wild Japanese variety show. Tears streamed down my face while I tried desperately to catch my breath, when a ding broke through the threshold of my laughter. Clutching my side while I continued to chuckle, I paused the show and grabbed my phone. Unlocking it and clicking on the WhatsApp icon, the chuckle died and a cold chill ran down my spine.

    Text:

    Hey, r u there? I need ur HELP!

    Furrowing my brows as I read the number of the sender over and over. What in the creepypasta is this? I thought, awe struck by how my own phone number could have possibly texted me. Three dots popped up, showing that the other person was about to text me. My heart thrummed violently in my chest as I awaited the message.

    Text:

    I know this is strange… but plz listen to me, we don’t have much time!

    Honestly, I wanted nothing more than to block the ID and forget all of this, but I couldn’t help but entertain this. Curiosity gripped its claw around me and I was compelled to text them back.

    Who is this? And how r u able to text me on my own number?

    Text:

    U already know the answer to that question, but I’m running out of time… I am u and rn u need to leave immediately!

    They texted back fast and cut straight to the point. I read it over and over again in my mind and before I could process anything, they sent another message.

    Text:

    If u don’t believe me, look out ur bedroom 🪟 they have been watching us for awhile and they know!

    Without skipping a beat, I flew up and rushed towards the window. Fear rooted me to the spot as I stared at a drone perched up on the roof across the street. Glancing further down, a black van was parked in its empty parking lot.

    Ding!

    Jumping at the sound of my phone buzzing, I peered down and read the message.

    Text:

    Plz hurry! Tonight’s the night they’ll take us!

    As soon as I finished the sentence, a loud bang came from my front door. The sound of thudding came hurling through my apartment and straight to my room. Lifting up my hand and using telekinesis to slam my bed up against the door, I turned to look out the window, assessing the area down below. Men in black uniform had guns pointed directly towards me. Biting my lip nervously, I racked my brain for an escape.

    Bang!

    Jumping at the sound of my bedroom door being bombarded by bodies hitting it, I turned back towards my window in panic. Looking around, my eyes fell upon my blanket and night stand. Smiling at a wild thought, I put it to action and grabbed the blanket, using it to cover the night stand. Flinging my hand forward, shattering the window with my abilities, I then flung the items in my other hand and guided them up and over the roof as fast as I could. Using my x-ray vision to guid me, I sent them to the next building behind mines and through the building door.

    Hiding in my closet, loud gunshots rang out and the shouting of men and the whooshing sounds of a chopper overhead, began to fade as they followed my decoy to the next building over. Breathing out a relieved sigh, when the banging on my door finally ceased. Getting up and leaving the closet, I carefully peaked down my window to make sure all was clear before jumping out.

    Guess I gotta find another place to live. Rolling my eyes begrudgingly, I dashed in the opposite direction of the commotion and laughed at the thought of them finding my decoy. Humans can be such simple and annoying creatures. I thought. This crazy dare to live amongst them for a decade has proven to be challenging, but if the others can do it… so can I! and I refuse to let my friends and family call me a wimp and a screw up any longer.

    Ding!

    Grabbing my phone from my back pocket, I looked down at it and clicked the app to read the text message.

    Text:

    The future is changing, but we’re not safe yet. If they find us, they’ll torture and then kill us…. I’ll lead us to a safe spot, until then, change ur face and get on a train, it leaves in 10min. This is our only safe window, u cannot miss it!

    Groaning out, I followed suit, already exhausted by thinking about the journey I’d have to take. I guess for my next identity… I thought carefully and smiled… Maybe I’ll try being someone famous like so many of my cousins and their friends… thinking of stage names, I rushed to the nearest train station.

  • Timelapse

    Final

    Heat licked the top of my head and as I hit the button, cool air breezed through my hair… wait…hair? Touching my head, I laughed. It worked! It really worked! Not able to hold back my excitement, I moved my arms around, the buttery feel of my joints delighted me like no other. Taking a deep breath in, I welcomed fresh air, enjoying the feel of no pain… it certainly is amazing!

    Without realizing I was still holding my breath, I let it out in a long and wonderful exaggerated sigh. As my eyes grazed over my surroundings, familiarity flooded my memory and I was pleased by what I saw. Briefly glancing down at my watch, my eyes widened in realization that I had put the exact date of when Zinnia died, instead of the day before. I face palmed… how could you be so stupid? I thought to myself. Shaking my head as I wondered how I managed to not only set it to the day she died, but managed to only give myself ten minutes before the incident happened.

    “And that’s how I ended up coming to save you.” I said to Zinnia as I slid the body… well my other me’s body into the furnace. Turning towards her, I studied her expression closely, trying to decipher her feelings.

    “I see…” She said, wearing a blank expression that was hard to read.

    “I know it’s a lot to take in… I mean it sounds crazy…”

    She nodded. “It does… but I’ve pretty much connected the dots from when I saw the body in the freezer and to the other you I saw and it just clicked… I knew something had to have been wrong with me, because I felt as if I were alive but wasn’t, like something was wrong and that I just didn’t belong.”

    I gripped her shoulders and faced her towards me. “But you do! Our child does too.” My eyes watered, I didn’t want her to try and fix things, I wanted to be selfish and I wanted my family.

    She smiled and touched my cheeks with her warm soft hands. Letting go of her shoulders, I melted into her warmth, the very thing I was denied of for so long. “I know and I appreciate it with all my heart… and for this child…” She touched her stomach and I found myself mimicking her movements as I placed my hand over hers. She looked up at me with meaningful eyes and I understood her gaze. No words needed to be said, we were both on the same page. No matter what happens this baby will live!

    I slid her other hand from my cheek and grabbed onto them tightly. Before heading up the stairs, I grabbed the gun from the metal table. “It seems that the other dimensional me’s have the same idea… and if my theory is correct, they must have figured out that eating the other dimensional them can increase their life span by taking theirs. I had to test it out and didn’t feel the need to go too far a head in the future at first.”

    “Is that what took you so long?”

    I nodded my head, “In a way… yes. Since I’ve never used the dimension function, I didn’t know how it worked. Turns out if I were to jump there from here, I’d end up in the Same spot I was here in there… So I had to come back and go to the grave sight where you was suppose to be buried, I time skipped and then went to the dimension. Sadly enough tho, it over heats the watch and has a reboot time to where I’d have to wait for a cool down in order to use it. Fortunately for me, there was a return to beginning function for where I had originally left off at and I didn’t have to wait for the cool down. Unfortunately… I could only jump back three times, so I ended up in the time period of when you were in the hospital and it turns out that the cool down period extended because of that to about three weeks.”

    She nodded, although I wasn’t sure of whether she truly understood it or not. “It seems you’ve created an unpredictable watch.”

    I chuckled “Yeah… two people worked on it and each of us added in back up supports to keep the watch from malfunctioning and a way for it to learn to protect itself.”

    “The future sounds crazy interesting.”

    I nodded and our conversation ended as we stood by the window. “It seems that you’ve lead the other you’s to follow in your footsteps.”

    “I had theories…”‘I began. “That I may have caught unwanted attention; from death; the gate keepers of time and space; and the threat of the alternate realities. There is one possibility that if the body that was taken from there and was sent here and then disappeared… it may destroy the timeline there and cause the you there to disappear.”

    “How’d you figure that?”

    “Because… that person I just killed was from the same dimensions. He could have simply rewinded and saved you like I did, but instead he came here…” I stared at the eyes in the woods “… And others may have come here too… to do the same thing.” She squeezed my hand tightly. “Don’t worry.” I said, readying my gun “I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you and the baby safe.”

  • Timelapse

    Part: 12

    Viaje POV:

    Hobbling down the hallway, smoke smothered my lungs. Covering my face as best I could, I hastily grabbed important folders and tossed them into the fire. Managing to go from room to room, when flashing blue and red lights decorated the walls and lit up the area like a rave party. Not long after, banging rang down the hall, followed by hurried footsteps. Not wasting anytime, I dashed to the backrooms, which held one of our testing rooms. Making sure that I input a code in that only I knew, was a bit tricky, my fingers shook ferociously as the frantic footsteps grew closer.

    “Viaje! You stop right there!” An angry yet familiar voice bellowed out.

    Keeping my focus solely on the machine and with only seconds to spare, I changed the code and stumbled in. The door slid shut just seconds before my attacker could slide through. His face twisted in anger and he began to bang ferociously against the bullet proof glass door. Catching my breath as I placed my free hand onto the cold and comforting metallic table, I couldn’t help but laugh. Watching with amusement as he shouted inaudible insults at me through the sound proof walls. After he mange to calm himself to think properly, he lifted up his arm, pulled back his sleeve and swiped at it. My arm began to buzz, on the first ring I answered. “Don’t think you can get away with this.” He smiled coyly. “And don’t think I didn’t see this coming.”

    “Kid.” I said, happy to wipe the smile from his face. “I chose you to help me all these years for one reason and one reason only. Don’t think I did it because I actually trusted you.” I shook my head and glared at him. “Do you really think I would chose a sane person for an insane project such as this one? Do you really think I would ask help from someone who actually had a conscious?”

    “Old man, You…” He began, a bit taken aback by my harsh words.

    “I wanted to do this project without having the extra baggage of guilt and regrets. I didn’t want to leave here knowing I hurt someone dearly, so I chose you… you’re mind is beautiful and dark, corrupted but genius. I needed someone like you to aid me in this selfish mission of mines, so I could simply destroy it after I achieved what I wanted. I don’t have much time and I needed someone to accomplish what I couldn’t do by myself and you managed to do that in record time.” The kid opened his mouth to say something but I lifted my hand to stop him. “I made sure that each data was encrypted with corrupt files that would ultimately cause a massive computer crash and wipe clean of all my work. Anything you need is…” I pointed to my head, leaving my sentence open for him to guess.

    The smile from his face did indeed fall. “Th~there is no way! The data I sent to everyone.”

    I waved my hand and a hologram popped up, showing a warning sign. ‘Unauthorized access! Would you like to grant a pass? if not, virus will take affect in sixty seconds.’ I chuckled, bemused by my own carelessness “Unfortunately… I would have to physically go in and hit yes and also input an access code.” I shook my head “Could you imagine how I’d have to pop up out of my sleep, just to quickly authorize the access?! You’ve been quite busy selling my work haven’t cha?”

    His face paled, all color draining from his face. We both understood that he’d have to face quite the angry crowd after this and that he’d owe a lot of people quite a hefty amount of money. Although he was a genius, he was still young and the greed for money can destroy anyone, as it wasn’t picky with its victims. “Y-you how did you…? And how did I…?” He mumbled inaudibly, sounding confused on how he missed such crucial signs.

    “Like I said…” I coughed. “You’re indeed a genius and it wasn’t easy dancing around you… I played you and you played me and feeding your ego made it precisely that.”

    “Made it what?” He asked in a daze.

    “Easy.”

    “B~but you messed up too…” He said dejected, while trying to think of something. “Old man…” He growled out, while pointing at me as if he found a light at the end of the tunnel. “What will happen if you fail huh?! If that watch doesn’t do what you say!?”

    I practically laughed, until it turned into a cough. Reaching for my rag, I pulled it out of my pocket and covered my mouth as my body violently went into coughing fits. Finally able to catch my breath, I Looked down at my handkerchief, noticing my blood was covered in soot, the ashes had indeed invaded my lungs. I closed it and put it back into my pocket. “Well my child…” I said, continuing where I left off as I returned my gaze back onto him. “…I’d die and I’ll die either way, weather I’m out there or in here… I have nothing to live for and the only person I had ever loved was taken from me, along with my unborn child… a child I wasn’t even aware of and I regret that I took her love for granted, that I let my mind spiral and depression over take me…” I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter, forgive this old man for rambling.”

    Crack!

    The sound of the ceiling cracking above, made me momentarily flinch as smoke began to bleed its way in.

    A cough from the other end, along with frantic shouts that screamed that they should leave immediately, plagued my phone. “Like I said!…” The voice from the other end began through ragged breaths and fits of coughs. “I will not let you go so easily!” He turned to his men and pointed at the door. “Tear this door down!” His piercing brown eyes that looked almost black stared straight into mines “You hear me you old coot! You son of a…”

    I hung up the phone and as the floor above me began to cave in, I rushed to set the date and time on my watch.

  • Timelapse

    Part: 11

    Because I hadn’t posted in a while, I’ll make it up to you guys with a longer part. Hope you enjoy!

    Shocked and unable to think of what to say, other than “Wha~What’s wrong with me?” I felt so unlike myself that all I could do was cry out my frustrations. Putting my face into my hands, I let out all of my pent up emotions. Immediately his arms wrapped around me and I plummeted into his chest. He rubbed my back gently, trying to bring me comfort.

    “There is nothing wrong with you…” He cooed “We will get this situated…”

    “Situated?!” I pushed away from him, understanding that he was just trying to be helpful and yet I couldn’t help but take out my anger on him. “I Don’t think I can do this!” I yelled at him as I balled my fists “It’s too much…”

    He grabbed my hand “For the baby… you can.”

    I opened my mouth to say something but unable to find the words, because I knew he was right. Just then the doctor walked in. “We need to draw some blood and run some tests.” She said sternly. She eyed me cautiously then looked at my husband. “We will need to take some precautions first.” Seconds later, two male nurses came in behind her. Befuddled by the scene, I glanced over at my husband, hoping for an explanation.

    He squeezed my hand and lifted it up. I watched as the doctor took a step back. “Don’t worry doc.” Viaje said.

    “She should be restrained, why did you…?” She trailed off.

    “It’s okay doc. Promise.”

    I looked at her and tried to give a reassuring smile. “I’m not sure what’s going on, but whatever it is, I’m totally back to myself.”

    The doctor blinked and took a few hesitating steps towards me. She popped out her flashlight from her pocket and cautiously flashed it into my eyes. Wincing at the light, but trying my best to keep them open for her, I patiently waited for it to end. “Eyes are dilating fine.” She clicked it off and went to retrieve some tools. “I will go ahead and take some blood samples, are you going to be okay with that?” I nodded in response, allowing her to do her thing and leave.

    While Viaje and I awaited for the results, we decided to watch some television to lighten the tension. Unable to focus on the tv as my mind wondered, I found myself thinking about how the doctor was acting moments ago and what exactly had happened while I was mentally checked out. Turning to Viaje, ready to ask him, when I stopped myself, something deep down within was not only curious but also afraid to know that answer. As I battled myself for who knows how long, the doctor finally came back in, with a shocked expression on her face. “Everything looks good… Her oxygen levels have returned to normal.” She scratched her head “You’re completely healthy, but we want to do at least a check up on the baby before we decide to discharge you.”

    One of the nurses came in with a wheelchair and I hobbled up from off the bed and onto it with the help of my husband. We headed straight to my OB/GYN’s room. My nerves kicked in and my stomach churned, ready to relieve me of the breakfast I had from the suspense of knowing if my baby was okay. As soon as we went in, I laid across the table and lifted up my gown. She immediately rubbed my stomach with that uncomfortably cold ultrasound jelly, that I could never quite remember the name of. As she placed the tool on me to monitor my stomach, I couldn’t help but watch the nurse and study every muscle movement she made. Unfortunately the woman was a rock. Bitting my lip nervously, I looked back towards the monitor to see if I could see anything, but I drew a blank, I had no idea what it was I was looking at or where to look. When she stopped, I immediately placed my full attention onto her, hoping for a miracle. Then she smiled and I a gate of relief flooded open.

    “It’s strange, but your baby has manage to grow and not only that but its heart is much stronger.” I placed my hand over my heart and let myself fall onto the table. Glancing up, the relief upon my husband’s face must have mirrored my own.

    He looked down and smiled at me as he placed his hand over mines. “I told you everything is going to be fine.”

    “With that being said.” My Gynecologist announced. “I will talk with your doctor and see if we can get you guys out of here.” She smiled reassuringly and I nodded happily.

    When everything was said and done, they recommended that I stay, since I had a manic episode just previously and wanted to evaluate my psych. It was a lengthy process but Viaje managed to get us out of there.

    Upon entering my home, I was happy to finally get back to a more normal routine. I hugged my bed and basked in the warmth of my home. Soon the days passed and I finally felt like me again but more importantly, my baby bump was becoming more and more noticeable.

    As I slipped back into work and my normal life routine, it actually felt good for once… Until the end of the month hit and my mind started to haze over again. With my hazy mind, I began to see those dreadful eyes again and I also saw that odd man, who seemed to interestingly resemble my husband. “Dinner is ready.” Viaje said, shaking me from my thoughts and I happily sat down to eat. Food was grossing me out again but for some reason this meat he cooked, the same sent from the hospital, it didn’t make me feel so nauseous and it seemed to give me life again.

    I eyed it curiously, it had a different taste than any meat I’ve ever tasted. “Honey…?”

    “Hmm?”

    “What is this?”

    He looked at my plate for a second and then at his. “Its… it’s steak.”

    I cocked my head to the side, something about his answer… just seemed to carry another meaning behind them. It were as if he was talking about his food instead of mine…

    “Do you not like it?” He asked.

    “No that’s not it… it’s just…” Just what? I thought, unable to answer my own question. “…Never mind.” I cut the meat and took a bite and just like that, my misty brain cleared.

    As time went on, Viaje seemed to act strange as he spent a lot of time in the basement and what was even stranger, was that when he was done with the basement, he would lock it. Curious as to why, but a bit afraid of how he’d react if he knew how suspicious I was of whatever hobby he had picked up, since that hobby of his included blood.

    Trying to find the time between work and his working hours to sneak into the basement, I had devised a plan to go home early, blaming it on my pregnancy. After arriving home from the long forty-five minute drive, I spared no time and walked straight to the drawer where I had seen him usually put the basement keys. Remembering what position they were in, I then grabbed the keys and rushed to the basement. Unlocking it I went inside. My heart thumped wildly in my chest, but I trudged on. Turning the lights on I studied the room around me, it was like a scene from a horror movie. There was a metal table, a drain, some cleaning supplies, dried blood and a few deep freezers. I furrowed my brows “How in the world did he get this down here without me noticing? Or rather when did he have time to do all of this?”

    With a shaky breath I inched closer to one of the deep freezers. My hand began to shake nervously as I lifted up the deep freezer’s lid. My eyes widened in shock and I stumbled back onto my butt. The suspicion I had now coming to light. Forcing myself to get back up, I hurriedly left the basement. Locking it back, I trudged into the dining room and slammed into my husband. “Oh… y~you’re back early.”

    He looked down at me, although quiet, his gaze said a thousand words. He took a step forward and I took a step back. “You’re…” I searched his haunting gaze. He grabbed my arms tightly, I wanted to move but I was frozen to my spot as my mind went blank.

    Bang!

    The sound of a gun going off made me jump, snapping me back to reality. I watched as his eyes momentarily widened, shocked by what had just transpired as his life flashed before his eyes. He coughed and blood splashed onto my face as his body went limp and clashed onto the floor. He clutched onto my arm but I yanked it free, looking up to see the person who had just killed him. My heart settled down and I smiled up at him in relief.

  • Timelapse

    Part: 10

    It opened its mouth and to my horror, it was just a gaping black hole. No teeth, no tongue, just an endless pit of darkness. It’s ghastly lips mouthed something but no sound came out. It’s long pale fingers, with blackened nails as long and sharp as a swords, extended towards me. Even though it was inaudible, I could tell it was calling me, beckoning me to come closer and no matter how much I fought against it, I couldn’t deny its call. A strange sense of peacefulness overtook me… no… an emptiness. My soul was drawn towards it like a moth to a flame, my mind went blank and my muscles went limp, the fight to stay away no longer plagued me as I welcomed its call. Reaching out, I…

    Slamming back down to reality, I blinked. Something delicious was in my mouth and it didn’t bother me. Still in a haze, I chewed at it hungrily and opened my mouth, allowing my husband to stuff another piece of meat into it.

    “Do you feel better now?” He looked at me worriedly.

    Nodding my head, but unable to respond as hunger overcame me. Without thinking, I reached out and grabbed the fork from his hands and plummeted into my plate. When I was finished, I burped in satisfaction. A sense of clarity washed over me, like a giant fan had blown away the fog within my mind. Suddenly aware that this dish was made by him, I couldn’t help but turn towards him and smile mischievously. “Was this especially made for Mua?”

    He smirked. “Who else?”

    “You cooked it yourself?”

    “Why are you so shocked?” He chuckled. “ I cook…” I raised an eyebrow. “…sometimes…” I raised my other eyebrow. He laughed and shook his head “Alright… Alright.” He put up his hands in the air defensively, begging me to take it easy on him.

    I chuckled “I’m just glad you aren’t the burn-the-house-down types.”

    “Is that a compliment? Are you calling me a chief?” He said cheekily in mock surprise.

    I hit his shoulder playfully and rubbed my belly. “Not trying to kill the mood.” I said. “D~Did I have another episode?” He froze for a brief second, then nodded. “H~how long?” He opened his mouth and averted his gaze. “Please be honest with me.” I said, knowing he was about to give me some excuse or lie.

    He sighed and held my hand. “I told you I would come back the next day, but they stopped me and put you under, you had a pretty bad melt down…” He looked at me with eyes filled with tears, but a determination that screamed he’d do whatever it took to protect me, no matter the consequences. “…That was almost three weeks ago.”

  • Timelapse

    Part: 9

    “Here…” The doctor said, snapping me out of whatever trance I was in as she tossed the hospital nightgown towards me. “Put those on.” Scanning the room, I furrowed my brows. When did we get up here? “Are you alright?”

    I nodded my head, trying to dismiss her concerned stares and got up to head to the bathroom. In my haze I couldn’t help but feel off… like everything was wrong. Putting on my clothes, I stared at my reflection. I look healthy. I thought to myself. Turning away to head out the door, but stopping, seeing something odd from the corner of my eyes. Looking in the mirror I noticed it was my arm, the vein in it began to turn a very dark purple then ink black. Freaking out, I watched in horror as it snaked up my arm. In my desperate attempts to shake it out, hoping it would go back to normal or something. Through my futile attempts, it made its way up to my face, I almost screamed as the black veins went into my eyes and turned them milky white. W~What’s going on? I backed up, when a stabbing pain shot into my stomach. Lifting my shirt, I saw more inky black veins. What’s going on? What’s going on? What’s going on? I thought desperately. I wanted to scream out, but the pain brought me to my knees and forced the scream to stay lodged in my throat. I opened my mouth again to try and call the doctor, when the pain stopped. Nervously checking my body, everything was back to normal.

    Knock! knock!

    “Is everything alright in there?”

    Pushing myself to stand on shaky legs, I compose myself and then reached out to open the door. Forcing a smile on my face, “I’m fine.” I lied, deciding to not tell her for fear of what they might do.

    Trudging toward the bed, I slid inside. The doctor clipped my finger inside of the finger pulse oximeter and my heart beat began beeping beside me. Laying back onto the pillow, I watched as she left. Bored, I turned on the tv and watched some shows till the room went dark and the televisions light blanketed the room with its fluorescents. With a tired sighed, I averted my gaze from the tv and turned to go to sleep. Feeling like I was being watched, I opened my eyes and saw someone propped up in the tree, just outside the window staring at me. My heart beat picked up the pace, yet oddly enough, I couldn’t hear the monitor beside me. Wanting to see what was wrong, but my body wouldn’t comply with my demands, forcing me to watch as that thing reached out slowly towards me. I should be safe behind the windo… my thoughts drifted away as terror turned my blood cold. It’s arm went straight through it and all I could do was open my mouth, stuck in a silent scream.

  • Timelapse

    Part: 8

    At that moment the world around me went silent and all I could hear was, ‘Yes… You’re dying.’ Nothing this doctor said made any sense, How could I be dying? I was always told I was pretty healthy. I stood up and looked down at my husband, cutting them both off from whatever conversation they were having. “This is ridiculous… Honey let’s go.”

    “Ma’am…” the doctor stood up, trying to stop me. “For you and the baby… I’d advise you to stay, just until we figure out what’s going on…” I shook my head, about to cut her off, when the next thing she said stopped me dead in my tracks. “…There is no telling what could happen, if you leave now you could miscarry… or… you could both die.”

    I paused, I’ve always had trouble conceiving and was really lucky to be given this chance… so why would I risk it all being stubborn? I rubbed my stomach, lost in thought when my husband placed his hand over mines. I looked into his eyes and as reluctant as he was too, he still reassured me that everything would be fine. “Don’t worry.” He said with a small smile. “Everything will be fine, I know exactly what to do, but I won’t be able to accompany you tonight.”

    I furrowed my brows. “Why?”

    “Do you trust me?” He leered down at me, his eyes searching. I nodded, to which he gave me a cheeky smile as he leaned down, giving me a quick kiss before turning back towards the doctor. “Please take care of her well.” The doctor agreed and beckoned for me to sit down while she went to go and get a room ready. I sat down and watched dejectedly as he strode away. A few moments later, the doctor was back with a wheelchair and beckoning me over to settle in. I got up and glided on over, taking my place inside the chair, I plopped down in it with a dreadful sigh. When she saw that my feet were placed atop the foot rests, she spun me around and pushed me towards the elevator. As we got on, I peered through the cracks of the slowly closing elevator doors and saw that same person whom had resembled my husband. He had his back turned away but when he shifted his head towards the side to talk to someone, I froze… because that man was my husband.

  • Timelapse

    Part: 7

    Zinnia POV:

    As we got in the car, my nerves made me feel very nauseous, while my mind raced through many possibilities of what could be wrong with me. I stared out the window, anxiously biting my lip when I saw someone familiar. Unfortunately I couldn’t see them properly but they somehow reminded me of my husband. Chuckling to myself, I guess doppelgängers do exist.

    “What’s so funny?” My husband asked.

    I turned to him and shook my head. “Nothing, just a silly thought.”

    He giggled. “What? What is it, you’ve piqued my curiosity.”

    “Piqued?” I laughed “Since when did you start upping your vocabulary?”

    He held a hand to his chest as if to show how hurt he was. “Are you calling me unsmart?”

    “Unsmart?” I laughed even harder “That’s not even a word!”

    Our laughter died down and he quickly glanced in my direction. “I’m glad to see that beautiful smile of yours.” He said. I grinned and playfully hit his arm, thankful for the change in atmosphere.

    Grabbing his hand, I gently massaged little circles on the back of it, lost in thought of what I had seen just a few moment ago. “You know…” I said, trying to think of a way to say this without sounding crazy. “It was weird… that person I saw back there… looked a lot like you.” His hand tensed up for a second before relaxing back into mines. “Hmm? What’s wrong?” I asked, glancing up at him curiously. Studying his handsome features, I tried reading his expression to see if I could understand why he had reacted like that.

    “Nothing.” He mumbled. Getting a bit agitated and tired of being left in the dark, I opened my mouth to say something when he cut me off. “Let’s head inside, we’re here.”

    Annoyed, yet distracted by my nerves clawing it’s way up into my veins and giving me anxiety as I stood in front of the hospital. A warm and gentle hand grabbed mines and I squeezed them back. He was just as worried as I was but tried to contain it in order to keep me calm and I appreciated that, for I wouldn’t have known what to do if he wasn’t here beside me. We walked in and waited the long dreadful wait to see a doctor. When one finally came, we followed closely behind and sat in the treatment room. She asked me questions about my symptoms and I answered honestly. “I had lost time and when I came to, my husband said that I was acting strange for an entire week.” I shook my head fearfully “But the last thing I remember, was watching a movie.” She nodded as she listened to me and to my husband. When he explained his side of the story and what he saw, I felt my heart fill up with dread.

    They took some blood samples and then I laid down to do an ultrasound. “That’s…” she furrowed her brows and continued to rub the machine across my belly.

    “What’s wrong?” My husband questioned, saying aloud what I was about to ask.

    “Ummm…Well…. You’re baby looks as if it hasn’t grown.” She said with a worried expression. When she saw the look on our faces, she hurriedly tried to comfort us. “But it’s probably nothing, it’s only the first trimester, so don’t worry too much.”

    I turned to Viaje, he had a weird expression on his face before it quickly disappeared. Not long after, they sent us out into the waiting room to wait for the blood results.

    When the doctor came up to us, she looked genuinely concerned. “Ma’am we would like to keep you here under observation.”

    “Why?” Viaje asked, sounding almost angry. The doctor remained silent for a minute, trying to think of a way to lay out the information to us. “Just say it.” Viaje snapped. “We are adults, we can handle any news just fine, so just tell it to us straight.” I touched his shoulder, trying to get him to calm down. Why is he so snappy? I wondered.

    The doctor nodded her head, seemingly unbothered by his emotional response. “The oxygen in her blood is very low, dangerously low.” She said as if hinting at something.

    We both caught on and Viaje wanted her to clarify exactly what she had meant, without sugar coated words. “And what exactly are you implying?”

    The doctor sighed “We can’t say for sure… but we want to keep an eye on her, especially with her oxygen levels so low… it’s an abnormality and since she is pregnant…”

    Viaje cut her off quickly. “Please don’t sugar coat doctor… are you telling me that she~ heh…” He chuckled sarcastically “…she could be dying?”

    The doctor sighed and looked at the both of us seriously. “Yes.”