Page 9 of Sweet Dreams

I lay starfish, breathing heavily, not moving.

“Jesus Christ.” I made myself come to the image of Silas. How am I supposed to face him after this? It’s official, but I've got to ignore him until I lose interest. I’m only fascinated with him because he’s new to town, that’s all. Give it a few days, and I won’t even bat an eye at him.

I try to sleep, but it doesn’t come easy; something in the back of my mind tells me something is going to happen. The question is, what? Things have been running smoothly for once, and that can’t be a good thing. Chaos is going to erupt, and I don’t think I’m ready. I only hope it doesn’t happen on Mom and Tot day. That’s all I need. Are all these little kids running around the shop when shit hits the fan. But then again, it could happen to the house, or God forbid, to my parents. Why do morbid things come to my mind when I’m trying to sleep?

I swear if Nancy does anything else to ruin me, I won’t stand for it. She’ll get a taste of the bitchy Teagan. That side of me lays dormant like a volcano and only erupts when needed, and Nancy tests that side almost every timeI see her.

After hours of tossing and turning, I finally moved out of bed. The thought of Nancy has pissed me off, and I’ll never find the sweet dreams I desire.

I grab a container of ice cream from the freezer and a spoon from the drawer. What else do you do when you can’t sleep? You eat. Rocky Road Ice Cream will help this time, or at least it has in the past. Falling on the couch, I grab the remote, find a true crime show and begin my night of research.

Taking my first bite of ice cream, I raise it with a cheers. “Fuck you, Nancy.”

I watch from Teagan’s living room window. The TV flickering, creating shadows that dance around the room and giving just the right amount of light to illuminate her sexy body. I press against the cold window, trying to feel closer to her, wanting to touch her. She shifts in her sleep, and her nightgown rides up her thigh, exposing the curve of her ass.

I’ll never tire of watching her, even after all this time. I’m fascinated with her; she doesn’t get scared easily, and I like that. Even as I watch her now, she doesn’t know that I’m out here.

I need to feel the warmth of her skin. The thought of anyone else touching her has me going insane. What if she never wants me? I’ll never let thathappen; I’ll follow her to the ends of the earth and never let hergo.

I startle awake and glance around, trying to figure out where the fuck I am. The only thing illuminating the dark house is the TV flickering. I must’ve dozed off lying on the couch with my ice cream earlier. I feel along the floor for my phone, turning the screen on to see the time. 3 am. The witching hour.

I close my eyes, trying to go back to sleep, when a tapping sound comes from the front window. My muscles clench, and my eyes shoot open. It’s just a branch hitting the window, I repeat to myself. It’s nothing more. Until it taps again in a different pattern. I stare at the ceiling, trying not to move. Did I close the curtains?

Oh shit.

I shift my eyes to the window and suck in an air full. A mysterious figure lurks outside, sporting a glowing mask fit for Halloween. The eerie neon light illuminates the crossed-out eyes and stitched smile. He doesn’t move; he simply watches me. My body still won’t move; all I can do is watch him and wait for him to act. I’m not sure how long it’s been, but our showdown continues, with neither of us moving. Finally, when a dog barks, he looks away and disappears into the night.

I lay there trying to compose myself and ensure he doesn’t return. I can’t seem to calm my racing heart. It’s strange to think that after all these years, I’ve never felt unsafe in my home until tonight. I slowly straighten up, watching the window. Darkness awaits me as I approach it; I don’t think, I swipe the curtains closed, sealing the house in.

I check the front door, ensuring it’s locked, and then all the windows and the back door. My mind races with disturbing thoughts. What if he broke in? Would he rape and kill me? Why the hell would he choose my house? All those disturbing feelings of being watched, was it him? But why? I’m nothing special. I need to trust my instincts more often; instead, I push them aside and pretend everythingis fine. Now look where I’m at. In the worst situation one can imagine. I’m so stupid.

I slip into bed, pulling the cover to my chin and checking my window to ensure the curtains are closed. It's impossible for me to fall back to sleep now. I’ll likely be awake for the remainder of the morning with the haunting memory of that mask. It has to be a prank. That’s what I tell myself until I fall asleep.

I’m dragging ass leaving the house, and I’m pretty sure my shirt is on backward. It appears that today is not my day. I think Murphy has it out for me. Because guess who is waiting for me at the bookshop when I arrive. Nancy Montgomery herself.

I’m about to unlock the door when Silas walks around the corner. Perfect. He’s here to witness the peachiness of Nancy herself.

“Nancy, what brings you down the peasant part of town?” I stop with the key in the door, crossing my arms and giving her the best glare, I can muster.

She smirks at me, holding up a pink piece of hell. “I came by to deliver this, Teagan. I’m sure you know what it is.”

“I don’t. Refresh my memory, would you?”

She huffs. “It’s your business license.”

Silas moves next to me, and I try not to remember what I did last night when I caught a whiff of his cologne.

“Teagan, what’s going on?” he whispers.

“Why do you have my license? It’s not expired yet.” I want to ram it down her throat.

She tilts her head and gives me a condescending smile. Yeah, maybe she can have something else rammed down her throat.

“I was reading over some records for all the businesses on Main Street, and yours happens to be the pick of the litter for an inspection. Unlock the door, Teagan.”

Fuck, fuck, fuck. I didn’texactlyget a permit to rent out the extra room. I didn’t want to add the additional insurance. I knew it would come around to bite me in the ass. I’m trying not to panic, but Nancy is going to make my life a living hell now.

“What’s wrong, Dimples?”

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