Page 11 of Wicked Dreams

“Damnit!” I slapped at my alarm clock, knocking it to the floor with a crash. That had been the best dream I’d ever had, and it would figure that a Monday morning would ruin it. Mondays ruined everything.

Sitting up, I rubbed my eyes irritably. How the hell had my mind become so creative as to make up such a gorgeous hero to come save me? I smiled as I touched my lips. His kiss had sent shocks of electricity through my body. I could still taste him on my tongue. He tasted exactly like something I’d been searching for.

Sighing, I pushed my covers off and got out of bed, immediately missing it. Today meant I’d have to face Brent and his squad of goons. It probably meant Anita would be glaring at me from across the cafeteria as some random guy tried to dry hump her arm. And it meant I’d be awake and missing my mystery dream guy. Seemed fitting that I could only find a decent guy in my dreams. Real ones didn't seem to exist in my world.

I grabbed a quick shower and tugged on a pair of leggings and a giant sweater before pulling my long hair up into a ponytail. I stared at myself in the mirror for a moment.

“You’ve got this, Butler. Keep your chin up.”

I nodded at my reflection before snatching my backpack and going downstairs. My mom worked nights and was probably sleeping in her bedroom, so I grabbed a toaster pastry and went out to Old Faithful.

“Come on, come on, come on,” I grunted as I turned her over. The engine made a whining noise before it rumbled to life. “That’s a good girl.” I patted the dashboard in relief and backed out of the driveway and onto the street.

I turned the radio up, hoping to drown out all the nasty thoughts in my head. But they were burned right in there, continuing to torment me. Pulling the car into my parking spot at school, I sat back in my seat, closed my eyes and drew in deep, calming breaths. I was on the verge of a full-blown panic attack. I needed to focus.What was it that my therapist said?

Focus on five things I could see. Four things I could hear.

No, wait.

Four things I could taste?

Shit. I couldn’t even focus on what I was supposed to be focused on!

A tear slipped out as I squeezed my eyes shut, my nails digging painfully into my palms as I tried to quell all the frantic thoughts and worries in my mind. And then, his face flashed through my mind.

My dream hero.

Dark hair. Dark eyes. Plump lips that left me whimpering. Skin hot as fire.

My breathing slowed as my hero caressed my cheek in my mind’s eye, whispering that I’d be OK.

I opened my eyes a moment later, my heart still fluttering, but not from anxiety. From my memory of him.

“Why does he have to be a dream?” I whispered morosely as I steeled myself and tugged my bag with me as I got out of the car. Keeping my head down, I walked into school, wishing I could be pretty much anywhere but there.

“If it isn’t Butt Whore!” Eddie’s voice greeted me as I opened my locker. “Heard you and Brent had arealgood time Saturday night. Hope he used a rubber on you, Butt Whore.” His raucous laughter left my body shaking as I tried to remain composed. Wordlessly, I placed my book bag inside my locker and grabbed my history book out. Then I made to step away, opting to ignore Eddie’s ignorant comments.

I was an idiot for thinking I’d get away so easily.

“Where you going? Hot date?” Eddie asked, falling in step beside me. I remained quiet as I picked up speed. If my luck wasn’t bad enough, he was soon joined by Caleb Parker, another jockstrap.

“I heard you scrape your teeth when you give head, Butt Whore,” Caleb stated loudly as he walked on my other side. The two guys exchange loud laughs and high fives over my head. “I’m free tonight if you want lessons—”

“Why? Because you suck dick?” I barked at him, stopping to face him. He snapped his mouth closed as I glared at him. “You going to teach me how to do it the right way, Caleb? I’m sure you’re a real pro considering you have Eddie’s junk stuffed down your throat every night.”

I yelped as Caleb shoved me hard, my history book falling from my hands. I fell backward into Eddie who gave me a hard shove back at Caleb.

“I’d be careful what you’re saying, you slut,” Caleb’s dangerous whisper sent shivers up my spine. “Everyone knows what you did with Brent at the party. Things could get rather ugly if you get my meaning.”

“Like your personality?” I managed to choke out, wanting to come out of this encounter with some sense of dignity. “Yeah. I get it.”

“Good girl.” He chucked my chin and leaned down to whisper in my ear, “And I was serious about the lessons. I’ll let you practice on me. Meet me in the auditorium after school. Maybe I can help Brent loosen you up.”

I didn’t say anything as he reached out and thumbed my lip. He kicked my book across the hall before pushing me aside and giving Eddie another high five, leaving me to stand there, my eyes stinging with the threat of tears and my throat aching from trying to hold back the anger causing my blood to boil.

It was really saying something when real life held more nightmares than sleep ever could.

Olivia

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