Aspiring Author

Pain and Audrey

I get back off the couch and head to the washroom. As I stagger through the door I grab a hold of the sink for support. I look in the bathroom mirror attempting to decipher what part of my face looks worse than before.

My eyes have darkened, my face is swollen and there are patches of dry blood all over my head and lips. I run the sink and attempt to wipe the stains of blood off my face. Hopefully the pain will ease up by tomorrow.

It happens fast.

Everything around me goes silent. It’s as though the world has stopped spinning.

I find myself wishing for Audrey. That she were here right now to take care of me. I imagine that while all this is going on, Audrey is asleep in her bed. Safe from the entire madness I face in my life right now. I muster up a painful smile. Audrey deserves to be safe. It finally dawns on me that I’m still looking at my horrid reflection in the mirror. “Move Ed,” I whisper, but I don’t. My cowardice tramples me and I remain still, unable to break the eye contact with the blank face laid out before me in the mirror.

A sudden feeling in my stomach causes me to tremble. It sends shivers up my spine and through my head. It shakes me out of my trance. I hate Daryl and Keith for doing this to me. All there blows to my head must of really messed me up.

I’m about to leave my bathroom when I hear the faint sound of footsteps behind me.

My pulse quickens. They must be back to finish me off. My heart feels like it’s going to beat out of my chest.

I close my eyes and tense my body. I wait for the hits.

Nothing happens.

The footsteps cease.

I wait a few seconds before opening my eyes again. Am I going crazy?

From the corner of my eye, I see something on the floor. It’s the Doorman. I must have woken him up. He stares up at me with forgiving eyes while I slowly bend down to give him a pat on his head. A few strands of his hair fly in the air and land on the filthy bathroom floor. As I stand up, the pain in my head returns. I’ve had enough for one night. I think the Doorman has too. He looks at me and asks, How about we go to bed?

I can’t help but grin. I’ve got a smart dog.

I walk past the Doorman turning the lights off as I exit the washroom. He trudges behind me and we make our way to our beds. I lie down and allow myself to relax and sink into my mattress. Ever since my first card I’ve been on edge.

I feel like I’m always being watched.

The thought is unsettling.

As I lie in bed I think of Milla and Sophie, and the success I’ve had with them. A glimmer of hope rushes through me. Perhaps this next card won’t be so bad either.

One can only hope.

It isn’t long before the Doorman’s snores fill the room. At least one of us can sleep. I’m happy he’s okay. If Keith or Daryl would have hurt him I’d hunt them down and make sure they never touched him again.

*          *         *

It’s been while since I’ve had a good dream. Last night, I dreamt of the bare foot girl and Milla. They both have the most loving smiles. I also dreamt of Audrey. We were holding hands and sharing a life together. Audrey, the Doorman and I were one happy family.

Reality sucks.

Sometimes, I wish I could just stay in my dreams forever. Wouldn’t life be much easier? A moment passes before the Doorman’s snores stop.

He’s awake.

He’ll be asking for a cup of coffee any minute now. I attempt to rustle out of bed feeling every bit as sore the night before. I can't get up. I'll just lay in bed a little while longer before I get on about my day. I deserve that much. After all, I am the messenger.

 - Jessica P.