Isabella P.O.V
I peeped through my window. The streetlight was malfunctioning as its light flickered. With darkness enveloping the neighborhood, I could barely see anything. I opened my curtains slightly to see more when the lights went off, then it went on. There was a shadow, but I couldn’t see it. The lights went off again and came on, brighter than before. The shadow vanished.
I closed my curtains and went to sleep. It was almost midnight. I laid down on my bed, covered myself with my duvet when my mouth became dry. I sat up and spotted my empty jug. I tiptoed quietly to the kitchen, not wanting to wake up my parents. I approached the kitchen when I saw the lights were on. Maybe Mom came to get some water too.
I remained by the kitchen door, expecting my mom, but no one was there. What made things weird was that the stove was on. I tried to turn the stove off, but I couldn’t.
“Don’t turn it off. I’m about to start dinner, and you know what I'm having for dinner" a little girl’s voice said. It sounded familiar. Before I could turn around, something pushed me on the stove. The hotplates seared into my clothes and skin, and a fire erupted.
“Dious(stop) it’s burning me! Help!, Dious(stop). Stop it" I kept shouting, but no one came. The last thing I saw was Lara’s face.
“Isabella, wake up, Bella, wake up!. Darling wake up.” a voice echoed.
My eyes snapped open, and the first thing that came to view was my mother. I scanned my surroundings as I slowed my breathing. I was on my bed. Quickly, I checked myself for any burns, but so far, nothing.
“Are you okay?." My mother asked.
"Yes I am fine." I said to my mother.
"Are you sure, you were screaming,” my mother said.
“I’m fine. It must’ve been a bad nightmare.” I rubbed my forehead.
"Are you sure honey? Are you sure
you are okay?." My mother asked.
"I'm fine mom, it just a dream." I said to her.
“Do you want me to spend the night here?” my mother asked.
“No. I’m good, don't worry about me.” I said to her.
“Here. Read the Bible and pray before you sleep.” She kissed my forehead.
“Good night. If you feel scared, you can come to me.” She then left my room.
It was a nightmare, but it was so real as if it happened. Every time I go back to sleep, I keep having the same dream of Lara and the dreams always ends up with me burning. That dream terrified me. My mother always says every dream means something either it trying to give a warning or it a sign to go or stop something. I had no idea what it meant? Or what kind of sign the dream gave me? It a sign to stay away from Lara, to keep distance. I couldn't stop thinking of the dream, it like everything I close my eyes, Her face is the first thing I see.
I checked my phone; it was already 7:00am. I missed my morning prayers. My parents must be so disappointed because I never forget my blessings. We usually go to the church by 3:00am pray until it 7:00am. Today, for the first time, I missed it. I totally forgot about the prayers. I had no idea what excuse I will give mom and dad, this was so irresponsible of me.
I decided to take a bath, I took a quick bath and wore my clothes.
“Buenos Días, Madre(Good morning mother), How are you doing?” I said while entering the dining room.
My mother smiled. “Good morning, I'm good darling. Did you sleep well?.” She asked.She brought the food to the table when my dad came in.
"Yes mom I did." I said to her.
"That's good, take your seat I will serve the food." Mom said.
I took my seat next to Dad, he wasn't paying attention to the conversation Mom and I were having, he looked rather angry. He hasn't said a word since I came in.
“Buenos Días, Padre,(Good morning Father), how are you doing? How was your night?” I said, but he didn’t answer. He just sat on his seat. It took him a minute to speak.
“You missed church this morning,” he said.
“Lo seinto papa(I'm sorry papa). It won’t happen again ,” I said, but he didn’t say anything, he only looked at me.
Mom came in and served breakfast. “Say the prayers, Isabella.” They all folded their hands, waiting for me to start.
“Lord, we thank you for everything you have done for us. Bless us and bless this food. Protect us from all the evil, and forgive us when we make a mistake. "Amen".
“Amen,” mom and dad said in unison. We were eating breakfast in silence when mom spoke up.
“We’re going to Lara’s house tomorrow. Her step-parents want to have a prayer meet and purify their house.”
“Okay, by what time are we going there?" Dad said.
"By 8:00 in the morning." My mother answered.
No one said anything. When we were done, Dad immediately stood up and left. I was about to leave when mom called me back.
“You’re coming with us to Lara’s house tomorrow. Be ready by 7:00am sharp.”
I didn’t want to go to Lara’s house, but I didn’t have a choice. After that dream, I don’t think I want to face Lara.