SWEETEST OBLIVION

VALENCIA POV

A loud pant resounded throughout the gloomy, chilly night. The sound of heavy footsteps could be heard behind me as I increased my pace. With each step I took, my long hair spilt out behind me, and my pulse was racing.

Never, ever, would I let him get me. Not now, not ever.

These were the thoughts that lingered in the back of my mind as I fled, terrified of being discovered.

His rapid footfall drew nearer and nearer until they met mine, and when a hand suddenly seized my shoulder, my breath caught in my throat.

I let out a loud scream as I fought to get away from the hands that were gripping me. My mind was clouded with anxiety as I let out loud sobs.

I could only vaguely hear my name being called and the hands on my shoulder shaking me violently.

“Val.” As soon as I recognized the voice, my brows wrinkled. “Val, wake up.”

I forced my eyes open and peered up at the ceiling while dust and pieces of plaster were misting down. The familiar face of my best friend, slash roommate, hovered over mine. She regarded my face with a troubled expression.

“Did you have another nightmare?” Novalie Barlowe asked, reversing her position on the bed, for me to sit up.

I gulped, slowly nodding my head. My eyes stung, possibly from having to cry so much without realizing it, and my throat felt dry.

“This is becoming way too frequent, and it seems to be getting worse.” Nova spoke, her voice reeking of fear and frustration. “Even if it’s not me, I believe it’s best that you tell someone.”

“Nova, I’m fine.” I moaned, clutching my throat to try to ease the discomfort.

“No, you’re not, Val. You’re not doing so well.” She responds, grief visible in her eyes. “It is obvious that the events of the past still traumatize you. I wish you would have the guts to call the police and perhaps get some sort of resolution.”

I bit my lip and sighed, steering clear of her fiery stare. “Do you honestly believe the cops will accept my story? Do you really think I would have had so many scars if it had been that easy, or have you forgotten who he is?” I spat, feeling angry as well.

“You’re right; I’m sorry.” She apologized, and remorse overcame me since I realized that she was only acting in this way because she loved me and wanted to be of assistance.

“No, I’m the one who should apologize. I’m sorry for snapping at you,” I remark, receiving a fleeting smile in response.

“You don’t need to apologize; I know you didn’t mean to. I’m just furious that someone so pure and innocent as you had to experience all that. “ She mutters, grabbing my hands.

“All of that is behind me now, and I am finally free of him. I suppose I’m still attempting to heal and organize my life. “ I said. “It’s been a year since I was able to escape his control, and now I’m working to put my life back together, starting with the job I recently started and intend to keep.”

“Shoot, that’s right.” Nova’s eyes grew wide, and she released my hand. “You must freshen up and get dressed, or you will be late.” Rising to her feet. “I’d best let you handle it and get ready myself”. She says this, squeezing my hand one more time before leaving the room.

I held my face in my hands and sighed as I watched the door close behind her, blinking back the tears as I let out a feverish breath.

“I can do this,” I whispered to myself before getting out of bed, and going to the bathroom to wash up and get ready for the day in an effort to put the terrifying nightmare behind me.

I paused to take a watchful look at myself as I stood in front of the mirror. Long auburn hair, a light, creamy complexion, a lovely face, and a lean figure.

I leaned in to see what the damage was today with an accustomed sigh. Although my eyes were not puffy, my dark circles were already receding. Not bad, despite my string of nightmares.

It seems like lately, there have been a lot of these nights. I thought I had finally overcome my nightmares, but for some reason, over the past two weeks, they have become more frequent and terrifying. I know I assured Nova that I was okay, but I can’t help but feel as though something sinister was about to occur, and it was undoubtedly going to be terrible.

I dismiss the thought; it might all be in my imagination, and it would be nothing like I had anticipated. Now is not the time for me to be doing this. I had to get ready for work.

It took a lot of effort to land a position as a secretary at Little Sunshine Publishing, which was both reliable and well-paying. I had a number of part-time jobs that didn’t even come close to paying peanuts, but I was still grateful because those peanuts could support a portion of my needs. Now that I had been fortunate enough to find a job that paid better, or at least enough to cover almost everything I needed to do, I was happy as long as I was away from him.

I stripped off my pyjamas and jumped into the shower in preparation for the day. After towelling off, I changed into a white singlet, blue high-waisted pegged pants, and a blue suit jacket.

My hair was pulled back into a ponytail with two curled-up strands on either side of my face. I covered the black circles around my face with a concealer Nova gave me, then powdered them before applying my lip gloss.

After one last glance in the mirror, I exited the room carrying my bag, phone, and black heels.

“I see you’re done. Why not eat breakfast before leaving?” I was walking toward the door when Nova spoke from behind me.

“I’m afraid I can’t or I won’t make it in time.” I replied, gripping the knob.

“You hardly ate anything yesterday; a few bites won’t hurt.”

She had the same anxious expression on her face when I turned to face her, and I sighed. “I’ll have something to eat at my workplace.”

“Promise.”

“Yes, absolutely.” I murmured.

“Val”

“I will, Nova. Stop fretting now because I need to go. I’ll see you later this evening.” I commented as I pushed open the door.

“Hey, since it’s Friday, don’t forget that we’re going out for a girls’ night out.” She yelled as I stepped outside,

“I won’t, bye.” I yelled back, making my way down the bustling streets of New York.

I really hope the day goes by without a hitch.