The Daughter

A Few Years Later

Chapter 2

Continued from The Daughter (Chapter 1)

"Come on. Let's head on back," Peter said, standing up to admire his work.

Mai joined him and looked at the rather large door in which Peter had just installed. It took him the whole day to measure the door, see if it'll fit, cut the frame bigger with his hand saw, and then repeat the routine.

Peter, Monica, and Mai were building a tree house at the outskirts of Delano and it was located in a big old tree. They started by cutting the limbs, after they found the perfect tree, of course, and reusing those parts to build a strong and sturdy platform.

"What time is it? Mother promised me that she would make a wonderful dinner tonight. I can't wait!" Mai said, putting cans of pain into a cardboard box.

Monica put another box with tools inside it beside Mai and looked at her watch. "Five to six. I wouldn't miss a meal of your mother's cooking for the world!"

The three of them got out of the incomplete tree house and headed towards Desdemona.

~*~

"That was wonderful, Mrs. Chang," Monica complimented as Mai's mother handed Monica her ice cream cheesecake.

"Ah, but the best has yet to come!" Peter said with his fork raised. He stabbed into his dessert and placed a huge chunk into his mouth. "Mmm. You see? This is the best," he said with his mouth full.

"Glad you like it," Mrs. Chang answered with a smile on her face. She was a kind and caring woman, but her age was starting to show even though she is a very active person. Gray hairs were becoming more visible as she reached her late forties. You could still tell she was beautiful once, and there's still a special spark in her dark brown eyes. "You may enjoy yourselves, but I want you in bed at 10:30 the latest. I'll come and tuck you in," she said to the three teens as they finished up their cheesecakes (including the crumbs).

Nightmare

Chapter 3

Continued from A Few Years Later (Chapter 2)

Mai was standing in the spotlight of sunshine alone. Trees were surrounding her that cast uncomfortable dark shadows. She felt a longing feeling like she was waiting for somebody. A breeze brushed past her making her shiver and raised the hairs on her arms and legs. Mai heard a leaf crunch behind her. She whipped around and could make out the shape of a man. Fear ran through her as she realized whom it was. The Lord had returned. But before she knew it, a rough hand grabbed her around the waist and another cupped her mouth from behind. She kicked and screamed all she could, but her arms and legs didn't touch anything and all her screams were muffled. The last thing she saw was the smirk on the Lord's face.

~*~

Mai sat up straight in her bed gasping for air. Her nightgown clung to her petite body. She inhaled too much air and ended up coughing. Monica woke up and rushed over to her friend's side.

"Oh my gosh. You're not choking, are you?" she asked while patting Mai on the back.

"I'm okay," Mai finally replied. She took a deep breath and everything became silent again. "What time is it?"

Monica pushed a button on her watch and the center lighted up revealing the time. "Almost six." She lowered her arm and looked at Mai with concern. "Are you okay? Was that another one of your nightmares?"

"Yeah."

"Would you like to talk about it?" Monica climbed in next to Mai and made herself comfortable as she waited for the other girl's answer. After a few moments, Mai spoke.

"Yeah. That'll help."

~*~

"So, it came from behind?" Peter asked while hammering away on a windowsill.

"Uh-huh," Monica replied, painting the wall a forest green color. "From behind."

Peter hammered away, lost in his thoughts. Mai knew he didn't like this dream. He never liked any of her nightmares. She could tell from his grim expression. Sighing, she re-dipped her brush and continued painting on the door. "How silly of Peter. Always worried about me," Mai thought to herself.