Read Online Haeven by S. M. Bowles - Free Book Online

gave it to you," I couldn't
see the face that the voice belonged to because whoever it was they
were under my bed. They started tugging and drawing me back to
where they were concealed.
    I frantically clawed at the floor but it was
no use. I rolled over and tried kicking at the face of whoever was
under the bed. I caught a glimpse and thought I recognized who it
was but just as I was about to make the connection the world went
suddenly bright and vivid and I felt strong, caring hands wrapped
around me.
    I could hear Penny nervously calling my name
in the background and a whispered voice in my ear, "Ssh, ssh, ssh.
I'm here, Emily. I'm here. It was just a dream...just a dream."
    "Herrik," I asked dazedly.
    "Yes, Emily. It's me. It's Herrik."
    "Oh," I buried my face in his shoulder,
shivering and shaking while the relief washed over me.
    "Is she alright?" Penny approached us and
laid her hand on my back.
    "She's fine. She'll be fine," Herrik assured
her.
    "I'll get some water," Penny pivoted and
hurried away while Herrik waited for me compose myself.
    It didn't take long. One minute I was
paralyzed with the fear I felt from my dream the next I was on my
feet and screaming at Herrik to let me go. He stood up and ran his
fingers through his hair in exasperation.
    "Emily. If you would just let me try..."
    "Leave me alone! I hate you! I...h...h..." my
knees went weak.
    "God Good!" I heard Penny gasp and the crash
of the water glass she had brought as it shattered on the floor at
her feet before I fainted away.
    It was nighttime when I woke again. The
crickets were busy chirping, the leaves rustling as they brushed
against the glass. The closet light was on and the door
thoughtfully left ajar. I couldn't remember what had happened or
how I had gotten into bed and so many of the events that I could
remember were jumbled together in a kaleidoscope of visions.
    There was a glass of water on my nightstand
that I urgently reached for and downed in a single gulp. I wiped my
mouth with the back of my hand then slid from the bed. One thought
kept repeating over and over again in my mind; that I needed to get
away. I was somewhere horrible and I needed to get away.
    I went to the closet and dressed myself as
quickly as I could. I picked the most sensible things I could wear
and snatched a pair of shoes before tiptoeing to my bedroom door
and easing it open. I slipped through the opening when it was wide
enough and peering into the darkened rooms as I went scurried to
the front door. There was no sign of anyone else in the apartment
and I felt completely confident as I waited for the elevator.
    When it arrived I punched the first number
that came to mind. "15."
    Once the elevator came to a stop I hopped off
into the receiving area and rang the buzzer. It took a minute or so
before anyone answered. I could hear music and laughter coming from
behind the doorway and I was just about to turn and head back to my
apartment thinking that whoever lived there did not hear my ring
over whatever was taking place within. Just as I started to turn
though the door suddenly swung wide and there was a dark haired man
about Penny's age standing there, a little breathless, with a huge
smile and a look of complete surprise.
    "Emily," he hurried forward and threw his
arms around me. "What are you doing here?"
    It started to come back to me and I
remembered who he was as my mind raced for an answer, "I was
feeling a little lonely and wondered if you were, too. I thought I
would drop by and see if you could use some company."
    "Actually," the man glanced over his
shoulder, "we were just heading out," he said apologetically.
"We're playing tonight," he bit his lip and studied me, "but," he
raised his eyes hopefully, "you're welcome to come cheer us on if
you like?"
    "Oh, I don't know...Penny...and..."
    "Aww, come on!" the man seized my hand and
pulled me into the apartment. "Hey everyone! I want you to meet
someone – Emily," his smile full of charm, "this is