chapter 4

Bryan nodded. “Okay.”

When I went to collect the pizza, one of the girls from the group reached out and held my hand. “The new moon awaits,” she said.

I looked at her, confused. “What do you mean?” I asked, almost whispering. She stared at me as if she was seeing straight into my soul.

“The new moon will open your eyes, the new moon will be your light. Trust the new—” Before she could finish, a blond guy grabbed her hand, and she snapped out of whatever trance she was in, suddenly looking terrified.

“Sorry about that,” the guy said, his green eyes focused on the girl. “Sophie gets a bit weird sometimes and starts saying things that don’t make sense.”

Sophie blinked a couple of times, then forced a nervous smile. She looked like she was still too scared to meet my eyes. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. Please excuse us,” she said, clinging to the guy’s hand as they walked away.

I just nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. My thoughts were interrupted by the pizza lady. “Here’s your order, ma’am.”

I took the pizza and headed back to the table. When I got there, I realized Bryan had been watching me with a very curious expression. I sat down as he continued to stare. “It’s rude to stare, you know,” I said, knowing he had seen me talking with the redhead.

He shrugged. “So, what did you two talk about? You seem to know each other pretty well,” he said, opening the pizza box and glancing over at the group.

I sighed. “I don’t know her, actually. She just did the weirdest thing, and I almost freaked out.”

Bryan’s eyes widened. “Well, fill me in,” he said, clearly amused and a bit too excited.

I took my time explaining what Sophie had said and described the look she had on her face. We finished our pizza while the group had already left, but I noticed Sophie kept staring at me like I had done something terrible.

“Oh shit, I told you that crew is weird. They’ve got some serious issues. That’s some messed-up stuff right there, and she even knows your name!”

I laughed at Bryan’s response. “Bryan, I think that blond guy lied. There’s something going on here, and I’m going to figure it out.” I was determined, and Bryan seemed excited, which made me giggle a little.

My phone buzzed in my pocket—it was Daniel. “Oh no, Bryan, we’re late! I was supposed to be home an hour ago.” I answered the call and took a deep breath, knowing Daniel must be worried. “Hello,” I said softly.

“Where the hell are you, Prisca? It’s already past seven, for heaven’s sake!” He sounded annoyed but also relieved that I was okay.

At least he wasn’t furious. “I’m sorry, we’re on our way, Daniel. We just lost track of time, but don’t worry, da—” Oh my gosh, I almost called him Dad!

There was silence, and I could’ve sworn he was smiling. “It’s okay, just make sure you get back home safely. If you don’t, your friend Bryan will be in for it.” Then he hung up. Bryan just rolled his eyes as usual.

.........

We got home ten minutes later. Daniel was sitting on the couch, eating his supper. I felt a little guilty that he had to prepare his own meal. I took a deep breath before walking into the lounge. “Hi…” I said, sitting next to him. He glanced at me, then back at the television.

He was watching Cake Boss. “Good evening, Prisca. How was your date?” he said sarcastically.

“It wasn’t a date, and I’m sorry I lost track of time.” (Me, on a date with Bryan? Give me a break.) I thought to myself. Though, to be fair, I would consider dating him if he weren’t my best friend.

Daniel still seemed a bit irritated. “If you say so. If you’re hungry, I left some supper in the oven.”

I felt guilty, but I’d already had a large pizza with Bryan. “It’s okay, Daniel. I already ate, but thanks. I’m going to take a shower and sleep. Goodnight, I’m really tired.” I gave him a kiss on the cheek and ran upstairs.

After my shower, I sat by my window, admiring the beautiful night. It was a full moon, and the clear, blue sky helped calm my nerves. Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep on the couch by the window.

When I opened my eyes, I was in a dark forest. I wondered where the full moon had gone. I looked around, trying to figure out how I’d ended up here. Daniel would freak out if he knew I was out at this time. I started walking faster in my nightgown, but it felt like I wasn’t getting anywhere. I felt scared and disoriented, wandering aimlessly in the darkness.

Suddenly, I heard a voice—the same voice I’d heard on my first day at school. “Hello! Hello, who’s there?” I called out, but the voice didn’t respond. Instead, more voices joined in, chanting, “Prisca, the new moon will reveal the truth. Open your heart, open your soul, and the power within you will unveil your gift. Your gift will protect the unseen, the hidden.”

I fell to the ground, tears streaming down my cheeks. I was terrified. I shut my eyes, hoping it would all go away, but the voices grew louder, more intense, repeating the same words. When I opened my eyes, the full moon suddenly appeared, shining brightly. The light was so intense, it felt like I was under a spotlight, and I began to glow. This dream felt too real—it was frightening. I looked at my hands and feet, glowing, and felt a heat rise within me. 'Oh my God!' I thought, panic surging through me. This had to be some kind of voodoo.

I fell back, my body burning as if I were on fire. “Oh my God, please, somebody help me! Daniel!” I screamed, but no one came. I felt like I was in hell.

Suddenly, I heard Daniel’s voice. “Prisca! Wake up, wake up!”

I opened my eyes, and there he was, wiping my forehead with a damp cloth.

I sat up, disoriented. I was back in my room, on the couch by the window. “What the heck? It was just a dream,” I thought.

“Are you okay? You’re burning up,” Daniel said, concern in his eyes.

“I don’t know... I feel—” I paused. I still felt hot, like my body was on fire. “I feel hot,” I told him.

Daniel gave me a knowing look, as if he understood something he wasn’t ready to share. “You just had a bad dream, didn’t you? What was it about?” he asked gently.

“I’m really tired, Daniel, and scared. It felt so real…” I began, but he cut me off.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. You can tell me tomorrow. I’ll stay by your side until you fall asleep, alright?”

I felt relieved, comforted by his presence. I smiled at him. “Thank you, Dad.” As he tucked a blanket around me, I caught a glimpse of his smile—a genuine, happy smile. I had just called Daniel "Dad."