Chapter 11

“Oh Lucifer please accept this sacrifice that I offer up to you.” He chanted raising his knife up toward the sky. Catherine struggled against the restraints, begging, pleading to be let go. “Please please don’t hurt me!” she screamed trying with all her might to break free. The knife was raised and then with a single motion he plunged it straight into her stomach. She let out a scream as pain scorched through her, and things became dark.

Beep Beep Beep

Catherine stirred, her alarm clock dragging her out of that awful nightmare. She would have that nightmare just about every other night. She reached her hand out to shut off the alarm. She yawned, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She rolled over and almost screamed when she saw the slumped figure in her bed. It was Spencer, dead asleep with his head lulled forward and his book in his lap. A slight snoring sound came from his mouth.

He must have fallen asleep here instead of leaving last night. Should she wake him? Should she let him sleep? He looked so peaceful, she didn’t want to disturb him. But she didn’t think he would appreciate being left in her apartment while she went on with her day. Ugh….her day. The funeral. Her head pounded as she rubbed her tried eyes. This was going to be one sad, sad day.

She gently eased herself out of bed, being careful not to disturb him. She would at least let him sleep while she got ready. She smiled to herself, thinking how nice it was to have had him there, that he had been comfortable enough to sleep beside her. She quietly grabbed a black blouse and a gray pencil skirt. She grabbed a pair of clean panties and bra, and the black wedged flats she had been wearing last night. She slipped into the bathroom, closing the door quietly behind her. Her muscles felt stiff like she had been sleeping in the same position all night, and her mind felt tired, only running on about four hours of sleep. It was 8 AM and the funeral was at 9. She started the hot water as she stripped out of her pajamas. The bathroom quickly filled with steam as she jumped in under the hot stream.

“Ahhh” she whispered to herself. That felt really good. She lathered herself up with her favorite strawberry shampoo and quickly cleaned herself up, making sure to brush her teeth quickly for a fresh mouth. Eventually she was showered, clean, fresh, and dressed. It took her about 15 minutes, as she rushed as fast as she could. When she was finished she opened up the bathroom door quietly. Spencer has now moved into a laying position, seemingly unaware of the world around him. His head rested softly on her other pillow as his hands wrapped around the pillow that had been under her head.

What do I do? Do I wake him? Do I let him sleep? She stood there watching his chest fall up and down. She decided it was probably best to wake him. He might have things to do today and he probably hadn’t planned on sleeping in her bed. She walked over to his side. “Spencer. Spencer, wake up. I have to go. I have to go to Cassandra’s funeral. Wake up.” Spencer’s eyes fluttered open as he stared at her in shock, waking up as much as possible.

“Cat? Where am I? Why are you in my room?” He asked her, groggy with sleep. She couldn’t help but laugh.

“Spencer you’re in my room. You must have fallen asleep last night while you were watching me. I wasn’t sure if I should wake you but I figured you hadn’t planned on falling asleep and I need to go anyway. There is some coffee in the kitchen. Help yourself. I’ll be back at around 2. There is supposed to be a small gathering at her dad’s house after the service. Call me later, okay?” And before he could say anything she quickly planted a kiss on his cheek.

She grabbed her coat as she closed her bedroom door behind her and exited her apartment, trying to mentally prepare herself for the day ahead. Spencer sat up in bed, dazed and confused. He had fallen asleep here? Weird.