Annabelle

Even in sleep I can feel the moisture built up upon my brow and lip. Restless and exhausted all at once the same reoccurring dream invades and takes over all my senses. I knew what was coming next. Each night for the past two months I have not had peace or ease in sleep. There was no reason to fight it off any longer knowing once I gave into my subconscious I would find a brief moment of reprieve. Forcing my body to relax and taking deep breaths I settle into the abyss.

I'm in a bustling area with lots of noises and buildings I don't recognize. Blurred faces surround me, I don't know any of them. I laugh at something that is said. Then I am suddenly distracted. The scent that has made my mouth water all these months in my sleep has invaded my entire being. Woodsy with a hint of cinnamon. I look around frantically trying to find the source. Panic begins to take over as I struggle to continue in my search. My breath quickens and just as I begin to lose reason I finally see:

Bright blue eyes the color of the ocean on a warm summers day when the sun hits it just right.

My eyes do not waver, and I can't leave my trance to make note of any other features. I am locked in his gaze. I know in my bones and to the center of my being that he is my mate. The one destined for me and fated to love me and only me. Our fates are tied.

I don't notice his walking towards me till we are almost touching. I can feel the sparks igniting in the small space. He moves closer and my heartbeat accelerates. My eyes allow me to draw towards his lips as they smirk at me. His hand reaches up to brush his fingers along my cheek. He only says one word:

"Mine."

I wake up panting and staring at the ceiling. My alarm clock next to my bed reads 2:30am. It's humid and suffocating in my room and suddenly I feel too hot. I groan at another night of lost sleep.

Pushing out of my covers I get up and out of bed. I'm slightly giddy knowing that in a few hours I'd be preparing to leave my home for Oregon. Walking out of my room and down the hallway to the stairs I reminisce about leaving home and how I'll miss it.

Suddenly my stomach growls, and I know once I've had a snack and some cold water I'd be able to go back to sleep. I walk into my kitchen and grab the first thing my eyes could land on, thankful my mother has a knack for baking, I shove a few chocolate chip cookies into my mouth. Filling a glass with cold water I take a few sips and make my way upstairs to fall back asleep.