The Monster Does Not Hide Under My Bed

I never look under my bed. I call mom and dad whenever I get scared and they would look under for me. They never get tired of tucking me in and kissing my forehead after reassuring me that there is no monster under my bed every night.

I don't want to be a burden to them though. That's why I always love sleep overs. It's far less scarier to sleep with someone beside you. I've been invited to one by my classmate tonight. She's always been quiet and I seemed to be the only one she's comfortable to talk to. I guess we both love the same kinds of songs that girls our age don't usually listen to.

I've got my overnight bag ready in the car and I put on my yellow sweater and cute fluffy slippers.

"Gail!" I hear my mom calling for me downstairs. "It's time to go, honey."

I walked down the stairs and took my mother's hand as we both walked to the car.

"Are you excited?" My mom teased.

"I am, actually." I replied checking my backpack again to make sure I have everything ready. "Me and Abby will have a great night, I bet!"

Moments later, we arrived at a beautiful beige house. We are greeted by Abby's mother at the door and she called Abby to come down. Abby's mother looked stressed but still beautiful. I see where Abby got her golden locks and big blue eyes. Abby must have gotten her nose and lips from her father though because her mom's were not that good. Abby suddenly appeared and grabbed my hand as she pulled me inside the house.

"Bye, Mom!"

"Bye, sweetie!" I hear my mom say as she slowly disappeared from my vision.

Abby and I went to their garden near the pool where we sang our favorite song while she played her ukulele. I never knew she was good at playing it and when I asked her if clipping the strings hurt, she just told me that it is far from painful. We then exchanged gossips that we know of and made fun of our teachers. Our conversation was interrupted by the smell of good food and our stomachs both growled.

We hurriedly made our way to the dining room where food is being prepared by her dad. He was wearing a "Sexy Chef" apron and had a dark black hair and thick beard. I say my hellos and sat beside Abby on the table. Her mom then went out of a room that I think is her office and immediately helped in setting the table.

"Jeffrey!" Abby's mom called looking up.

"Abby, will you please call your brother to come down already?" Her dad requested.

Abby's smile slowly fades as she shakes a little. I think she's tired.

"I'll go with you." I tell Abby.

"No need to get me." A deep voice coming from the stairs said. "I'm coming."

Abby's older brother is actually good looking. One of the boys that you might have a crush on at school.

"Smells good, Dad!" Her brother said. "And who is this cutie, Abby?"

I giggled. I've always been called cute, but by a boy as handsome as him, I can't help but get excited.

The food was great and we were laughing at Abby's dad and Jeffrey's jokes. They were both funny as they spit out one joke after another. I can tell that Abby was uneasy though. Maybe it's just because she's not used to having people other than her family at dinners.

We watched an episode of my favorite show after dinner then climb to bed a while after. Abby and I lied down on her bed, facing each other, her blanket covering us.

"I had fun today." I said as I smiled at her.

"Me too." She replied. "Thank you for coming here tonight. I really hate it here sometimes."

"Why?"

"It just feels like I'm never safe."

"I can understand that," I tried to comfort her. "I've always been afraid of the monsters under my bed. I really think they're real."

"It's not like that." She said.

The house is quiet now and I was on the verge of falling asleep when Abby shook my shoulder.

"Gail, you have to go under the bed," she whispered. "I am so sorry. I didn't think.."

We see the door knob of her room turning and she pushed me off the bed. I did what she told me even when I am still scared. I guess I can do this for her.

"Abby?" A familiar voice calls out. "Where's your little friend?"

I shudder.

"Not now, please." She said, the sound of her voice is in tears. "Please stop. Get out."

"Oh well, no worries." The voice replies. "I've always loved my little Abby more than anyone else anyway."

The voice is teasing and I can see it climb up the bed. I can hear Abby's shouts getting muffled. There were groans and I am scared for Abby. I can hear her crying now. I can feel the bed shaking too. I climbed out of the bed and saw Abby's brother on top of her. Abby's pajamas had been pulled off and her face were wet with tears.

I have never been more afraid of anything than the monster showing itself on her bed. I wasn't scared of how it looked before but I am scared of how familiar its face is. I never thought that under the bed would ever be a safe place for me.