Visions Of The Past

I slowly walked through the woods, I wanted to find the prettiest flower God created, I want to get it for my mom. I scan all the flowers, all of them looked the same I frowned. A light breeze blew some nearby flowers, flowers I've never seen. I slowly walked over to them and leaned down to smell them. They smelled perfect.

"Anabelle!" someone called.

I turned to face the voice; Allen came running to me. He stopped out of breath he leaned over his hands on his legs. "The- they are going to burn your mother." He managed to finally say.

"What!"

"She was found with a known Vampire; they're going to do the trial and then burn your mother." He said still trying to catch his breath. "I don't know if they are going to give her a fair trial!"

I almost dropped the basket of flowers and herbs I had. I looked at Allen, and then over to the village. I couldn't let them burn my mom; no this can't be happening. I couldn't breathe, I wanted to pass out. I had to grab onto Allen. I couldn't hold onto the basket anymore; it fell to the ground. I watched the flowers blow away. My feet wouldn't start moving, I had to stop and try and calm my heartbeat down, but it just didn't want to. Allen grabbed my hand and pulled me along, finally my feet started to work.

We managed to get to the village in a few minutes, the voices of the villagers echoed through the town square. I pushed my way to the front, they had mom already tied to a tree stump and a few of the men gathered wood.

"No!" I screamed. "You cannot burn my mother!"

My father grabbed a hold of me and tried to calm me down. "Be quiet Anabelle, I don't want to lose you too."

Trying to push away from him, "No, no you can't let them kill mama!" I growled.

He held onto me tighter, I buried my face into my dad's chest. I couldn't bear to watch them burn her; I knew it wouldn't do me any good it would only end my life. As the Governor spoke, chills went down my back I wanted to cry out in pain as I heard them light the torches. I felt my dad's grip tighten around me I could hear his heart racing and his body trembling. I looked over to my mom, her eyes fixed on me. She didn't look scared, but she didn't look like she wasn't either.

"Willow you have been accused of siding with known Vampires how do you plea?" he asked.

Mother didn't say anything, in fact, her eyes never left mine.

"Fine, by the power of God I free you from your sins. May you burn in Hell for an Eternity." He hissed.

He nodded his head, and the men with the torches put them on the wood and backed away. I watched tears stream down my mother's face, I wanted to save her I wanted to be there with her but my father wouldn't let me go.

"Let me go," I growled struggling to get away from him, but he held me tighter.

"Hush Anabelle." He whispered.

My mother finally screamed out in pain; the flames finished her off. I couldn't breathe I fell to my knees and cried. My father tried to stay strong for us picked me up and held me close. I closed my eyes and passed out from pure exhaustion.

I awoke to some voices outside my door. I didn't want to get up and see who it was, at the moment I didn't care. I wanted to run away from them for what they did to my mother. They ruined my family, I wanted revenge whether the vampires came through and killed us all I wouldn't care.

"Has Anabelle woke yet?" one said.

"No, and when she does, she is going to be furious that you've accused her mother of being a Witch and siding with Vampires."

"Accused Vampires, I'm not too sure they were Vampires." One of them roared.

I jumped up and busted through the door. "You killed my mother and you're not even sure they were Vampires. Are you kidding me!" I growled.

Before they could answer I was out the front door and heading to the woods. I didn't care if they'd chase me or if the Vampires grabbed me. I stopped to rest for a moment, the quietness in the woods made me want to turn back, I almost did. A distance howl startled me, but then I remembered we didn't have anything in these woods that were killers except Vampires. I still didn't care.

Wandering through the woods, it was hard to see but I could hear the dogs from the hunters, they were searching for me. I could hear my father calling my name. I didn't want to go back, they killed my mother and she wasn't guilty, I needed to find this vampire and asked him to come forward and clear her name, I didn't care if he would die for it. He needed to clear her name, that was all I cared about. The sun was already dark, and I couldn't see to save my life, I could lay down and sleep and it wouldn't bother me.

"Such innocence out here all alone." Someone said.

I couldn't see anything, I was shaking, rustling of the leaves around me. I tried to hold my breath thinking that could help keep me safe.

"Holding your breath will only make you pass out." He chuckled.

"Where are you!" I snapped. "I'm not afraid." My voice is Shakey.

"From the rate of your heart, I beg to differ." He said coming closer and closer. "The name is Zane." He said walking behind me, touching my shoulders. "You're so small to be out here alone, I'm assuming you are Anabelle the girl they are tracking."

"Yes," I whispered. "I am looking for the vampire my mother was killed for."

"Well, you've found him." He laughed. "But she wasn't with me." He said playing with my hair.

I wanted to run, but it was too dark for me to see. I was scared, he could kill me and no one would be here to stop him. "Please come with me to clear her name." I pleaded.

"She is already dead." He said trailing his fingers to my neck. "Bringing me there would get us both killed. How about you come with me, and I'll give you eternal life little Anabelle? I promise it won't hurt much just one bite and it's done."

"What about my father?" I asked realizing his face was near my neck, his breath hot.

"He will always love you; he won't know. I will be your new father, I will care for you, love you and make sure your needs are met." He said moving even closer to the skin of my neck. "Close your eyes and breathe in and out and this will be over." He said kissing my neck as his fangs began to puncture my skin.

I jerked my eyes open, I quickly sat up gasping for air. Looking around the room was dark. I was panicking, my heart was racing. The dream, again that dream. My entire body was shaking from it.

"Babe you, okay? That dream again?" David asked grabbing me.

"Yeah." Sweat dripping off me. "The vampire and the little girl in the forest. I don't understand why I keep having this dream." I said throwing the covers off. "I need to take a shower. My clothes are soaked." I said jumping out of bed, my mouth was dry, I was freaking out.

"What does the doctor say?" David said calmly.

"Nothing, more medicine," I said looking at him. I grabbed my anxiety medicine before grabbing my clothes and headed to the shower. I didn't want to talk about this with him, he thought I was crazy. He was the one that suggested I went to the doctor in the first place. This nightmare has plagued me for a year now, the same thing in the forest in the dark, he bites me I wake up.

Throwing my clothes on the floor, and turn on the water to the shower. As soon as the water hits my body I relax. Reliving the dream again, it was like I was that little girl, but it wasn't me, at least I don't think I was her. I couldn't be, I was living now. I didn't believe in past lives, I didn't believe in vampires they were fairy tales.

Finishing up my shower, I dressed and put my wet hair up in a towel. I didn't want to face my boyfriend he will just tell me to call my doctor to seek more medicine. Another failed medicine would be his words.

Thankfully when I came out of the bathroom he was already off to work. Grabbing an orange out of the kitchen, I sat at the kitchen table and ate it. I would go to Starbucks to grab a coffee and head to the local cemetery and take some photos of graves and post them online for a family that requests them for the online website. It was one of the many things I enjoyed doing before going to my nightly job as a stocking at the local grocery store.

"Morning Anabelle, the usual?" Maria the barista asked Starbucks.

"Yes please." Anabelle smiled.

"Heading to the cemetery this morning?" Maria asked.

"You know me," Anabelle said. "Then off to shopping before I have to get some sleep for work tonight, dreading sleeping."

"Still having the dreams?" Maria asked handing her the drink.

"Yep."

"You should see the psychics, maybe they have some kind of idea why you are having the dreams. I know the one in town is pretty good about figuring that kind of thing out. She doesn't charge a lot." she half-smiled. "It wouldn't hurt to try."

"Maybe I might try," Anabelle said smiling. "I won't keep you, your customers are lining up, we'll catch up this weekend, glad I caught you before you left for vacation."

"Oh, I can't wait! See you this weekend!" Maria said before walking back to the register to help the next customer in line.

Walking back to the car, it was getting colder I hated winter and the snow but it was coming so I couldn't complain about it. Starting my car, I waited until the heat warmed me up before pulling out of the parking lot heading to the cemetery.

Once there, I knew where everyone I needed was, it would be quick, after that a few hours of shopping and then the dreaded sleep I needed before the long eight hours of working with a bunch of lazy guys that hated working with a girl that could show them up if I wanted. But hey getting the work done fast meant we could goofy off and have some fun before the boss came in fine by me.

Walking around the cemetery taking the photos I needed, I put my camera away and placed the flowers back on the stones.

"Why are you taking photos of the stones if they are not your family?" an unfamiliar voice asked.

I turned to face the voice. "I take the photos for family members that cannot visit the graves, that want to see the stones. I guess it means they get to see the graves, makes them feel closer." I shrug my shoulders.

"That is nice of you, but don't you get creeped out," she asked.

"Sometimes, but I feel like I am making someone's day, so I do it," I said grabbing my camera. "But since you're here, I better go enjoy your visit."

"You too," she said walking away from me.

Getting back into my car, I watched the lady walk over to the graves I had photographed, it made me sad that those were the ones I took. I wondered if she was the one that requested those, or if she was related to the ones that had requested them. I wanted to walk over to her and ask her if she knew those that requested them, but I didn't. Started my car I headed to the store to get some groceries before heading back to the house.

Once home, my phone rang. Looking down, it was David. I didn't want to talk to him, but if I didn't answer he would worry about me. "Hello?"

"Hey did you get everything you needed to be done today?" he asked cheerfully.

"Yeah, getting ready to make some lunch and then head off to sleep before work."

"I'm going out for some drinks with the guys, maybe I'll come by your work to kiss you goodnight."

"You don't have to do that, go enjoy some time with the boys tonight, I'll just go to work and get off and sleep," I said yawning. "I'm hoping to get some rest and tomorrow night I don't have to work I might go and see a psychic who might be able to help me with my dreams."

"Anabelle, you are going to the crazy woman?" David whined. "Can't you just get different medicine, go see a specialist."

"David stop, we've already had this conversation, I don't want to be on more medicine, this isn't going to be solved with medication," I growled. "I need spiritual guidance."

"Are you even listening to yourself? You've been having the same dream for how long now Anabelle. Something is not right, you have a vitamin problem, a mental problem, something. You need to see a doctor, not someone that is going to tell you, you're being haunted. They are going to steal your money and going to get you to think you are under a spell." he sighed into the phone.

"Maybe I am under a spell David did you ever think of that?" I said rolling my eyes, he was getting to me. I wasn't sure why I continued to take him belittling me. I could just accidentally hang upon him and not answer the phone when he calls again.

"Look I need to go, the Boss is giving me the stink eye. I love you." David said before I could say anything else the line went dead.

Putting my phone on charge, I finished making myself some lunch, I wasn't in a rush to close my eyes, I knew I would probably just dream about the little girl and the vampire again. I decided to surf the net and look up this psychic Maria had mentioned and see if she could tell me anything more about my dreams. I knew I was taking a shot in the dark but I didn't want to see my doctor and get more medicine just to get through another night of sleep. The medicine wasn't working anyway and I was out of options.

Dialing the phone number I was nervous, I wasn't sure what to expect from them. I knew I was probably not going to get any answers from them, and they were going to steal some money from me, but I had to try.

"Hello, thank you for calling Lady Amelia, how can I help you?"

"Uh yeah hi, can I make an appointment to see Amelia please?" I said taking in a deep breath after I finished my question.

"Sure we have openings this afternoon, tomorrow, and Saturday if you are not available," she said cheerfully.

"I can come this afternoon," I said taking in the air around me, my nerves were getting the best of me.

"Yes, what is your name?"

"Anabelle," I said holding my breath.

"Come around 2, I'll let Amelia know," she said before hanging the phone up.

I wasn't sure what to expect, I wasn't going to give any kind of information away and see if this Amelia would give me anything about my situation. If she did, then I knew she was real and she would be able to help me.

Closing my eyes, I was scared. I was scared she would know everything about this dream and there was going to be something crazier in store for me. Something a lot darker than I wasn't ready for.

Driving to the little shopping center, I was skeptical of the New Age shop. My nerves were telling me this was all a game and not to trust anything she was going to tell me. I wouldn't give her any kind of information, and see where it would lead me. Closing my eyes, I turned off the car and headed into the shop.

"Welcome to Lady Amelia's New Age shop, how can I help you?" the woman came towards me.

"I, I have an appointment," I said with a dry mouth.

"Ah yes Anabelle, she is expecting you." she smiled. "Right this way," she said turning leading me to the back.

My heart was in my throat, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was scared more than anything and I was afraid she was going to throw me out telling me I was cursed and there was nothing she would be able to do. Or she was going to call me cursed.

"Have a seat in here, she will be right in." the lady directed me into the room.

I sat down, this room was dark, and it was plain. I wasn't sure if it was meant to be this way because the lady needed to draw all the energy from the host. Or if she didn't want the distractions because pictures seemed like good distractions. My heart was racing, my phone vibrated in my pocket, I quickly silenced it. I didn't want David to know where I was and what I was doing. I knew he would quickly call me stupid and make me feel like I was making a terrible mistake and I would hastily leave this place.

"Welcome," a short woman said coming into the room. She sat across from me. "I am Amelia, so you have been having some interesting dreams yes?" she asked adjusting herself.

"Yes," I whispered.

"So tell me how are you connected to the girl?"

"I uh, I don't know, I don't know anything about her. I have only been dreaming about her." I said shrugging my shoulders.

"I have a feeling you will get most of your answers in the coming days," she said standing up. "But right now I cannot help you. Today I will not charge you."

"But what, how would you know about this, but not about anything else?" I said standing up. "Please this plagues my sleep. I don't want to keep dreaming about this, I beg you!"

"I cannot help you, Anabelle, they will help you sort this, and your life is something very interesting. You will find out soon enough," she said walking out of the room.

I was a little upset, well more like angry. I was going to live with this dream until there was more to it. Something wasn't sitting right, something else was coming. My life was going to be interesting? What the hell?

Walking out to the car, I wanted to get mad but there was no use. I would just have to see how this played out and see how it went. Maybe I would get the answers in the coming days, or I would become a zombie and end up dead on the side of the roads. What's the worst that could happen right?

Starting my car, I headed home; I didn't have any other choice. I needed to sleep before work, otherwise, I would suffer and lose work and I couldn't afford not having hours and well you know how that goes.

Throwing my keys and purse on the table near the door, I took my shoes off and headed to the shower, and then I went and climbed into bed. I didn't want to think about the dream before bed but something about the whole visit made me wonder about the little girl. Why was I dreaming about her? Why was her name the same as mine? She wasn't me, it seemed like it was a long time ago. Sometime during the Salem days. There weren't any mentions of vampires back then, at least as far as I knew. Maybe it was left out because of the whole mystical reasons, who know.

Getting out of bed, now that my mind couldn't shut down, I got on the computer and googled searched anything about this girl. Her name and Salem, but nothing was popping up. Vampires of course everything about fiction things, nothing about them being connected to the witch trials. I wish I knew something about where the little girl and the forest were, I would take a trip and see if I could find something about her there. Maybe they had local records about her, but there was nothing.

Getting off the computer frustrated, David of course had to add to my annoyance by calling. Half of me didn't want to answer his call but it was like he knew I was awake.

"Hey," I said answering the call.

"Hey you're still awake?" he said sounding happy that he didn't wake me up. "I was just going to leave you a message; I figured you were finally sleeping."

"Not yet, I was reading on the internet," I said trying to avoid answering his question, but I knew he was going to ask about the meeting.

"So the lady, what did she have to say?"

"What the meeting with the psychic?" I asked confused.

"Yeah did you waste money to be told you're crazy?" he mused.

"She didn't charge me, and she couldn't tell me anything." After I said that, my anxiety went out the window, I knew he was going to rub that in my face.

"See I told you, go and call your doctor and tell her you need better medicine." He laughed. "Come on Anabelle, you know you are stressed out. Maybe we should take a vacation it might do you some good and get away from this place."

"I was thinking about doing that," I said sitting back in the chair. "I just don't know where at the moment, somewhere nice and quiet. Maybe Massachusetts."

"Why would we go there?" he snapped. "All I know is that place is depressing with all that history and curses and shit." He said sounding annoyed.

"I figured you like the history," I said getting up from the computer. "Where were you thinking about going?"

"Vegas?" he said sounding more upbeat.

"You just want to go and party, you know I am not into that scene," I complained. "I am already under enough stress, and you want to go there," I said rolling my eyes. "I'm going to go and lay down now, I will call you before I leave for work, I love you, David."

"I love you to Anabelle, sorry you didn't get help with your dreams." He said before hanging up the phone.

I felt better that he was trying to support my dreams, but I knew he wasn't understanding where I was in my head. I was scared and confused and I did hate not knowing what they were meaning. Maybe I was driving myself crazy with all of this and I would get out of this soon.

Climbing back in bed, I decided to try and go back to sleep without thinking about the little girl and the vampire this time anyways.

Running through the woods, the wind in my hair I didn't know if I was being chased or if I was chasing someone, but I kept on running. For what seemed like forever, I came to a clearing, I stopped to catch my breath.

Laughter caught me off guard, the moon was high, the warm air all around me, I wasn't sure where I was or who was with me.

"Hello?" I called, but there was no answer.

Looking around, I felt like someone was watching from the woods but wouldn't come out.

"Come out I know you are watching me!" I growled getting impatient.

"Anabelle watch out!"