Chapter 1: The Disappearance Act

Mara blinked her eyes, then squeezed them shut. How long had she been out for? Slowly, she opened her eyes again. Trying to sit up to look around, she realised that her body was completely paralyzed. What kind of chemical was in that drink?

"Oh, you're awake," Mara heard a voice next to her, "guess I didn't give you enough of that drink. Did I?"

Mara, being unable to speak, was unable to tell Jackie that she should just go to hell. Mara just lay where she was listening to Jackie rant on.

"You know, after today everyone will forget everything they ever knew about me. Why? Well because that chemical wasn't just in your drink. Everybody who drank it will wake up with a minor concussion and forget everything about me. When they do, I won't be anywhere trackable," the warm breathe from her mouth sent unfelt shivers down Mara's back, "have fun getting over the last few years of your life."

Even though Mara couldn't see Jackie, she could tell that she was smirking. Mara felt like punching the girl who she once called a friend.

As she lay her head back on the hospital bed, she waited to hear Jackie's footsteps fade down the hall. While hearing the footsteps, Mara could also here Jackie laughing.

"She's enjoying every single second I'm suffering," Mara thought to herself. She lay there feeling exhausted. The clock, which she could barely see, read 4:25. The second hand kept ticking. Mara couldn't help but think about Mike, she started to fantasize about him coming to check on her.

With Mike in her mind, Mara soon fell asleep.