《I'm in Need of Sleep》


 Authors Note

    Hello, and welcome back to a new and revamped version of my book, "I''m in Need of Sleep"


    I''m excited to announce that I''ve decided to rewrite the book as many new thoughts occurred in my head and new ideas popped up. I''m also excited to announce that I plan on there being a sequel to this book in the future although it''s not in full effect yet.


    I''ve wanted to rewrite the book several times but put it on delay as I didn''t know where to start, I''ve decided to quit pushing it off and finally do it! So here it is.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    If you''ve read the first version then It''s agreeable to say that some things are going to be different but I hope you accept the new version with kindness and an open mind. I''ve received so many compliments on Jasper''s character, so he will remain the same. As well as some other characters.


    I want to set a warning that there are graphic and explicit scenes in this book, and the use of strong language. There is also the mention of suicide, self-harm, medication, and mental health/illness. If you at any point feel the need to click off the book, then please do so. Proceed with caution.


    This book is currently ongoing and new pages will be released once to twice a week, please enjoy

 How Can This Be?

    Jasper


    I watched small snowflakes hit the window as a sigh escaped my throat, how lame. It''s snowing outside on such an ''exciting'' day for me.


    The quiet sound of bells chimed in as the front doors of the cafe opened. There stood a tall boy with pushed-back blonde hair, a thick fur coat with ripped black jeans, and a smile that painted its way onto his lips as he met my eyes.


    "Jasper, it''s been a while." He said softly as he pulled the chair out in front of me, "How have you been buddy?"


    "Just fine," I replied pausing to think for a second. It feels odd to see him truly standing in front of me, It feels unwelcoming.


    The boy was slowly observing my appearance, with no judgment to show in his eyes. "You look a lot different, you look good man." He then met my gaze, "What''s new in life?"


    "I don''t plan on chatting for too long, so tell me why you''ve decided to show yourself after all these years."


    His icy blue eyes held sadness with a hint of guilt. The blonde''s lips pursed into a weak smile as he began to talk, "I''ve been thinking about you, and so has Valentine."


    "You still talk to her?" Surprise held my breath. I haven''t thought of the gothic woman in so long, "I thought she moved away from here."


    The man slowly shook his head, "Well. . . she did, but Larissa and Rowan have decided to get married next month. Both Judas and Valentine are attending." The blonde''s eyes moved from mine and focused on his hands, "They were both wondering if you were going?"


    The empty feeling crept over my shoulder and slithered its way down my back. Suddenly I felt blank, what am I doing here? What is the point of me being here?


    "Look Grayson, I''m not interested in reawakening our old friendship. Nor am I interested in seeing you, Valentine, or Judas." I began to put my coat on when I felt his hand cover mine, "Jasper, you don''t seem well man." His mouth parted, "Is something wrong? Do you need help again?"Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    "You don''t know anything about me, now leave me be." I interrupted pulling my hand away to cut him off.


    Without another word, I left the small cafe in the center of town. Thoughts began to intimidate me as I walked home in the cold, why would Grayson suddenly want to rekindle the past?


    My hair tickled my nose as the heavy breeze fell upon me, a gust of strong wind mixed with snow crystals toppled my vision causing me to almost slip. Quickly stretching my arms out, I caught my balance.


    Irritation filled my body as I groaned in annoyance.


    The rest of the stride home consisted of minor annoyance from the weather and frostbites forming on my skin. As I entered the pin on the gates to my residence, they slowly opened and I was met with the comfort of my homely, guarded apartment.


    I walked up the front stairs and into the interior of the building, I felt myself beginning to feel the excitement of finally being home. Even though I was only out for a bit, I prefer to be content and away from people.


    As I entered the elevator and clicked the ''floor four'' button, something caught my attention in the distance. A small face was peeking out at the end of the hall. My eyebrows furrowed as I squinted my eyes, she was slowly revealing more of her face. Just then, when realizing who it was my blood ran cold.


    You''re dead.


    The doors slid shut as my heart began to pound out of my chest, the giant box began to move and the numbers slowly counted up.


    I silently pleaded as I watched the green digital numbers bounce from one to two, my body felt light due to me holding my breath. Ease was dripping down the walls and sinking into my skin.


    My chest felt like it was going to explode, and paranoia kicked in harder than ever right now. Three slowly turned into four and the elevator came to a stop. A soft ding rang through my ears while I watched the doors slide open.


    I was alone, and no deceased person was to be seen.


    My legs were heavy as I took slow steps forward, I also traced my hand on the wall railing for support. My body wouldn''t stop shaking, I don''t think it could even if I had tried to make it stop and somehow calm down.


    Once I got to the door of safety, I pulled out my keys and unlocked it as quickly as possible.


    When arriving inside, I spun around slamming the fear shut behind me, my apartment was now staring back at me. Dread slowly left and peace was beginning to course through my blood. I took three deep breaths as I made my way to my empty bedroom.


    Kicking my shoes off, I flopped on my bed and buried my face in my pillow.


    I thought the hallucinations would stop, and even though I''m aware they aren''t real, I''m still scared. Fear still possesses my body when her cold gaze meets mine, even though it''s only minutes at most.


    I''m still scared.

 The Cursed Apple

    Jasper


    My eyes slowly opened as I was met with the plain familiar color of my ceiling. Rolling on my side, I glanced at the electrical alarm clock on my nightstand.


    The time read ten forty-five.


    I watched the timer on the bottom right of the square screen counting the minutes passing. Today I have a follow-up appointment with my doctor at noon. If I wanted to arrive on time then I should at least get ready now.


    Pulling my body into a sitting position, I threw my legs off the edge of the bed. Then with a big stretch, I dragged myself to the bathroom.


    Observing my appearance, I leaned in close to the mirror moving my head from the left to the right slowly. My skin was so pale that under my eyes lay a pinkish color, and right under that was a more darkish-looking tone. Due to my lack of sleep, these dark circles were only to be expected, though I didn''t mind. I wasn''t here to impress anybody.


    I ruffled my messy medium-length chestnut brown hair, I could see the split ends through my reflection. My bedhead looked different than the average person, you see, any semi-normal person would have some parts of their hair laid flat. Though this wasn''t the case for me, I looked as if I had just walked through some type of sandstorm or maybe even been struck by lightning.


    But I didn''t mind.


    My mouth was dry as I licked my bottom lip and quickly bit down on it, I watched a cut open as small seeps of blood began to pour out.


    Frustration towered down on me as I could feel my insides tearing up. I glared at the eyes that I''d been cursed with since birth, the eyes that my mother cherished and loved so much, made me sick.


    Surprisingly enough, I get many compliments on them. Many people are flattered by the shade of green they hold, and many are infatuated with their shape. Or maybe it''s just my face.


    Though I remind myself once more, I''m not here to impress.


    I washed up quickly and threw on some tan-brown cargo pants with a baggy gray hoodie, then I proceeded to grab my dark green coat and took one glance around before seeing an apple sitting on the counter. Before exiting my cozy safe place, I snatched the fruit and headed out.


    As the crisp cold breeze hit my face, I scrunched my nose, it burned.


    The cool winter air had always been my favorite ever since I was a kid, I''m not sure if it''s because my father told me he''d bury my body in a pile of snow with no one to find it, or the fact that my mother would knit snowflakes with white yarn. She used to hang them around the library we had as she proudly stared at her work.


    My attention was quickly caught off guard as I felt myself stumble forward with my apple leaving my grasp, I swiftly turned around to see the deranged person who had committed the harassment but was met with nothing but an empty sidewalk.


    Sighing in irritation, I turned back when I noticed my apple was still laying on the ground. My poor red fruit had been thrown so carelessly onto the cold, hard concrete. I watched as it stared back up at me. The right side of its soft layer had been dented and I could see some pieces missing.


    I crouched down and picked my breakfast up when I noticed something strange. There were red spots in the snow ahead of me.


    Had I not seen this before?


    My hand traced over the apple and my eyes continued to follow the deep crimson trail when It had continued around a corner, what''s this?


    A pit began to form inside my empty stomach as anxiety was now kicking in. I shoved the apple into my pocket as I steadily followed the dark liquid on the white blankets.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Then I heard it.


    "Jasper."


    Her voice echoed through the streets as I stood with wide eyes.


    My body moved on its own as I sprinted hard, please don''t leave me again. Not like this, not like last time.


    I continued to run through the streets passing shop windows and waiting for her to call my name once more, nausea began to knot as I remembered the newspaper headlines.


    I could hear my own heartbeat thumping out of my chest. When I saw someone in the distance, her head was hung low but I knew exactly who it was, and I know she wanted me to follow.


    The cold thin air was harshly biting my skin, and my lungs were on fire. I pushed my legs to continue when she turned around and started walking away


    She wore the same outfit she did the day she passed and was taken from this world. It consisted of a plain white shirt and dark blue jeans, but something was different. I could see the rips and holes in her clothing, the bruises that latched onto her rough skin, and the cuts and gashes that were dug deep in her sides. The long brown hair that always had a shine now contained twigs and patches missing. Parts of her hair were cut, and she looked rough.


    I watched as the ghost took a sharp turn into an alley and I continued to push on.


    As I slowed down my pace panting for air, I crept into the alley.


    One hand was placed on the wall for support while the other was on my thigh, my body was bent forward as my eyes scanned the dark slim alley.


    Bricks surrounded me, and there was a metal door on the right that had a huge bar over it. A green dumpster with trashbags was sloppily placed on the left and there were multiple empty cans of some sort.


    Gross.


    My attention was knocked into me when I saw the ruffle of a huge trash bag lying next to the dumpster. Were there animals hiding in attempts to warm themselves?


    The muffled sound of a cry was heard faintly more down the darkness, then the elastic black bag moved once more.


    I approached the bag when my heart nearly jumped out of my body, sweat began to form on my forehead while my body jolted back within seconds. My nose scrunched again as the foul stench of something strong entered the tense air. I pulled my shirt up the lower half of my face in an attempt to block out the horrid smell.


    Just then, a soft noise was heard. The low hum fell upon me when I saw a small gray cat walk out from behind the dark-colored dumpster.


    The small creature made its way and slithered around me while wrapping its long tail around my leg, I felt myself exhale on command. A sigh of relief escaped my throat as well as comfort washed over me.


    The cat meowed as it walked passed me and stomped on a cardboard box with all four paws, creating a circling motion before the elegant animal laid itself down softly.


    Then I heard it again, no I saw it again.


    The bag had shifted.


    The thought of another animal being compacted in the suffocating sack made me feel some type of way, it was anger.


    I steadily approached the bag and took a sharp inhale while my shaky hands bent down to the top of it, my fingers intertwined with the strings and I began to pull it apart.


    Bile began to form in my stomach as I had only caught a small glimpse of what was inside the giant trash bag, it was a hand, or what seemed to be one. . .


    I continued to unstring the top as my body tensed up and froze in place.


    The vomit rushed up my esophagus as I fell back onto the concrete, turning to the side I threw up. I threw up stomach acid with chunks of my lunch from the previous day. Tears were welded in the corner of my eyes as I couldn''t stop my body from keeping it down.


    There were mutilated body parts sprawled around inside.


    I scooted back in horror when I heard a voice behind me, "You alright man?"


    Snapping my head to the source of the question, stood a tall man in a big coat. He was bald and had sunglasses on. A cigarette hung in the corner of his mouth while he carried a book in his right hand and a lighter in the left.


    "You look like you''ve seen a ghost kid, really, are you okay?" The man began to approach as I pointed toward the crime scene, my mouth opened but no words were forming.


    "T-the bag!" I stuttered out, "Call the police!" I began to hyperventilate as the man raised an eyebrow, "I want whatever you''re on kid, say, where do ya youngsters find stuff like that here up in the mountains?"


    Anger began to explode inside of me, "Someone''s dead!" The words left my mouth quickly, "Someone got fucking murdered!" I screamed, "Their body is in the bag, call the police before it''s too late-"


    The stranger quickly cut me off as he stepped forward, "No need to shout kid, people around here are gonna get the wrong idea." He sighed before crouching down in front of me, "There''s no bag, trash came yesterday."


    I froze in a panic, what?


    Turning around, I was met with an empty dumpster and no disposable garbage.


    But I saw it. . .


    The man then extended a hand in my direction causing me to flinch, "Relax, I''m only offering a helping hand." His voice softened.


    Hesitation fell over me as I placed my grasp into his, he pulled me up quickly and turned away, "Look kid, I was like you too once when I was young" With one last glance he gave me advice I didn''t ask for, "Don''t go messing around into that sugary shit and free yourself before it''s too late."


    I stood there in the alley alone, cold, and confused.


    What just happened?

 The Girl With The Scarf

    Jasper


    I struggled to sit still as I eagerly tapped my fingers along the side of the maroon leather chair I was plopped into, "Come on Doc, can''t you up the dose?" I questioned avoiding eye contact.


    "Jasper, you''ve been on a new dosage for only a week, you can''t expect results yet." The therapist paused as she crossed one leg over the other, "What happened that has worked you up like this?"


    I slumped on the cushion and rested my head back, I began to trace imaginary lines in the ceiling tile. I knew I would sound absolutely insane on this one, I wouldn''t even believe myself. How am I supposed to explain that I followed a dead girl- my childhood friend into an alley and just somehow stumbled across a bag that contained body parts?


    A sigh loudly left my throat as I couldn''t think properly, am I really losing it?


    "What happened Jasper?" The therapist asked once more, "If you want my help then we need to talk about it."


    I fixated my vision to the right of me where a neat-looking green lamp was placed, it had crystals dangling and it shimmered. As I counted each gem silently in my head, I spoke, "I was on my way over and I saw her." The soft sound of the pen against the paper soothed me, "And who is she?"


    "Charlotte."


    Her name rolled off my tongue and sent shivers down my spine, I heard a sigh as I glanced toward the professional, she smiled and met my gaze before saying a sentence that made me cringe.


    "Do you blame yourself?" The boxy black-framed glasses were pushed up by her fingers as she held my stare.


    "If I were there that night, things would have been different. . . " I mumbled resting my head back once more, "If I were there that night, Charlotte would have been alive still."Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    "There''s nothing you could have done Jasper-"


    I cut her off quickly as anger lit up inside like a match, "That''s where you''re wrong Doctor Richmond, I could have snuck out!" My voice was louder and more clear, "If I wasn''t so afraid of my father. . . She would still be alive."


    The room fell silent as my body relaxed, "It''s my fault." The words barely came out audible, but I know she heard them.


    After thirty minutes of my raw emotions being exposed, I was exhausted. I felt sick still from this morning, images flashed through my mind.


    The skin was decaying and some had maggots going through. The scary part of this all was that there was more than just one body being held captive in that bag, there were multiple limbs of the same part. Some were a different color and oddly shaped. At one point, it even looked like there were someone''s teeth.


    Chills raced up my spine at the memory.


    "Everything is going to be okay Jasper, give the medication some time to adjust to your body and continue taking the other pills as prescribed. I''ll see you next week at the same time."


    I nodded and began to turn when she spoke once more, "Oh wait!"


    "I will be going on vacation in two and a half months and wanted to give a heads up, my schedule is a little packed but I''m sure I could still fit you in." A warm smile paved its way onto the middle-aged woman''s lips, "That is if you decide to keep the same schedule?"


    "I do."


    Without another word, I was turning down the hallway and heading down the spiraled wooden stairs.


    The medication isn''t working, the coping skills aren''t coping anymore, what am I going to do?


    My thoughts were interrupted when I felt something bump into my arm.


    Looking down, stood a short petite girl. She had long raven hair that fell to her waist, porcelain shining skin, plump pink lips, almond-shaped eyes which were more on the slanted side, dimples, and bright honey-colored orbs.


    "Excuse me." She said in a hushed tone as she walked past me.


    She had a tote bag slung over her shoulder with her phone in her hand, her eyes were fixated on the text she was reading.


    What an idiot.


    Is everyone really that focused on their devices they can''t set them down for a minute to walk upstairs? How annoying.


    As I continued to watch her, I really took her appearance into mind. She wore long black pants, a huge heavy coat, a scarf placed neatly around her neck, and a hat with a tiny pompom sitting on her head.


    Her footsteps were quiet on the carpeted floor as she headed to her destination. I watched her disappear from the top corner and turned on my own heel out the door.


    I shook my head, I don''t need any more distractions today. I just want to lie down and sleep. My sleeping pattern has spiraled outrageously.


    My mind kept going back to this morning, how much more is going to happen?

 The Lake Memory Incident

    asper


    My back sank into the black leather couch as I laid my head on the pillow I had grabbed before laying down, many thoughts raced through my mind as I began to shut my eyes but one memory soon tuned me into sleep.


    It was the summer of 2015 when the grass was green in the lit-up forest and the sunset began to paint the sky, I sat on the ledge of a rock as I watched my two best friends splashing water at each other.


    "I''m going to get you!" The girl hollered as she pounced onto the boy who was now shoved into the water, his arms flew in the air as they waved around in desperation for oxygen.


    A deep sigh escaped my throat as my attention was now focused on something new, something way more interesting than watching my friend drown. There was a bird that perched itself next to me, it was a crow.


    The creature''s head tilted to the side as it began to speak in its own language, it rambled on and on until I watched it fly away from a loud voice.


    "Jasper!" The girl shouted as I watched the boy emerge from underneath her in the water while she sat on his shoulders. "Come on in!" A grin was plastered on her dripping face.


    "No thanks." I mumbled waving my hand off, "I told you I don''t like the lake."


    Both bodies emerged from the water and plopped next to me, the soaked girl then laid her head on my shoulder with a pout, "You don''t like anything."


    I gently pushed her off as I scooted away, "You''re freezing, go get a towel."


    With arms crossed and a grin forming on her lips, she spoke deviously, "Why don''t you get one for me?" Quickly getting on all fours, the girl began to crawl toward me with a smirk. "Or should I take your shirt and use it to dry off?"The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    As she crawled up to me, she then laid herself on my lap and looked at the sky covered in tree leaves, "How many this time?" Raising one finger, she counted the clouds, "One, two, three, four, five, six." Her voice paused, "Seven?" Then her orbs focused on mine as she shifted her body in my direction. "How many bruises did he give you this time?"


    No words would form in my mouth, she could see right through me like air. I didn''t have to lie when it came to her because one way or another, she''d find out, she always did and always have.


    I felt her arm sling around my shoulder as she evened out her weight into more of a sitting position, then her head was on my chest once more.


    "I could hear your heartbeat get faster you know." Her voice was laced with pure amusement. "I wonder how fast I can get it to beat-" The brunette cut off. Her head was raised and her face was centimeters from mine. Her eyes left mine and now focused somewhere else, "Until it explodes."


    I shoved her off in the other boy''s direction as I stood up, I could feel my face turning redder as I began to walk away.


    "Ew get off me, Grayson!" She squealed, "Gross, you get off me!" He replied.


    "Come on Jasper, don''t be like that!" I heard the blonde call after me and within a few seconds there was a scream, then a giant splash.


    Anxiety built up inside as I whipped my head around to see Grayson sitting on the rock by himself, where was. . . ?


    "Where is she?" I hollered to the boy who had wide eyes, there was no reply.


    His expression was filled with horror as I ran and jumped off the ledge into the water, did she fall in?


    My body hit the water as I sank and opened my eyes to see the sun through the small waves, I kicked my feet and swam up for oxygen.


    My breathing quickened as I frantically looked around, seeing no sign of my friend who I heard fall into the lake, "Charlotte!" I screamed while panic began to boil throughout my body.


    What if she hit her head on a rock and passed out? No- There''d be blood everywhere and the color would show, right? Or maybe she sank so deep that the color won''t show for a minute more.


    I held air in my mouth as I ducked down, my eyes began to burn with tears as I saw no one else down below.


    Going back for air, I stopped in my tracks.


    At the trail up the path was a head peeking beside a rock, the face wore a smile from ear to ear.


    "So you do care about me."