Chapter 2

Chapter 2

                After cooking breakfast and then carting Sean off to school. I was surprised to walk back into my house and find my mom still sitting at the kitchen table.

                “Hey, shouldn’t you be in bed?” I asked sitting across from her.

                ‘I should, but I wanted to talk to you.” She said looking at me strangely. “Honey, are you ok? You were practically silent at breakfast, and I kept catching you one minute smiling and another minute frowning. I know my work schedule doesn’t really leave much time for us to talk alone, but is there anything you want to talk about?”

                I knew my preoccupied expressions were not going unnoticed this morning, but I didn’t think it would be something that would make her worry

                “I’m fine mom.” I said hunching; extremely sure that if I told her what was really going on her worry would be multiplied by ten. I also knew by her suspicious expression that she wasn’t buying it. So I mentally moved down one on my list of worries to the second person. “Well, Josh just keeps calling, every day, sometimes twice a day. His record so far is seven. I would have thought that he would be busier away at college.”

                He face took on a more understanding reserve. “Oh Ryan, he loves you. He just wants to see if you guys can make it work long distance after all. Not to mention the fact that you two where friends for a year before you started dating. Not only did he lose his girlfriend, I would assume that he feels like he has lost one of his best friends also.”

                “Mom, it was easier this way. I don’t condone long distance relationships. It never works out and someone always gets hurt in the process. Besides, if I would have tried to force a friendship on him so soon after out break-up, who knows what kind of, issues that could have produced.”

                “Well honey, at least answer one of his calls and tell him just that. Maybe he needs closure.” With that she stood up, kissed my forehead and went upstairs.

                I was left at the kitchen table, where just an hour ago my thoughts were obsessed with Collin, but now they were filled with Josh. I knew that if I told him what I had just told my mom he would still try and persuade me back into a relationship. Then once I refused he would assume there was someone else. He would only be half right, since the guy I was obsessed with at the moment was only in my head.

                I glanced at my watch. It was still early and I had nothing on my schedule today. My psychology I class usually had on Tuesday was over, I just had to wait for my hard earned B to be posted, and Lindsey wasn’t out of class until noon. Her dad had driven her today since he had three classes to teach today also. That gave me a little over three hours to do whatever I pleased. I knew what I really wanted to do was go back to sleep, but I was freakishly well rested. I walked back into my room, grabbed a notepad from my desk and sat on my bed. I made a list of questions I wanted to remember to ask Collin tonight. I felt silly as I finished and set the notepad back on my desk. Just because in the dream it seemed that I was still in my room with my things, didn’t mean that this would still be sitting here the next time we met. Frustrated with myself, I tore the paper out and wadded it up into a ball, then throwing it in the waste basket under my desk. I turned on my TV and started to watch my favorite channel, investigative discovery. It was a little silly for me to be obsessed with this channel since I only watched these types of shows during the day, because at night it would definitely freak me out and I would most likely end up staying up all night, going crazy over every little noise I heard during the night.

                My pocked buzzed and chimed my favorite song that week, and I took it out expecting it to be Josh again. It was Lindsey asking if I wanted to go to the campus club with her tonight. I didn’t hesitate writing yes and she quickly wrote back that we would talk about it when I picked her up. I needed some sort of release and if dancing couldn’t cure it I wasn’t sure what would.

“What are you going to wear?” Lindsey asked me, later on digging through my closet.

                The day had passed by surprisingly fast. After dinner Sean decided to sleepover at Chris’s, since both my mom and I were going to be out. I had picked Lindsey up after dropping him off. My mom had just left and Lindsey and I were trying to decide what to wear.

                “I’m not sure.” I said throwing myself across the bed on the pile of clothes Lindsey had decided not to wear. “Did you bring your entire wardrobe?” I asked laughing as I moving a plum colored top from under me. I was instantly shocked. “Wow your wearing color now?”

                She smiled. “No, I actually bought that today for you.” She said showing me the tags and holding it up. It was a lace tunic, completely lace. In the right light, it could definitely be seen through. She watched my face thoroughly then pulled a camisole out her bag that was the same shade as the shirt. “I knew you wouldn’t wear it without one of these.” She said tossing it to me and then walking to my already open closet.

                “Thanks, I might have considered it, if it were a little warmer out.” I said as the wind shook at my window.

“Well since I’m having no luck, what if we find you something to wear with that.” she said eyeing my shoes. After looking all of them over, she finally took out my four inch black ankle boots, which I had rarely worn since she had bought them for me last month. Seeming please with what she had found so far. She then rifled through my dresser until she emerged with a pair of black skinny jeans.

I frowned.

“Oh come on, it won’t kill you to show off that hot body you so desperately try to hide.  What’s the point of going out if you can’t show off your assets?”

“Fine.” I relented, even though I had about five smart ass remarks for her. “Give them here before I change my mind. I’m just going to dance anyway, so it really doesn’t matter what I wear.” I said gathering the clothes and going into the bathroom.

“Don’t forget makeup.” She called through the open door.

“I’m am not wearing makeup Lindsey!” I shouted back, wondering what had gotten into her. I finished getting dressed then walked back into my room to find Lindsey dressed in thigh high boots, a skirt that almost met them and a ruffled halter. All black. Obviously she wasn’t letting the weather interfere with her choice of clothing for tonight.

                She turned my desk chair around and pointed to it. “Sit.”

                I grudgingly submitted. “Why so dressy tonight, we usually wear jeans, heels and graphic tees.”

                “Just felt like dressing up.” She said as she applied eyeliner, mascara and eye shadow to my face. “Why are we going on Tuesday? Is there something going on there tonight?” I asked.

                “I thought you wanted to go.” She asked, casting a disappointed looked at me.

                “I didn’t say that. I’m just assuming that it will be empty tonight.” I said shaking my head as she picked up blush.

                She picked up lip liner and continued. “Well a lot of professors, are giving assignments online, until after the break, because of how bad it’s getting with the snow. That way people who have to fly home won’t end up stranded at the airport. Since everyone is going home early, a lot of them have been meeting up there to hang out.” She said, stepping back to admire my face, then moved to my hair.

                “My hair is fine, I’m wearing it down.” I said with a little acid in my voice.

                “Ok!” She said offended and then grabbed her coat off of my bed. Gave herself a once over in the mirror and then walked out of my room.

                I walked unsteady to the mirror, to see what she had done to my face.  Surprisingly, I like it. The smoky eye was a bit much, but it all pulled together nicely. I then grabbed my tiny wristlet she had laid next to my coat, and met Lindsey at the door.

 We were almost there when the tiny wristlet vibrated. I pulled out my phone and groaned.

“Who is it?” She asked turning the music down.

I showed her the screen

A weird expression had made its way half across her face then she smiled, shrugged and turned the music back up.

I pressed ignore and we were silent for the rest of the ride.

The unnamed campus club was filled with almost everyone, I wasn’t as much of a social butterfly as Lindsey, but as I made my way around the crowded place, I heard a lot of “Hey Ryan’s.” When we finally found a booth Lindsey sat and I dropped my coat next to her and went directly to the filled dance floor. I danced for four songs, until someone requested a slow song. Like anyone even slow danced anymore, it was just an excuse for guys to feel up unsuspecting girls. I smiled politely at the guy who reached his hand out to me and shook my head. As I inched my way through the couples, I realized I was wrong about slow dancing. I was almost back to our booth when I spotted two familiar figures already sitting there with Lindsey.

I paused and looked for the quickest exit, but I quickly realized I would freeze without my coat, and Lindsey had my keys. I slowly made my way over to the booth to face the inevitable, uncomfortable confrontation.

“Surprise!” Lindsey said smiling.

I shot her an evil glare. This is why she was so excited to come here tonight, and why she had made such a big deal about my appearance.

“What’s the matter, Ryan?’ Ben asked sitting next to Lindsey. “You’re not happy to see us?”

“No just a little surprised that’s all.” I said quietly as I sat across from the happy couple and next to Josh.

“Ryan,” He greeted me cautiously. I assumed he wasn’t sure how I would take this reunion.

“Josh,” I said matching his tone.

“So what’s new?” Ben asked trying to alleviate the situation as best he could. If anyone could do it, it would be him. He had such an easy going, charismatic personality. It was hard not to get swept up into the happy mood he was in, from being home and seeing Lindsey.

“Nothing, much going on here,” I replied. “Just business as usual, Sean made varsity.” I said, pulling the topic of football out of thin air, knowing it would loosen the mood of the still stiff Josh next to me, as he and Chris had both played in high school. I still wasn’t sure how I felt sitting here next to him. A part of me was still pissed that they were all in on this together, and another part of me felt like I was slipping back into the ease of our old high school camaraderie. They guys filled us in on the immature pranks they pulled around their dorm and what classes they thought they would ace and the others they were not so sure about.

“Drinks?” Ben asked after they had made plans to catch up with Sean, while they were home.

“Yes, were celebrating!” Lindsey said, finally able to smile again once she saw that I was loosening up. “I’ll go with you,” Lindsey said grabbing Bens hand and winking at Josh and leaving me alone at the table with him. She was definitely going to hear about this when we were alone.

I turned my body and pulled one leg under myself, so I could face him without straining my neck. “So, when did you all plan this?” I asked getting straight to the point.

“It was actually Lindsey’s idea. I did try to warn you tonight though, but like always my, calls went unanswered.” He said looking a little pissed, but he recovered quickly and looked me over. “You look nice, I’m glad I came, even though I didn’t get such a warm reception.”

 “Look, I’m sorry. I was caught off guard.” I said avoiding his eyes

“We don’t have to talk about the break up or anything too heavy tonight. I miss you, so let’s just have fun. Deal?” He asked extending his hand.

“Deal.” I said, shaking it.

                They hardly carded here so it didn’t surprise me when Ben and Lindsey came back to the table with a tray of shots.

                “Wow guys, lets pace ourselves.” I said eyeing the filled shot glasses.

                “Josh and I do these every weekend, we can show you how it’s done.” Ben assured me.

                “I think I’m going to sit these out. Someone has to drive.” Josh said sipping his water and shocking me a little with his responsibility.

                “Okay then, ”Lindsey said grabbing a shot, Ben and I following her lead “To reunions” she said and I kicked her under the table, reminding her that she was in trouble later.

                “To reunions.” Ben, Josh and I repeated and drank.

                An hour, three dances and four shots later we were stumbling into my house. We had closed the place out seeing that it was a Tuesday and they closed at midnight. Josh managed to get Lindsey and I into the car, before Ben bolted saying he was fine to drive. After locking us in the car and finally chasing Ben down, he pushed him into the back seat and we finally made it back home. After locking the door behind us, I kicked my shoes off at the door and shrugged out of my coat leaving it next to them.

                I turned to Lindsey and Ben. “You two can sleep in the basement. My mom just got it redone as a guestroom.” I said pausing and then giggling. Everything seemed funnier now.

                They both joined in laughing at me and went to the basement. Leaving me standing in the foyer with Josh.

                “So where do I sleep?” he asked taking a big step towards me, that swallowed the space between us.

                That sobered me up for a second. “You can sleep in Sean’s room or on the couch in the family room.

                He took a step back and smiled. “I’ll take the couch.”

                “Great, there are extra blankets in the hall closet upstairs.” I said making my way to my room.

                “Sweet dreams.” He called after me, and I walked faster to my room.

                Sweet dreams, yes that is exactly what I was hoping for. I had managed to keep my thoughts of Collin non-existent, since that morning; well yesterday morning. I didn’t want any more uncomfortable talks, like the one I had with my mom. I didn’t want to admit to myself or to anyone else that I was falling for a dream. Someone that I could never have, a perfect mirage my subconscious had developed to torture me throughout my conscious hours. I quickly undressed as soon as I closed my door. I looked at my bed and the mess Lindsey had left on it. Suddenly too tired to even put on pajamas, I tossed most of it off and climbed in my bed in boy shorts and a camisole.

                It felt like as soon as my head hit the pillow, I saw the fog and as it lifted I spotted him sitting in my desk chair facing me.

                “Hey.” I said smiling.

                He didn’t respond. We sat like this for about ten seconds until it became unbearable for me. I grabbed the throw blanket from the foot of my bed, wrapped it around my waist and walked over to him.

                “What’s wrong? “ I asked sitting on his lap.  By the look on his face, I was surprised he didn’t move me.

                He finally looked at me. “Did you have fun tonight?” he asked sarcastically.

                I remembered now that he could hear or feel the things that were going on with me when I was away from him.  “I really don’t remember most of it, all I cared about at the end of the night was seeing you again.” I said leaning in to kiss him, but he moved back out of my reach. “Wow, that kind of hurt.” I mumbled, but stayed sitting in his lap.

                “I’m sorry, but my emotions are more intense here than they once were. It’s like everything I feel is multiplied by five. It didn’t bother me that your friend set you up on a blind date with your ex. It didn’t bother me hearing and feeling everything you did when you danced with him. What’s bothering me the most now was that you actually contemplated letting him sleep in your bed tonight.”

                I didn’t respond. I couldn’t because he was right. The moment Josh asked me I knew what I wanted, but I didn’t even form it as a thought. I just pushed it away all together.

                He surprised me by pulling me closer to him and I lay my head on his chest. “Ryan, I also know how hard this is for you, meeting me here, out of all placed in your dreams. It’s not fair to you. You don’t even know how I’m here or why I’m always here when you come back.” He said this as he pulled out the now flat piece of paper, I had earlier written down the questions I had for him.

                “How did you-“there were too many questions. “Ok first I want to know if you’re still mad at me. Second, I want you to know how scared I am that I’m actually going crazy with this whole dream sequence. Third I want you to know that the more I see you the more I am willing to accept anything that comes along with it even being diagnosed as being insane. Lastly, how did you find that paper.”

                He laughed long and hard at my rambled questions and statements. “I’m not mad at you beautiful; I have to figure out how to control my emotions better here. I’m sorry you’re scared, but I’ve never been happier since the night you first saw me. I don’t like to hear that you’re willing to throw everything, including your sanity to continue on with this.” He paused and looked at the paper. “The more I stay in here and here.” He said first touching my head and then my heart. “The more I find myself connected to you, and that allows me to do things, I couldn’t do before.”

                “That is pretty vague, but I’ll take it for now.” I said finding those eyes I loved so much

                “I would understand, if you reconciled with Josh.” He said seriously

                I shook my head. “That’s not in the cards.” I said and leaned in carefully, afraid of being rejected again. He didn’t and the instant our lips met, I was sure I would continue this wherever it went from here.

                After being carried from his lap to my bed, never taking our lips apart, I was suddenly being shaken awake by someone whispering my name. I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck.

                He laughed. “Ryan, I will see you later.”

                I pouted. “Collin, it’s not fair, it always seems like I’m only here for two minutes.”

                “You can always go to bed earlier, so we can have more time.” He said jokingly, but I could see in his eyes that he was serious.

                I gave him a final peck on his lips. “Done. See you soon.” I said and surrendered to whoever was trying to wake me up this time.

                “Ryan, get up, we’re going to be late for professor Troll’s class” It was Lindsey, trying to shake me awake.

                “No,” I said groggy. “I don’t want to go. Why didn’t he cancel his class like the rest of the teachers?

                “Because he enjoys torturing us.” she said

                I reluctantly opened my eyes. She was picking up her clothes I had thrown randomly off of my bed last night. The night’s events rapidly spilled into my cognizance.

I jumped up out of my bed falling over, with my throw blanket still wrapped tightly around me. “Are the guys still here?” I said struggling to stand, but finally making it.

                “No, they just left, Ben’s brother had an earlier class today so he picked them up, so they could get Josh’s car from campus.  

                “Oh, good, “I said happy that I didn’t have to face Josh right away.

                She picked up the last of her clothes and then looked at me. She burst into a hysterical laugh.

                “You  left  your   make-up   on.” She said laughing so hard she was holding her side.

                “I could barely make it to my bed; I wasn’t going to try to make it to the bathroom. I would have passed out on the floor.” I said walking past her to my bathroom to see what was so funny.

                One glance in the mirror was enough. I quickly lowered my eyes and reached for a towel. My eyes resembled those of a raccoon. The lipstick was not only on my lips now, but also all around them as well. As I scrubbed my face Lindsey stood in the doorway laughing.

                After her laughing died down she looked at me seriously. “So how much trouble am I in?”

                “A bunch actually, I mean why would you put me in such an awkward situation?” I asked as I began to brush my teeth.

                “I’m sorry, he just seemed so pitiful. Ben even started calling me more asking things about you for Josh that I decided it needed to stop.”

                I rolled my eyes.

                “Come on Ryan, he hasn’t even dated since he’s been away. Ben told me. Don’t you think he deserves another chance? You two seemed to be having a good time last night, I just knew you would make up by the end of the night.”

                “Well sorry that your plan failed. I have to shower now if we’re going to be on time today. You should use the bathroom upstairs, towels should be hanging up already.” I said closing the door.

                I wouldn’t be as hard on her as I had originally planned. I knew she was just looking out for me. I was actually happy that she had-in her own sneaky way- helped break the ice with Josh. We could actually hang out with each other without it being too weird like last night. Well, with the exception of the moment we had in the foyer.

                That immediately transferred my thoughts to Collin. I rushed out of the shower dripping wet, while struggling to pull my robe on. I went straight to my desk. The paper with the list of questions was right on the edge of it.  How was that possible? I glanced at the clock, which told me I had forty minutes to get to class and the ride was almost twenty. I mentally put it on the back burner until I had time to obsess about it.

                We were halfway to school, when Lindsey asked a question that almost made me drive off the side of the road.

                “So who is Collin?” she asked

                I turned to her wide eyed. “What?”

                “You heard me, I can tell because your eyes look as if they are about to shoot out of your head.” She laughed. “I only asked because you said his name right before you woke up.”

                I took a deep breath and shrugged nonchalantly. “Oh it was just a dream.”

                “Your reaction says otherwise. Is that why you’re so hesitant to get back with Josh? You’ve had this secret boyfriend all along?” she asked accusingly.

                I tried to laugh it off but I was afraid she sensed the nervousness in it. “I don’t have a secret boyfriend, just really vivid dreams someone.”

                “Yea, I meant to talk to you about that, it’s really weird that you all of a sudden have dreams when you never have before. Last week I heard that some professor is doing a study about people who don’t dream. You should sign up.”

                “Well if I had heard of it last week I would have. I dream now so it’s it doesn’t matter.”

                She sat silent as I searched for a parking spot in the crowded lot. I was hoping the subject of Collin was dropped, I didn’t get so lucky. “So are you going to fill me on this dream guy?” she asked as we made our way to the English building.

                “There’s nothing to fill in, it’s just a dream.” I said dropping my eyes trying to appear as though I was watching my step in case of ice, but I was really not trying to encourage the topic any further.

                “Ok.” she said, seeming to drop it and changing the subject. “So what’s your research paper topic?”

                I halted my pace. “Oh man, I completely forgot about that. He’s definitely going to bring it up today too, anything to annoy the hell out of me and put me on the spot.”

                “You could just tell him, that you’ve decided to keep your original paper topic.”

                “Yes I could but that would entail me being his T.A. next semester. I already hate going to his class twice a week so what makes you think-“

                “Ok I get it.” She said cutting me off, as we finally made it to class.

                “Glad you could join us ladies.” Mr. Harris greeted as we entered and took our seats.

                “We’re only ten seconds late.” Lindsey mumbled.

                “Thank you so much for volunteering to pick up where I last class left off Ms. Phillips. Why don’t you tell us what you’re writing your paper about?” Mr. Harris said.

                As Lindsey explained her paper topic, which I didn’t even, hear the topic of; I went back to my obsessive thoughts of Collin. I had a feeling the first night that he was much more than a mere dream. I had never seen his face before, yet there was a strange intensity between us as if we had either know each other or we had been looking for one another had finally been found. I was becoming extremely attached to him and seeing him every night was becoming what I most looked forward to each day. I had to plan out our next meeting before I went to sleep, because I was sure that if I was within arm’s length of him our lips would be the only one’s getting to know each other, better than they already had. Since I knew now that we could communicate, from the list of questions I had thrown away, that is where I would start.

                I returned my attention as Lindsey tapped me. “Come on, out early again, most of our classmates like you, failed to email there rough drafts so he’s docking you all ten points and giving you until tonight to submit it.”

                I looked around and the room was almost empty. Even Mr. Harris who usually lingered had bolted. “Great, let’s grab coffee and food.” I said gathering my things.

                The remainder of my day was uneventful, or maybe it was just for me, my other two classes were already out for break, so we spent the time in the Library on our papers. I picked a topic not so personal to me and started writing. I had almost finished it before I saw I was going to make us both late. After dropping Lindsey off at the mall she worked at, I too had to get to my place of employment. The time there dragged, as I constantly checked my watch waiting for six to come. On the way home I picked up a pizza, planning to go straight to my room to sleep. I was not at all prepared for who I walked in on.

                Josh and Sean were on the couch watching a game.

                “Hey, we were just ordered pizza.” Sean said grabbing the box. “Thanks for the appetizer.”

                Josh stood awkwardly and walked over to me. “I hope you don’t mind that I’m here.” He said looking at his feet.  “I mentioned that I was going to come over to talk to Sean right?”

                I racked my brain, and then remembered from the other night. “Oh yea, I remembered.” I said hanging my coat up and then walking to the kitchen, finding Sean about to grab a slice from the box.

                “Wash your hands, germy.” I teased as I slid the box away from him.

                “Is it alright if I stay?” Josh asked as Sean left the room.

                “Sure.” I busied myself, setting plates on the table.

                “So when do you guys get out for break?”

                “Today actually, but I have to submit my last paper online before Friday.”

                “That shouldn’t be so hard for you, since you always aced English.” He said sitting next to me. This bothered me a bit, there were three other chairs.

                “Yea, I finished most of it today.” I stood relieved that I had forgotten to put glasses on the table, anything to get out of sitting so close to him.

                As I pulled lemonade from the fridge, Mom and Sean entered.

                “Hi Josh!” My mom said a little too excited for my taste. He stood and hugged her.

                “Nice to see you, Diane.” He said.

As I made my way back to the table I noticed that I was still stuck in the same seat. Sean smiled teasingly.

“So what did you guys do last night?” my mom asked looking at me. “I nearly tripped over your boots and coat when I came in.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I was so tired when we finally got here.” I said, knowing the lie was weak.

Sean and Josh laughed.

“Tired huh?” My mom asked half smiling.

“Ok I guess I’m caught. We had been drinking, except for Josh who drove us home and everyone slept here.” I looked at my mom. “Did I leave anything out?”

“No, but please tell Lindsey and Ben that if they choose to sleep here again they will do it in separate rooms, this isn’t a hotel.” She said in the ultimate mother tone. She didn’t exactly condone underage drinking, but I almost always told her when I did. I guess she figured to let me have the complete college experience since she felt I was forced to live at home.

I stood and kissed her cheek, “Thanks Mommy.” I knew that she could have been a lot harsher in punishment if she wanted, but a part of me also knew that she felt guilty that we couldn’t afford for me to stay on campus. So maybe that was why, she was underreacting.

“Well, after we’re finished here, I wanted to know if it’s alright if I take Sean to Ben’s house with me.”

“I don’t see why not.” Mom said glancing at the clock. “I’m going in early tonight, to speak to my supervisor about moving to the morning shift.”

Sean and my eyes widened looking at her.

“Really?” I asked

“When would you start?” Sean asked excitement clear in his voice. We were both noticeably excited.

“I’m not sure yet, but as of last week I’ve been working there long enough to permanently change my shift.” She said smiling at us both. “You both might want to think about what this means though. I will be awake when your home now. Can you handle it?” She said teasing us.

“I’m happy you will be home more.” I said standing and taking my plate to the sink.

“You say that now.” She said standing also and putting her plate in the sink as well.

“Ok, well I have to go hammer out this paper.” I said, and then turned to look at Sean. “Make sure you grab your keys, I have to be at the bakery early so, and I’m turning in right after I’m done.”

“I think I lost them.” He said sheepishly.

“Fine, just take mine.” I said yawning. I didn’t feel like I was really tired, but it looked good for the show I was putting on. “Goodnight.” I said grabbing my book bag and laptop case, and walking to my room.

After closing my door, I decided it probably was best I knocked the paper out after all. I listened as Sean and Josh left first, and then my mom soon after them. Shortly after I finished and sent my final paper, happy that my first semester was over and I was sure that my grades would reflect the hard work I put into them. I glanced at the clock, it was only seven thirty and I wasn’t tired in the least yet. How was I supposed to get my time with him I fell asleep at my usual time of ten? I had to be to work at five. I slouched in my bed and turned my t.v. on to one of my favorite shows. However after about two minutes of watching my eyelids were getting very heavy.

Next thing I saw was him lying next to me in my bed. I smiled and touched his face.

“Am I late?” I asked touching his lips.

“No, right on time actually, I was just thinking about you.” He said stroking my hair.

I sat up remembering my reason for more time. “You just sit here all day? Where exactly are we anyway? It’s like I fall asleep and you’re here. I seem to be dreaming, but are you also? This doesn’t make any sense. At first I thought you were just a reoccurring dream, I’ve heard of those, but they are always the same. With you though, it’s always different. It’s almost like I’m not really dreaming.” I stopped taking in his facial expression.

                He only smiled.

                "I suppose I am dreaming also, but the only memories I have worth mentioning are of you. I’ve been waiting eighteen years for you to finally see me."

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

I couldn’t comprehend what I was seeing. I was still in my room, but things were so different now. Sunlight beamed through each of my windows, which were now open. The light however was different. It was as if the sun had multiplied itself by two, because the light coming through was so direct and bright like it was right outside both of my windows, as opposed to in the sky where it should be. I felt like I should panic but I didn’t, it all was just too beautiful. There was also the fog, it was everywhere but I could no doubt see everything. Well almost everything. In a split second the fog lifted and the sun beams left. I gazed in awe at the figure that had suddenly appeared standing at the foot of my bed. He was staring right back at me with a confused expression. As he composed his face I took him in. He was lean and tall. Not just taller than me, but tall. His full lips were pressed into a tight line, high cheekbones and a nose most would pay for. When I looked into his eyes I was not at all prepared. They held so many emotions, as plain to see as if it was written on my wall. Shock, Disbelief, Skepticism, and a host of questions I couldn’t completely understand. He sat at the end of my bed.

                “Hi?” he said in an unsure voice, though his voice was barely above a whisper.

                “Hi?” I said matching his tone, since I was as oblivious as to what was going on as he was.

                “You can see me?” he asked the relief in his voice sympathetic.

                “Of course, can’t you see me?” I was on the verge of laughing, even though somewhere in my brain I was still trying to figure out why there was a strange man in my bedroom, an extremely exquisite specimen of a man, but a man no less. My mind was saying panic, scream, and fight.  I felt an odd sense of safeness though.

“This has never happened before.” He said more to himself than to me. He moved closer to me and I stiffened. He smiled. “Don’t be scared.”

“Ryan, get up!” I heard my brother sounding far away.

The stranger smiled and stroked my cheek with his fingertips. “See you soon.”

                I jerked up as I felt a pillow hit my face. “What Sean?”

                “I’m going to be late, that’s what. Are you hung over of something? You never oversleep.”

                “What time is it?” I asked groggily, wanting desperately to get back to what I assumed was a dream. I only assumed because in my eighteen years of existence, I had never had a dream. Well I guess I did dream, because according to my light research everyone did. I was just one of the rare individuals who did not remember anything once I was awake. So why did I still feel the intensity I felt when the stranger touched my face.

Since I never dreamed I never woke up after five. I was usually dressed and had breakfast ready for my mom and my younger brother Sean. So the look of panic, on his face at the moment was completely reasonable.

“It’s seven, and we were supposed to be gone by now. Coach is going to go nuts on me.” He whined.

I glanced at my clock and was instantly angry. “Sean did you ever set your clock back?”

“Huh?” He asked confused, and suddenly understanding surfaced on his face. “Oh, I totally forgot about that.” He smiled apologetically, and then threw his self across the end of my bed. “Besides your usually up before the son anyway, so I kind of panicked. So you have time to make breakfast, I could really go for you blueberry and lemon pancakes.” He said smiling at me.

“Too bad.” I said throwing my covers back and stretching as I got up to find a t-shirt and jeans in my drawers.“ I have an hour to get ready, and I have to pick Lindsey up for our class today, so you should really make cereal.” I felt bad as I said it. It was my fault for spoiling him all fourteen years of his life. Also, breakfast was one of the two times a day we usually talked to our mom, after she came home from working at the car manufacturing plant. I loved cooking so I usually made breakfast and dinner because between the hours of seven in the morning until seven in the evening she caught up on her sleep, but was always up and ready for dinner and whatever show Sean was watching before she left back out to work at ten thirty.

I turned and caught the sad baby face he was trying to make, but since this past summer, he couldn’t pull it off. My little brother had drastically transformed into an extremely tall and bulky young man. I’m sure the football had played a major part in his bulkiness, but the tall factor he had definitely gotten from our mom. She stood a respectable 5’8 and Sean was already at 6 feet. I was practically crawling behind them both at the mere height of 5’1, but that could possibly be my fault, because of my early addiction to coffee. Whoever didn’t think that coffee stunted growth, I was living proof.

“Look, I’m sorry, what if I hurry and we stop at the Cavity on the way?” I asked trying to wipe that silly expression from his face before I laughed.

“Deal!” he said as he jumped up excitedly and walked from my room.

I walked into my private bathroom, with the same elated feeling I felt every time I went in to it. Four years ago, after living in a not so great neighborhood my whole life, my mother Diane decided the family needed a change of scenery so her, my brother Sean and I packed up our very small three bedroom house and moved into a quaint suburb. This house was still new to me. There were three bedrooms and four baths. That was exciting to me because one of the bathrooms was mine. I coveted the only room downstairs, which was no problem with my mom and Sean, because of my early bird tendencies. The other two bedrooms were spaciously separated upstairs.

                After doing my morning hygienic ritual, I quickly dressed in my favorite Bob Marley fitted tee, jeans and sneakers. I took a long uneasy look at myself in the long mirror on the back of my bedroom door. Like many teenagers I had insecurities. However unlike most eighteen year olds, I still hadn’t got used to this body of mine. My biggest was my body shape. I was what you would call curvy. Well, as curvy as my 120lb frame would allow. While most girls in high school envied my shape I hated it. It caused too much attention from guys. Which, I did not want. I wished for my preteen body. The one I had before my flat chest produced the c-cups I was now burdened with. Now my narrow hips developed a slight curve. But most of all before my ass started to make its debut as the most popular thing on my body. I was eighteen years old, but still feeling the same insecurities I felt the summer before freshman year when my body began changing. However, after my first trip to a club with Lindsey on her eighteenth birthday, I started to add a few skirts, heels and what I could club attire to my wardrobe.

                I walked to the big open kitchen, right off the family room, and found my brother at the table talking to my mom. I grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down across from my mom.

                “Good morning sweetie.” My mom said while yawning.

                “Morning mommy, how was work?”

                “The same. What is your schedule for the day?”

                “Well I have class this morning and, a shift at the bakery after that.”

                “Which class?” She asked fighting another yawn.

                “Comp two.”

                Sean cleared his throat.

My mom smiled. “So I hear you overslept this morning. Well, I only say ‘overslept’ because you’ve been waking up at five your whole life. Sean here seems to think you are hung-over. Are you?” She asked with humor in her eyes but I saw curiosity in them also, like maybe she believed Sean’s assumption was right.

                “Actually I had the most intense dream this morning that Sean unfortunately interrupted.” I said, finally allowing my mind to remember it. In the shower, I had made a mental note to discuss it later with my best friend Lindsey.

                “That’s surprising, considering the fact that you’ve always looked a Sean and I like we had lost it, whenever we talk about our dreams, since you can never remember yours.”

I laughed. “Because, it’s always something silly, like a horror movie villain, chasing you through the house, and let’s not forget Sean’s never ending killer penguin dreams.” I laughed and shot a teasing look at him.

My mom and I laughed, while Sean stood and disappeared around the corner. He came back a moment later as our laughter died down, with his coat on and book bag slung over his shoulder.

“Come on, the doughnuts are waiting.” He said handing me my keys.

“See you later mommy, I’m not cooking tonight so I’ll get Chinese.”

“That’s fine, see you guys later.” She rose and kissed both of our foreheads. “Have a good day.” She called as she walked up the stairs.

I put on my coat, hat and gloves, because despite how Sean might feel about them, only a fool who lived in Michigan would go outside in December, without these essentials. I locked the front door and safely made it to my Ford Fiesta without slipping on the ice, which would be non-existent if Sean had followed mom’s instructions of putting salt down the stairs and walkway.

“Sean, while I warm up the car, you should go sprinkle some salt down. We don’t want mommy hurting herself.” I knew I had to throw mom in there for him not to argue with me. He sluggishly obeyed and then we were off to the bakery.

The Cavity was the bakery I worked at through high school and still worked there five times a week since our house was a reasonable commute to the university I attended. Despite the name, the place was always packed to the capacity. So it didn’t surprise me when we entered and could barely get through the crowd.

I handed, Sean my keys. “Go keep the car running. I know what you want and I can get it faster than standing in this line.”

 “Get something for Chris and Alyssa too?” he asked as he ran out. Chris had been his best friend since we moved here. They both played on the football team and were rarely apart. Either they were at our house raiding the fridge and playing video games, or they were at Chris’s doing the same. Alyssa had recently weaseled her way into their small circle of nerdy athletes, and much more into Chris and Sean’s friendship also. She was taller than me but not by much, with red hair that stopped just past her shoulders. She was pretty and she definitely knew it, with what I usually saw her wearing. I didn’t like her and I wasn’t sure why. Maybe it was because she flirted with them both openly in front of each other. ‘Pick one and stick to it, and please not my brother’, is what I usually thought when I witnessed this, when she came over, which was becoming more frequent.

I finally made my way to the front after struggling with other customers who thought I was trying to cut the line. I was actually but since I was the only one not behind the counter who could ring myself up I felt I was entitled.

I spotted the owner and my boss as I finally made it behind the counter “Hey Bobby.” I said to as I donned a hair net and apron.

“Ryan? I thought you had class this morning.” He said confused as he handed a woman her box of pastries and then turned to look at my class schedule, I had posted next to the calendar. “Yes, see here you have Composition this morning.” He then dragged his chubby finger to the week’s schedule. “Your shift is not until one this afternoon.”

“I know, but I promised Sean doughnuts this morning.” I explained putting on gloves. I wanted to tell him about me oversleeping, but his mind would go straight to panic. Probably thinking I would oversleep the days I came in at five to help him with the prep work for all of his homemade pastries. Out of the other seven people he employed, I was the only early bird who didn’t mind doing this. That was how I beat out the other applicants for the job.

“Oh ok. Take what you need. We made a bunch of those cinnamon rolls, him and his friends eat like potato chips.” He went back to his next customer as I grabbed a box and a bag and began filling them, making sure not to forget Lindsey and myself. I finished and said goodbye to my other co-workers who gave me the look of envy, as I waved while pushing myself through the crowd.

After dropping Sean off, I stopped at my favorite coffee place for my ritualistic double espresso, and Lindsey’s caramel macchiato. As I sat in my car blaring Lily Allen and waiting for Lindsey, my thoughts went back to the dream. It wasn’t like all the other ones I had been forced to listen to all of these years. Except for the brightness of what I assumed was the sun, everything about it seemed too real. I replayed every detail, trying desperately to convince myself that it was just a dream. My bed squeaked as he sat down on it, I could feel the warmth of his breath when he leaned in and spoke, and also the warmth of his hand when he stroked my face. There was also the dialogue. He was surprised I could see him. I wonder why this was. He also mentioned something about it never happening before. Dream or not it was real to me and I couldn’t wait for our next meeting.

“Hey.” She said groggily as she got into the car, adjusting the seat to her height, as it was still in the position to seat my huge little brother.

As I pulled away from her house, I simultaneously handed her the bag of muffins and the coffee.” You look like you could use this.”

“You don’t know how right you are. That woman makes me question why I just didn’t go away to school instead of commuting.” She started ranting about her new step mom. “By the way, thanks for driving me today. I’m still one hundred short to get my car out, but I’ll have it by Friday.”

“You know that’s not even an issue, so hush.”

She smiled. “So anyway, that bitch had the nerve to tell me to trade rooms with that demonic spawn she gave birth to because-“she cleared her throat to mimic her voice ‘It will give you motivation to stop sponging off of your dad, and maybe you can move out sooner.’ “Can you believe her? I already knew my dad would never back her up, but I couldn’t help the string of curses I unleashed on her. I’ve lived in that room since we moved in that house. My mom and I painted it. Well not so much painted, more like picked different colors and splashed them all over the place.”

She paused suddenly, biting her nails. I knew that the memory of her mom was the trigger. Mrs. Phillips had passed during our sophomore year, taken tragically in a car accident. Lindsey had a very bad year, experimenting with drugs and alcohol. The only thing that seemed to stick with her since then was her all black wardrobe. Everything in her closet and drawers was black. Most took it as a sign that she was still mourning, but she told me it was her mother’s favorite color. Mr. Phillips had just remarried this past summer on my birthday, to a woman, who would make Nurse Ratched seem warm. Sylvia entered the marriage with a daughter of her own, also from a previous marriage. She quit her job as a receptionist at a small clinic, right after she was married. I suppose she felt that Mr. Phillips job as a professor at the university was enough to support the family. As if she needed another reason for Lindsey to hate her. She was turning out to be the evil step mother you only read about in fairytales. Her thirteen year old daughter was the epitome of herself. I had only met them both a few times, but after a extremely unnerving comment she made over dinner about, ‘my mom being a bad mom for spending more time at work than at home where she should be, if she could ever learn to keep a man around’ I was done with her. Her daughter Jamie hadn’t done anything to me but I had heard enough stories to just make special appearances at the house when I wanted to speak to Mr. Phillips.

“So what did your dad say about it?” I asked, trying to pull her out of the sadness that would soon overtake her.

“He too, agreed with me and explained to her, that he had asked me to commute to school, because he wanted to spend more time with me. Then he put his foot down telling me not to speak to her like that again. That’s totally fine with me because I can call her a bitch behind her back. Or I could do that fake cough around the house saying it then.” She laughed. “Hey, did I tell you that I’m saving for my own place?” she continued before I could answer. “I could wait until the trust my mom put aside for me but that’s not until I turn twenty-one. One of us might not survive in that house until then.  I can’t wait until he breaks it to her that she can’t re-model the kitchen yet because he’s matching whatever I save.”

“I thought you guys had just remodeled last year?” I asked turning into the parking lot.

“We did but she doesn’t like it. Anyway, no more talk of the witch. I can’t believe I ranted about her the whole way here. What’s new with you?”

I smiled, and then paused. I wasn’t sure I wanted to mention my dream yet. What if she found it silly? Or dismissed it? No, I would wait until I had more to tell.

“No, not really. How is Ben?” I asked referring to her boyfriend.”

“He’s good; he will be home in a few days for Christmas break. I still can’t get over us actually making this long distance thing work.” She said as I pulled into a spot.

 I laughed. “He’s only an hour away. You’ve seen him like twice a month since he left.” I replied as I grabbed my book bag from the backseat and we started toward the English building.

                “So is Josh still calling?” She asked carefully, like she wanted to take it back once it was out of her mouth.

                “Unfortunately.” I said already regretting, my impulse decision to ignore the question.

                “I know I’m going to regret saying this, yet again, but Ryan come on! You should really give the guy a break. He didn’t do anything wrong. He talks to Ben all the time about you; he is still wondering why you dumped him.” She said rushed, assuming I would interrupt her.”

                “Are you done?” I asked holding the door open for her to enter the building in front of me. We quickly made it to our class and took our seats. As our instructor handed back our papers, and began talking about the research paper we had been dreading since September, I started to think about Josh.

                Josh Paris was my high school sweetheart. We dated from our sophomore year until the end of our senior year. While he took the break-up hard and had initially called me a heartless bitch for dumping him, I felt it was the most practical thing to do. He was going away to college and I wasn’t, so why would I put us through the not always realistic situation of a long distance relationship. We were too young to be tied down like that. I loved him of course he was my first love and the only guy I had ever had sex with. I was sure he would never understand how painful it was for me to make that decision, but I would have rather dealt with the pain of our breakup before he left, than get that phone call or text saying that he had met someone else. Lindsey felt I was being self-sabotaging, but I felt I was being smart.

                “Ms. Nelson, you seem deep in thought, what are you writing your research paper about?” My instructor Mr. Harris asked snatching me out of my thoughts. He always caught me off guard, I could be listening intently, and as soon as I start to think of what I had to do when I left here or what I was making for dinner, he’d asked me a question.

                I had yet to start my paper yet even though it was due on Friday. I scrambled around my brain and came up with the first thing that came to the surface. “Dreams.” I said finally.

                “Dreams?” he asked puzzled, and I thought he would leave it at that, but of course he didn’t. “What exactly about dreams?”

                This time I was prepared. “Well it will kind of be from personal experiences and research. I’ve never had dreams, which I could remember, until recently. So I’ve been researching why that is, and if there are others who don’t dream and the supposed reason behind it.” I finished giving Lindsey and exasperated look out the corner of my eye.

                He tilted his head to the side and smiled. “Well I look forward to reading it. Everyone else submit your rough drafts by the end of the day.” He said then dismissed us early. Happy to get away from him I quickly grabbed my things and started for the door.

“Ms. Nelson, do you have a minute?” He asked as soon as my foot started to cross the threshold.

I sluggishly turned and sat in the desk closest to the door. As she past I handed Lindsey my keys.

Finally I met his gaze. “What can I help you with?”

“I’m extremely intrigued with your paper topic. I don’t however feel that three days will give you sufficient time to do that thorough enough job for you to receive anything above a D.”

“I can’t get a D; I’m on an academic scholarship.” I said panic strong in my voice.

He looked thoughtful for a few moments and then spoke. “Well your work so far has been above exceptional so, I could just base your final grade on those and the rough draft you submit. In turn you would have to become my T.A. next semester.”

I stared at him contemplating spending more time than necessary and wondering why he all of a sudden was offering this opportunity. Freshmen rarely got to be teacher assistants. “I think I’ll just pick another topic.” I said standing. “But thanks for the offer.” I hurried out without another glance in his direction.

After working six hours and closing with an older co-worker Lois, I was not in the mood to find Alyssa lying across the couch on top of Chris and Sean. Hey legs across Sean’s lap and her head in Chris’s lap.

                “Manner’s children!” I said as I made my way to the kitchen and dropped the bags of Chinese food on the island counter. Sean came in a moment later.

                “Seriously Sean, what if it was mom who saw that.” I hissed.

                He rolled his eyes. “Oh please, don’t be such a prude. We were just hanging out, and if I remember correctly I’ve caught you and Josh making-out on the couch too many times to count. We were just watching T.V., you just don’t like her, so you use any excuse to make her fell unwanted here.”

                “She is unwanted here.” I said quietly, while placing three plates on the table.

                Sean grabbed two more from the cabinet. “Mom already said Chris could stay and you don’t want to be rude and not invite Alyssa. Mom wouldn’t like to hear about that.”

“Mom wouldn’t like what?” My mom asked entering the kitchen.

“Nothing, how did you sleep?” I asked taking a seat at the table as Chris and Alyssa took seats on the stools in front of the island.

“Fine, did you get Thai fried rice?”

“Yup and crab Rangoon.”

“Gross.” Sean said as he grabbed sesame chicken and fried rice and his plate and went to sit at the island between his friends.

After dinner Chris and Alyssa said goodbye and Sean and I lounged on the couch, with my mom, watching a really bad reality TV show. After it went off Sean excused himself to bed, and suddenly, I couldn’t wait to get to sleep either.

“Well, I’m going to clean the kitchen and go to bed.” I said standing.

“I can do it; I still have a bit of time before I leave out. Go to bed, don’t you have to be at the bakery at five?” She said leaving me in the family room.

I actually didn’t, because I had prepped more than half of the stuff before I had left for the night. I wanted to see if my dream this morning was a fluke or not though.

“Goodnight Mommy.” I said hurrying off too my room and closing the door.

                The first thing I did was shower and wash my hair. If I did this tonight I could gain a half hour of sleep. After dressing in shorts and a tank-top, I set my alarm clock so I could wake up on time to make breakfast. After climbing in bed I turning my TV to a movie so I could fall asleep. After this my thoughts went into overdrive. What if I was imagining all of this? What if it was just a stupid dream? Nothing special just in the sense that it was the first one I had ever had. Maybe tonight I would dream of Sean’s killer penguins.

                I sighed, disappointed, and the last thing I heard was my mom shutting the front door.

                I opened my eyes again to bright light and fog, and once it vanished, he was standing in that same spot again. This time there was no hesitation as he sat facing me my on my bed.

                “Hello.” He said smiling.

                “So we meet again.” Was my brilliant response.

                He laughed. “You weren’t so sure we would though.” It wasn’t a question.

                I frowned. “What?”

                “You thought I was just a random dream, and the minute before you feel asleep you were imaging dreaming about killer penguins.” He said fighting a laugh.

                “How do you know that?” I asked scooting away from him.

                He followed, this time closer to me. “I’ve been here all day. I’m a part of your subconscious. Any strong emotions or loud thoughts I can feel or hear them.” He said scooting even closer and gently grabbing my hand.

                He was inches from my face now and I was finding it almost impossible to comprehend what I wanted to say. So I took the time to look him over again. Face still gorgeous, but now it held something different. He no longer looked as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. It looked as if that weight had been lifted and now his already beautiful features had been multiplied with the blatant happiness that was now on his face.  I hadn’t paid much attention to the clothes he was wearing during our last meeting, but I noticed now that he wore jeans and a t-shirt. My eyes traveled back up to his and he was staring intently at me.

                “What?” I asked suddenly self-conscious about his stare.

                “Just thinking about something else I overheard today. Is it true that until you met me that you had never dreamed?” he asked looking me directly in my eyes.

                “Yes, it’s true. I always listened to others dream thinking how crazy it all sounded and being glad that I never had them.”

                He laughed again.

                “I’m not sure I like that you just live inside, my head now. I mean, isn’t that a total invasion of privacy. Not to mention the fact that if I told anyone about it, I would be instantly committed.” I said, instantly playing it out all in my head, and then stopping abruptly. “I thought dreams were supposed to be disorienting, and hazy. I don’t even feel asleep right now. It’s like I’m awake, sitting here with you.” I tried to think of a different way to describe it, but I was at a loss. So I just lost myself in his eyes again.

                He stared back into mine looking for something I’m not sure of. He traced the lines inside of my palm, while I traced the bone structure of his face. He wasn’t imperfectly gorgeous, but that seemed to make the allure stronger. While his nose and high cheekbones were perfect, his lips were uneven, the top almost the same size as the bottom. I started to trace the veins shown on his arms. I traced from his wrist to his elbow. That is when I actually to in his size and shape. While my initial reaction was that he was skinny and tall, I now saw that there was a great amount of muscle behind is lanky build.

                My eyes traveled back to his and I watched him give my body the same review I had just given his. I didn’t realize my blanket was thrown off of me until he reached my legs and the plaid shorts I had worn to bed. I lowered my head and my jaw clenched automatically with an extremely audible sound in the both scary, but comfortable silence.

                “What’s wrong?” he asked in panic.

                “Nothing, I can’t complain that you are doing the same thing I just did.”

                “You can. Am I making you uncomfortable?”

                “A bit, but that’s more my insecurities than anything else.”

                “Insecurities?” he asked confused. “What could you possibly have to be insecure about? Never mind don’t tell me.” He stood from my bed and reached for my hand. I obeyed and he walked me to the mirror on the back of the door. “Show me.”

                I started at the same reflection I saw every day and began. “First my height, to some girls it might be acceptable to be this short, but not for me. Others always take my height as that they can overpower or intimidate me.” I took a breath and found his eyes again already on mine through the refection standing silently behind me. “I sound silly. I guess the only real problem I have with my body is the attention I get from it.”

                “There is absolutely nothing wrong with the way you look. You just have to learn to ignore the unwanted attention.” He turned me towards him, and lifted my head so our eyes could meet. “Would my attention be unwanted?” He said leaning in a little more as he spoke each word.

                I tried to focus on answering his question but my unsteady breathing was making it hard. He continued to lean in a tiny distance at the end of each ragged breath I took. When he was only a fraction of an inch away from my lips, his eyes asked if he should continue. I’m not sure what mine conveyed, but within the next second our lips met.

                I had only ever kissed Josh and it had been so long since I had, that I was afraid I was doing it wrong. Silly me, I guess I was doing fine because his arms, at first cupping either side of my face, were now wrapped tightly around my waist. We continued on for and inestimable period of time, him at one point actually lifting me up to meet his face without him bending.

                I pulled back first, to steady my breathing and pulse. He carried me back to my bed, sitting me back in the position I was in before and then sitting beside me.

                “That was-“I started, but not sure how to finish

                “Intense.” He finished, grabbing one of my hands and enclosing it inside of his.

                “Crazy seems like a good fit for it too.”

                He looked surprised. “Why do you say that?”

                “Well first off, I don’t even know your name, and two you’re a dream. A great figment of my imagination of course, but when it comes down to it your just a mirage of something or someone my subconscious wants me to work on.” I said obviously working myself up. I started to hear an annoying beeping sound in the distance. I now took in his surprisingly unpleasant face. I reached out and angled his face so that our eyes could meet again.  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be insensitive, and I’m just frustrated that this is all only a dream.”

                “It’s much more than just that, Ryan.” He said while the beeping seemed closer.

                “What is it then?” I asked trying to ignore the annoying beeping growing louder.

                He smiled and stroked my cheek and I couldn’t help leaning into his touch. “We’re out of time.”

                “Well at least tell me your name.” We were nearly shouting by now, that stupid sound blaring closer now.

                “Collin.” He said simply, and kissed me once more, before I was pulled out of my unconsciousness.

                I woke up to the loud sound of my previously set alarm clock. I reached to my night stand and tried to hit the off button, but I had too much force behind it and it landed across my room with a crash.