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."