text: J.M.Hurley The Dreamer "Where dreams become reality, and reality becomes dangerous" To all the people who have supported me in writing. Especially: My friends and Family, bookrix supports, ect.
  More On my Page For Dedications. 
   
   
     
   
   
   
   Prologue 
   
   
   
   
   
  Life can be hard. I should know that better than anyone. Another quality of life is that it’s weird. It’s weird because you think you know what’s going to happen then there’s a twist and next thing you know you’re all turned around and life isn’t so good anymore. But the biggest quality about life is that everything happens for a reason. There must be a reason why one minute I am fine and the next minute I'm running for my life. But I guess that's what you get when dreams become reality, and reality becomes dangerous... Chapter 1 
   
   
  I shut the water off and stepped out of the shower. I looked in the steam-covered mirror and smiled. It was finally here. It was the first day of school for most kids but I literally lived at school. A boarding school named St. Julia’s was considered my only home then. I’ve lived here ever since 6th grade when my dad got promoted and we were forced to move away from our small town apartment. Since both my parents work, and my mother travels often, they decided to ship me away so they could continue living normally. They even had arrangements so that when everyone else gets to leave for summer, I stay here. Naturally I was rather bitter for awhile, after all, they did just send me off to be raise by someone else, but I got over it seeing as I’m not exactly the grudge-holding type. Originally I loathed St. Julia’s, but overtime I’ve grown to love it. 
       After waiting for the whole summer with my only company being annoying teachers, a downside of living a school, 
    I was dying to get some of my social life back. I was even excited to see my roommate, Stephanie. Stephanie had never really enjoyed my company but towards the end of the year she started to act like I existed and I was so desperate I’d play popular girl for the chance to talk to someone.  It’s going to take more than acting, 
    I silently reminded myself as I threw on some make-up and began to gloss my lips.  Maybe Stephanie will forget about last year, 
    to this I shook my head doubtfully,  she really isn’t the forgiving type. 
    I shuddered as I remembered the memories of last year. 
      Her hate for me had all started when I was made her roommate instead of her best friend, Charity Windler. I’m still not exactly sure why she blamed me for our rooming situation, but she did unfortunately. She, along with her entire group blamed me, and from then on hated me. After Charity mysteriously dropped out I was certain that Stephanie and I’s relationship would improve, but if anything, it only got worse.  But this year is going to be different, 
    I reminded myself,  maybe if I keep thinking that, I’ll actually start to believe it. 
    I mentally kicked myself for that last thought and continued getting ready. 
       I got dressed and neatly side braided my messy hair. Today I dressed in ripped blue jeans and a tank top. I grabbed my phone from my bunk and shoved it in my backpack. Then I headed out the door. I was almost down the 3rd staircase when Stephanie stepped in front of me. I could tell it wasn’t going to be like last year. Nope, she was going to hate me way more this year. I could tell, from the way her posy snickered and stared, that an insult was coming.  
  “Hey roomie,” Stephanie said mockingly in her high soprano voice. “What’s with the homeless kid costume?” She asked pretending to look innocent like she hadn’t just slammed me.   
  “Costume?” I asked trying to push past her blocking arms.  
  “Uh! Rude much?” she yelled as I accidentally pushed her while trying to escape. I broke into a sprint, when I reached the bottom of the staircase more arms than I could count reached out and snatched me to the side. 
  	Suddenly hands were tugging my hair, shoving and pinching me. I tried to call out but a hand gagged my mouth. I felt a sharp blow to my legs and my knees buckled. A blow to my head made me close my eyes in pain and I tried hard not to focus on the throbbing pain in my shin.  They didn’t bother picking me up they just kept hitting and kicking until suddenly I felt relief. The strong grip released my arm and I sprawled onto the cold tile.I heard footsteps and assumed they were walking away and I let out a sigh of relief. My ears were ringing and when I tried to open my eyes the room around me spun, so I stayed on the ground and waited for what must have been at least an hour until I heard footsteps. 
   I tried to look up to see who was coming but found I was too exhausted to move. All of the sudden I was lifted into the air by a warm comfortable form. I struggled weakly for a few moments but after realizing they weren’t hurting me, I surrendered. I managed to force my head up and saw that my attackers were gone, which I took as good sign.  
  	“Waking up so soon?” A guy’s voice said and I lifted my head to see a gorgeous guy. He had sandy blonde hair, that reminded me of a beach, bright blue eyes the sparkled when he smiled and wore kakis and a white tee. 
   “Yeah, how’d you find me?”I asked absentmindedly resting my head on his warm shoulder.  
  “ Your attackers weren’t very quiet with their dirty work, I heard them plotting it.” He replied as I inhaled deeply and was pleasantly surprised by his sweet smelling cologne.  Suddenly he set me down on a nurse’s bed and I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. 
   “Thanks for rescuing me” I said staring at his piercing blue eyes.  
  “Well I wouldn’t exactly call kicking a few guys in area’s we’d best not discuss, a rescue” he said, a heartbreaking smile spreading across his face. “ I only wish I wasn’t too late,” He said staring at my shin. I followed his gaze down to my shin and saw it was bloody and bruised. I met his worried gaze and smiled a little at his dismay for me.    
  “I’m fine if anything I’m better than I’ve been all summer,” I said trying to joke but failing miserably. 
  I’m Summer Charard,” I said extending my hand then seeing it was cut pulling it back quickly. But not  
  quick enough, he noticed.  
  “Your hurt,” He said, it wasn’t a question but a statement.  
  “Normally when someone introduces themselves to one another it is expected for the other to state his or her name,” I said sarcastically.  
  “Well in that case, Zane VanLouge,” He said smiling at my joke.  
  “Well, Zane, I think it’s only polite that I thank you for your service,” I said. But before he could respond a school nurse came in and shooed him out. But before he left he poked his head in and said,” I guess I’ll see you later, Summer.”  
  “Yeah,” I replied my cheeks turning a rosy red. Chapter 2 
   
     
     The Nurse ran some quick tests then, coming to the conclusion that I was fine, allowed me to follow her to the counter to check out. “Your first class is History and you can pick up your schedule from that boy who accompanied you today,” the nurse stated as I signed the last health form. “Thanks” I replied as I waved and then slipped out the door. to make sure nothing was broken then sent me on my way. 
  I crept down the hallway till I reached my first classroom. Even though history is my worst and least favorite subject I couldn’t have been any happier to be in a safe controlled area even if it meant I had to get tortured with boredom.  
  As it turned out my so called safe savior failed. As I walked in I noticed that Stephanie’s zombies were in the class but the head zombie herself wasn’t anywhere to be seen. Then I saw him. Zane was sitting in the back reading a text book and I noticed how adorable he really was. He smiled silently to himself and his usually hidden dimples showed themselves. I could’ve stood there all day just staring at him but Stephanie’s crew was beginning to notice my presence and as it turns out they weren’t very happy that I’d been saved. 
  “Hey Blondie, how’s the shin feeling?” a bulky guy asked turning around to face me. I recognized him now, Tyler Droda, Stephanie’s current boyfriend.  
  “Just fine thanks for asking Tyler, “I replied not giving him the satisfaction of my fear even though I was terrified on the inside.  
  “ You aren’t going to escape this time, “Tyler said stepping forward. I backed up and bumped into Zane.  
  “No, you aren’t going to touch her this time,” Zane said gently pushing me behind himself.  
  “Whatever, your little boyfriend won’t be around all the time, Summer,” Tyler said sliding back into his seat again. 
  Zane led me to the back of the room and offered me the seat next to him which I took gratefully. “Ignore those jerks,” He said as the zombies started to throw spit wads at me.  
  “Thanks for sticking up for me,” I said looking up at him and smiling, “it means a lot.”  
  “No problem,” He said and handed me an envelope.  "That’s your schedule, the nurse asked me to pick it up for you.” I took the envelope with a shaky hand. What if Stephanie was my roommate again? Would I get stuck with one of her followers? There was only one way I’d find out. I opened the letter and read: 
  Dear Miss Summer Charard, 
  Your roommate will be Sierra Coblik. In room # 215.Your schedule will be on the sheet following this letter. Your belongings have been transferred for you already so all you need to do is unpack and you should be able to accomplish that during your lunch break. I have already been informed of the incident that occurred earlier and I have informed you parents who were very worried and I would highly suggest assuring them of your well health after this letter.                                                                                                                   Best regards, 
                                                                           Ms. Kelly 
   
  1.	History 
  2.	Algebra 
  3.	Art 
  4.	Lunch 
  5.	Self Defense 
  6.	A.P. Chemistry 
  7.	Dance 
  8.	ELA 
  I folded the letter and put it back into the envelope then turned towards Zane. “Do we have any classes together?” I asked silently begging him to say yes. 
  “Any? We have  every 
    class together,” He said smiling as my jaw dropped.  
  “Every class? That’s like impossible,” I said gawking at him.        
  “Well then I guess I’ll have to tell them to change it,” He said pretending to get up. I grabbed his arm and pulled him back down.  
  “No way, I need my personal savior around,” I said sounding a lot more confident then I felt.  
  “Well would you let your personal savior hang out with you tonight,” He asked shooting me a smile so cute I could’ve died and I wouldn’t have cared.  
  “Well I do sort of owe him don’t I,”I said feeling my cheeks turn bright red. Had he just asked me out? He’s So Cute! I thought to myself. I smiled shyly and winked at him.  
  “I’m taking that as a yes,” Zane replied his smile brightening at the outcome of his invitation. Chapter 3 
   
     
      So there I was. It was 5:30, a half an hour before my ‘date’, and I still didn’t know what to wear. I curled my light blonde hair into ringlets and started powdering my face as I tried to find something to wear. Only problem was that when Ms. Kelly transferred my belongings she messed everything up I couldn’t find anything. Finally I found a navy blue sundress that complimented my pale skin. 
  	As I finished up with my preparations I heard a knock on the door and my heart skipped a beat. I walked over to the door and opened it with clammy hands. There stood a Blonde Valley girl. “Hi, you must be Sierra, I’m Summer,” I said extending my hand towards her. 
   “Oh I know who you are, you’re the girl who escaped Stephanie,” She said shaking my hand energetically. “Congrats, I hate her too,” She added stepping into our room. “You looking for something or are you just really messy?” She asked scanning the clothes covered room. 
  “I was but I found it, sorry about the mess I’ll clean it up when I get back,” I said grabbing my jacket off the dresser. 
  “When you get back? Where are you going?” She asked turning away from the mess.  
  “Zane Invited me out for a evening stroll,” I replied hearing the pride in my voice.  
  She looked up, confused, then asked, “Zane?” and before I could answer she continued, “Oh! You mean the tall, blonde, new guy, right?” She said. I nodded at her, and smiled at her description of him. “Oh ok then you go and have fun,” She said turning to give me a wink.  
  “What?” I asked desperate not to be late but curious. 
   “Well he’s not too hard on the eyes if you know what I mean,” She said smiling mischievously. Before I could reply there was another knock on the door only now I knew who it had to be. I opened up the door and used the handle to steady myself.  
  Zane stood in the door way looking so handsome I almost had to look away. “Are you ready for our walk?” He asked as he looked me up and down the smiled, obviously satisfied. 
  	We went out for an evening stroll near the campus lake. After the half an hour of walking I had to take off my heels to relieve my aching feet. Though most guy would take a girls walking around barefoot with her shoes in her hands a total turn-off, Zane said it was cute. 
  	After a while of strolling we gave up with it and sat by the lake. We talked about every topic from the weather to debating alien life. With every new topic Zane found a new way to make me laugh. “So you actually got fired from fry cook,” I said giggling flirtatiously and dipping my toe into the water.  
  “Yes, a bit embarrassing isn’t it?” He replied laughing with me. 
  “Maybe you should try pro wrestler,” I said, “You  
  took down my attackers pretty well,” I add laughing awkwardly. Zane’s smile disappeared masked with a new serious face.  
  “You shouldn’t joke about that,” He said pulling his feet out of the water.  
  “I didn’t mean to make you upset,” I said getting up and brushing myself off and mentally kicking myself for ruining the mood. 
   “I just don’t want you getting hurt again,” He said looking over as Stephanie and her cronies walked out. “We should go now,” He said grabbing my hand and pulling me over to the opposite door.  
  “That’s right you better run,” Tyler yelled. Zane’s back stiffened and his body began to tense.  
  “Ignore him, let’s go,” I said uselessly trying to pull him into the building. 
  	“No you go ahead, I’m going to stay here,” He said pushing me inside and shutting the door behind me. I pushed against the door, desperate to stop him, but it didn’t budge. So I waited. I just stood there and prayed that he’d come through the door soon. 
  	I had to wait about 10 minutes before the door whipped open and I had to step back to avoid getting hit. Tyler and Stephanie burst through the doorway and from the dark corner I was hiding in I could just make out her comforting him. They were oblivious to the fact I was in the hallway. They didn’t stop moving or even pause in their steps, just kept going down the hallway, and then darted into the nurses office. 
  	Then Zane walked through the door and I gasped. His shirt collar was soaked with blood and his knuckles were tore and oozing blood. “Oh My God! What happened? What did he do to you?!” I screeched touching my hand to his chest where it was covered in blood. He didn’t wince under the pressure so I figured that was a good sign. “That’s not mine,” He said indicating the blood on his chest.  
  “What about that?” I said pointing to his raw knuckles.  
  “We got in a fight and I got a swipe at his face, no big deal.” He said squeezing my hand.  
  “You hit him?”I asked.  
  “Yeah, I think I broke his nose,” He replied then seeing my look of horror he added,” Only because he threatened to hurt you.”  
  “So you were protecting me?” I asked feeling rather flattered.  
  “Yeah, now it’s getting late so I better get you home,” He said sliding his arm around me to guide me towards the door. 
  	When we got to my dorm he stopped walking and  
  pulled me up against the wall. “Promise me you’ll try to stay safe,” He said his face so close I could smell his cinnamon scented breath.  
  “Promise,” I said Inhaling deeply.  
  “O.K.,” He said letting his arms fall to his sides.  
  “Well, bye,” I said dumbly then turned towards the door to cover up some of my awkwardness. 
  “ I had a wonderful evening,” He said pecking me on the check, “have a good night,” and with that he disappeared down the hallway. Chapter 4 
   
   
  I just stood there for while, processing everything that just happened. I thought I was going to stand there all night until I heard the night wardens. Knowing how much trouble I’d be in if I was caught up and about past curfew, I quietly slipped into my room. 
  	I did a quick scope of the room, noting that  
  most of the mess had vanished, a good sign. My eyes fell upon Sierra who was quietly snoring, fast asleep, in dream world now. Then I realized how nice she’s been she gave me advice, cleaned up my mess, and didn’t fuss over me leaving. Maybe all roommates are like that, though I’d never know, I’ve been stuck with Stephanie my whole life. 
  	I pulled off my shoes and slipped under the warm sheets. Not bothering to change because I smelled like him, I closed my eyes and before I knew it I was dreaming. But I realized all to soon that I wasn’t having a dream, no, I was having a nightmare. Chapter 5 
   
     I was falling into a never ending dark abyss. When my feet hit the ground, my knees buckled  and I fell forward onto a hard, rough surface. I felt the tiny rocks underneath me and came to the conclusion that I was lying on gravel.  
  	I pushed myself up with my hands, spitting mud and pebble out of my mouth. I finally got it together enough to stand. As I looked around I spotted a light in this pit of never ending darkness. I took a step forward but feeling my knees turn to jello I just sat down. I was about to try standing again when I saw a figure approaching me. “You’re one of them,” He said his voice deep and rough, he scared me and his voice sent shivers down my spine.  
  “One of what?” I asked deeply confused by his accusation.  
  “To powerful….deadly…..must die,” His voice was low and hushed and as I tried to hear what he was saying I began to grasp what his previous words were.  
  “Must die? What are you-” But he cut me short as he pulled a knife out of his long trench coat and lunged forward at me. I closed my eyes and screamed, sounding even more terrified then I actually was. I braced myself for the blow, I even felt the knife pierce my skin and sink deep down my chest and into my arm. I cried out in pain, and readied myself for his next attack when I was pulled out of my nightmare, and everything disappeared. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Chapter 6 
   
   
   
   
   
  I bolted straight up in bed. I was completely tangled blankets and was drenched with sweat. I took deep breaths, trying to calm myself but I only managed to make myself hyperventilate. “I tried to wake you up,” Sierra said startling me with her presence and making me jump. “Did I wake you up?” I asked, feeling like the worst roommate ever. 
   “To be honest, I doubt there’s anyone who you didn’t wake up within a mile from here,” She said turning on a lamp so we could see better.  
  “Was I that bad?” I asked as I started to untangle myself from my mess of blankets.  
  “ Let’s just you would win the part of horror movie scream girl, hands down,” She said trying to lighten my mood, but not getting very far. I couldn’t even bring myself to smile, I was still too stunned from my crazy dream to respond how I normally would. “Probably not  the first time you’ve heard that before though, right?” She asked snapping me back to reality.  
  “Yeah it’s definitely not, say what time is it?” I asked desperate not to go back to sleep, no matter what the time was. 
   “About 5:00, but if you want company I can stay up with you,” She said climbing onto my bunk, as if to prove her point. “ Whoa! That’s one nasty cut you have there!” She said then pointed to my chest, then moving her finger in the air down my arm as if the trace the cut in the air. I followed her gaze down to my right arm where a long, deep, red cut was present. I heard Sierra gasp as she too just realized that it was still fresh and gushing blood. “God! How did that happen? Is that fresh? Do you need to see the nurse?” She asked talking so fast her words were jumbled together.  
  “I don’t know how it happened, yes to it being fresh, no to having to see the nurse.” I replied having already spent an hour earlier in the day in the infirmary I wasn’t looking forward to spending another.  
  “Are you sure? It looks pretty deep. What if you need stitches?” She asked observing how far the cut went into skin, which was a fairly great amount. 
  	“No, I’m fine really I’m-,” I started but I was cut off by a loud click and our door swinging open. Ms. Kelly stood in the doorway dressed in her nightgown and looking slightly disheveled. In her right hand she held a key and in the other she clutched a cell phone. Her fingers were resting on the phones key pad, ready to dial at any sign of danger. She silently put the key back into her pocket then produced a flashlight from her pocket to replace it. She clicked it on and a bright light flashed Sierra and I in the face, then it clicked off. She walked over and flicked our light switch so our room came to life. 
  	I took a moment to examine my arm in the light. Sierra was right, I would definitely need stitches. But I wasn’t concerned about that, I was concerned why I had a mark on my arm in reality when I got cut in a dream. I heard Ms. Kelly gasp and I looked up to see her frightened eyes bulging as she saw my arm. “Oh My! Summer, why don’t you let me help you climb down and then we need to get you to the nurse,” She said grabbing my good arm and helping me down from my bunk. 
  	Ms. Kelly didn’t let go of me until I was lying down, safely on the nurses bed. She kept the frightened look on her face the whole time the nurse ran tests. She only left the room once, to call my parents. When my parents arrived things began to get out of control. My dad demanded to know who did it, and my mother wanted to know why they did it. When I didn’t answer either of them my parents panicking began to turn quick to anger, and they ended up leaving me alone awhile so they could cool down. 
  	Ms. Kelly came in, after I’d had some time alone, sat down on the bed, and grabbed my hand. “Now sweetie,” She said sugar coating her voice, “How exactly did this happen?” She asked her face smiling but I could hear the hidden urgency in her voice.  
  “I’m sorry but I don’t know, I know it sounds crazy but I has having a wacky dream and then woke up screaming with a bloody cut on my arm,” I replied and hearing the craziness of my own story I blushed, embarrassed.  
  	“Wacky Dream? You didn’t mention that you’d had a weird dream. Care to elaborate?” She asked telling me with her gaze that it really wasn’t up for question whether I wanted to tell her or not.  
  “ I was walking on stilts, then one of them got caught in quick sand. So I was sinking and to save myself I jumped off. But when I jumped I fell into a hole and I was falling so I started screaming, then I woke up.” I said. I don’t know why I lied to her, but my gut instinct was telling me that it was important that she didn’t know the truth. 
  	“As highly likely as that dream sounds, I have a feeling your holding back some crucial details,” She replied her gaze changing from sweet and warm to cold and icy.  
  “Well, I bet Summer would remember more details after a nice warm bubble bath, and a warm breakfast,” My mom said saving me from Ms. Kelly’s interrogating.  
  “Yes, I suppose you’re right,” Ms. Kelly said getting up and brushing her skirt off, “Oh and Linda,” She said, addressing my mom, “I promise you this won’t go without punishment.” Chapter 7 
   
     
        As I stumbled down the hallway, I took a good look at everyone passing by. Even though I’d dreamt his face, it seemed so familiar, so familiar I’d almost convinced myself that he was real. Almost. But deep down, my sanity remained, and I knew that man or no man, dreams are dreams, not reality. But that still didn’t explain the cut. I was still trying to figure out a logical reason about my cut when I stumbled into a chest so solid with muscle it could be mistaken for a wall. I knew a chest this buff could only belong to one person, Zane. 
  I flirtatiously flipped my hair without looking up and said, “Why hello there stranger,” in the sexiest voice I could manage. But when I looked up expecting to see Zane’s familiar bright blue eyes I found myself, instead, looking into a pair of beautiful sea green eyes. 
  “Pardon me, I wasn’t watching where I was walking,” He said his voice ringing like chimes.  
  “Oh, um, no that’s fine, so are you an exchange student?” I asked referring to his slight British accent.  
  “No, legal American,” He replied making my cheeks flush bright red in embarrassment.   
  “Do you need help getting somewhere?” He asked after an uncomfortable silence.  
  “Oh, no, just heading down for breakfast,” I replied.  
  “Well,” He said as a mischievous grin made itself present on his face, “that’s exactly where I’m going. May I escort you?” He asked bowing down like a English gentlemen.  
  “Sure,” I said laughing at my, oh so clever response as he links his arm through mine and we walk down the hallway catching many glances, but to caught up in talking to care. Chapter 8 
   
     
   “So what’s your name?” I asked between mouthfuls of food.  
  “Kyle Landon,” he said, “and you must be Summer Charad.”  
  “Indeed I am ,” I said not stopping to wonder how he knew who I was. 	 
  	We talked small talk, about things like the weather and upcoming exams. Kyle was funny, and when I laughed, the smile didn’t feel fake on my face. He almost made me forget about the man’s face. Almost, but not quite.  
  “ So how’d you get that nasty cut?” He asked smiling innocently but there was something hidden behind his expression that made the hairs on back stand on end. I opened my mouth to tell him my story/lies but found I couldn’t speak when I looked across the cafeteria. There Zane stood. Pain visible across his face, it hurt me to think that I may be the cause of that pain.  But I haven’t done anything wrong 
   , I thought to myself,  I was only talking to Kyle and it’s not like we’re dating anyways.  
   
  “Excuse me,” I said to Kyle as I got up and started walking towards Zane.  
  As I got closer I realized that I’d mistaken his expression for pain when instead it was panic. I quickened my pace and as soon as he saw me coming he quickly hurried over to me. “Are you okay?” the tone of his voice so urgent that it worried me.  
  “Yeah, of course I am,” I said my eyes looking at him question, “I’m fine,” I said again, pulling off my cardigan and fanning myself. 
  “Woo! It is really humid in here, want to go grab a drink or something?” I said about to start walking toward the drink cooler until I saw the look on his face, then stopped abruptly. “What now?” I asked feeling a bit annoyed.  
  “How did that happen, and in what world is it ‘ok’?” He demanded motioning to the ugly, jagged cut that would forever remain on my chest and drag down to just above my elbow. “I’m serious Summer!” Zane said his expression stony. 
   “Hey SS have a good sleep?” Stephanie said strutting past us, laughing with her crew of robots, who of course thought she was hilarious.  
  “SS?” I asked regretting opening my mouth as soon as the words were out. Stephanie halted and spun around  
  to face me.  
  “ I only have 3 things to say to you,” She said and her robots held back giggles of anticipation.  
  “1. You do not under any circumstances talk to me. I talk and you listen. “2. SS is for Summer’s Scars because of that ugly marking you have now,” She said pausing to allow anyone watching to laugh at me then continued,” and 3. You better watch your back because this is my school and no way in Hell are you going to take it from me.” And with that she flipped her hair over her shoulder and strutted away, shaking her hips so much I thought she was going to ‘booty bump’ one of her cronies but they quickly moved out of her way. Chapter 9 
   
     
         “Look can we just talk about this later?” I asked, “class is going to start soon.” Then, as if to prove my point, the bell rang and students began to slowly clear the premises.  
  “We have every class together, I’m sure you could explain on the way,” Zane said staring at me with those bright blue eyes of his that sparkled in a way that made me catch my breath and I couldn’t help but cave.  
  “O.k.,” I said beginning to walk with him to our first class.  
  Then I told him everything. I blurted my entire being to him and he just nodded and never interrupted me or told me I was crazy. It took me all day to tell him the full story and when I was finally finished he was walking me to my room. 
  “You lied to Ms. Kelly,” he said.  
  “Yes,” I said wondering for a moment if he was going to tell her.  
  “But you didn’t lie to me,” he said. It wasn’t a question, simply a statement but I answered him anyway.  
  “No, I didn’t. I told you the complete and totally insane sounding truth.”  
  “Why?” He asked cutting me off and turning around to face me. “Why didn’t you lie to me?” He asked again looking at me with questioning eyes.  
  “Because I don’t have to,” I blurted and then without thinking I continued, “when I’m with you I don’t have to pretend I’m something I’m not, you don’t judge me,” I said smiling up at him. 
   “No, no I can’t judge you Summer,” He said stepping in closer to me, “not when your personality is so bright and colorful.” I blushed deeply; I’d never had a guy compliment my personality so greatly. “You’re beautiful Summer, you know that?” Zane said staring at me with such awe that I had to look away.  
  “You don’t mean that,” I said looking down and shrugging shyly.  
  “No, I really do,” He said and as his words sank in I leaned into him and closed my eyes.  
  When our lips met there was a kind of passion there that I’d never even imagined. He kissed me gently as if he was afraid he’d hurt me but as I wrapped my arms around him and pressed my body against his, his kissing became more powerful and urgent.  
  “I hate to interrupt your um personal yet still public ‘hangout’ but I kind of want to get into my room,” Sierra cleared her throat shyly as my cheeks took on a new rosy color and I untangled myself, unfortunately, from Zane.  
  “Thanks,” She said as she stepped around us and went into our room.  
  “That was embarrassing,” I said putting my hands over my face to cover my bright red cheeks.  
  “I think it was worth it,” He said pulling me close and wrapping his arms around me.  
  “I should go talk to her, she looked kind of upset,” I said sighing.  
  “Yeah, okay. Hey listen, if you have another dream like that tell me, okay?” He said, his face suddenly serious again.  
  “Yeah, of course,” I said, “well I’ll talk to you later,” I said giving him a quick peck on the cheek and opening my door and stepping in. 
  I closed the door behind me quickly, but not quickly enough to catch the movement in the shadows right where Zane and I had been standing just seconds ago. Was someone spying on us? I wondered silently but then forgot all about my dreams, and creepy shadow figures. Instead I just concentrated on my new best friend. Chapter 10 
   
     
         Sierra and I talked for awhile and turns out she was fine, just a little homesick. Her mother was on vacation in Panama and doesn’t know the first thing about a cell phone so Sierra hasn’t talked to her in over two weeks. We talked more, and I tried to comfort her but there was an awkward silence in the air. “So,” She said breaking the uncomfortable silence, “are you and Zane a ‘thing’ now or what?” She asked and I realized I wasn’t really sure. Yeah, I like him and I am quite sure he likes me too, heck just hours ago we’d been kissing, but does that really mean he's mine? 
    I was positive that Zane wasn’t interested in anyone else but me, but did that mean he actually wanted to be with me? My head began to spin as questions began forming and multiplying in my head. 
   “Um, Earth to summer?” She asked pulling me out of my thoughts.  
  “Oh, yeah,” I said sounding really stupid and unsupportive.  
  “Yeah you’re a couple or yeah your back on Earth?” She asked making me giggle.  
  “Yeah I’m back on Earth, as for the other question you know as much as I do,” I said feeling totally confused. 
  Sierra must have noticed my sigh because she laughed and said, “ Well I guess we’ll find out with time to come,” and then quickly dropped the topic, thankfully. 
  “I’m kind of tired so I’m going to take a nap,” I said climbing up onto my bunk and snuggling down under my blankets. As I laid down my head and closed my eyes I fell asleep almost instantly into what I hoped was a dreamless sleep.  Chapter 11 
   
      I dreamed I was lying down. Whatever I was lying was hard and odd, my guess was a slab of concrete. There must be torches or candle around me, I thought silently, because I can feel the heat radiating from something to me. I opened my eyes and saw my guess was surprisingly accurate. I was lying on what look like a bed of rocks and ceremonial candles glowed in the dimly lit room. 
  “So you return,” said a distinctly familiar voice and my shoulders tensed as I felt a stab of fear. I whipped my head around and bravely met his piercing green eyes.  
  “As do you,” I said making sure to keep the trembling fear out of my voice.  
  “No,” he said smiling darkly, “I’ve been here, it is you who chooses to keep returning.”  
  “You’re Wrong!” I said sounding like a defiant little girl.“I don’t want to be here! I don’t want you here!” I yelled sitting up more and noticing that his face had a look of amusement on it.  
  “Oh I’m sure you don’t,” he said, “but you don’t really have a choice, do you?” and with that he lunged at me and grabbed my wrist. Using his hold on my wrist he flipped me over and made my head smack against the hard concrete. 
   “Get off of me!” I said kicking and punching blindly. 
  When I made contact I heard him gasp and felt his grip loosen on my arm. I took advantage of his weakened grasp, and slipped my arm from his grasp while he tried to recover from my blow. I ran as fast I could down the hallway till I reached a large wooden door. I flung it open and then everything went black and the only thing left of the dream was a small cut on the back of my hairline and an odd looking bruise on my wrist. 
   
  Chapter 12 
  	The rest of my sleep was surprisingly peaceful. When I awoke it was still dark out and my clock read 5:45 A.M. Had I really only slept that long? It’d seemed a lot longer than a mere 7 hours. I sighed, it was to early to call Zane and no one else knew the true story.  
  My phone vibrated against my thigh from the inside of my sweats pocket. I pulled it out and peered tiredly at the ultra bright screen. I had over 7 voicemails in my inbox and all of them were from my parents. I sighed as I listened to them, each more panicked than the first. All they did was worry, even when I was young they were always worriers. I swear my mom could get an ulcer just from me arriving late for something. 
  I knew it was early, well  very 
    early, but I hurried and dialed their number, knowing that they wouldn’t rest until I called. It barely even rang once before my mom picked up. “Summer? Summer is that you? Are you okay? What took you so long, honey?” My Mom’s questions were coming so fast they began to merge and I decided to just wait until my mom was done talking. When she finished talking she sounded tired and out of breath.  
  “Summer, are you there?” she asked and before she could start babbling again I quickly answered, “Oh yeah, I’m here mom. Don’t worry, I’m fine,” I said but  looking down and seeing my wrist made me shift guiltily.  
  “How’s the cut healing?” She asked and from the exhaust in her voice I guessed she’d been up all night worrying about me.  
  “Oh Mom! It’s fine, actually it’s just a scar now. You’re the one who I’m worried about! You need to get some rest,” I said feeling, not for the first time, like I was the mother and she was the daughter.  
  “Oh, honey I guess you’re right, I probably should get some rest,” She muttered mostly to herself. “Well I’ll let you go now honey, I just wanted to make sure you were alright, call me if anything else happens, and take care honey.” 
   “Bye mom,” I said then hit the end call.  
  I hadn't meant to make my talk short with her but she’d sounded exhausted and I still needed to call Zane. I thought of how worried Zane would be and that I shouldn’t rule out the possibility of him rushing over here. So I decided against just calling him right away and instead grabbed my clothes and went into the bathroom to take the longest bubble bath ever recorded. Chapter 13 
   
     
  By the time I got out of the tub, and had myself looking ‘presentable’ it was 7:30. I figured I’d given Zane enough time to sleep in, so I grabbed my cell and started to dial his number. “It’s a little early for calls, don’t you think?” Sierra said sitting up drowsily sitting up and giving me a questioning look.  
  “Oh, did I wake you up?” I asked, completely avoiding her question.  
  “No, my alarm did,” she said matter-of-factly then added, “and you didn’t answer my question.” 
   I sighed, Sierra really was a good person. Heck! She was the greatest roommate a girl could ask for. Didn’t she deserve the truth? Yes she did, unfortunately I wasn’t brave enough to tell her. So I did what I’d been doing ever since I had that first dream. I lied. 
  “Yeah, it’s still pretty early but Zane wanted me to call him right after I woke up,” I said, which wasn’t a complete lie.  
  “Okay,” She said looking unsatisfied with my answer. Since she was suspicious I knew Sierra would be watching my every move so I decided to make my message to Zane short and sweet. 
  “Hey Zane, it’s Summer. Yesterday you asked me to call you, you remember that, right? So anyways here I am, call me back if you want to talk more. Bye!” I said and quickly hung up the phone and silently questioned my message.  Would he be able to understand what I was telling him? Or would  he think I was just a freaky, clingy girl who called guys way to early in the morning? 
   
  I sat on my bunk thinking of all the worst case scenarios when Sierra suddenly got up. “I’m going down for breakfast, have fun being hungry,” She said walking towards the door then pausing and turning around. “Though I suppose when your with a guys like Zane, hunger doesn’t matter, neither does the truth,” And with that she walked out.  
  “Ugh!” I said exasperated, “I’ll have to deal with her later. She really does have a lot of reasons to be mad at me. I guess I can’t blame her. Oh goodness. I’m talking to myself.” I sighed; maybe I’d really lost it. Heck!  I think anyone might act rather insane after having a dream like mine. 
  “Sometimes we talk to ourselves when we feel like no one is there to listen.” Zane’s voice surprised me so much I nearly jumped and I had to catch my breath as he continued from where he was standing in the doorway. “You know I’m always here if you need someone to listen,” He said stepping in and closing the door behind him.  
  “Of course I do,” I said turning around and was yet again shocked by his extreme beauty. 
  “Pardon me,” He said reminding me of an English gentleman from the 1800’s. “But your message has left me a bit confused. I’m afraid I don’t understand what you were trying to tell me.” He finished, his sparkling blue  eyes tainted with looks of confusion.  
  “Yes,” I said pausing to get my bearings, “and I have a lot to tell you.” And with that I started to tell him my story, a story that was so utterly and unbelievably strange that I myself doubted it was true. Chapter 14 
   
     
     When I finished we just sat there. I hoped Zane would understand, that he would have a solution to my nightmares, but he just sat there. Unmoving and silent. “You said you hit your head, are you okay?” he asked finally, breaking to uncomfortable silence.  
  “Yeah, it’s just a little sore,” I said then unconsciously rubbed my wrist then grimaced from the applied pressure. I checked to see if Zane had noticed but he wasn’t look at me. He was looking straight ahead of him, and there was a distant look in his eyes, almost as if he was blocking out this world and was entering another. 
  “What do you think they are?” I asked and as soon as I spoke the words I saw fear flash across his face. But as quickly as it came, it was gone, replaced with a calm, preserved look.  
  “Summer, they are simply bad dreams,” He said, and with every word my heart began to crumble. “It’s childish to think that they are anything more than that,” He said his voice cold and harsh. 
  “How do you explain my injuries then?” I demanded beginning to feel my pulse quicken like it always does when I get angry.  
  “You’re a restless sleeper,” he said, his voice still calm and emotionless.  
  “You don’t get it!” I shouted at him, feeling tears begin to form in my eyes.  Why had I thought he would understand? Yes, He’d listened once but did he really care or even understand? No, no he didn’t care.  
   
  “Summer, it’s childish to fight about this,” He said.  
  “What happened to being here? What happened to listening?!” I yelled feeling the tears begin to spill out over my eyes.  
  “I have listened Summer, let me know when you have something other than childish tales to tell me,” And with that he walked out, leaving me standing there, tears running down my face, and my heart broken in two.  Chapter 15 
   
   
  When Kyle found me I was lying on the floor sobbing and tears streaked my face. “Summer? Summer, what’s wrong?” he asked walking over and crouching next to me.  
  “Life,” I sobbed. Kyle sighed and pulled me close into his comforting embrace and there we sat for hours. I sat there, with the comforting smell of Kyle’s cologne and I cried. I cried for the hurt of Zane’s words, for the fear that haunted me every time I went to sleep, for the hatred that radiated at me from Stephanie and most of all for the confusion of why it felt so right in his arms, Kyle’s arms. But aren't I Zane’s girl? 
   
   I doubted I was, after the talk we’d just had, and after what he said, I wasn’t sure if I still wanted to be his girl. After hours of crying and self pity I got up and began wiping my smeared mascara off my face. “Are you feeling and better?” Kyle asked taking the washcloth from me and carefully removing the rest of my make-up.  
  “I just feel num now,” I said as he wrung the cloth out and threw it into our hamper.  
  “And that’s good, right?” He asked, turning to face me. 
   “It’s neither good nor bad. It just means I’m done with my pathetic self pity,” I said.  
  “Sometimes we deserve self pity,” he said stepping towards me. “What happened to your wrist?” He asked and though his words made me want to break down into tears again, I stood strong, and repeated the words that just hours ago had broke my heart.  
  “I’m a restless sleeper.” With that I grabbed my purse and headed for the door.  
  “Summer, where are you going?” Kyle asked beginning to follow me.  
  “I’m sorry but I have some unfinished business that I need to take care of,” I replied and feeling as cold as ice I strode out of my room, leaving Kyle just standing there, just as Zane and Sierra had left me. 
  Instead of sticking around with Kyle, the easy choice, I was choosing to go to the place I wanted to go least. It wasn’t the easy thing to do, but I knew it was something I was going to have to do sometime. So as I walked toward Stephanie’s room I took deep breaths, trying to build up my confidence, I was going to need it. Chapter 16 
   
  As I made my way towards Stephanie’s, the hairs on the back  
  of my neck began to stand on end, and it had nothing to do with the lack of heat. A little ways down the hallway I recognized my old rooms familiar door and stopped wearily in front of it. 
  	As I knocked on the solid, wood door, I held my breath, silently hoping that she wouldn’t answer. But as fate would have it she was there, and did answer. She swung the open the door and I saw by her frustrated expression that she wasn’t exactly happy to see me. “What do you want?”  She asked.  
  “I wanted to talk,” I said and I barely got my last word out before she snidely replied, “Well I’m busy.” As the words left her mouth an incredibly handsome boy made his presence known by coughing.  
  “I was just leaving anyways,” he said getting up and walking over to us.“I’m Lance, and you must be Summer,” he said and I briefly wondered how he knew my name but then followed his gaze to the long, jagged scar that lie permanently across my chest. It was visible due to the tank top I was wearing and I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. “Well I must get going,” he said and with that he grabbed his backpack off of Stephanie’s bed then said, “Next week, same time, Okay Steph?” He said and after she gave him a nod he quickly walked out. 
  	“Don’t like guys with broken noses?” I asked referring to the fact that she was dating Tyler yet had Lance in her room.  
  “As if it’s any of your business, but if it was I’d tell you  he’s just a tutor,” she replied and I saw Stephanie’s frown begin to lessen, without an audience, Stephanie was somewhat nice. 
  	“You said you want to talk,” She said walking over to admire herself in her mirror.  
  “Yeah, well you know Zane right?” I started but stopped quickly as she whirled around with an angry look on her face.  
  “If you think I’m going to sit here and listen to your stupid romance issues with your jerk of a boyfriend, then you’re crazy,” She said then walked over to sit in her chair, as if her last has taken all of her energy. I wasn’t surprised by her outburst, after rooming with her for a year I was used to them, so naturally I knew how to get her to be nice, or at least civil, again.  
  	“Ok listen,” I said and then took a deep breath and began to do my best impersonation her that I could. “1.) I totally didn’t mean to offend you, 2.)There’s no way that he’s my boyfriend, and 3.)Why would I want relationship advice for me and Zane, when I’m mad at him?” As I finished I knew it’d worked because she began to giggle, something she rarely ever does. 
  	“Well done,” She said and flashed me one of her  
  winning smiles before she continued, “so if it’s not about relationships with Zane, then what is it?”  
  “Well,” I started questioning whether I should confide fully in her of not, but my mind urges me one, so I continue. “Sometimes he’ll act like a different person, and one day he’ll understand and another, he won’t,” I said and was surprised to see her shifting uncomfortably, a sign she was either nervous or guilty which are also two things that rarely occur with her. 
  “What?” I asked and her eyes flashed up to meet my gaze.  
  “Oh well, it’s just,” She started.  
  “Yes?” I asked trying to get her to hurry up and spit it out.  
  “Zane’s a guy, guys act like that sometimes,” She replied but I know that not what was on her mind and I feel my temper begin to flare up. 
  	“Really? You too? Why is everybody treating me like a moron and thinking I can’t see that their hiding stuff from me? Why can I tell no one the truth, because no one understands? Why?!” I yelled at her and I can tell that I’ve surprised her with my outburst.  
  “Look Summer, this is why nobody tells you anything, because you just blew up at me without even asking what I’m hiding. Maybe I would’ve told you. Ever think of that?” She asked and then smiled smugly at me. 
  “Ok, I’m sorry, maybe getting the crap kicked out of me, by you and your group, has been messing with my manners,” I replied and I felt my temper beginning to rise even higher.  
  “Ignoring that last comment, I’ll tell you all that I can, which isn’t a lot, but it’s more than Zane’s telling you,” She said and her words about Zane felt like she was firing a gun straight to my heart. Why should Stephanie a girl who hates my guts, tell me more than a guy who thinks I’m ‘special’? Though I doubt anything he said then is still what he thinks now. 
  “All I can tell you is that Zane knows more than he’s letting on,” She said and then watched me closely as if to see how this news would me react.  
  “How do you know?” I asked and though I sounded like an annoying child I didn’t care as long as I got the answers I’d been waiting for.  
  She sat up straighter in her chair and smoothed her dress before she answered, “I know because I also know the information he’s keeping from you, he told me. Not recently of course, but either way at one point he told me and I know. I’m sorry but that’s really all I can tell you.” She said and I can sense that she’s telling me the truth. 
  “Thank-you Stephanie” I said as I turned and headed for the door.  
  “Where are you going?” she asked as I pulled open her overly decorated door.  
  “I need to talk to someone else about something that’s somewhat normal, I can’t deal with all this other drama right now,” I  said and with that I waved goodbye and walked out. Chapter 17 
   
  As I made my way down the hallway I tried to clear my mind from all the questions that were already starting to form in my head.  Just relax 
   , I told myself as I headed towards Ms. Kelly’s office door,  She can’t possibly know you lied, Zane wouldn’t tell her. Of course he wouldn’t…Would he? 
    I wasn’t sure. 
  	When I reached the door I knocked timidly and then waited until a flustered looking Mrs. Brown opened the door. Mrs. Brown, the over-worked secretary for Ms. Kelly, was a short, cute, younger woman, in her mid 30’s, with short cropped black hair, soft, soft brown eyes, and a pearly white smile. Everyone  wondered why sweet Mrs. Brown had applied to be Ms. Kelly secretary, but whenever a student asked her about it she’d simply smile and reply, “Why, I can’t imagine living without you kids life,” in her soft, overly peppy voice that reminded me of a cheer squad anytime I heard it. 
  	“Oh Summer, come in dear. I’m assuming you’ve come  
  to talk with Ms. Kelly?” She asked and as I nodded she quickly continued on. “Yes, of course you are. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait until after she’s finished with the mandatory punishment for today,” She said and then after motion for me to take a seat, began quickly straitening the papers on her crowded desktop. 
  	As I took a seat in one of the waiting chairs my  
  curiosity got the best of me and I turned back towards Mrs. Brown. “Mandatory punishment?” I asked. She’d finished organizing her desk and had moved on to filling out paperwork before she answered.  
  “Oh yes dear, in fact she’s in there now with that awful trouble maker, Tyler Droda,” she said shaking her head in disgust. 
  “What’s Tyler down here for?” I asked pretending that I thought it was unusual for Tyler to get into trouble.  
  “Well, originally he was called down to receive punishment for the violence he exploited on you,” She said and I made a mental note to ask Stephanie how she and the rest of her group got out of their punishment. “But then,” she continued, “There was the issue of that fist fight, and now that Zane boy’s down here too,” She said and her last words made my heart squeeze. I wasn’t ready to see Zane yet but as Ms. Kelly’s door swung open I knew if didn’t matter what I wanted. 
  	As the door swung open wider I saw Ms. Kelly step out and hand both Tyler and Zane a green slip of paper before ushering them out of her back office.  Green… 
   I wracked my brains trying to think back to our old school handbook.  What does green mean? 
    I thought to myself impatiently.  Suspension? Expulsion? 
    At the moment I didn’t which I was hoping for more. 
  	As the boys walked out Zane’s sparkling blue eyes met mine and it took all of my self control to pull my eyes away from his, but not before giving him one of my signature annoyed eye rolls. I heard him sigh and then the door click as it opened and closed behind them.  Good, you deserve to go through a little sadness yourself, 
    I thought moodily to myself. 
  	“Summer, can I help you?” Ms. Kelly asked then flashed me one of her huge smiles that none of the students neither believed nor liked. “Yes, I was wondering if I could get a schedule change?” I asked before I could convince myself not to and then I desperately prayed I wouldn’t break down into tears as I thought about why I wanted it.  I want this to get away, away from him. 
    I thought to myself, I couldn’t bring myself to even think his name of I was sure I’d break down again. 
  	“A schedule change? We don’t normally allow those after the first day of school. Why? Is there a conflict with your schedule?” She asked and my hopes began to plummet. What was I supposed to say, my boyfriend/ex/friend, or whatever he is, is being mean? That I don’t want to face him because I’m embarrassed and mad that he doesn’t believe my crazy stories? 
  	“No, there’s not really a conflict but I’d really appreciated if I could change it, not to different classes, maybe just a different order?” I asked, trying to use my most innocent, sweet girl voice. “Normally the answer would automatically no,” She said in her normal no-feelings-spared, harsh tone, “but I realize that you’ve been through a lot and if this will help you out, I suppose I could bend the rules a bit,” She replied and even though she’d just agreed to what I’d asked I couldn’t help but feel sad, and I still didn’t get why she always felt dangerous and untrustworthy even when she’s smiling at me like she is now. 
  	“I’ll have your new schedule sent to your room sometime tomorrow, since it’s the weekend you won’t have to worry about missing classes, you’ll start on Monday,” She said as she hustled me out of her door. As I left I headed for the door I waved at little Mrs. Brown as she began filing paperwork. She gave me a quick smile and then quickly got back to work.  What a hard working little women, 
    I thought to myself as I abandoned the cool office air for the warm hallways, then quietly jogged till I reached my room. 
  	As I flung the door open  I noticed that Sierra was still gone and the Kyle had left.  Good 
   , I thought to myself,  I want to be alone anyways 
   , but as I flung myself down, onto my bed, I knew that was a lie. I wanted my friends to be there with me, I wanted Zane there, and I especially did not want to be alone. I curled up into a ball and pulled the covers up as far as they’d go. It was still early, 6:00 P.M., but I was so exhausted that I forgot about the time and gave in to the drowsiness that was taking me over. Chapter 18 
   
   
   
   When I opened my eyes I was laying a green meadow. The ground beneath me was covered in beautiful flowers and bright green, grass. I laid there basking in the warm sun and almost drifted off until I heard soft footsteps in the plush grass surrounding me. I quickly sat upright and found myself staring at a beautiful little boy. He had dark hair, and beautiful, familiar looking brown eyes. He looked about 5 or 6 years old, and his face held a very white smile, teeth and all. 
  	He raised his tiny hand and waved at me. I laughed joyfully and picked the little boy up and spun him around until we were both dizzy and doubled over in laughter. ‘Such a cute little boy,’ I thought to myself, ‘with his soft black, his perfect features, and his eyes, deep pools of chocolate.’ 
  Now where had I seen those eyes before? Just then he laughed and his laugh, a sweet, innocent, little kid laugh, sounded very familiar also. Then suddenly it seemed as if the little boy was laughing at me, and not with me anymore. Her smiled, as if he was in on some private joke. 
  	Then a thought occurred to me, “Where are we?” I asked and the little boy smiled a devious smile as if he’d been waiting for me to ask this. “The land on eternal youth,” He replied and then motioned for me to look down. “We become children again when we enter this realm,” He said and then, after he motioned again, I looked down and gasped. I was looking down at the tiny fragile little girl’s body of my younger self. I was wearing a frilly dress and my tiny feet were covered with white buckle shoes. I raised my hands and saw that they too were small and fragile looking. I looked even younger than the boy sitting next to me, which made another thought occur to me. 
  	“So what do you really look like?” I asked and as soon as the words escaped my mouth, I knew I was going to regret asking. “Another good question,” The boy said in that terribly familiar voice and then his face began to contort and transform itself. I screamed not because of the gruesome sight but because as I got up to run away, I felt my own skin begin to bubble and transform. I saw the beautiful meadow slipping away and it was being replaced by a terrifyingly familiar all stone room, lit only by the torches the hung on the walls, and the candles that surrounded the slab of concrete in the center of the room. 
  	My screams echoed off the walls as the little boy I’d just laughed with transformed into someone I’d hoped I’d never have to see again. Even though standing next to me was the man from my reoccurring nightmares he wasn’t the one who made me scream. I screamed when I caught sight of the person who was standing in the corner. Zane’s eyes sparkled under the light of torches and I could’ve admired his beauty all day if I hadn’t been terrified, he hadn’t been yelling. 
  	“Get out!,” I screamed at him, wanting desperately for him to leave before he got hurt, but Zane continued yelling at the man, as if I wasn’t even there. 
  “I thought I told you to stay out of her dreams!” Zane shouted. 
  “Guardians are supposed to protect and educate, no chastise and endanger. I must say, you’ve done a rather poor job,” The man replied in his usual cold tone and as soon as he got the words left his mouth Zane tackled him to the ground and they began writhing and rolling around on the stone. 
  	By now my age transformation was completely done and I was myself again. I wanted to run, yell scream, do something, but I was frozen in place. All I could manage to do was clamp my eyes shut and as I did so I began to feel the room around me, yet again, slip away. I didn’t want to open my eyes but I forced them open and when I did, I fell into black nothingness. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Chapter 19 
   
   
  My eyes flew open and I sucked in air.  At some point during my nap Sierra must have come back because I could make out her soft snores from underneath me. By now my breath was coming in short, uneven gasps and my room seemed to be spinning. Once I had taken enough calming breaths, had plenty of oxygen flowing to my brain, and could see straight again I grabbed my phone and checked the time. It read 11:30 P.M. 
  	I took another deep breath to try to steady my shaking hands and began my text message to Zane.  Look, we need to talk. ASAP.  –S 
   
  I quickly hit send before I could change my mind and then set my phone back down near my pillow.  I need answers 
   , I thought to myself,  I need the truth. Why am I having these dreams? If they are even considered dreams… What’s Zane hiding? Who is that creepy reappearing guy? 
    I let out a sigh of annoyance and blinked back tears of frustration as Sierra began to wake up. 
  	“Summer? Was that you?” She asked then seeing the tears in my eyes, which I was trying(unsuccessfully)to hide. She quickly got up out of her bed and began climbing up onto my bunk. “What’s wrong? Did you get hurt again? Or was it just a bad dream?” She asked as she positioned herself at the foot of my bed. 
  “Well,” I began but was interrupted by my phone ringing. My heart leapt and Sierra, who must’ve seen my excited face, quietly mumbled something about having to take off her make-up, then got down and walked into the bathroom we shared to give me privacy. 
  “Hello?” I asked when I was finally able to speak. 
  “Summer, It’s Zane, I got your message,” He said and there was almost a hint of precaution in his voice as he continued, “but I can’t meet with you.” 
  I frowned when I heard that and couldn’t help but feel my anger from beginning to rise again. “No? Well I’m pretty sure you can talk,” I replied, and even  I  
   shivered at the ice cold tone of my voice. 
  “Look, can you drop the attitude? It’s not like I don’t want to talk. I’m in detention and we aren’t even supposed to have phones in here but the teacher walked out so I figured I’d risk it.” 
  “Detention, huh? For what?” I asked and as soon as the words left my mouth I realized why he was there and felt like a complete, utter moron. 
  “I’m in here for punching a guy who threatened to hurt this really amazing girl. I never would’ve guessed that I’d be the one to hurt her,” he said his words felt like blows to my heart and normally I would’ve been flattered by him calling me amazing, but tonight it just annoyed me. 
  “Well the ‘amazing girl is looking for answers and, though she may be mistaken, she thinks she deserves something that starts with I’m and ends with Sorry,” I said and then remembering my dream I added, “You could start by explaining yourself.” 
  “Look, I want to talk Summer, really I do, but I can’t do  
  this right now, and I’d rather we talked about this face to face, anyways,” He said an I felt my rising anger begin to slip away piece by piece as it always did when I listened to his soothing voice. 
  “Meet me outside under the big oak at 6:00 A.M. That’s assuming you’re not in detention then?” I asked and I felt a pang of heart break as I remembered when we’d sat by the oak on our first date. 
  “Yeah, I’ll be there,” He said pulling me out of my flash back.  
  “See you then,” I said and was about to push End Call when  
  Zane said, “And Summer?” 
  “Yeah?” I asked. 
  “I’m sorry.” 
  I took a deep breath and replied in a calm, even voice,” We’ll talk later.” Then I hung up on the only guy I’ve ever loved and for the very first time in weeks, fell into a dreamless slumber. Chapter 20 
   
  "Need to talk?” Sierra asked as I curled my hair and got ready for me and Zane’s meeting this morning. “Yeah, I do,” I said, turning to face her. “I’m sorry; I’m probably the worst roommate you’ve ever had. I’ve been super messy, I’m always running out, and I’ve managed to make you want to leave the dorm instead of hanging out with me. I’m  really  
   sorry,” I said and as I finished my apology I noticed she was smiling. 
  “Look Summer, when I left yesterday morning, I got breakfast and then I went to the study session I go to every Saturday, I wasn’t  leaving to get away from you. If anything I think I should be the one apologizing. Even a blind person could see you’ve been living Hell since the first day of school and I should’ve been nicer to you. I guess  I just didn’t want any more complications in my life,” She finished and then we sat in silence for awhile until she added, “but then I realized the I’d sacrifice an easy life any day for friendship.”  
  	I turned to face her and saw that she was smiling so I ran over and gave her a hug, which she squeezed back at. “Thanks, that really means a lot,” I said and then I broke the hug to go change into the skirt and tank top that I had set out on our bathroom counter. 
  	I wasn’t really sure why I was getting so dressed up just for a talk, or why I’d gotten up at 5:00 so I could curl my hair before I had to meet with him. Sierra had only woken up around 5:30 when my nervous, shaking hands accidently dropped my make-up case. After seeing my flushed, nervous, face she promised that she’d stay up and keep me company until I had to leave. 
  	As the time ticked away my palms began to sweat and my pulse stared to speed up.  What am I going to say? 
    I thought nervously. I had no idea how to approach the subject of my dreams with him, but I knew that it had to be done. 
  	When I checked the clock, for what seemed like the 25th time in the last ten minutes, and it read 5:53 A.M I decided it was time to start walking over. “Well I better get going,” I said as I grabbed my purse and headed for the door. 
  “I hope it goes well,” She said and I smiled silently to myself. 
  “Yeah, me too.” With that I forced myself to pull the door open and start off down the hallway. It was after curfew and I was supposed to be in bed sleeping now, so I had to be very quiet and be on the lookout for any patrolling night wardens. 
  	Finally, after silently creeping down hallways and flights of stairs, I’d made my way to the old oak tree. It was hard to believe that just a week ago we’d had our first date under this same tree.  It was so easy then 
   , I thought to myself,  That was before I’d ever had any of these dreams, before I’d ever saw that man’s face.  
   I sighed and tried to clear my mind as I kicked off my sandals and sat down under the tree’s branches. 
  	I checked my watch and it read 6:01 A.M.  He still has time 
   , I thought silently to myself and then I realized what little sleep I’d gotten in the past week and I felt my eyelids begin to droop.  Hurry up Zane, 
    I thought to myself and then I gave in to my exhaust and I fell asleep against the hard bark of the tree. Chapter 21 
   
  	30 minutes later I woke up from my pleasantly, dreamless sleep to find that someone was shaking me by my shoulders and asking if I was alright. They sounded alarmed and I wanted to answer them or at least open my eyes but I seemed incapable of doing either, at the moment. After a few more minutes of shaking and questions I was finally to pry open my eyes and found myself staring at Lance Millers, Stephanie’s tutor. Other than in Stephanie’s room, this was the first time I’d even seen Lance since he was a keep to himself sort of guy, so I was quite surprised that he cared enough to check if I was alright. 
  “Summer, are you okay?” He asked for what had to be the 30th time and finally I was able to make my lips work. 
  “Yeah, I’m okay,” I said sitting up and then realizing Zane wasn’t there I added, “Just disappointed.” 
  “About Zane?” He asked and must’ve notice my surprised expression because he then said, “I can explain.” 
  “Go ahead,” I said and then motioned for him to sit down with me under the oak, since my legs still felt like jelly. 
  “Though you might not know it, I’m Zane’s roommate,” He began, “so I obviously know he’s been in a bit of trouble lately.” He said casting me a glance before he continued. 
  “Zane told me he was supposed to meet you today, but see, he ran into a bit of a problem. “The Night wardens were literally guarding the outside of our door. “They said the he wasn’t leaving the room for any purposes until his punishment was done,” He said and then seeing how I was still confused he began to elaborate more. 
  “But see, me, being a tutor and all, they’ll let me out early just as long I tell them the right stuff. “I told them Stephanie had a project due today and this was the only time we could work on it, and they bought it,” He said, smiling proudly at his own cleverness. “He asked me to find you and give you this, since he couldn’t make it,” Lance said then produced a folded piece of paper out of the messenger bag slung over his shoulder, and held it out to me. 
  	I took it and carefully unfolded it and held it to where it was only in my view, though Lance didn’t look as if he were trying to read it either way. I took a deep breath and began reading. Dear Summer,    
  I regret missing our date. You must understand how sorry I am. Not just for missing our date, but for every time I’ve ever hurt you. I know how confused you must be and I promise I’ll explain everything. I get out of detention at 8:30 P.M. tonight, afterwards is the only time I’m able to go anywhere without being followed by wardens. I’ll meet you outside my dorm, it’d #43. You don’t have to come and I’ll understand if you don’t, but I’d like a chance to explain this, if you’ll let me. And please remember: I could never judge you, and I hope your opinion on that hasn’t been swayed by my ignorance.      
   Yours Truly,                 
   Zane 
   
  I took a deep breath to steady myself so that I didn’t burst into tears.  He really cares 
   , I thought to myself,  tonight I’ll get the answers I’ve been waiting for 
   . But then reality sunk in and my smile faded.  Has my opinion on him changed? 
    I wasn’t sure. As I muttered somewhat of a thank-you to Lance, I folded up the letter and started walking back to my dorm. Chapter 22 
   
  On my way back to my dorm I ran into a few night wardens and was forced to quickly scamper off into janitor closets to avoid being caught and sitting through lectures. About 1 hall from my room I heard footsteps coming towards me. The loud clanking on the tiled told my it was a student girl, since none of the faculty nor wardens were allowed to break dress code, which doesn’t include high heels. 
  	Though I was almost positive it was a student, I figured I’d better not risk it and quickly ducked behind a potted plant. As a pair of hot pink stiletto’s made their way around the corner I heard their owner let out a sigh of impatience. 
  “Would you get up from behind that plant? You look like a moron and I so don’t talk to morons,” She said and between the hot pink heels and the snarky comment I knew it had to be Stephanie who was standing in front of me. 
  	I quickly got up and brushed myself off as she put on lip gloss to her already glossy lips. Once I was done straightening myself up she turned to face me and I could get a good look at her.  I Think this is the worst I’ve ever seen her look, 
    I thought to myself and though her shoes were cute, and her designer only dress was adorable she still looked terrible. Her eyeliner was smudged, her mascara running, there were circles under her eyes and her nose was red and puffy. 
  	“Are you okay?” I asked, not sure how to address the situation with her. 
  “Tyler and I broke up. In case anyone asks, I dumped him,” She said and then she laughed silently to herself as she absentmindedly rubbed what look like a bruise on her arm. 
  “What happened?” I asked motioning to the bruise, but she wasn’t looking at me and took it as a question about her break-up. 
  “I dated an abusive jerk,” She said matter-of-factly then seeing my face, explained. “Tyler was always a hands-on guy, and I knew that, but he was just so mad tonight and he pushed me into my dresser. “He tried to apologize but sometime between me punching him and me kicking him out, he understood that it was over.” 
  	As she finished I looked at Stephanie, really looked at her. She was the girl all girls envied. With her slim build, long legs, naturally tan skin and blonde hair, girls just assumed she had the perfect life, or at least the perfect relationship. But come to think of it, in my 6 years of room and board here I’ve never seen her parents come to visit, not even on the family visiting days. Her brother, Tye, graduated 3 years ago, and even when he was here he refused to acknowledge her. As for her relationship, no one would ever guess that Tyler was abusive, or at least not to her. When I really thought about it, was it really a surprise that Stephanie has a cold, hard, demeanor?  
  	She must’ve notice my staring because as usual, she felt obligated to defend her turf. “Take a picture, it’ll last longer,” She said snidely  and then she smiled. “A love note from the boyfriend?” She asked motion to the letter sticking out of my pocket and then giving me a wink that made us both burst into laughter 
  	“Yeah, but he’s not my boyfriend,” I said, pausing then added, “yet.” Stephanie smiled then checked the polished, designer, diamond watch on her wrist that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe.  
  “30 minutes till breakfast starts, we’d better head back or the warden’s will catch us,” She said and turned to start walking towards her dorm when she added, “I’m sorry about the whole S.S. crap and if you ever tell anyone this I’ll deny it but, I kind of regret not being a better roommate.” And with that she started off down the hall and within  
  seconds, disappeared into her dorm. Chapter 23 
   
  I stood there for a moment trying to comprehend what had just happened. Stephanie  never 
    apologizes. But hadn’t she done just that? I shook my head as if to clear my thoughts and started off down the hall. By the time I reached my room Sierra had already taken a shower and was waiting patiently for me to return. She’d pulled her short, choppy, blonde hair back in a small bun at the nape of her neck and was wearing a casual shirt and jeans, overall she looked very pretty and very eager to hear about my ‘date’. 
  	I told her about Zane’s note and my meeting with Lance, carefully skimming over any parts that involved crazy dreams or Stephanie.  
  “Aw I’m sorry you to wait longer now,” She said and then grabbed my purse and threw it to me. “We’d better head down for breakfast, I’m starving,” She said and then, pulling me with her, she skipped off down to the breakfast hall. 
                            *~^~* 
  The rest of the day flew by quickly and before I knew it I was sitting in my room and getting ready for my meeting, but the clock seemed to moving slower than ever. Around 7:00 a night warden knocked on our door and gave me my new schedule. I thanked them and tried to hide my disappointment as I silently assured myself that  I did  the right thing by changing my schedule. I opened the envelope and read. Dear Summer, 
  I hope this suites your wishes, because I won’t be changing it again. You’ll start these classes Monday.  
  Best regards, 
  Ms. Kelly 
   
  1.	Art 
  2.	Self Defense 
  3.	Dance 
  4.	Lunch 
  5.	ELA 
  6.	Algebra 
  7.	A.P. Chemistry 
  8.	History 
  I folded up my new schedule and stifled a sigh.  I definitely got what I asked for 
   , I thought to myself,  now I have absolutely no classes with him. Why am I disappointed with that? 
     I didn’t know what the answer was to that last thought so I shrugged it off and turned towards Sierra, who was sitting below my bunk, looking bored. She’d offered to stay up till I got back but I didn’t know how late I’d be out and judging from the dark circles under her eyes, she could use the extra rest. 
  “No that’s okay, I’ll talk to you in the morning, alright?” I said in what I hoped was an assuring tone as I slipped on my heels and reached for my purse. 
  “Okay, hope you have fun,” She said and then dropped onto her pillow. 
  I quietly shut the door behind, so I wouldn’t disturb her and then started off towards the boy’s hall. 
  Girls technically aren’t allowed to be in the east wing, since that’s where the boy’s dorms are. But since that rule was made, few supervisors enforce it and even fewer students pay it any mind. I was in luck; Zane’s dorm was located on the outskirts of the wing, by the stairs. This way I had an even less chance of getting caught. 
  	My phone buzzed in my pock and I quickly took it out and examined it. Running Late. Be there soon, Don’t leave. -Z 
   
  His text calmed me somehow, almost as if he were actually there, whispering those words in my ear, with that voice that always makes me melt. I put my phone away, leaned against his door and allowed myself to imagine him next to me, lips brushing against mine… 
  I didn’t have to wait long; only about five minutes of day dreaming had passed before the sound of footsteps brought me back to reality. At first I tensed, thinking of the wardens and how sometime they made their rounds earlier than usual but then listened more carefully and found that even his footsteps were familiar. 
  When he finally rounded the corner I wanted nothing more than to run to him and feel his strong arms around me, but I stood my ground and silently kicked myself for even thinking that.  Aren’t I supposed to be mad him? Just yesterday I was angry enough to get my entire schedule changed, and now I want to run into his arms again? 
    I silently scolded myself, but as I looked into his sparkling blue eyes I felt that, that really was what I wanted to do. To hurl myself at him and have his arms wrapped around me. I felt my anger slipping away, and though I tried to hang onto it, it was soon gone. 
  I forced an annoyed look onto my and glared at him as he  
  approached. I didn’t want him to know that I was secretly yearning to run over and his soft, lips. Apparently, I got the point across because his blinding white smile disappeared once he caught sight of my expression.  
  “I know I have a lot of explaining to do,” he said and as soon as I hear his voice my glare slipped away and I felt a very unwelcome smile appear on my face. 
  	To make up for my smile slip I added an even icier edge to my voice when I replied, “You certainly do.” 
  Zane nodded then motioned towards his door. “Lance is tutoring today, this way we can talk alone,” he said and I felt my heart flutter. If just being in the east wing would get me detention, then going into a boy’s dorm room alone was definitely juvenile home worthy. I shrugged off my worries by reminding myself why he wanted us alone.  So no one knows his secrets. 
     After reminding myself of this, I felt my anticipation lessen. 
  	As he shut and bolted the door behind us I took the time to check out his dorm room setup. It was clear which side of the room belonged to who. Lance had his side decorated with photos of him and his family and friends. By his bed he had a few posters of bands like ACDC and Kiss and his desk was meticulously neat.  
  	Zane’s side looked as if no one even roomed there. His desk was completely empty except for his gray laptop and a few stray pens. His walls were completely bare and his closet was empty except for the small suitcase lying at the bottom of it. 
  	He must have noticed my scrutiny because he shifted uncomfortably and motioned to his bed for me to sit. 
  “Where do I start?” He said after we were both seated. I knew his question didn’t require a response, but I couldn’t resist. 
  “From the Beginning,” I said and he laughed silently under his breath as if I’d just humored him and then said, “This is going to take longer than I thought,” Then he let out a deep sigh, as if to ready himself, and began. Chapter 24 
   
  “Every few centuries a baby is born with a gift, only they don’t realize they’re gifted until they start socializing with the others, people like them. “You, being one of the gifted, should understand what their gift is,” He said and then seeing my confused face he went on. “When most people dream it’s a figment of their imagination, but when these children dream, it’s reality. “They posses the ability to change all of Earth just when they close their eyes, though almost all of them have no idea how to use their gift like that. “But like always, people fear what they can’t understand, and a group, called The Tanghar, are set for using those gifted children for their own selfish reasons, some of them want to wipe out the gifted race completely. He paused for a moment and though he tried to hide it, I could tell he was nervous about continuing. 
          “When I was young I was told my parents told me I was born for one reason, and one reason only, and that was to serve faithfully as Princess Laurel McKons guardian. “Miss McKons is one of the most gifted children and therefore considered royalty among your race. “But when I turned 12, about to begin my training, my parents were killed and their dreams died with them. “I was then sent to an orphanage and by the time I started my training it was too late. “They told me I wasn’t qualified to guard royalty, but if my training continued, they’d allow me to guard one the normals.” He cleared his throat and searched my face to see if this term affected me. When I gave no sign of emotion he shifted uncomfortably in his seat and then continued. 
         “I trained for years and when I was on the brink of quitting, they finally passed me and I was an assigned guardian. “The girl they assigned me to was presumably average so they shipped me off to the board school at which she was attending, no extra training needed. “As always, they had me relatively close in age to her so as to not cause any awkwardness and for backup they sent me where another guardian was, since this was my first assignment. “ 
         “But they underestimated this girl. Both me and my partner were shocked. “None of the normals were supposed to be able to make contact with the Tanghar at all, yet alone so early in the cycle. “We were stunned and after calling in to our main office we were told to deny her gifts, and persuade her to the same.” 
        “See, when a gifted child, or more frequently  
  called a lucid child, learns more about their gift, the more endangered they become. “That’s why we were given those instructions, to keep her safe. Only one of us wasn’t careful enough, and she found out more than she should have.” He said and only then did my brain start putting all the pieces together. 
  “I’m the girl from you story,” I said and then more of the pieces came together. “You knew…This whole time?” I said and felt my anger flaring up. 
  “Yes, but Summer-“ He started but I cut him off before he could finish. 
  “You yelled at me and told me I was being childish! “You said I was just a ‘restless sleeper’!” I yelled at him and I wasn’t surprised to see that he was staying relatively calm, like always, but it still annoyed me. 
  “Yes Summer, I did, but I did it to protect you,” He said staring at me with those bright blue eyes. I continued on as if he hadn’t said anything. 
  “You told me I could trust you, could tell you anything, yet that whole time you were lying!” I screamed and felt my rationality slipping away, but at this point I didn’t care. 
  “Summer, Please just-” 
  “That’s all you do! Lie!” I yelled at him and I furiously wiped at the unwelcome tears that were spilling down my cheeks. 
        I wanted to get up and run. But where would I run to? I was where I’d wanted to be for the past month and now I was wishing I’d stood him up. I could tell he wanted to comfort me and my steady glare kept him from coming any closer. “I’m sorry…I just thought that Stephanie and told you some of this, she told me you guys talked and I guess I just assumed…” His voice trailed off and his eyes lifted to meet mine. 
      And that was when I snapped. Any part of sanity that I had left at the moment slipped away and I took a step closer to him. “Stephanie!? So she’s the other one!” I screamed and though Zane was trying uselessly to calm me down, I was way beyond any point that I could ‘calm down’. 
  “I’m leaving!” I yelled. I pushed past him and headed towards the door but he caught my wrist before I made. 
  “Summer, Please… I’m sorry for lying but you have to understand-” 
  “I don’t have to understand anything I don’t want to,” I said furiously then added, “And I said I’m leaving.” With that I push him with my free hand and made contact with his chest, momentarily catching him off guard, he stumbled backwards. That was all I needed. While his grip was weak I slipped free. I quickly unlocked the door, then flung it open and sprinted down the hall as fast as I could with the 6 inch heels I was wearing. 
      Now that I was finally running, I didn’t know where to go but my feet seemed to have a mind of their own. They carried me back, out of the east wing and made me bolt out of the school and over to the outdoor garden area. Since it was  late the pale yellow lights that surrounded the garden were glowing dimly. By now  I stopped running and walked over to admire the flowers. It reminded me of the garden my mother and I use to have before we moved, and I was forced to go room and board at my new school.  
  She used to walk around with me in the early mornings, just as the sun was peeking up over the clouds, and she’d let me quiz her on all the different flower types. I felt a pang of homesickness as I recalled some of the long hours I’d spent at our old make-shift garden. This garden was absolutely stunning in comparison to me and my mothers and I felt myself calming down as I walked around the gorgeous plants. 
  The roses were a deep red, and by far the most popular flower type in this garden; next to it were Lilly’s in a pastel purple shade. I silently congratulated myself on having remembered almost all the plants names and facts as I scoped out the garden. Though there were hundreds of plants that made up the garden only one type stood out among them all. Zantedeschia. It had always been my favorite flower type because of its tie-die like colors, but my mother had always refused to plant it because of me being so young, and it’s poisonous reputation. 
  I walked over and sat on a stone near the patch of the colorful flowers. A thought appeared to me and I laughed silently.  I know why this was always my favorite now 
   , I thought silently to myself,  because it’s me, in flower form. Bright, colorful, and pretty from far away, but deadly if you get too close. 
   
         I was still seething from my talk with Zane but I couldn’t seem to stop laughing at the irony of my favorite flower. I knew it wasn’t really that funny but I kept laughing, I laughed till me sides hurt, till tears were running down my face, and till I was beginning to wonder if I was losing my sanity. When I was finally finished laughing I was out of breath and panting, my sides hurt, and I had no doubt that my eye make-up was probably running. But at the moment, I didn’t really care. I just wanted to sit there and admire my beautiful flowers. That’s when I heard the footsteps. Chapter 25 
   
   
   My head whipped around fast and all of my muscles tensed. I got up from my perch near the flowers and slowly crept to the center of the garden, where I could get a better view of my surroundings.  My sneaking skills could use some work 
   , I thought to myself as more leafs and stray branches cracked under my feet. My heart continued to thud loudly as I heard more noises around me and at one point, I was positive anyone within 10 feet could hear it. 
   I was still wearing the bright orange sundress I’d worn to  
  talk to Zane in,  not my best choice of camouflage 
   , I thought moodily. With my bright orange outfit, high heels in one hand, and spare key in the other, I was beginning to feel like a criminal on the run. Normally, a key wouldn’t have been my first choice of a weapon but it was either that or the spare Kleenex in my pocket, so I went with the metal key. 
  After what seemed like an eternity of crouching, I finally made it to the center of the garden. Once there, I scoped out my surroundings but didn’t see anything that could’ve made the noises. After several more minutes of searching, feeling foolish and embarrassed, I turned to head back towards my dorm when I came face-to-face to a black hooded figure. 
  I screamed as loud as my lungs allowed me to until the figure clamped a hand over my mouth. Feeling trapped and suffocated I bit down and didn’t stop until I felt I tasted their blood and they finally released me. As my captor clutched their and cursed loudly their hood fell back and I gasped aloud.  
  “Kyle? What are you doing here?” I asked and then feeling bad for hurting him, knelt down beside him.  
  “Damn Summer!” He said and even though he was yelling his voice sounded more playful rather than angry, which was odd since I  had 
    just bit into his hand for no reason. 
  “I saw you laughing and figured I’d go ask what was so funny but then you went all Nancy Drew on me and started sneaking away, though not very successfully I might add,” he said then gave me a wink as my cheeks turned rosy out of embarrassment. “Then I finally caught up to you and before I can even say anything, you start screaming bloody murder,” he said and seeing me shiver from the cold, offered me his jacket. I took it gratefully and couldn’t help but smile as I inhaled more of his sweet cologne. His scent reminded me of an old childhood memory, familiar and nice, I liked it very much. As we walked back towards the dorms a silence settled between us, it wasn’t awkward though, we spoke more through thoughts than words. 
  We were almost out of the garden area when he finally spoke. “So which is your favorite?” then seeing my confused expression he explained, “The Flowers. I saw you admiring them, do you have a favorite?” I gave him a smile and motioned for him to follow me as I led him to the patch of Zantedeschia’s. In the moonlight their petals glowed with an orange hue, then thinking of my dress color, I bit my tongue to keep from laughing from this new found similarity. 
  “That’s Zantedeschia, right?” he asked and I nodded, then catching his smirk asked, “What?” His smile got bigger and seeing his boyish grin made the corners of my mouth turn up also.  
  “Most girls would’ve led me to roses or maybe lilacs, or even lily’s, but only you would lead me to the only poisonous plant in this entire garden,” he said. 
   “Sorry to disappoint,” I said frowning slightly at his words and looking down. Catching my reaction he put his fingers underneath my chin and raise my head so I was looking directly at him. 
  “That’s a good thing, Summer,” he said, a grin spread across my face, “if you were like other girls then guys like me would be hopeless.” He didn’t give me time to wonder what he meant by that because he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the school. 
  When we passed the school windows I caught a glimpse of my frazzled reflection and gasped in horror. “I look horrible!” I said and desperately tried to wipe away the black smudges from underneath my eyes, and straighten my frizzy hair.  
  Kyle’s soft hands gently pulled mine from my face and turned me away from the window so that I was facing him. “Relax Summer, you look gorgeous, like always,” he said and I felt a dizzy rush of joy from his words as he pulled me into the building. 
  As we walked through the hallways Kyle slipped his hand into mine and though I felt a little guilty I didn’t pull away.  Why feel guilty? 
    I thought silently,  You never were with Zane anyways. 
    When we reached the end of the hall that led to my room he pulled me over and gently pushed me against the wall. He leaned in close to me, close enough that I could get another sweet smelling whiff of his cologne. “I don’t know what Zane did to you, “he began and I felt my heart clench at the sound of  his  
   name. “But I tell that whatever it was, it hurt you,” he continued and then paused to gently brush his fingertips over my cheeks bones, making me shiver. 
  “But I want to make sure you know that I will  never 
    hurt you. No matter what, okay?” he said and by now stray tears had spilled out from the arising of the memories from earlier. I let out a chocked sob and Kyle pulled me closer and wrapped his arms around me. I tried to pull away, insisting that my tears would ruin his shirt, but he held me tight and assured me it was fine. 
  As I snuggled closer to him I was hit by a major case of déjà-vu. Yet again Zane had made me cry and yet again, Kyle was here to comfort me.  Maybe, 
    I thought,  Just maybe, I’ve been falling for the wrong guy all along. 
    But my heart ached and my throat closed up whenever I even thought about living with someone other than Zane.  He’s a part of me now, he’ll always be, but that doesn’t matter. I need to make new parts too, 
    I thought silently. 
  We stood there for awhile, locked in our embrace, until I realized how late it was getting. “It’s after curfew and we have school tomorrow so I’d better get going,” I said and Kyle gave my hand one more squeeze before dropping it to my side. I stood on my toes and gave him a peck on his cheek. “Goodnight Kyle,” I whispered as I bent and fumbled in my pockets for my room key. “Sweet dreams, beautiful,” he said and I flinched at the irony of his words but when I looked up to question him, I found myself staring at a blank wall and Kyle was nowhere to be seen. “Sweet dreams indeed,” I muttered quietly then opened my door and quietly shut it behind me. Chapter 26 
   
   
  As I flung myself down onto my bed  I realized that in order to stop my exhaustion I was going to have to sleep, which in turn meant I was going to have to endure one of my ‘dreams’. I sighed, though I wasn’t sure if it was out of exhaust or frustration, and grabbed my purse. A quick check of the clock on my phone told me that it was going on Midnight which normally isn’t very late for me, but I had to start my new schedule tomorrow and I could use all the rest I could get.  I’ll just check my messages and then I’ll go to bed 
   , I thought silently and as if my body were in protest, I let out a huge yawn. 
  I slowly got up and sat down the computer desk in the corner of my room. I quietly turned it on and flinched when it let out a loud beeping noise. My head whipped around to see if it had woken up Sierra but she was still sleeping soundly. Soon enough, I had my school e-mail up and was logging on. When my account was loaded I noticed that I had five new messages; Two from Zane, One from Stephanie, One from Kyle, and One from my Parents.  Looks like sleep’s going to have to wait. 
    I sighed as I clicked on the message from my parents. 
  To:SummerCharard                                             From: Linda and George Charard 
  Dear Summer, 
  Your mother and I haven’t heard much from you lately. Naturally, we are very worried. It’s been nearly two whole weeks since your last call and we just want to make sure everything is okay. Hope to hear from you soon. 
  Love you, 
  Mom & Dad 
  I sighed , it’s so like them to worry over this, 
    I thought as I began to compose my reply. 
  Dear Mom & Dad, 
  Please stop worrying! I’m perfectly fine, really, there’s no need to stress. Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve talked to you guys, I’ve just been so busy lately. Talk to you soon! Love you guys! 
  Summer 
  I clicked send and silently prayed they wouldn’t ask what I was so busy with.  One down, four to go, 
    I thought silently to myself as I clicked on the next message, Kyle’s. 
  Summer, 
  I had a great time with you tonight. If you want to hang again text me, my numbers below. 
  -Kyle     P.S. Looking forward to hearing from you, beautiful. 
  I smiled silently to myself as I added his number to my phone.  Three messages left, 
    I cursed silently under my breath.  God I’m tired! 
    I thought grumpily. Hesitenly, I moved my mouse over the bold, red button at the top of my inbox that read, DELETE ALL. Sighing, I moved my mouse over the three remaining messages, One from Stephanie, and the others from Zane. A soft, annoying voice in the back of my head whispered warnings like,  You really should at least see what they said  
   and  It could be important, 
    but I brushed them off and quickly clicked the bright red button. The messages disappeared from my inbox as if they never existed, and if it was up to me, they didn’t. 
  Then, just to be thorough, I erased my recycle bin. I hadn’t realized I’d been holding my breath until I let out a sigh of relief. The voice was still there, whispering in the back of my head that I was going to regret doing that, so I put my ear-phones in and turned my I-pod up to a deafening level. I kept laying there listening to my music on blast and cleared my mind of all thoughts until I started to drift into a deep sleep. Chapter 27 
   
   
   
   
   When I opened my eyes I saw that I was surrounded by people, many of which were dressed in formal wear from the 1800’s. The women were clothed in huge ball gowns and had expensive jewels hanging from their necks. The men of the party were dressed in odd looking suits and many of them had their hair slicked back. I wanted to look around more but it was then that it hit me how bad me rib cage was hurting. I looked down and was surprised to find that I too was dressed in old clothing. I wore a light pink ball gown with that waist synched in tightly, corset-style, to show off my narrow waist. I had exquisite looking jewels that were embroidered on the front of my dress that matched the large stones that hung from neck and wrists. I loved the dress, it was gorgeous after all so I tried to push any thoughts of my aching ribcage out of my mind, though my efforts were unsuccessful. 
  Just as I began to finally stop fidgeting with my dress, in an attempt to make it less tight, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and found myself staring at a very handsome young gentleman. He smiled and extended his arm to me. “May I be honored with a dance Madame?” He said and the way he addressed me as ‘Madame’ made me feel like I was royalty. I nodded eagerly and followed him as he led the way to the dance floor. The young looked very familiar but I couldn’t remember where I knew him from. As we twirled eloquently around the dance floor, all eyes were on us. I laughed in delight when he lifted me up into the air and spun me around then gracefully caught me in a dip, causing many of the guests to gasp in awe.  
  Still, as the wonderful night went on, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was forgetting something, something important. “You look absolutely stunning tonight,” the young man whispered into my ear as we gracefully swayed around the dance floor, his voice soft and sweet even compared to the music playing. I smiled in spite of myself and then felt a pang of guilt. “I’m terribly sorry sir, and I feel very guilty for this, but I can’t seem to remember your name,” I said then silently added, or if I’ve ever met you. I expected him to be upset or offended but he merely smiled, as if I’d just humored him.  
  He pulled us to a graceful stop and brushed a strand of hair behind my earlobe before he answered. “Oh Summer, you need not feel guilty, and of course do not have to refer to me as ‘sir’ anymore. We’re on a first name basis.” He said and as he flashed me a brilliantly white smile I shifted guiltily, yet again scolding myself for not remembering a young man as handsome as this. 
  “Alonzo Montlatzo,” he said and smiled. Alonzo Montlatzo, I thought silently, he definitely fits the royalty-sounding name, I added in my head, taking in all of his flawless features. His soft blond hair was so blond it held a silver cast that was almost mesmerizing. Unlike most of the other men, his hair hung lose and flowing just past his ears. His big eyes held a brilliant gold hue that made it almost impossible to look away from. He dressed in an old fashioned looking suit, like the other gentlemen, he wore a ruffled dress shirt under a brightly floral colored dress vest. On anyone else, his outfit would’ve looked ridiculous and rude but on him it looked sophisticated and well thought out. 
  Alonzo smiled and grabbing my hand, pulled me off towards one of the back halls. The walls were lit by small torches that hung on the stone walls. As we passed several different wooden doors I began to wonder where we were going and my worries increased once the smooth marble floor started to go uneven underneath my feet. At one point, I stumbled and almost fell but Alonzo’ strong arms caught me before I hit the floor and from then on, he kept his hand on the small of my back, guiding me. 
  Finally, after a tiresome hour of walking up and down hallways, staircases, and cellars, my aching feet were relieved as we came to a stop in front of an old, polished wooden door. Alonzo produced a fancy looking skeleton key from a pocket in his vest and soon had the door open and was ushering me inside. 
  Once inside, I scoped the room out. The walls were completely covered in ancient looking paintings. The rest of the room was mostly bare except for the lone chest in the corner. The floor was stone but mostly covered in exquisite, overly expensive looking rugs. Overall, the room made my gut churn and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. 
  “Why did you bring me here?” I asked examining one of the oldest looking paintings and racking my brains trying to think of what I was forgetting, and why I was having a sickening feeling of déjà-vu. I could feel Alonzo’s golden eyes on the back of my head so I nervously continued to be immensely interested in the devilish painting in front of me. I felt him place his hands lightly on my shoulders and I let out an involuntary shiver and automatically flinched away from his touch. I snuck a glimpse at Alonzo’s face and saw that he was smiling at me with his perfectly straight, and crest white smile. 
  “There’s no reason to be afraid Summer, I’ve only brought you here to show you something,” He said and started walking towards the lone chest that sat in the corner, motioning for me to follow. At first, I intertwined my fingers with his and followed behind him but then a memory came floating back into  my mind. It was one where I was dancing with a little boy, in a magical glowing field. He to, had laughed and danced with me, he had also tried to kill me. I yanked my hand away from his and started to quickly back away from him, towards the door.  
  	Alonzo looked startled at first, and then hurt. “Summer,” he said reaching for my arm, “Please! I’m not one of them! I won’t hurt you!” he insisted as I dodged away from his hands and quickened my pace back to the door. “Wait! Please!” he called after me but he didn’t attempt to grab me again so I continued on my way out the door.  
  I scurried out as fast as I could while wearing the enormously full ball gown and tried to ignore his pleas as I shut the door behind me but there was one that caught my attention. “I can help you! I can help you get rid of him!” he called after me and I was momentarily stunned by his words. I blinked a few times to clear my thoughts then clamped my eyes shut and imagined my old garden. 
  	When I opened my eyes I found myself staring at the back on my old, falling apart little town house. Oh the days of minimum wage I thought silently, to be honest I preferred our small town house tons better than the new mansion my parents purchased shortly after my dad’s promotion. Around me was our make-shift garden that I used to spend all my time in. I walked around the small garden countless amounts of time until my mind was completely refreshed and Alonzo was out of my head. Tired, I trudged over and laid down on the dangerously-close-to-falling-apart wooden bench that stood in front of a patch of daisies. Daisies, I thought absentmindedly, mothers favorite. With that I closed my eyes and feel asleep next to the small patch of happy childhood memories. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Chapter 28 
   
   
   
   
   
  I woke up to the annoying beeping of my alarm clock and was startled to find myself fully rested. I looked up and over my bunk and saw that I had a cute, blue plaid dress laying out for me to wear.  Why did I lay that out? It’s awfully dressy for lounging around…  
   My thoughts trailed off when my answer hit me.  My first day with my new schedule. 
    I stifled a groan when I rolled over to check my clock and found that I was already running late. 
  	I threw my covers back and hopped down, off my bunk. Where’s Sierra? I thought, puzzled for a moment until I saw her note and picked it up to read it. 
  Summer, Left early for my study session, hopefully I’ll see you in class. If not, have fun! We’ll talk later, Sierra 
  I tossed her note into our trash bin and hurried off to take a shower. Though my aching muscles protested, I only allowed myself five minutes to shower and dress. According to my clock, I had ten minutes to get to my first class or risk getting detention. 
  My damp hair left puddles of water droplets on my wooden floor as I grabbed my bag and cell phone. I hurried out of my room and used all of my will power not to sprint down the hall to my art class.  Five minutes now 
   , I told myself,  that’s more than enough time 
   . I hurried off down the hall to my art class and crossed my fingers in hope that a friend would be there. 
  	When I entered the classroom I saw Mr. Brentol, the much laid back, under qualified art teacher, sat lazily in his chair reading a newspaper. The class around him was quickly turning into a loud, rowdy group but when I entered everyone seemed to quiet down. 
  As I made my way to the back of the classroom I forced a smile on my face and pretended not to notice that everyone was staring at me. To my right I saw Stephanie, sitting in the corner and laughing quietly with Lance. When she saw me her laughter faded and she raised her hand, beckoning me to come over. 
  I pointedly swung my wet hair over my shoulder in a forced  
  impression of her, and continued walking as if she didn’t exist. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her begin to stand up and follow me but Lance put a assuring hand on her shoulder and whispered something in her ear. Whatever he said, it worked, she gave a small, quick nod and then sat back down.  
  I found an empty seat at the back of the classroom and quickly took my seat. The red head in front of me whipped her head around and gave me a ugly glare. “Why are you here?” she asked and it was then that I recognized her high pitched, nasally voice.  Terri Levi, a ex-BFF of Stephanie’s, and an incredibly annoying air head, 
    I thought to myself moodily. Terri kept her face in an unattractive glower.  
  “I transferred classes,” I replied and let out a sigh of annoyance as the petite brunette next to here, who I recognized as Emily Bungler, turned my way. 
  “Yeah, I heard that,” She said, then offered me a carefully polished, dainty hand. “Well it’s great to have you here,” she said enthusiastically as I gave her hand tired shake.  
  “So I heard you got Tyler to dump Stephanie, how’d you do it?” Terri asked loudly so the several students in the class turned around to stare at me. 
   I heard the distinct clunk of expensive heels and wasn’t surprised when I turned around to see Stephanie standing behind me, giving Terri a sly smile. “Look Terri, I normally don’t share tips but since it looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the cage, I’ll make an exception,” She said coldly and paused briefly to flash a smile at the surrounding classmates that were giggling at her last insult. 
  Terri’s smug smile disappeared from her overly make-upped face.  
  “Have you gone shopping recently?” Stephanie asked, sugar-coating her voice and flashing an innocent smile as her. Terri shook her head and looked down so that her natural red hair fell in her face, hiding most of her face from view. “Well there’s a new sale and you should probably check it out. They’re selling lives, and from what I’ve seen, you could use one,” She finished, her tone icy, and harsh. 
  Terri opened her mouth to speak but then clamped it shut again as the bell rang and Stephanie strutted back to her seat.  
  I bit my tongue to keep from laughing at the completely shocked and angry face Terri wore now. Stephanie must’ve noticed my enjoyment because she shot me a wink and then a smile. For a moment, I smiled back and thought about the old days when I would’ve done anything to have her as my friend, but I was quickly brought back to reality when Mr. Brentol cleared his throat and my school day began. Chapter 29 
   
  Mr. Brentol’s slow, mono-tone voice started to fade in and out of my mind as he continued to go over the different types of art with the class. Several of the students around me had dozed off at some point and were now quietly snoring. Lance, who was sitting three rows in front of me, was gazing out the window and started to absentmindedly scribble on the corner of his notebook. Terri sat unmoving in front of me, casting an occasional death glare in Stephanie’s direction. Stephanie, who either didn’t see or didn’t care about the looks, was fidgeting quietly with something in her purse. 
  I didn’t realize what she was doing until I felt my phone vibrate against my stomach from the pocket of my dress. I quickly glanced up to see if anyone had noticed but Mr. Brentol was still continuing with his lesson and my classmates were still either snoozing or staring off into space. I let out a silent sigh of relief and looked down to read her message. S, we need to talk ASAP. 
     
  I rolled my eyes and dropped my phone back into my pocket.  I could feel Stephanie’s gaze on me but I didn’t check to make sure, I kept my gaze straight forward and pretended to be immensely interested in the art lecture. After what felt like an endless hour, the bell finally rang and Mr. Brentol dismissed class with a half hearted wave of his hand. I scooped up my books, quickly tossing them into my back pack, and hurried out the door. 
  As I walked through the overly crowed hallways I kept my head down and tried my best to blend into the walls, trying to avoid a confrontation.  Particularly with Zane or Stephanie, 
    I added silently and felt a frown appear on my lips. When I almost reached the door of my next class I felt a timid tap of the back of my shoulder. I turned around and saw it was Emily.  
  I stifled a sigh as though silently of excuses to get myself alone again.  I’m not in a very friendly chatting mood right now, 
    I thought silently as the petite brunette in front of me shifted uncomfortably.  
  “Yes?” I asked in a cold, harsh tone. She ignored my mean tone as she reached into her bright pink backpack and began digging for something. “Look, I’m really sorry but I have to get to my…” My voice trailed off as I saw the fancy envelope she pulled out of her bag and was now handing to me.  
  “I didn’t steal it!” she insisted as if I had begun to assume that, when in reality, I’d never seen the card in my life. “It fell out of your bag when you walked out of class. Don’t worry, I didn’t peak either,” she added then, after handing me the letter, scurried off down the hall before I could even thank her. 
  I opened the envelope and pulled out an even fancier looking card. The front was decorated in lavender flower designs and had a tie-die orange flower in the center of it, it even smelled of flowers as I opened it up and read: 
  Dear Summer, 
  I’ve left something for you outside your dorm. You’d best check it out before classes end or our classmates may ruin it. 
  I flipped the card over, and then read through it again. “No signature,” I muttered silently under my breath. The fancy, decorative writing sounded very familiar to me, but since the note was typed, I had a hard time guessing who sent it.  Sent it? They snuck it into your backpack, 
    I reminded myself as I dropped the letter back into my bag. Half of me hoped desperately that the note was from Zane but I knew in my heart that this note wasn’t from him. 
  As I walked down the empty halls, my hands got slick for sweat. Every once in awhile a teacher would come out to shut their door, and I was forced to dart around a nearby corner to avoid being caught. Being the star student of my classes, I’d never skipped class before, and it made me a lot more nervous than I thought I would.  Bulk up! 
    I scolded myself silently,  It’s not like your going to graffiti a wall. You’re just skipping class, and you have a good reason too… 
   My thoughts continued like this until I reached the hall where my room was located. My room was at the very end of the hall, and from where I was standing, I could just make out an object sitting in front of my door. 
  I quickened my pace and when I reached my door I gasped. Lying in front of my door was one of the most beautiful flower bouquets I’d ever seen in my entire life. It matched the cards front perfectly. The purple flowers, which I now recognized as Lilacs, smelled lovely and were arranged to perfection. The center flower was really what made me gasp thought. There, in the center of Lilacs, was a single Zantendeschia. It looked absolutely gorgeous, in the sea of purple, its bright orange petals stood out wonderfully. Lying near the bouquet was a card that matched the one I’d received earlier. I picked it up with shaking hands and read. 
  Dear Beautiful Summer, 
  I saw these flowers and simply couldn’t resist. Mind you, I added the center flower, I thought that it made it more…You. If I’m not mistaken it is your favorite flower, so how could I get you a bouquet without it? Anyways, I’ve sent you these as my invitation. I would absolutely honored if you would accompany me to Autumn Ball. I know that it’s coming up rather quick, and it is last minute, so I do understand if you already have a date, but if you don’t I ask you to consider. Thanks again for a lovely evening with an even lovelier girl; I hope to see you again soon. 
  Yours Truly, 
  Kyle 
  I let out a squeal of pure joy as I scooped up the bouquet and cradled it in my arms.  The Autumn Ball, I almost forgot that was coming up, 
    I thought to myself as I read and re-read Kyle’s letter again. My grin stretched wide across my face and I thought to myself how good it felt to smile again. I stood there gripping the bouquet and smiling like an idiot until I heard footsteps from around the corner. My smile disappeared instantly and I bit my tongue to  
  keep from letting out a yelp of surprise. I quickly hurried into my room and placed the bouquet and cards in the back of my closet, where I could retrieve them later. Jumping into bed, I tested out my fake cough as I pulled the covers up to my chin. For an extra effect I pulled my water bottle out of my bag and dripped some water on my face. 
  There was a loud, firm knock on my door just as my head hit the pillow. “It’s open,” I croaked, making my voice sound hoarse and weak. In a matter of seconds my door was flung open and Ms. Kelly was rushing through the entrance, hurriedly shutting the door behind her.  
  “I heard from your teachers that you hadn’t showed up to some of your classes. Everyone was quite worried about you,” Ms. Kelly said as she straitened her blazer. Her tone was meant to sound kind and worried but to me, it came across as cold and accusing. 
  “So how are you feeling?” she asked, her expression tight as she reached up to feel my forehead.  
  “Oh I’m feeling tons better after lying down for awhile. Actually, I can probably head back to my classes,” I replied, slightly flinching as her cold hand pressed against my forehead.  
  “Well, I believe it’s your lunch hour right now. If you’re sure your feeling better than”  
  “It’s lunchtime?” I asked, cutting her off mid sentence out of shock.  Did I really skip that much class?  
   
  “Yes, it is,” she replied, her tone indicating that I was beginning to annoy her. Before I could respond she continued on, “Perhaps you should take the rest of the day off to fully recover,” she said giving me a smile that sent shivers up and down my spine.  
  “Perhaps,” I finally managed to mutter as she continued to stare unblinkingly at me, with her cold, harsh gaze. 
  “Well you just rest and I’ll notify your teachers,” she said in an overly sweet voice. “Oh and Summer,” she said as she turned towards the door. “Please try to make curfew tonight, that is a rule after all,” she finished then, shutting the door firmly behind her, she left me staring open mouthed behind her. Chapter 30 
   
   
  I sat on my bed for a few moments, staring at my closed door. My head was spinning and spots were forming in my vision.  How did she find out about last night? Was she watching me? And why did it seem like she knew I was just skipping?  
   I took a deep breath to calm myself and clear my thoughts. Then, when I was sure no one else was going to enter my room, I crept over to my closet door and scooped my bouquet up into my arms. I cradled it in my arms and inhaled deeply, loving the sweet scent of lavender that filled my nostrils. I sighed, instantly relaxed, as I went back to my bed and sat down. I sat there for a moment, admiring the beauty of the flowers, until it occurred to me that I should give Kyle a call. 
  I pulled out my phone and dialed his number, he answered on the first ring, making me smile. “Oh Hi Summer, did you get my present?” he asked surprising me with the hint of nervousness in his voice.  Does he honestly think I’m going to turn him down? 
    I thought and let out a giggle.  
  “Yep, I thought I’d call you and tell you-"  
  “Tell me? Oh…” I could hear the disappointment in his voice which made me shake with silent laughter.  He really does think I'm turning him down! 
   
  “Oh Kyle I’d love to go with you!” I said and I could hear him laughing along with me.  
  “Wow, that’s a relief,” he replied and the tone of his voice changed from sad, to happy with just one statement. 
  A bell rang in the background and Kyle let out a sigh of annoyance. “You’re in your room right?” he asked and I felt my gut clench with nervousness for a reason unknown.  
  “Yeah, but-”  
  “Don’t go anywhere; I’ll be up in a second. Just got to get past the wardens,” he said then hung up before I could protest.  
  I began to chew anxiously on my fingernails as I waited for him to arrive, though it was only about five minutes before I heard a soft knock on my door. I hustled over and flung it open to see Kyle with a smile lighting up his face.  What’s he staring at? 
    I wondered looking down then, seeing what he was staring at, I returned the smile.  
  “So I’m taking that as you like them?” Kyle asked, motioning towards the bouquet that I was still cradling in my arms.  
  My smile widened and I motioned for him to come in as I answered, “Like them? I love them, Kyle! Where did you get them?” He stepped through my doorway and I shut the door behind him, feeling my stomach churn as the good girl inside of me remembered the no-guys-in-the-bedroom rule. 
  “The Lilacs are from my mothers garden,” he said, shifting uncomfortably as I cast him a look.  
  “I think you know what I was talking about. Where on Earth did you get a Zantendeschia?” I asked, knowing that almost every store refuses to sell them. 
  Kyle smiled shyly at me and brushed his hair out of his eyes while I waited patiently for him to answer. “Well…I knew you they’re you favorite and…It’s not like the gardeners are going to notice…They hardly even water the place anymore…”he said, his voice drifting in and out as he tried to answer me.  
  “You stole it!?” I asked, feeling suddenly very guilty to be holding the flowers and set them down onto my chair.  
  “No! I left money in the gardeners shed, though I doubt they’ll ever find it,” he said and we both burst into laughter. 
  “So why aren’t you in class?” I asked scooping up my flowers again and plopping down onto my bed. Kyle shook his head so his hair fell into his face as he sat down next to me.  
  “Not everyone thinks that skipping class is equivalent to robbing a bank Summer, some people do it regularly.” he replied giving me a smirk that quickly disappeared when he saw my expression.  
  “Well, if you’re going to be a jerk than you can just leave,” I said motioning towards the door with my free hand.  
  Kyle’s jaw dropped, “Look Summer, I’m sorry…I was just joking around, but it wasn’t funny and-”  
  “Would you shut-up!” I said, playfully punching him in the arm, “I’m totally kidding with you. I can take a little sarcasm, I’m a big girl.” Kyle’s look of sorrow turned to amusement. 
   “That’s it, you asked for it!” he said leaping towards me and tickling my stomach till tears were running down my face. 
   “No! Stop it! AH!” I screamed as we both collapsed in fits of laughter. 
  “I came up here to keep you company, to answer your question,” he said playing with the ends of my hair which made me shiver out of pure joy.  
  “Well, thank-you. You mean a lot to me,”  Crap! Did I really just say ‘you’? No, I couldn’t have! I meant to say ‘it’... or did I? 
    I looked up at Kyle to see him smiling.  
  “You mean a lot to me too,” he said and time seemed to slow down as he leaned towards me. It felt like Earth stopped turning and everything was moving in slow motion. 
   I leaned towards him and closed my eyes slowly, not wanting to lose sight of his beautiful face. When our lips met it was like fireworks exploded. It wasn’t like kissing Zane, but it was still wonderful and sweet in its own way. His soft lips continued to brush up against mine and he tangled his fingers through my light blonde hair as I scooted closer towards him. There was a burning passion between us that seemed to strength more and more as our lips met again and again. I felt his soft, warm hand on the small of my back and I smiled as his lips met mine once more before he pulled away. 
  “I love you Kyle,” I said and even I was surprised to hear the words come out of my mouth, I’d never told a guy I loved him before.  
  “I love you too beautiful,” Kyle said as he pulled me onto his lap and wrapped his arms around me. I sighed,  If heaven is anything like this, I’m ready to die now, 
    I thought blissfully as Kyle kissed my forehead and I leaned my head back onto his shoulder. “I’m glad you said yes,” he said, stroking my hair after a few moments of silence.  
  “I’m glad you asked,” I replied smiling up at him. 
   “You really should put those in a vase, they’ll last longer that way,” he said motioning to the bouquet that was lying at the end of my bed, I’d tossed it there when we’d started to kiss and now my cheeks flushed bright pink as I remembered this. 
   I reluctantly got up from his embrace and crawled over to where my flowers where lying, smiling at the beauty of them. “They really are gorgeous,” I said and was startled to feel Kyle place his hands on my waist from behind me. 
   “They had to be, beautiful flowers for an even more beautiful girl.” I blushed even deeper, like always do when he compliments me, and leaned forward in an attempt to hide my face behind my hair. Kyle reached forward and tucked the few shielding pieces of hair behind my ear then shot me a smile, “Sorry, but it’s too pretty of a face to hide it.” I grinned at him and let out a giggle.  
  “Can I ask you something?” I asked and he turned to face me, suddenly serious. 
   “Anything.” He confirmed. 
   “Why me? Why do you like me, instead of Stephanie or Terri?” I asked and he let out a snort.  
  “Well, to start, Terri Levi and Stephanie Marlow aren’t anything compared to you. Second, I think we’ve already determined that I don’t ‘like’ you, I ‘love’ you. Third, how could a guy not love you Summer? You’re amazingly beautiful, smart, creative, edgy, feisty, you like to go on adventures,  and 
    you’re one of the kindest girls I’ve ever met.” He finished and catching my shocked expression he laughed and pulled me towards him again.  
  “No wait.” I said putting my hand against his chest to restrain him.  
  “What?” he asked with a hint of a smile as he reached up and intertwined his fingers with mine.  
  “Do really think that highly of me?” I asked feeling rather flattered.  The only person who’s ever talked to me like that is…  
   I felt my heart clench as I thought of him.  How did he manage to sneak his way into my thoughts? Why can’t being with Kyle be enough for me? But It is!  
   I insisted silently as his soft fingertips caressed my high cheek bones.  
  “Well, I would stay, but Ms. Kelly has a habit of checking up on those who skip, and I’d like to avoid detention,” he said getting up off of my bed. Hearing Ms. Kelly’s name brought back her chilling image and the memories of our last conversation, making me shiver.  
  “You okay?” Kyle called over his shoulder as he headed for my door.  
  “Yeah, just a little cold,” I assured him feeling a pang of guilt in my stomach as I lied to him.  
  “Well, see you later Summer. Love you!” he said shooting me an extra white smile as he opened my door and stepped out.  
  “Love you too,” I whispered as my door swung shut.  But do I really ‘love’ Kyle? Yes, I finally decided, Yes I do and right now, he’s the only one I love.  
   I laid back down on my bed and continued to repeat that to myself hoping that if I said it enough, it might make it more true. Chapter 31 
   
   
  A few hours later, I heard the last school bell ring and let out a sigh of relief, no more visits from Ms. Kelly. I stared at the bouquet sitting on my widow sill and let out a sigh.  Life should feel great right now. So why doesn’t it? 
    I wasn’t sure how to answer that thought, so I decided to ignore it.  
  The clicking of my door getting unlocked made me jump and crouch into a defensive stance. Sierra smiled and gave a small wave, “It’s just me.” I breathed a sigh of relief and returned to sitting on my bed. “Oh! What a pretty bouquet! It couldn’t be from  Zane 
   , could it?” she asked, pulling herself up to my bunk, and plopping down next to me. The way she said Zane’s name suggested she knew something I didn’t and it made my stomach flip from nervousness. 
  “No, it’s not from Zane. Why would you think that?” I asked anxiously picking at my cuticles.  
  “Oh no reason,” she said giving me a wink and playing with her short, choppy hair.  
  “Spill,” I said, shooting her a glare. 
   Her smile dropped, “Oh, you really didn’t see it…” she said then got up and motioned for me to follow her.  
  We walked through our doorway and came to a halt right outside our door, where a note hung. A fancy Z was inscribed on the front, letting passing viewers know exactly who it was from.  I shifted uncomfortably.  Was that on the door this whole time? Did Kyle see it? Did he read it? 
    I shook my head to clear it then snatched the note off of the door. Why couldn’t it have a K on in? It would make this so much easier! 
    I cursed under my breath as I opened the letter so only I could read it. 
  Dear Summer, 
  We need talk, no I need to apologize, and I’m not doing it through a letter or a text. Please meet me in front of the school at 5:00 tonight. 
  -Zane 
  I folded up the letter and put it my pants pocket with a defeated sigh.  Was it really only a year ago that I had absolutely no life whatsoever? And now… I have 2 boyfriends! 
    I shook my head at that last thought,  actually I have 1 boyfriend, and his name is Kyle. 
    I gave a quick reassuring nod to Sierra as her eyebrows shot up her forehead.  
  “Wanna talk?” she asked a concerned look crossing her face.  
  “I’d love to, but I can’t. If have to meet someone,” I replied glancing at my watch. I had five minutes till I was supposed to meet with Zane. I took a deep, steadying breath and started to shuffle my way down the hall. 
  By the time I made it outside I was 3 minutes late. I walked out door and towards the buff figure that had his back to me. As I approached he heard the slight crunching of twigs and turned around to face me. My breath got caught in my throat, I’d forgotten how handsome he was. He held out his hand to me and I took it. His skin felt warm and soft to touch, I missed it greatly. He led me over to the school’s outdoor fountain and we sat down on the side of it. Once we were seated, he dropped my hand and I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. 
  “They say that fountains reform hearts and-”  
  “Rekindle new love,” I finished for him. He smiled at me and I sat on my hands to refrain from throwing them around him at the sight of his adorable dimples.  
  “Look, Summer I-”  
  “You don’t have to apologize.” I said turning away from him. He placed a hand on my leg and used his other to turn my face towards his.  
  “Yes, I do. I know I was jerk, I know I shouldn’t have lied to you, and most of all I know that I hurt you badly. The worst part is that those were all the things I wanted to avoid,” he said whispering the last part more to himself than to me. 
  “Hey, look at me,” I said and instantly his bright blue eyes rose to mine.  
  “We all make mistakes, and if we’re gonna be honest with each other, I miss you.” I paused, choking back a sob then added, “I need you.”  
  “Oh Summer,” Zane said wrapping me in his warm embrace that I missed so much and pulling me close. “Oh Summer I’m so sorry,” he whispered in my ear, “I’m so, so sorry.” He said it over and over while I sat crying into the shoulder of his t-shirt. I let the tears slide down my face and into the fountains glistening waters.  
  “Just p-promise me one t-thing,” I said through choked sobs.  
  “Anything your heart desires,” he said and I sobbed even harder at the resemblance of his and Kyle’s responses.  
  “Don’t ever lie to m-me again, it j-just hurts t-too m-much,” I said and I felt him slide his fingers under my chin.  
  “Summer Charard, I promise, with all of my life, that I will never, ever lie to you again,” he said then, he kissed me. He kissed me with passion, with desire, and pure un-dying love. His kiss wiped my mind blank. No one else existed but him. No Stephanie, no Sierra, no Lance, and no Kyle.  No Kyle…. Kyle! 
    I jerked away from Zane, losing my balance and falling feet first into the fountains icy water. 
  When my head broke through the surface of the cold water, my thoughts came back. They flooded into my mind like the rushing water surrounding my body.  What did I just do! 
   
   
   
    I thought as two strong hands pulled me up and out of the freezing ice water.  
  “Summer? Summer, are you okay?” Zane asked taking off his jacket and putting it on my shoulders.  
  “What the Hell is going on here?” A voice from behind me asked, causing me to spin around and come face to face with Kyle.  
  “Nothing, Kyle. Absolutely nothing.” I ignored the hurt look on Zane’s face as I threw my arms around Kyle’s neck and gave him a kiss on the cheek.  
  “Are you okay, honey?” he asked stroking my cheek.  
  “I’m fine.”  
  “Summer, can we please just talk about this?” Zane asked reaching out and grabbing my arm.  
  “Get your hands off of her!” Kyle shouted lightly pushing me behind himself and shoving Zane backwards.  
  “I said I was fine, Kyle. There’s no need to get angry,” I said meekly.  
  Kyle’s eyes didn’t even blink as he answered me, “No, you’re not fine. This jerk’s made you cry again and this time is the last time he’s gonna do that to you. I’m gonna make sure of it,” Kyle said shoving Zane back another few steps. 
  “She doesn’t need a lame loser like you in her life anymore,” Kyle said pushing Zane yet another few feet back until his calves were touching the marble rim of the fountain. “Don’t you get it? She doesn’t like you anymore!” Kyle said and I gasped out loud as Zane’s fist made contact with Kyle’s jaw.  
  Kyle clutched his jaw and kick Zane in the knee. Zane fell, clutching his knee, and used his elbow to hit Kyle in the back of the head.  
  “Stop it! Please! Stop! Both of you!” I shrieked, pushing them away from each other with all of the strength I had in me. Neither of them budged but with me in such close proximity, they didn’t dare throw any more punches. 
  “You just stay away from her!” Kyle spit as he got up from the ground and pulled me closer to him. “Let’s go Summer.” He pulled me with him as he marched towards the school. I looked back over my shoulder and caught Zane’s glance. His normally bright blue eyes, were dim and sad, his perfect lips pouted in a look of defeat.  
  “Please, don’t leave,” He whispered so only I could hear.  I’m sorry 
   , I whispered, and his defeat lessened, he’d read my lips perfectly. Kyle opened the door and dragged me inside but before I was in I threw my head back, looking directly at Zane and mouthed,  I love you 
   . Then, as Kyle slammed the door, I forgot about Zane, about the kiss, and about my last words. I left it all outside, and linked my arm through my boyfriends as we started off down the hall together. Chapter 32 
   
   
  We made it halfway down the hallway before Kyle pulled me aside and pushed me back, against the wall. My mind flashed back the memory of Zane, he’d done the exact same thing right after our first date.  No! No more comparing Kyle to Zane! Kyle is your boyfriend and Zane is a friend.  
   I silently reprimanded myself as Kyle’s lips turned up in a smile.  
  “You’re doing it again,” he said brushing my wet hair out of my face.  
  “Doing what?” I asked.  Comparing you to Zane? 
    I thought nervously,  How does he know I do that? 
   
   “You’re thinking real hard about something. I can tell, and I think I know what it is,” he said and I shifter uncomfortably, letting my body press up against the hard stone of the wall.  
  “You do?” He smiled at me, making my stomach churn with guilt.  
  “Of course I do. You feel guilty about kissing Zane, but no worries Summer. I think I know how you can make it up to me,” he said and I gave him a confused look. 
  “How?” I asked and his smile widened.  
  “By saying yes.”  
  I sighed, beginning to feel annoyed with him, “But I already did say yes!” I protested as he finally released his strong hold on my arms.  
  “I’m not talking about the dance Summer,” he replied, ignoring my look of annoyance as I took a step away from the wall and wrung my hair out.  
  “Then what are you talking about Kyle?” I asked with a sigh, I was really getting tired of all of these games.  
  “I would like you to meet my parents,” he answered and I felt my breath catch in my throat.  
  “Y-your parents? As in your family? When?” I asked turning to face him. He reached up and took hold of my hands, intertwining his fingers with mine before he answered me.  
  “Well, my parents are my family, I have no siblings, and yes they said that they would be delighted if you would come have dinner with us. We were thinking on this tomorrow.” He finished and I felt my jaw drop.  
  “Tomorrow? They want to meet me? What happens if they don’t like me? What happens if-”  
  “Oh Summer, relax!” he said giving me a quick peck on my forehead. “They’re going to love you just as much as I do. In fact, I’ve already got us permission from the office to leave campus, so now all that’s standing in the way is your answer,” he finished his statement by giving me a sly smile that made me let out a nervous giggle.  
  “Of course I’ll meet them!” I said giggling as Kyle picked me up and spun me around.  
  We both laughed as he tripped over the uneven floor and we were both sent tumbling onto the ground. Sprawled out on the soft, carpeted entrance hall we must have looked incredibly foolish, but at that moment, I didn’t care. Kyle got up and brushed his pants off then offered me his hand. I took it graciously and laughed joyfully as he pulled me up off the floor and into his warm, loving embrace.  
  “I’m glad you said yes…again,” Kyle whispered as I clung tighter to him.  
  “I’m glad you asked…again,” I replied and gave his lips a soft kiss before untangling myself from him.  
  “I should head back to my room before Sierra gets worried, I kind of left her in a hurry,” I said and gave Kyle one last hug before we set off in separate directions.  
  I made if halfway to my dorm before I registered the fact that I was still wearing Zane’s jacket. I sighed,  maybe I can give to Lance, and the he can deliver it for me. 
    I thought glumly as I again regretted whispering ‘I love you’ to Zane.  I shouldn’t have done that. All that did was make things more complicated. 
    I gave my forehead a light slap as I replayed the evenings highlights in my mind. Zane kissing me, me falling, them fighting, me mouthing words, and Kyle’s invite. It’d all happened so fast that most of it was a blur.  
  Click! I heard a loud stomp from somewhere near by, ignoring it, I kept on walking. Click!  There it is again! 
    I thought as I looked around for the person behind the noise, but found nothing and kept walking.  
  “Oh for the love of Christ would you turn around!” called an annoyed voice from behind me. I whipped around, not sure how I’d missed whoever it was and then I saw her. Stephanie stood by the wall, her expression tired and sad. She was wearing her pink, lace and silk pajamas and her hair was slicked back into a high pony. My eyebrows shot up at the sight of her.  
  “Sleep walking are we?” I checked my watch, “It isn’t even 8:00 yet, why are you in your pajamas?”  
  As normal, she plastered on a superior glare and stood up straighter before she answered me, “I just got finished with my massage and thought I’d relax!” she said pointedly and I let out a sigh.  
  “So I only have 2 questions,” I said giving her a sarcastic glance, “1.) Which boy did you con into giving you a massage now? And 2.) What are you doing in the hallway?” She twirled the end of her pony tail nervously before answering.  
  “Would you just forgive and forget already?” she yelled, surprising me. “I mean, come on! I’m sorry that Zane lied, and go ahead and stay mad at him, but don’t drag me into this! I’m  not 
    the one who lied to you!” she insisted stomping over to look me in the eyes. “You know I don’t apologize a lot…” she said her voice trailing off as she looked down at her feet. I crossed my arms and waited for her to continue. 
  “Look, do I really have to say it?” she said and I shot her a glance.  
  “Say what? You’re sorry?” I asked innocently and she gave me a disgusted glance.  
  “Of course not! I have nothing to apologize for!”  
  “Nothing to apologize for? You have absolutely-”  
  “Don’t you get it!” she yelled, cutting me off mid sentence. “I have  no one 
   ! I don’t have caring parents, I don’t have a brother cares if I even exists, I don’t have any relationship, yet alone a good one. Most of all, I don’t have any friends! I’m sorry! Okay? I’m sorry!” she yelled in fury and without a second glance she ran to the end of the hall, flung her door open, and slammed it shut behind her. I stood there for a moment,  did that really just happen?  
   I asked myself as I forced my feet to walk forward.  Who would guess that Stephanie actually has a heart? 
    I thought as I stumbled my way back to my room. 
   When I got to my dorm room I flung open the door, then after shutting it behind me, I dragged myself onto my bed and pulled the covers up to my chin. I had no intentions of actually sleeping, but it felt good to just lie there and do nothing. After only a few minutes of nothing I heard my phone vibrate from my computer desk and turned over to look at it, contemplating whether I should get up to answer it. Sierra rounded the corner from our bathroom and glanced over at my phone.  
  “You want me to get that?” she asked as she ran a comb through her short, choppy brown hair.  
  “Yeah, thanks,” I replied as she scooped my phone up and tossed it to me. 
   “Hello?” I said hearing how tired my voice sounded and heard a rustling on the other line.  
  “Hi sweetheart,” My fathers low baritone voice rang through the receiver.  
  “Oh hi daddy!” I said instantly glad to hear from my family. “What’s up?” I asked casually and heard him clear his throat, something he only does when he’s nervous. “Is everything alright, dad?” I asked willing him with all of my might to assure me that everything was fine.  
  “Uh, no honey, I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news for you,” he said and I heard the sadness emitting from his voice.  
  “Daddy? What’s wrong, Daddy?” I asked, sounding like the small child my father could always bring out in me.  
  “Your mother and I have done a lot of thinking about this…and we want you to understand that this has nothing to do with you…Honey, your mother and I are splitting up.” He finished and his words made the tears spring back up in my eyes. 
  “What! But you and mommy are happy together! You’ve always been happy together!” I cried as my father tried to console me.  
  “I know, I know, and I’m sorry that you have to hear it like this, but we just aren’t happy anymore.” The way he said it made me stop sobbing and sit up straighter.  
  “This wasn’t a mutual decision, was it? This is mom’s choice! She’s the one who’s ‘not happy’ anymore!” I said and I heard my father let out a defeated sigh.  
  “Yes, your mother is the one who brought about this but you’re not to blame her. Things like this happen, and honey, can you really blame her? We hardly see each other anymore, with my constant working and her travels; it’s obvious to see that we’ve drifted.”  
  My sadness turned to anger. “How could she does this to us?!” I screamed as unwelcome tears slid down my face.  
  “Summer listen I-”  
  “I gotta go,” I said then hung and threw my phone a the floor. It bounced one then lay still on the carpet. 
   I looked up from my bed and saw Sierra’s concerned look. She walked over and cautiously picked up my phone, as if she were afraid I would throw something again. 
  After she had it in her hand, she set it back down onto my desk then pulled herself up to sit with me on my bed.  
  “If you wanna talk-”  
  “Yes, I need to talk,” I replied and without waiting for a response I started into what happened after I’d left her and for the first time since I had my first dream, I didn’t lie. I told her everything, leaving nothing out, and for the first time in a very long time, I felt like I had a friend. Chapter 33 
     
  After I finished re-telling my complicated evening to Sierra she let out a tired sigh.  “I can’t believe you go together with Kyle and didn’t tell me!” she said in mock shock, putting a hand to her chest and giving me a fake-out raged look. 
   I smiled, “Is that really the most shocking part of that whole story?”  
  “Well…no I guess not,” she said and reached forward to give my arm a quick pinch.  
  “Ouch! What was that for?” I asked rubbing my now red arm.  
  “Sorry, just making sure you knew how much this is like a dream!” she said and let out a giggle. “How many girls can say they have two hot boyfriends?” I let out an involuntary flinch at the dream comment and shot her a look on the boyfriend part. 
  “Didn’t you listen to anything I said? I only have one boyfriend, and his name is Kyle,” I insisted, motioning to the bouquet for an extra effect. 
   She smiled at me and gave my knee a squeeze before answering, “Oh you know I listened, but you did tell him you loved him, and you said the kiss was-”  
  “I know!” I snapped at her, I didn’t want to hear about what I thought the kiss was like, replaying it in my head was making me feel guilty enough on its own.  
  “Okay, okay, I’m sorry. It’s just, you never really explained why you and Zane broke up, you were so happy before and I just want you to be happy again,” she said and for her benefit I made my lips stop grimacing and pull themselves into a smile. “I’m sorry about your parents,” she said, giving me pitying look.  
  “Don’t be. They’re not splitting up, it’s just a misunderstanding, I’ll call my mom in the morning and get everything straightened out,” I said sounding defiant.  
  “Are you sure?” she asked sounding unconvinced and concerned.  
  “Yes, I’m positive.” I replied pretending to pick at a hangnail. 
   “So…Are you excited to meet Kyle’s parents?” she asked, returning to a safe topic.  
  I lifted my eyes to meet hers, “I’m terrified.” She let out a giggle then asked, “Why? They can’t be that bad!” she insisted and this time, I joined in with her laughter.  
  “I’m not worried about how they’ll be bad, I’m worried they won’t like me!”I said and she gave my arm a light slap.  
  “Oh come on Summer, we both know they’ll love you. Who doesn’t?” she said then got up off of my bed and began rummaging through my closet. “So what are you wearing?” she asked pulling out a knit sweater dress my grandmother got me last year and showcased it with her hand.  
  I shook my head and let out a giggle before I answered, “I have no idea, but I figured I’d find that out tomorrow.”  
  “Oh okay,” she said quietly putting the dress back and sitting back down next to me again. “Hey, you know I’m here to talk if you need it, right?” she asked turning towards me and giving me sad look. 
  “Yeah, of I course I do! Why?” I asked and looking into her innocent, trusting eyes I felt my stomach flip with guilt.  Why don’t you just tell her about the dreams? 
    I asked myself silently but I kept my lips sealed shut.  
  “It’s just…Sometimes, when we talk, it seems like there’s something that’s always bugging you. I’m not trying to push or anything, but sometimes it makes you feel better just to have someone else know,” she said then looking up at me with her big, innocent blue eyes, I saw she was crying. 
   “Oh Sierra! Of course I know I can tell you anything! I’ve shared everything with, no worries!” I pulled her close and giant bear hug in what looked like an act of support, but really, I was just hiding the guilty look on my face.  
  “Just as long as you know I’m here for you…” she said, sniffling and wiping her nose with a Kleenex.  
  “Yes, of course I know that and if anything else happens, you’re the first person I’ll go to,” I assured her as I stuffed more tissues into her small, shaking hands.  
  “Oh thanks Summer! You’re the best! I’m sorry it’s just, with your parents splitting up, it reminds me of m-my p-parents…M-my d-dad.” She finished letting out a sob and I gave her another supportive hug.  
  “What happened to your dad?” I asked tentatively once she calmed down some, not wanting to send her into hysterics again.  
  “He was killed, in a shooting,” she began, sounding relatively calm to be talking about her father’s death. “It was just a mere 2 months before school started. I remember that day perfectly, every minute of it. I was playing with little brother, Jackson, when the police car pulled up. I remember watching from our backyard, seeing my mother come out and talk to them, then seeing her double over, crying.  
  I remember how she just kept crying and how Jackson kept pulling on the bottom of my dress and asking what was wrong. We lived in a bad neighborhood, my mother still does. Shortly after my father was shot in the drive-by, Jackson was sent to live with my grandmother, and I was sent here. Jackson’s only 6 years old…He’s so young, but so, so strong. None of my family thinks he understands what happened, but he does. He just hides it better than I do,” she said and then everything clicked into place in my mind. 
  “So that’s why you were so upset about not being able to contact your mom!” I said, remembering the time when we’d stayed up late as she confided in me that she hadn’t talked to her mother, and desperately wanted to.  
  “Yes,” Sierra replied, nodding her head solemnly, “I always like to check in with her, to make sure she’s still there…still alive.” I let out a sigh and mimicked her by slapping her lightly on her forearm.  
  “Why do we always talk about me? It sounds like you have a lot to talk about too!” I said and she looked up at me with a dry humored look.  
  “I’ve done too much talking, enough to last me a lifetime.” 
  “Oh?” I asked questioningly, Sierra didn’t strike me as the talker type.  
  “After his funeral, my mother forced me to see a grief counselor. I got my fair share of pity from her, and yet I still consider it one of the worst experiences of my life,” she replied brushing her fingers through her brown hair.  
  “Worst? Why, was she mean?” I asked and Sierra quickly shook her head.  
  “Oh, no she was lovely. But every time I went to see her, it was like I relived that day. It was torturous for me to go through week after week. You don’t know how glad I was when I finally got shipped off to here,” Sierra replied and I gave her small hand a squeeze. “Well, don’t let me get you all depressed before bed, or you might have nightmares,” she said giving me a wink as if I found that funny and not terrifying. 
  “Nightmares?” I asked in a weak voice and she looked at me like I’d said something crazy.  
  “Yeah, about shootings…I always have them…” she said and I put aside my suspicions and fears and gave her a smile.  
  “Just count sheep, it helps bring better dreams, or at least it does for me,” I replied then added silently in my head, or it used to help ward off bad dreams, not anymore though. Sierra gave me a smile and jumped down off of my bed.  
  “I’ve never heard of that one, I guess I’ll have to try it,” she called over her shoulder as changed out of her jeans and t-shirt and threw on her cotton cloud pajamas. Climbing into bed and pulling the covers up to her chin, she gave me a meek smile and laid her head back onto the pillow. 
  I sighed and laid back too, hoping that counting sheep may work again someday until I heard Sierras soft voice whisper, “And Summer?” I blinked, my eyes adjusting to the dark room rather quickly then asked, “Huh?”  
  “Thanks for talking to me tonight,” she replied and I felt like an absolute coward.  Why couldn’t I just tell her the truth? She’s told me everything, and all I’ve done is lie. 
    I pushed the annoying voices farther back into my mind and whispered back, “Any time.” Before I closed my eyes and began counting sheep, hoping with all my heart that it would work. Chapter 34 
     I felt myself falling through space. Everything around me was pitch black and I could see nothing. As I fell my heart began to race, and my pulse quicken. What will happen when I hit the bottom? I asked myself as I continued to fall. I wasn’t sure what would happen, but I didn’t want to find out. I pictured my mother at her best.  
  Her blonde hair flowing to her thin waist, his facial features fixed in laughter and my father’s arm around her shoulder. It was a picture she kept on her bedside table whenever and wherever she traveled, taken from her teenage years. My mother’s flawless face was turned towards my fathers, their noses touching in a sign of affection. I could picture it perfectly. 
  Just seconds later, I landed gently on the floor of an old town house. My mother sleeping form lay in the bed next to me. “Thank god that worked,” I muttered as I paced around the room. “How could she does this to my father and I? How could she?!” I asked the skies, my voice rising. My mother’s sleeping body rolled over, then back again.  
  “Oh, that’s right, she can hear me,” I whispered to myself as I walked over to the dresser next to her bed. “Maybe I can find a few clues in here,” I said quietly. My eyes scanned the stray pieces of paper for any words like, ‘divorce’ or ‘fighting’ or even ‘angry’ but found nothing. Sighing, I opened the drawer slowly, trying to make the least amount of noise possible. 
  Once opened, the drawer proved to be very useful. Tons of important looking papers covered the bottom of it. I reached in and scooped them up. Carefully, I held up the first paper, which resembled a diary entry and read it: 
     
  Received Update today, She has had another one. I’ve reported this, and they assure me she is far off from danger, but I’m not so sure. The boy has promised to protect her, though I doubt he knows who he was promising too. Vincent called again today. Oh how I hate lying to him, but I must not get him involved in this. How long will he put up with my vagueness? Much longer, I can only hope… I put the paper down and stared at my mother in shock. What was she lying to dad about? I thought silently as I held up the next sheet, it too looked like a diary entry. 
   
  Vincent has finally caught on, not to my work of course, but to my lies. Though it broke my heart in two, I suggested a divorce. He deserves better than this. Better than me. I wish it didn’t have to be this way, but I think this is the easiest route for everyone. I hope he will understand with time, and I hope Summer will also. My dear Summer, oh how I miss her! I just wish I could spend one night with her laying in my arms, like she did when she was a child. At least that way I would stop worrying about her. I’m always worrying…All I do is worry…  The ink trailed off and again and I felt a tear slide down my cheek. I miss you too mom! I said all feelings of the divorce forgotten. “Why did you lie to Daddy?” I asked her sleeping form. “Why?” I whispered again to myself. If you still love him, why lie? I didn’t understand my mother’s choices and hope the last paper would explain more. I held it up; it was different from the other, in a to-do list form. 
   
  1.)    Mail divorce papers to Vincent 
  2.)    Call Summer, apologize 
  3.)    Call for update I looked at the page for a few seconds longer. Apologize? For the divorce, or something else? I thought silently as I quietly stuffed the papers back into the drawer. Shutting it softly, I admired how relaxed my mother looked while she slept. It was an expression of hers that I’d never seen. Her lips were curved up in a slight smile and her hands reached out for a form that wasn’t there.  
  “Vincent?’ she said it so soft that I almost thought I’d imagined it until she whispered it again, “Vincent? Where are you? Why have you left me?” A lone tear rolled down her cheek and landed onto her pillow. “Oh Mom, just call it off,” I whispered then an idea struck me. I opened the drawer and found the to-do list again. Picking up a pencil, I made my edits then laid back down. It now read: 
     
  1.)    Make up with Vincent 
  2.)    Call Summer, Catch up 
  3.)    Call for an update I let out a sigh as I stared at my handy work and gave a smile. I wonder what mom will think about when she finds this. My mom rolled over and again then, ever so slowly, she began to wake up. Seeing her beginning to sit up and rub her eyes, I let out a soft “Eek!” and quickly pictured my old houses garden again.  
  After a few seconds of waiting I disappeared then reappeared in my small, pathetic garden. I smiled, breathing in the scent of the flowers and went to lie down at my usual spot. As I walked out to the old wooden bench I saw a note was lying on top of it. Sighing out of exhaustion, I reached down and picked it up. 
     
  A poem for Summer, 
  You cannot run forever, 
  Think you can hide from me? 
  How un-clever! 
  Think I can’t see? 
  You’re dumb as ever. 
  It’s been awhile since I said hi, 
  So tell me Summer, are you ready to die?  I dropped the note with a gasp. Who wrote that? I thought to myself as I looked around the garden. Was it ‘the man’? I asked, hoping that thinking of him wouldn’t summon his presence. I sighed; I’ll just think about it in the morning, I thought glumly as I lay down on the rotting wooden bench. Soon after my head hit the rotting wood, the garden faded from around me and my dream world slipped away, leaving me falling once more, into a world of darkness. 
   
   
   
   
   Chapter 35 
   
   
  I woke up soaked in sweat, my light blonde hair wet, and clinging to my damp forehead. I kept taking trying to take deep breaths, which instead came out in short gasps, to fill my lungs and slow my racing heart. Black spots kept filling my vision whenever I tried to open my eyes and the seemed to be spinning around me.  I’m having a panic attack, 
    stating this fact to myself actually seemed to calm me down.  
  At last, I could breathe evenly again. I used my blankets to wipe most of the sweat from my face, then got down off my bunk and walked over to my mirror.  All of this trouble over a silly note? 
    I tried to play it off as nothing, but in reality just thinking about that poem made the hairs on my back stand on end. 
  I tore myself away from my pale, shaken reflection and walked over to my desk to check my clock.  Well, at least I woke up on time, 
    I thought to myself,  that gives me a whole hour to get ready! 
    Instantly in a brighter mood, I snatched up my clothes and towel then saw Sierra’s sleeping form still lying in her bed. I tiptoed over to the side of her bed and gave her shoulder a light shake.  
  “Huh?” she asked drowsily, sitting up slowly and running a hand through her short, choppy brown hair.  
  “Time for school,” I replied then ran off to our bathroom to shower.  
  I took longer than usual for my shower, letting the steam and heat relax my overly tense muscles. As the warm water droplets ran down my back and into the drain, I let the memories of last night’s dream go with it.  I ran my hands through my sopping, wet hair and ran a washcloth over my face. A loud bang of the bathroom door pulled me out of my soapy relaxation. I rinsed off, and then stuck my head out around the shower curtain.  
  “Yes?” I asked smothering my voice with fake annoyance.  
  “Hurry up!” Sierra shouted in a mock angry voice, and I heard her let out a loud giggle. “You’re wasting all the hot water!” she called and I rolled my eyes.  
  “Oh relax; I’m getting out as we speak!” I yelled back as I shut off the running water and stepped out onto the cool, tile floor. 
  I plucked my towel up, off of the bathroom counter, and wrapped it around my body. Then, after wringing out my hair, I snatched up that hair dryer and a spare brush, and opened up the door. “Bathroom’s all yours,” I replied and Sierra gave me a smile. 
   “Thanks S.” I gave her a nod before she shut the door, then walked over and began blowing my hair dry in our tiny, one person mirror. 
  30 minutes later, my light blonde hair was perfectly smooth and flowing nicely over my small shoulders. I was dressed in mini skirt and a tank top and wore converse as my shoes. Sierra picked up her back pack off of her bed and gave me a casual wave over her shoulder as she headed for the door. “We’d better head out, or we might be late.” I gave her a nod and after picking up my own backpack, followed her out, into the hall. 
  After that, my school seemed to fly by, and before I knew it, I was standing in the lunch line waiting for my food. The cafeteria lady dumped something unrecognizable onto my plate and urged me forward. Sighing, I picked up my tray and threw it into the nearest trash bin, grabbing a bag of chips instead. With my chips and vitamin water in hand, I walked over and plopped down next to Kyle. Today, he was joined by Sierra and Brady, a guy who Sierra met in her tech class and has had a huge crush on since she first saw him. 
  “Oh, hey honey,” Kyle said getting up  and pulling my chair out for me.  
  “Aw, you didn’t have to do that,” I said and blushed as I took my seat.  
  “So are you excited for tonight?” Kyle asked reaching under the table and giving my thigh a squeeze.  
  I jumped and let out a nervous giggle, “Yeah, of course.” Eager to get off the topic, I turned towards Sierra and gave her an encouraging smile. “So how was tech?” She looked up from her food and gave me a shrug. 
   “Same as usual.” I bit my lip and turned towards Brady.  
  “So, I heard you’re on yearbook committee this year. Is it fun?” He looked up at me through his mess of black hair, a sarcastic smiling playing on his lips.  
  “I quit two years ago,” he replied and I let out a frustrated sigh.  
  “Looks like I have some catching up to do,” I joked, trying to cover up my sigh.  
  It must not have worked because Kyle turned and faced me, “Everything okay babe?” I smiled and gave him quick nod. 
  He stared at me for a while longer then averted his eyes back to his food. Across the cafeteria, I saw Stephanie enter, and I slowly go up to go talk to her.  
  “Honey, where are you going?” Kyle asked giving me a confused look. Sierra and Brady too looked up me questioningly.  
  I gave them all a weak smile and said, “Oh, just have some un-finished business to attend to.” I speed walked over to Stephanie in order to catch up to her. When she saw me, she whispered something in Lance’s ear then rose to greet me. 
  “What the hell do you want?”  Wait, did I just hear that wrong? 
    I thought to myself questioningly.  Was she not the girl who was crying last night about having no on?  
   Stephanie gave me an irritated glare.  
  “I came over to ask if you wanted to come sit with us,” I replied giving her a smile. She shot daggers at me with her eyes.  
  “I’d rather get shot in the head multiple times then get caught dead sitting with you losers,” she replied and I could tell her icy exterior was up harder than ever today. 
  “Is that why you’re acting so strange? Because you have multiple head injuries?” I asked looking up at her with innocent eyes.  
  “Strange?” she asked her jaw clenched tightly.  
  “Well, I guess it’s normal behavior for someone who has no one,” I continued and I watched her jaw drop.  
  “I’d love to challenge you a battle at wits, but it doesn’t feel right attacking someone who’s unarmed,” she replied her bright  blues eyes giving me a cold, hard stare.  
  “Why are you always so sarcastic?” I asked giving her a look of question.  
  “It’s my body’s natural defense against stupidity,” she replied and I let out a giggle.  
  “Okay, I definitely didn’t see that one coming.” She remained stone face, and unmoving. “Oh, come on! I’m sure Lance would come, and you could help me pick out my outfit for my date!” I said putting a false pep in my voice and giving her an eager smile. This time, she smiled back. Putting one manicured hand on her skinny hip she leaned in closer to me. 
   “Pardon me, but you're obviously mistaking me for someone who gives a damn.” She said and I let out an angry sigh.  
  “What about having no one? Is this how you plan on getting friends? Because if so, it’s not working so great!” I yelled causing several people sitting nearby to turn and stare at us.  
  “Sometimes you’re such a moron, I kind of admire you,” she replied causing several people to giggle around us.  
  “Gee thanks Stephanie, I know I can always count on you to wrap up my day in sunshine,” I replied then, raising my vice a bit, I added, “At least you have someone to talk to today. After all, I’d hate to be that person with no family, friends, or really people in general, that like you,” I said and Stephanie’s scowl turned into disbelief.  
  She looked around herself at all of the people watching then, giving me a quick glare or disbelief, she fled. I heard heels clacking on the hard floor as she bolted out of the cafeteria. Lance gave me a questioning look then darted out after her. 
  “I think you really hurt her feelings.”  
  I turned around and let out a gasp, “You scared me!” I said staring up into Zane’s bright blue eyes.  
  “Sorry,” he said giving me smile that made my heart quicken.  
  “I’d love to chat,” I said looking around to see if Kyle was looking, he was, “but I should probably go finish my lunch.”  
  Zane nodded slowly, giving me an unconvinced look before motioning with his hands, “Don’t let me stop you from eating lunch with your boyfriend.”  
  My smile dropped and I gave him a look of despair. “Oh come on Zane, don’t be like that,” I insisted but he was already off, walking out the same door that Stephanie had just minutes before. 
  “Oh don’t feel bad darling,” Kyle said from behind me, making me jump out of surprise.  
  “I didn’t know you were there. Did you hear all of that?” I asked turning around to face him.  
  “Of course not, I find no reason to eavesdrop on you,” he said then offered his hand to me.  
  “Shall we go enjoy lunch together?” he asked and I gave him a nod and grabbed his soft hand. Chapter 36 
   
  After lunch, my school day passed so quick it was a blur. As I sat in History, my last class of the day, I went over my choices in my head for what outfit I should wear for tonight.  My green slip dress would compliment his eyes just perfectly and I could combine that with my…  
   
  “Summer? Hello, Summer? Ms Charad!” My head snapped up to meet the angry eyes of my teacher. Mrs. Krenchin, my elderly history teacher, stood in front of my desk, a scowl present on her old, winkled face. “I hate to interrupt your thought, but I have a history lesson to teach!” she snapped and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.  All you were doing was sitting at your desk and reading Lifetime magazines, 
    I retaliated in my mind but out loud I only replied, “Yes ma’am.” She shook her head at me once more, and then returned to sit at her desk. 
  After that, class passed without any more interference. The bell let out a shrill ring and all of the students collected their belongings and headed out for the door. “I haven’t dismissed you!” Mrs. Krenchin called after them, but no one stopped or reentered the room. I hurried out behind the rest of them and heard her call after me. “Don’t let me catch you day dreaming again Ms Charad! It’ll be an automatic detention next time!” I sighed;  Detention’s the last thing I need to worry about right now.  
   
  Once I reached my room’s door I flung it open and hurried in to join Sierra, who was sitting patiently, waiting on her bed. “Ready to get pampered?” she asked and I nodded my head eagerly. 
   Once we had everything ready, she began to curl my light blonde hair into small ringlets while I powered my make-up on. “So…” I said dragging out the O to add emphasis, “what’s going on with you and Brady?” She smiled at me in the mirror and picked up a make-up brush from the counter.  
  Brushing it lightly under my eyes before she answered, “Nothing serious, we’re just friends.”  
  I looked up at her questioningly.  
  “Is everything alright? You seem down?” I asked as I lengthened my lashes dramatically with my mascara.  
  “Yes everything’s…No actually, it’s not,” she said then pulled my soft ringlets up into an elegant up-do style at the nape of my neck. After she was finished, I turned around to face her.  
  “What’s wrong? Is it about your mom?” I asked instantly concerned.  
  “No, no, it’s nothing to do with me. It’s really none of my business but… I’m just worried Kyle isn’t who he says he is,” she replied and my worried expression disappeared, masked by a look of shock.  
  “What?! Why would you think that?” I demanded getting up from my chair and pacing around the room. 
  “I don’t know…it’s just a vibe I get when I’m around him. He just seems so…fake,” she said then looked down at her feet to avoid my eyes.  
  “Well, that’s a shame because he really seems to like you. Maybe you shouldn’t judge people off of vibes and actually get to know them,” I replied as I began to shift through the hangers in my closet.  
  “Here, wear this,” she said pulling out a gorgeous white dress and handing it to me.  
  I gasped, “It’s gorgeous! Where did you get it?”  I asked clinging to the fabric longingly.  
  “I bought it awhile ago for the Autumn Ball, but I’m not going anymore so I figure it should at least get some use.” I gave her an open mouthed look of shock and place the dress back into her hands.  
  “There’s absolutely no way I can take this from you. It’s just too gorgeous Sierra, and way too expensive!”  
  She shook her head and handed it back to me, “No, I want you to have it. It’ll look gorgeous on you, and it can be my peace offering. I’m sorry about judging Kyle, it was rude of me,” she replied and I gave a hug.  
  “Oh Sierra, What would I do without you?” I exclaimed then let out a squeal of joy and raced off to get changed. 
  Once in the dress, I ran out of the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. The dress fit my body perfectly, the white fabric flowing beautifully from my waist past my feet. The top consisted of brown and cream bead work, making the dress look modern and edgy.  A brown belt pulled in at the waist, accentuating my thin, lean figure, and golden tassels hung down past the belt, giving the dress a royal look. My hair was held back with a beaded, golden headband that matched the tassels perfectly and my feet wore golden heels that were raised a good 5 inches off the ground. 
  I let out a sigh of pure excitement and twirled around in the mirror, causing the dress to flow around me in a perfect circle. “Oh! Gosh, Summer!” Sierra exclaimed and I turned to face her.  
  “What’s wrong? Does it look bad?” I asked and I bit my lip in disappointment.  
  “You look absolutely gorgeous! Even more pretty than I imagined. Kyle’s going to love it,” she said letting out a giggle as I pulled her into a hug. “I feel like I’m standing next to a goddess in the flesh,” she replied and I shook my head as giggles escaped out of my mouth.  
  “Okay I don’t look that good!”  
  She stopped laughing and gave me a look that said, ‘I mean business. “I’m serious Summer, you look beautiful.” I blushed bright red and gave her grateful another hug.  
  “Well, I wouldn’t look anything like this if it wasn’t for you.”  
  She gave me a smile and said, “Oh you know you would’ve.”  
  A knock on the door interrupted our disagreement. I shot her a nervous look, my stomach already beginning to churn with nervousness. “Go,” she whispered giving me a reassuring pat on the back. I walked over slowly and opened the door. A man dressed in a black suit stood in front of me, a Bluetooth attached to his ear, and a serious look set into his lips.  
  “Mr. Landon is here to pick you up,” the man said in a bored tone.  
  “Look like my ride’s here,” I called back to Sierra as I shot a smile at the man in the suit. “I’m ready.”  
  "Not without your earrings you’re not!” Sierra called after me, hurriedly running up to me and poking the earrings into place. “Now you’re ready,” she replied then, after giving me a look from head to toe, gave me a hard hug. “Have fun Summer, you deserve a good time.”  
  I gave a smile, and patted her arm, “I will.” 
  “Ready to go now?” the man asked and I gave him a nod. He motioned for me to walk in front, so I picked up my pace and tried to contain my excitement.  
  “So, who are you?” I asked hoping I didn’t sound rude.  
  “I am Robert Kawlzeski, the Landon’s family chauffer.” I gave him an understanding nod and went over the facts silently in my head.  So they’re rich enough to have their own chauffer? 
    I hadn’t realized Kyle’s family was wealthy.  
  As we walked down the hard, stone steps, several people turned to look at us. I even let out a giggle as I saw many of the males mouth’s drop in shock. I caught Zane’s eyes and gave him a giddy wink. He gave me smile back, but it wasn’t one that reached his eyes, or showed off his pearly whites; just a smile that seemed more of a reassurance than anything. 
  I kept my head straight forwards after that, looking only at Robert once in awhile, making sure he was still there. Once we made it outside, he motioned for me to follow him down and outside the gates, using a key from his pocket to unlock the schools gates. We rounded the corner and I let out a gasp of shock.  A limo?! 
    I thought gleefully as I stared at the long car. It was polished to shine beautifully when the light hit it, and was colored in traditional black. I turned to Robert and saw him pull a flower out of his inside jacket pocket.  
  “For you, from young Mr. Landon,” he replied and handed me the flower.  Zantedeschia, 
    I thought with a sigh as carefully placed the flower into my hair. 
  Robert opened the door wide enough for me to get in and I gave him a smile.  
  “Thank you,” I said meekly as I climbed into the limo. The corners of his lips turned up in amusement, as he gave me a nod and shut the door behind me. Once inside, I turned and saw Kyle sitting next to me, looking lovely as ever in his tuxedo. His normally messy hair was slicked back tonight, showcasing his best feature, his bright green eyes.  
  “Oh Summer, wow!” he exclaimed letting his mouth fall open in amazement.  
  “Yes?” I asked giving him a wink and turning more so that I could look directly at him.  
  “I don’t think there are words to describe how beautifully gorgeous you look tonight.” He replied and I gave him a peck on the lips.  
  “You’re such a charmer!” I said giving him a big smile and lightly reaching up to touch my fingertips to the flower in my hair.  
  “No, I’m a realist,” he insisted giving me cheeks a kiss and holding my hand in his.  
  “Have I told you I love?” I asked and he smiled.  
  “Why, not today, you haven’t,” he replied and I felt my smile widen.  
  “Well, Kyle,” I began giving him a mock serious look, “I love you. I love you with all my heart, all my soul, and my entire being.” He put a fake look of shock on his face then took his hands and placed them on both sides of my face.  
  “I love you, also Summer. Though I’m sure it’s no surprise, I love you with my entire being, I love you for all the love the world has to offer, and if it came down to it, I’d love you even after death.” He leaned over and gave my lips a quick kiss and I smiled under his kiss.  I wish life could just stay like this, so happy and perfect, 
    I thought silently, but deep inside, I knew that the happiness wouldn’t last, it never does. Chapter 37 
   
  After driving for about 10 minutes, the limo came to a halt. Through the dark tinted windows, I spotted a small country side shack.  Well that’s nice and homey, 
    I thought to myself as I admired how strongly it resembled my old house. Robert opened the door for Kyle and he stepped out quickly. Walking around the side of the limo, Kyle pulled open the door for me and offered his hand. I took it graciously and he helped me out of the limo.  
  “We’re here,” he announced giving me a cute smile. I smiled back and started heading over to the shack when Kyle caught my wrist. “Summer, wrong way, that’s our shed,” he said and I blushed out of embarrassment.  His shed’s my house, 
    I thought as my cheeks turned even pinker. 
  Kyle gave my hand a squeeze and pulled me past the shed, in the direction of his house. When we came around the corner of shrubs Kyle came to a stop. We stood in front of a house so big that I’d only seen pictures of houses like it. It had large stone pillars that framed the staircase leading up to a large wooden door. It had only a couple of windows, all of them on the first floor. The bricks sparkled in the sun and the fountain in the front of the house gleamed as the light reflected off of it.  
  “It’s lovely,” I whispered as Kyle pulled me forward towards the steps.  
  “I’m glad you like it,” he replied, digging in his pocket for the key. Once he found it, he pulled it out and gave me a smile. “I’m so glad you agreed to come meet them. They’re so excited,” he said and I gave his upper arm a squeeze. 
  “They aren’t the only ones excited.” Kyle gave my lips a quick kiss then he unlocked the door and held it open. I quickly entered and marveled at the beauty of his home. 
  The walls were covered in paintings and statues stood in all the corners. The furniture looked antique and expensive. On the far left, near the wall, a large, polished-looking spiral staircase stood. Kyle placed his hands on my shoulders and I felt him lean in and move his mouth close to my earlobe. “My Parents are upstairs. I’ll go find them, you stay down here and make yourself at home,” he replied and cast me a smile before he disappeared up the stairs. 
  I walked around the main floor, my heels making loud clacks every time I took a step. In the corner of what looked to be a living room sat picture frames on an expensive looking side table. I approached it slowly, careful not to let my heels scuff the polished wooden floor. Once I reached it I picked up the first frame and examined it. The photo showed a younger version of Kyle fidgeting with a tiny bowtie that sat on his neck. His two front teeth were missing in his white smile and his beautiful green eyes were looking wide, and curious at the camera. I let a giggle escape my lips.  A handsome boy turned into an even handsomer man. 
    I looked over at the other photos. They held other memories of Kyle, some of him fishing, some of him just smiling, and others with him and his friends. But none of them gave me any hints as to what to expect for his family. 
  I looked over the rest of the counter. It held ancient looking books, a few potted plants, and a small chest. A questioning look crossed over my face and I took a step closer to the counter, examining the chest. “It can’t be,” I whispered to myself as I reached forward and picked it up. It was small, and light, the outside of it was decorated in ancient looking carvings. Its designs on the side were unique, ones that I’d only seen once before in my life…In my dreams. I was instantly pulled into a flash back, sent spiraling back in time, the setting around me set in the 1800’s.  Alonzo stood next to me and begged me to understand. “I only wanted to show you something!’ he’d insisted, giving me a hesitant smile and motioning to the corner of the empty room. There, in the corner, was a small tiny chest. He motioned me forward insisting that I must see what was inside, but I yelled at him and ran away, leaving him alone and heartbroken…Leaving the chest behind too. 
     
  I gasped as I was pulled back, out of my flash back, and into reality. I stared open mouthed at the tiny chest that I was absolutely sure was the same one from my dream.  Something’s very wrong here, 
    I stated silently as I continued to gawk at the tiny box in my hand. I took a deep breath,  should I open it? 
    I looked around the corner and saw that no one was coming.  Yes,  
   I decided,  Alonzo would want me to. 
    I held my breath as I slowly opened the small box. Once it was open I took a look inside of it, finding only one item, and it was wrapped in a silk covering case. 
  I took a deep inhale of oxygen and pulled the silk covering off. There, lying in my hand was the most beautiful necklace I’d ever seen. It was an emerald jade color, sparkling gorgeously as the sunlight bounced off of it. Diamonds surrounded the large center stone and the golden chain was sparkling brilliantly as if someone had recently polished it. I marveled at its beauty, wondering what a masterpiece like it would look on my own neck. 
  I peaked around the corner, making sure Kyle wasn’t coming, and slipped the necklace up over my up-do and onto my neck. I walked over and looked at myself through the reflection of a nearby window. The necklace fit my neck perfectly, falling just right on my pale, light skin. The jade stone brought out the green in my ever changing eyes and the diamonds matched my earrings perfectly.  It’s so gorgeous! 
    I exclaimed silently as I reached up to fix the falling flower in my hair. My hand zipped up to my head, so fast it was a blur. I froze, staring at my reflection, open-mouthed and puzzled. I straitened the flower then brought my hand back to my side, again, my hand moving inhumanly fast. I stared into the window, my large blue green eyes widened as I tried to come up with a rational explanation. Walking back over to the counter, my feet too went faster than possible. It’s the necklace! 
    I exclaimed as my eyes landed on the empty chest. I looked down at my neck, the large pendant shinning innocently up at me. I sighed and began to pull the necklace over my head when I heard footsteps coming down the stairs.  
  “Summer?” Kyle’s voice called from close by. Hurriedly, I slammed the tiny chest back shut as quietly as I could manage in my hurry and pulled the necklace up and over my head, dropping it into my hand bag.  I’ll put it back later, there’s no time now. 
    I thought to myself then mentally kicked myself,  well I suppose if I had my inhuman speed, there’d be enough time. 
    “Summer, Where are you?” Kyle’s voice asked again, this time sounding closer than the last time.  
  “Oh I’m in here Kyle!” I called walking forward, trying to put as much distance between myself and the chest as possible.  
  “Oh there you are!” Kyle exclaimed as he entered the doorway with a smile on his face. “Well, Summer, I’d like you to meet my parents.” Chapter 38 
     
  I gave Kyle an encouraging smile as his mother stepped through the doorway behind him. “Summer, this is my mother, Milenka.” I gave his mother a smile as I registered the resemblance of Kyle and his mother. 
   Milenka was a short woman, about 5’1”, with a bright smile and perfect nose. Her chocolate hair was a shade lighter than Kyle’s but her exciting green eyes matched his perfectly. She was dressed in a dress that hung down and stopped at her ankles, and wore an apron around her slim waist.  
  “It’s nice to finally meet you Summer, Kyle’s told us tons about you” she said, speaking with the same soft accent that Kyle has.  I still don’t know where he’s from, 
    I added silently as I again, tried to guess where their accent originated from. 
  Milenka held out a small and I shook and replied, “It’s nice to meet you too, and only good I hope.”  
  Kyle gave me a smile, “Of course, sweetheart.” I flushed bright red and looked down at my feet. Milenka let out a loud laugh that sounded like wind chimes blowing through the air.  
  “Oh dear, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We’re a traditional Russian family, we like all those pet names,” she said with a wink. I laughed with her and silently thanked her,  Russia, so that’s where they’re from!  
   “Now where did Viktor go off too?” Sylvia said in her thick Russian accent as she looked around the room. “Viktor?” she called and then gave Kyle a pat on the shoulder. “You go and find him,” she said and he gave her a nod and went off to find his father. “Those boys I tell you, always going off someplace,” she said and I let out a giggle. 
   “My mother says the same thing,” I said and laughter escaped Milenka’s cherry colored lips.  
  “Well I suppose great minds do think alike,” she said as she brushed her chocolate hair out of her face. “You look lovely dear,” she said and I gave her a grateful smile.  
  “Thanks, you look pretty too,” I said and she waved her hand at me.  
  “You’re too kind my dear.” 
  “Ah there you are!” I heard Kyle exclaim from down the hall. “Come on father, Summer’s here to meet you.”  
  Milenka shook her head with a smile, “Viktor dear, we’re in here.” Kyle reentered the room and shot me a smile.  
  “Sorry for the wait, my father was just on the phone,” he explained and I shot him a smile back.  
  “Oh, it’s fine. I had fun talking with your mother,” I said and she smiled at me and gave my arm a squeeze.  
  ”Call me Lenka, dear,” she insisted and I gave her a nod. “Ah, there you are,” Lenka called over her shoulder as footsteps approached us.  
  “Sorry that took so long, Ramón had a business update for me.”  
  “It’s fine, dad,” Kyle replied and he gave me a smile. “Summer, this is my father, Viktor.” 
  Viktor stepped through the doorway and I gasped out loud. There, standing before me, was the very man who haunted my dreams, the same child who I’d laughed with in the field, the same man who was to blame for the permanent scar that lie across my chest. “No! No, this can’t be happening! This isn’t happening!” I exclaimed, stepping backwards quickly.  
  “Oh, Summer, let us not be rash,” Viktor said shaking is finger at me like a scolding parent.  
  “No!” I screamed at him then I turned and looked at Kyle. “Did you know?!” I screamed at him then catching his guilty expression I let out a laugh thought I didn’t find the situation funny at all. “Of course you did! You were the bait!” I screamed and I let out another laugh, on the verge of hysterics. 
  “Now, darling,” Viktor said stepping closer to me. “I won’t have to hurt you if you cooperate.” I shook my head in disgust and spit in his face.  
  “I would never cooperate with you,” I hissed.  
  “How dare you!” He screamed reaching his hands towards me. I pushed his hands away and kicked him in the knees, sending him falling to the ground.  
  Milenka looked at her fallen husband then raised her eyes back to me, her eyes smoldering with hate. She jumped towards me but I dodged sideways before she could reach me. Her tiny body hit the wall with force, and she lay crumpled in a heap on the floor. “Mom!” Kyle cried and rushed to her side. 
  As he was distracted, I took off running to the nearest exit. I reached my destination quickly and flung the door open. Once it was open I raced through the open doorway and out into what looked like a garden. My mind raced back to when Kyle and I were talking about flowers.  “Where did you get them?” I asked knowing almost all store refuse to sell them. “The lilacs are from my mother’s garden.”  
   
  I looked around myself and thought silently, that’s where I’m at, his mother’s garden. I kept up an even jog as I looked for a way to exit the garden.  
  It was gorgeous, with flowers of all colors covering the floor. Tall trees started to go around the flowers as I ran farther out into the garden. As I ran I tripped and fell over roots growing out of the ground. The pretty flowers seemed to wrap around my feet and kept making me slip and fall. Stray tree branches cut my face and arms and the hot sun made beads of sweat start to form on my forehead. After I was a fine distance away I stopped running to take a break. My feet were cut and bleeding from running in my heels, I hadn’t had time to take them off in my haste, both of my ankles were swollen and one sprained from all of the tripping and falling. At some point, my hair fell out of its up-do style and was flowing down my back and shoulders. My golden headband had also slipped down and was now sitting firmly in the middle of my forehead. 
  There were cuts present all over my arms and my lungs and throat ached for water. I wanted more than anything to sit down and rest, but I knew I had to stay on my guard and remained standing. I poked my head around a nearby tree and searched for any signs of followers, there were none. I sighed heavily out of relief and slowly began to turn around. As I turned around as figure jump out of the wooded area behind me and clamped a hand down over my mouth. I screamed and bit down and their grip lessened a bit, but by then, they already had me pinned down to the forest floor. 
  “Don’t struggle Summer, I don’t want to hurt you,” Kyle whispered and I bit down even harder into his hand. “Damn it!” He swore as he released his hold on my head. I thrashed about wildly, trying to throw him off balance so I could escape, but my efforts were for nothing, he sat as sturdy as a rock as dug in his pants pocket for something. 
   “So you never really loved me, did you?” I spat at him, trying to stall myself some time.  
  “Of course I loved you Summer. But you have to learn, you can’t sacrifice everything for love!” he yelled back and pulled his hand out of his pocket, a syringe in hand. 
  “Is that p-p-poison?” I asked timidly as he sized the needle up in front of himself.  
  “No, it’s Kentamine,” he replied I looked up at him nervously.  
  “What’s that?” I asked as he leaned closer to me.  
  “A knockout drug,” he replied then stuck the sharp needle into my thing. I yelled out in pain as I tried to push myself away from him. I tried to shove him backwards off of me but I found it impossible to even lift my arms.  
  “P-please Kyle, d-don’t do this,” I cried through my tears as he pulled the syringe out of my leg and put it back into his pocket.  
  “I’ve already done it Summer, it’s all over now,” he said to me, stroking my hair as if this thought should comfort me. 
  “Don’t touch me,” I slurred drowsily as the anesthetics started to kick into overdrive.  
  “But you love me?” Kyle said his lips curling into a smile that I had once considered cute, now it just looked cruel and evil. I let the tears slide down my face as he leaned towards me.  
  “D-don’t-” Kyle cut me off by kissing my lips gently. Our kiss tasted salty, from the tears running down my face and I lay motionless underneath him, unable to move my limbs as I faded in and out of consciousness.  
  “That could be our last kiss,” he whispered to me as my eye lids started to flutter. “I love you Summer,” he whispered into my ear, “I’ll miss you.” “I’ll miss your golden, beautiful hair, and your eyes that always change color. I’ll miss your childish laugh and your soft lips…” He went on talking, but I was already fading, as my eye lids slipped shut, I drew a quaky breath then my world went black and everything slipped away. Chapter 39 
   
  When I awoke I was lying face down on a hard surface.  My vision was fuzzy and my limbs felt strangely numb. I sat up slowly, trying to remember what had happened and where I was. As I sat up, I felt something cold brush against my wrist. I lowered my eyes, my vision finally returning to normal, and saw that it was my handbag. All at once, the memories of my horrid night came rushing back to me. I shuddered as I reached down and snatched my bag up. I unclipped the top of it and pulled the jade necklace out, admiring its beauty once again before slipping it on over my head. 
  As soon as the cold necklace touched my skin I became instantly more focused and I took a better look at my surroundings. From what I could tell, I was in some kind of basement. It was smaller than most basements, and its only source of light was from a small window at the very top of the wall.  I need to get out of here, 
    I thought desperately as I continued to stare at the window longingly. It was far too high for me to reach;  even if I could reach it I don’t have the upper body strength to pull myself up and out.  
   I added bitterly as pushed my headband farther back on my forehead. 
  A soft rattling above me made my thoughts freeze in place and I looked up. The rattling started up again and I looked about franticly, searching for where the noise was coming from.  It’s them, 
    I thought with disgust,  it’s Viktor; he’s coming to kill me. 
    The small window at the top of the wall began to shake and I looked up at it, confused.  Well, apparently he likes dramatic entrances.  
   I turned around and glanced at the heavily locked wooden door behind me.  Why didn’t he just use the door? 
    I thought curiously. 
  The window finally gave way and popped off, causing me to dive to my right to avoid being hit by it. “Ouch,” I gasped as I looked down at my bloody, cut feet. I unhooked the clasp on my heels and took them off to relieve my aching feet.  If I’m going to die, I’m going to make it as comfortable as possible. 
    Then the realization hit me,  I’m going to die. He is going to kill me. I’ll never say goodbye to my mom, or my dad. No goodbyes to Sierra or Stephanie. No goodbye to Zane. 
    I let of a sob and shook my head back and forth.  Why couldn’t I have chosen you? You’re the one I actually love!  
   “You’re the one I love…” I whispered as I wiped the tears away from my face, I didn’t want Viktor to see that he’d made me cry, it’d cause him too much pleasure. 
  Suddenly, feet began to descend from the window, then a whole body. Dropping to the ground, they picked their head up and glanced over at me, his familiar bright eyes sparkling with sorrow. “Oh Zane,” I whispered but I stayed where I was, not daring to ruin this wonderful hallucination.  
  “Summer, come over here,” he whispered gently as he walked towards me, “we’re here now. Everything’s okay now.”  
  I gave him a huge smile and as he bent down next to me I whispered, “If I have to die, I’m glad that you’re here, I love you.”  
  He gave me a confused look then, picking me up into his arms, he just smiled and said, “It isn’t your time to die Summer… I love you too.” 
   “Stop talking and hurry the hell up!” A voice whispered down to us in a demanding tone. I looked up at Zane, “Is that…Stephanie?” I asked and he gave me nod.  
  “Alright Steph, I’m going to hand her up to you now,” he whispered as two perfectly manicured hands reached in from the small window.  
  “She won’t be able to hold my weight,” I whispered and Zane let out a chuckle.  
  “She’ll manage,” he whispered and I looked questioningly up at him. He didn’t explain just gave my forehead a soft kiss then wrapped his arms around my waist. 
  “I’m going to hoist you up, then Steph will grab your arms and pull you up and out. Okay?” I smiled and gave him a nod as he prepared himself. “Ready?” he whispered in my ear and I smile up at him.  
  “Yes,” I replied, my voice soft and meek.  
  “Steph, you ready?” he whispered up to her and I heard her let out an impatient sigh.  
  “I’ve been ready for the past 2 hours, and if you call me ‘Steph’ one more time, I’m coming through this window and-”  
  “Okay let’s go,” Zane said cutting her off mid threat. 
  He tightened his grip around my waist and after bending down he reached up with all his might, then he threw me. My few seconds of being airborne were enough to make my stomach turn upside and start to panic, but soon after he let go, Stephanie grabbed on. Her long nails dug into my upper arms as she hoisted me up and out of the basement as if I weighed nothing more than one of her shopping bags, setting me down gently into a patch of flowers. 
  “Um, thanks,” I whispered and she shot me a sarcastic smile.  
  “Please! I deserve more than, ‘Uh, thanks’,” she finished imitating my voice in a low, manly tone. I rolled my eyes at her then remembered just who else had been down in that basement with me.  
  “How will Zane get out?” I asked and no sooner did the words leave my mouth did I see two hands grip the windowsill and Zane pulled himself up and through the small window, his muscular build just barely fitting through. 
  “Get up!” Stephanie whisper-yelled at both of us. “We have to get out of here or we will all die!” Zane and I exchanged glances then everyone sprang into action.  
  Zane ran over and helped me up, “Do you need to be carried?” he asked and I shook my head. 
   “No I can walk,” I insisted and Stephanie turned around and addressed Zane.  
  “Carry her,” then turning towards me she added, “Sorry, but it’s not walking that I’m worried about and I’m not risking my life just so you can show some independence.”  
  Zane scooped me up into his strong arms, and then took off running after Stephanie. After about 5 minutes of running the trees began to clear and we found ourselves in a field.  
  “Over here,” Stephanie called from our left. We looked over and saw she was hunched down and pointing to something hidden behind vines and shrubs. “There’s a break in the fence! All we have to do is crawl through!” She said with excitement and Zane quickly ran over and crouched down next to her. 
  “Can you crawl?” he asked me as he gently set me down onto the soft grass to give his arms a rest.  
  “Yeah, I can manage,” I said and Stephanie turned around to face us.  
  “I’ll go first, don’t crawl until I reach my hand under again, we have to be sure you won’t get caught,” she said then pointed her polished finger at Zane. “You, take up the end, we have to have her surrounded,” she said and he gave her an understanding nod. Stephanie took a deep breath then got down on all fours and pushed herself through the brush and under the tiny opening at the bottom of the fence. 
  Zane and I waited patiently, holding our breath, as every second ticked by that her hand didn’t pop back through. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity but was probably only a few minutes, her small hand shot under the fence and gave us a thumb up. “Coast’s clear,” she whispered and a smile lit up my relieved face. 
  I inhaled deeply then pressed my stomach to the soft ground and pulled myself through the rough brush. The branches and shrubbery caught my hair and branches cut my face but I continued to crawl until I reached to gap in the white wooden fence. I pushed myself lower to the ground and pulled myself under it, my slim build making it out easily. I sighed out of relief as my feat cleared the fence and I was sitting next to Stephanie. 
  There was a rustling behind the fences and then Zane’s head appeared through the fence. “What are you waiting for?” Stephanie asked and he looked up her with confused eyes.  
  “You don’t honestly think I’m fitting through that tiny space, do you?” he asked and she let out a giggle.  
  “Well stop working out then! That solves our problem,” she said sarcasticly as she broke off pieces of the fence to widen the space for him. Once it was big enough, he sighed and pulled himself through cleanly. 
  “Let’s go!” Stephanie said grabbing Zane’s arm and giving me an agitated look. We began to run and soon after I was tripping and falling, tears running down my face from the pain of running on my swollen feet.  Keep going! 
    I told myself as I got up and spit dirt out of my mouth, running to catch up with them only to fall again. Zane slowed down and bent over by my side.  
  “Are you okay?” he asked in a concerned voice. I gave him a weak nod and tried to smile but he shook his head and used his finger to wipe away some of the tears streaming down my face. 
  “Hurry up!” Stephanie called behind herself as she sped forward, racing to get to the car.  
  “Kay!” Zane called after her as he picked me up, yet again, into his warm, muscular arms.  
  “Thanks,” I whispered into his ear and he gave me a tiny smile as he took off running towards the vehicle. Stephanie reached it first and yanked the driver’s seat door open, hoping in and pulling it forward. She sped over to where we were stopped and Zane opened the door and set me down in the back. Then, he opened the shotgun door and as soon as he shut it behind himself, we were off. Chapter 40 
   
  Stephanie floored it, breaking the speed limit twice over. The streets weren’t busy, lucky for us, so we didn’t have any trouble with traffic. “Where are we going?” I asked finally as Stephanie took another corner on two wheels.  
  “Back to school, you can pack some stuff and then we’re off.”  
  “Off? Off to where?” I asked looking back and forth between her and Zane.  
  “We’ll explain later, for now, all you need to know is that you’re not safe here anymore,” Zane replied and I turned away from him with a sigh.   I’m so tired of everyone keeping secrets! 
    I thought to myself as I absentmindedly played with the pendant hanging from my neck. 
  We pulled into the school parking lot and we jumped out. “Where’d you get the car from?” I asked Stephanie as she put her key into the door and locked it.  
  “I said I’ll explain later Summer,” she said as she dropped the key back into her purse she gave me an impatient eye roll. Footsteps nearby caused us all to whip our heads around. Lance jogged over to us with a huge smile on his face. 
   “I’m glad you’re safe, I‘ve got the passports all ready. They’re in my bag,” he said as he pulled Stephanie into a loving embrace. 
  She blushed at my raised eyebrows as Lance planted a kiss on her lips. She kissed him back lightly then put on her hard exterior again. “Alright let’s get moving guys! Summer, I’ll come up with you to help you pack. Lance, you and Zane need to scout out the area and make sure no one dangerous is lurking. Understood?” she asked and we all nodded in agreement. “Can you walk?” she asked me as the boys took off to patrol the school grounds.  
  “Yeah, my feet are feeling a little better.” That was a lie, they weren’t feeling better, they were numb from pain, but that was beside the point. I could walk, even though it was painful, and that was what I was going to do. 
  We jogged slowly up the steps and when we reached my room my feet seemed to cry out with relief. I whipped my room key out and flung open the door. I heard Stephanie gasp behind me as we surveyed my room. The cabinets lay on the floor, their drawers scattered around the room, clothing items and bed sheets cluttered our surrondings, and Sierra lay unmoving on the floor. 
   “Oh my god!” I exclaimed as I bent down next to her and prayed she was still breathing.“Is she still alive?” I asked Stephanie as she bent down next to me. She held her polished finger steady under Sierra’s nose and nodded her head.  
  “She’s still breathing,” she confirmed then, just to be sure, she picked up her wrist. “She has a pulse too; she’s most likely just knocked out.” I let out a sigh of relief and pulled Sierra’s limp body onto my lap.  
  Stephanie grabbed my bag off of my bunk and began to shove clothes into it furiously.  
  “Wait what are you doing? We can’t leave anymore!” I yelled at her but she continued to shove clothes into it, pausing only for a few seconds to give me a bored look.  
  “And why is that?” she asked as she went to our bathroom and began shoving toiletries in.  
  “We can’t leave her like this!  I  
   can’t leave her like this!” Stephanie paused and let out a laugh, as if I’d just said something humorous.   
  “Of course we can’t!” she yelled back at me, as is there was something blatantly obvious that I was missing.  
  “Then…Wait, we’re taking her with us, aren’t we?” I asked and Stephanie stopped her packing to come over and crouch down next to me.  
  “We have to-”  
  “What if she doesn’t want to come?” I asked, cradling my roommates head in my arms. 
   “Don’t cut me off, you know I hate it,” she said as she got up and brushed herself off. “She can either come with us and live, or stay here and die. Which do you think she’d prefer?” she asked sarcastically and I gave her a look of shock. 
  “You’d kill her?” Stephanie turned to me with an amused expression on her face.  
  “Wow, I don’t know what they drugged you with, but whatever it was, it must kill brain cells because you’re acting even more stupid than usual.” 
  The corners of my lips turned down, “That’s not funny.”  
  She sighed, “Whatever and no it’s not me we have to worry about. Since she’s close to you, the Tanghar would kill her. In fact, I bet they thought she was dead tonight, and were just too stupid to check her pulse.” 
  A knock on the door interrupted our conversation. Stephanie’s blonde hair whipped around her face as she turned her head quickly towards the sound. “Hello?” she called tentatively and I felt myself squeeze Sierras cold hand out of nervousness.  
  “You guys ready to go? The coast’s clear,” Lance’s voice called through the wood as Stephanie let out a sigh of relief and opened the door. “Whoa what happened in here?” Lance asked as his eyes scanned my mess of a room. 
  “Nothing, take these down from me,” Stephanie said pushing two large bags into Lance’s arms, “thanks,” she added, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Lance smiled back and hurried out of the room with our luggage as I widened my eyes at her.  
  “So Lance knows too?” I asked and she blushed pink in her cheeks. 
  “He’s not really supposed to know, but I knew how much he could help me," she caught herself, "I mean us, out with the tech stuff,” she said and I gave her an encouraging smile.  
  “It’s fine, it’ll be good to have more than one normal person with us,” I said, looking down at Sierra’s pale face.  
  “We should probably head down,” Stephanie said as she stared at me with an odd expression.  
  “Oh okay, yea-What?” I asked as I caught sight of her questioning look.  
  “That necklace,” She began.  
  “Oh isn’t it pretty? Do you like it?” I asked as I shifted uncomfortably under her hard scrutiny.  
  “Where did you get it?” she asked as she reached out her small hand to touch the emerald stone.  
  “Why, have you seen it before?” I asked and her ocean blue eyes flicked up to mine.  
  “It’s called, The eye of the McKons,” she said and realization hit me hard. 
  “McKons… Wasn’t she the princess that Zane wanted to guard?” I asked and Stephanie let out a chuckle.  
  “I’m not sure but if I had to take a guess I’d say yes, almost every young boy wants to grow up to be the princess’s guardian. None of them actually do, though,” she said and I looked up at her with question.  
  “Why is it called, ‘The eye’? Isn’t that kind of a creepy name?” I asked and she shook her head, making her blond hair spin around her face. 
  “Not if you’ve seen the McKons it isn’t. They have the most unique, beautiful emerald eyes. That stone on your neck is said to be the only thing that can replicate their beauty.”  
  “Oh,” I replied and Stephanie gave me a thoughtful nod.  
  “Alright, that’s enough history for one day. Let’s go,” she said as she hoisted Sierra up into her small arms. 
  “Okay, how do you do that?” I asked and she let out a sarcastic snort.  
  “You don’t actually think they’d give me the title of ‘guardian’ without training, do you?”  
  I let out a giggle, “I guess I just couldn’t believe you would sit through a conditioning session, yet alone hardcore training.”  
  Stephanie shot me a look from over Sierra’s limp body, “Just because I look weak doesn’t mean I can’t kick your butt on the spot, watch it Charard.” I let giggles escape my lips as we crept down the halls and finally reached the door. 
  “Can you get that?” she asked and I gave her nod and walked over to the door, placing my hand on the hard wood, but not pushing.  
  “Stephanie?” I asked and she raised her eyebrows question at me.   
  “Yes, Summer?”  
  I smiled, “You were wrong. You have Lance and Kyle…And you have me.”  
  For a second she let a smile slip uninvited onto her lips but then she turned it into a fake scowl, “Would you just open the door?” I gave her a smile and pushed the door open wide. Then after walking the doorway, she turned to me and smiled, “Thanks.” And for the first time in my life, I saw Stephanie truly happy, as a smile lit up her face and her ocean eyes sparkled.  
  She handed Sierra over to Zane and she ran over and threw her arms around Lance’s neck, planting a passionate kiss on his lips. Zane raised his eyebrows in question at me and I just shook my head, “She’s just happy,” I replied and I knew that I was telling the truth. Chapter 41 
   
  After a few minutes of embracing, Stephanie broke away from Lance and said, “We need to get going, the jet’s waiting for us.” Everyone nodded in agreement as we piled into the car.  
  “So where  did 
    you get this?” I asked as I motioned around us at the car’s interior.  
  “It was a gift,” Stephanie replied as she began to back out into the road.  
  “Who bought you a car?” I asked and she let out a chuckle.  
  “I didn’t say they bought me a car, I said it was a gift. It’s Kyle’s gift, from his father. What a shame he’ll never get to use it,” she replied and my jaw dropped.  
  “You  stole 
    Kyle’s car?” 
   “You act like that’s such a big deal,” she said, flipping her blonde hair behind her, “he tried to  kill  
   you. Grand Auto Theft is a lot less time then murder… I think, anyways it doesn’t matter because we aren’t getting caught, Lance made sure of it.” 
  I shot an exasperated glance at Lance but he just shrugged his shoulders and said, “What can I say, she’s very convincing and I was the only one who knew how to hot wire someone’s car.”  
  “Told you he’s our tech guy,” Stephanie said proudly as she sped down the road.  
  “W-what’s going on?” Sierra’s tired voice sounded from the back of the vehicle. “W-wait, where am I? What’s going on?!” she asked her voice becoming more panicked with every second.  
  “Tell her,” Stephanie said and I took a deep calming breath. “Sierra, there’s something I need to tell you…” 
  After I finished telling my story to Sierra she sat unmoving and speechless. “So, those men who came in-”  
  “Were from the Tanghar,” Stephanie finished for her. Sierra nodded her head, and then turned to look at me.  
  “I wish you would’ve told me earlier, but I can’t say I’m surprised.”  
  “What?” I asked,  how can she not be surprised by this, I’m even surprised by this! 
     
  Sierra gave me a smile, “I knew there was something different about you since that very first time you had one of your dreams, you seemed more…Focused after that, like you had more important things than the normal high school student.”  
  She let a sigh escape her lips, “So where are we headed now?”  
  “I’m not sure,” I said as I cast a glare in Stephanie’s direction, “We’re not allowed to know yet.”  
  “Oh shut-up back there!” Stephanie called as she turned a corner swiftly, “we’re headed to the airport.”  
  “Oh,” Sierra mumbled as she played with the bracelet on her wrist. “Wait, what about school?” she asked and Zane turned around to face us.  
  “It’s already taken care of; Ms. Kelly was informed that we’ve all transferred.”  
  I took a calming breath and looked at his bright blue eyes, “what about our parents?” I asked and his smile disappeared.  
  “ That 
    I haven’t taken care of. We’ll need some sort of excuse-”  
  “You mean lie?” Sierra asked and Zane nodded.  
  “Yes, I guess I do mean lie, but it’s the only way to protect them.” 
  “We’re here!” Stephanie called out as she pulled the vehicle to a halt.  
  We filed out of the van and headed off to the airports boarding area when Lance called after us, “You’re going the wrong way! The private jet boarding is this way!”  
  We turned to the opposite direction and began to file Lance over to a big Jet sitting alone on the runway.  The steps to board were down and a woman was standing next to them.  
  “Wait…Mom?” I called as I ran over and threw my arms around her. Her light blonde hair was pulled back into a high pony on the top of her head and her sea green eyes were bright and sparkling.  
  “I’m so glad you’re okay darling!” she cried and I pulled away for a second. 
  “Wait, call for an update…," I muttererd, as I remembered the diary entry from my dream, realization hit me. "Zane, were you giving my mother updates about me?”I asked and his face turned from confusion to shock. 
   “I was giving updates to my supervisor, from my training facility; I had no idea that it was your mother.”  
  I gasped and looked up into my mom’s sparkling eyes, “Mom, you knew?”  
  She nodded her head solemnly, “Yes, and I’m sorry that I didn’t say anything dear, but a part of me hoped that the dreams would go away, that you could stay safe.” 
  “Oh mom, I missed you!” I cried as I pulled her into an embrace again.  
  “Oh, I missed you too honey. You look lovely,” she said and I looked down at myself and saw I was still wearing my white evening gown, but it was caked in mud, grass and blood.  
  “Thanks,” I said then turning to Sierra I whispered, “sorry for ruining your dress.” 
  “It looked lovely while it lasted,” Sierra said and I pulled her into my hug with my mother. Just then, then sky broke above us and it began to pour rain. “Just like in the movies,” Sierra shouted over the heavy rain and I smiled.  
  “Only the corny ones!” Stephanie called back, but even she wore a smile on her perfectly glossed lips. 
  “I love you guys!” I called to all of them as I spun around and pulled them all into a group hug.  
  “You guys are wrinkling my sundress!” Stephanie protested but she didn’t pull away and Zane let out a laugh.  
  “It’s pouring rain out and you just crawled through a garden, wrinkles are the least of your worries.” We all burst into happy laughter and joined our arms together as we walked towards the jet. 
  “Here are the passports,” Lance said as he reached into his bag and hand one to each of us.  
  I read the top of it that  said,  ONE WAY: VENICE then called out, “We’re going to Italy?!”  
  Stephanie gave me a quick, excited nod and then added, “Aren’t you happy I had you wait now?” I let out a laugh and pulled them back into an embrace.  
  “You know what?” I asked them and they looked up at me with questioning eyes. “If there’s anyone who I have to run for my life with, I’m glad it’s you guys.” Everyone laughed with me and gave my shoulders an extra squeeze of agreement. Life can be hard. I should know that better than anyone. Another quality of life is that it’s weird. It’s weird because you think you know what’s going to happen then there’s a twist and next thing you know you’re all turned around and life isn’t so good anymore. But the biggest quality about life is that everything happens for a reason. There must be a reason why one minute I am fine and the next minute I’m running for my life. There must be a reason why I met the people I did and why I’m boarding a one way flight to Italy. There must be a reason… and there probably is, but right now, I’m not wasting my time figuring it out. 
   
  I gave my friends one last squeeze then picked up my luggage from the gravel and hurried after them.  
  “Are you the Charard family?” A perky flight attendant asked and I looked around at my friends.  
  “Yes, I’m Summer Charard and this is my family.” The flight attendant smiled and stepped back to allow us to board.  
  “Welcome to your one way flight to Venice, Italy. If there’s anything I can get you during the flight, simply call. My name is Doreen and I’ll be your flight attendant today. Please feel free to sit wherever you want and fasten your seatbelts for takeoff. Enjoy your flight,” Doreen finished by flashing us a smile as a man took our luggage and moved into a back compartment of the plane. 
  I let out a sigh as I plopped down into one of the comfy seats and fastened the seat belt around my slim waist. Zane took the seat next to me and my mom raised her eyebrows questioningly.  “Looks like we have a lot to catch up on,” she said and I felt my cheeks blush bright red as Zane laughed with her. 
  Stephanie took her seat gracefully and patted the seat next to, motioning for Lance to join her. His smile widened and he rushed over to join her, causing her to smile back happily. I looked over and saw Sierra and my mom already deep in conversation as the both wrapped the seat belts around their own waist’s.  
  I sighed as I leaned over and put my head on Zane’s shoulder. “I missed you,” I said as I looked up into his bright blue eyes. “I missed you too,” he replied and bending down, he gave me a kiss. A kiss so sweet that it wiped away the events of the past weeks, it made me go back to the time when we’d fist kissed and I felt my lips smile under his.  
  “Please prepare for takeoff,” Doreen’s voice called as Zane’s pulled away and smiled at me. Surrounded by my family and friends I felt the plane begin to lift in the air, leaving my old life behind, a life that I knew I was going to miss. But I was starting a new life, and somewhere deep inside me, I knew I was going to like this one a lot better.  
  Book Available for purchase, at your local bookstore, or through me, the author. Hope you enjoyed it, let me know if you're interested in a hard-copy/paperback/ebook/autographed ect. Book 2, The Runaway, Coming Soon! Please Heart/Comment/Message with what you think of it! :) 
   
   
   
   
   
   Text: No part of this book is to be copied or distributed in any manner. All rights reserved. Publication Date: January 5th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-sppellerd