Chapter 22 - Post Prom

Dreamer

I was having the most wonderful dream. An obscure beast was cradling me, keeping me warm in the embrace of his huge, leathery wings. He placed me in the middle of a glittery field then he vanished.

In his wake materialized Mr. Nguyen's dogs except that they looked amusingly bizarre. The big ones had single spikes on their foreheads and the small ones were fluttering about with their colorful butterfly wings.

I dropped to my knees and played with the dogs.

Then the world shifted and I was cloaked in black dust. I touched the particles floating around me. The dark powder was so fine and cold and it slithered around me, tickling me as it grazed my skin. It covered me from head to foot, but it did not feel confining. In fact, it felt comforting.

It was a strange feeling. The dust seemed to be siphoning the sadness from my soul. And I felt lighter than I had in years.

Then the residue fell to the ground and I was out in the clearing again. The dogs had been whimpering but were now wagging their tails when they saw me. One of them tugged my long gown.

Long gown?

A waterfall appeared next to me and I gasped when I saw what I was wearing.

I didn't conjure this. My likely choices were my usual shirt-and-jeans outfit, my dream tunic or the sequin dress from Markus. But I didn't form the gorgeous ensemble I now wore.

My reflection resembled a gothic Greek goddess if I may say so myself. I likey!

The scene changed and I was at a theme park in an empty line to the most amazing rollercoaster ride. I didn't hesitate. I hopped in, screamed, laughed, raised my arms and imagined I could reach the stars as the car looped around and crested.

I stepped off the rollercoaster and found myself at an incredible beach with the finest white sand. There were coconut trees shading lounge chairs. There were shells in all shapes, sizes and colors. I was eager to jump in the water when I remembered what I was wearing. No way.

I closed my eyes and conceived a swimsuit version of my gown.

Then I had the time of my life. How I wished I could bring my sisters to this world.

Soon.

I stepped out of the water and found myself inside a large room. I was once again wearing the black gown. I could hear one of my favorite songs softly playing in the background. The delectable scent of my favorite dishes wafted in the air.

A ballroom. A banquet. Gold and precious stones. Unicorns trotting elegantly. Griffins standing guard. Fiery dragons keeping the food warm.

A talking white dragon that held my interest for a few minutes.

Who was forming all these? These visions did not come from my imagination.

Then I saw him walking toward me. I knew there was something special about this kid.

"Francis! You're here!"

But just as I was about to run to him, he disappeared. Damn it!

This was my dream yet I knew someone else was directing it. I was surrounded by flowers. Jewels. I didn't want any of these.

Centaurs with cheesecake. Pixies with chocolates. I may have drooled a bit. The treats almost worked.

I shook my head to rouse myself and continued my search. This wasn't the first time I felt another presence in my dreams.

Where are you?

Then I heard someone talk. I knew that voice. I just couldn't remember how.

There was a shadow hiding behind the trees except that the trees could not hide his enormous wings.

"Please. Show yourself," I told the shadow.

The shadow stepped forward but stopped before I could see him. I glimpsed his silhouette look up to the sky, seemingly imploring. But then he shook his head and disappeared.

Taking with him everything.

And I was left with my twisters in my familiar universe.

Normally, I welcomed my little tempests and I was thrilled to continue shaping my world, but not tonight. I longed to see my guest. My benefactor. My dark angel. I knew he had fashioned tonight's escapade.

I had seen the winged beast only once before. And I had seen the tailed, armored creature once as well. Both of them would hide behind the shrubbery. I'd seen both only once before tonight, but I knew they were related. Twins perhaps?

I tried willing either beast back, but none returned. It was pointless to stay in this realm without the objects of my interest.

Later, I would try again. For now, it was time to wake.

How I dreaded waking up because I remembered the stunt I pulled last night. It was stupid to get wasted in the park just because Markus didn't show up. I hadn't wanted to go to the prom in the first place, but I had allowed all the hype-and fine, my infatuation with a stunning preppy-to convince me attending the ball was my ultimate goal before graduating.

So here I was, seconds before I faced the consequences of my foolishness. I expected to have grass stains on my clothes and face and a massive hangover. I wasn't looking forward to any of those. Maybe I could sleep for five more minutes.

But my phone started to vibrate. Probably Mom calling me.

Yikes! Mom was going to kill me!

I rose abruptly to answer Mom's call. I was expecting grass and dew or even mildew. I didn't expect to wake up in my bed.

I looked around. Yes, I was definitely in my room. Was I still dreaming?

Checklist.

One. I didn't attend the prom. Two. I left the house with a tumbler of cognac, planning to drown my disappointment at the park. Three. I drowned my disappointment at the park. Four. I was supposed to go home and sleep and forget the night ever happened.

Except that I never got to number four.

I was at home in my bed in the clothes I was wearing when I left the house last night. Even though my mouth felt like the Sahara desert, I didn't have a headache. Hurrah for small miracles.

I also expected to feel remnants of my regret and annoyance from last night. I didn't. My chapped lips cracked as I smiled. I woke up feeling happier than I'd felt in the four years since Dad had been gone.

My dream had left me giddy. But not content.

I needed to find him.

But first, I needed to answer Mom's call. My phone's vibrating again.

However, it wasn't a call but a message. Two messages in fact. From Markus.

Selene, I'm so sorry I didn't make it last night. I'm sorry I wasn't able to contact you, but I had an emergency.

Can I call?

I got off the bed and padded to the bathroom. I washed my face, gargled and drank a glass of water. I felt better.

I typed, "Okay."

"Selene, I'm really sorry. I had a family emergency," Markus said without preamble. He sounded exhausted.

"Family? Is everyone okay?" I asked.

"Things are still unstable, but we're hopeful the situation will get better," he answered.

It was a vague explanation, but I didn't want to pry. The last time we had a family emergency, my father died.

"Did Ice take you to prom?"

Where did that question come from?

"No," I replied, sounding surprised. "Shouldn't he be with your family as well?"

Silence.

Then, "You're right. I'm really sorry for last night. Your best friend is going to murder me."

I laughed. I couldn't help it.

"Yvonne won't if you let me keep the dress and the shoes," I responded. I thought I was going to be upset with Markus, but I wasn't.

Markus laughed as well. "Selene, those items were yours the day I bought them for you. Do you forgive me?"

"Of course," I replied and meant it. "I'll see you soon."

Well, that was surprisingly easy.

I went downstairs and saw Mom preparing breakfast. It was a weekend and my sisters were still in bed.

Mom looked up and asked, "How are you feeling?"

I told her Markus called with a legit reason for not showing up and that I was okay. She smiled and looked relieved.

"Since I'm not facing a devastated teenager this morning, we need to talk about your poor choices. What were you thinking getting drunk last night while you were alone at the park?" Mom said, using her sternest tone.

"I'm sorry, Mom. It was stupid," I replied, contrite.

"It was a good thing Ice found you and brought you home," Mom chided.

"What?!" Number four.

"That boy is so sweet. He probably saw you at the park passed out and carried you from there to your bed. It's a good thing you're tiny enough to carry. He didn't even seem to break a sweat. You should invite him over and I'll make spaghetti..."

I didn't hear the rest of Mom's monologue. I didn't even bristle at being called tiny. I was so embarrassed.

Why didn't I remember any of it? Ice had seen me passed out drunk. Did I make a fool of myself? Did I throw up on his favorite flannel shirt? Did I talk in my unconsciousness?

I was too mortified to call him. I sent him a message instead.

Hey. Thanks for last night. I owe you. Mom's asking if you want some spaghetti.

No reply.

I sent Ice another message after fifteen minutes.

Did I barf on your clothes? Let me know. I'll replace them.

Still no reply. Perhaps he was still asleep.

I checked my phone after two hours.

Can I castrate the dickhead? Yvonne.

I called her and explained everything before she hunted down Markus. I believed that she could literally castrate a man. She had almost done it before when one of the jocks spread a rumor that she had chlamydia.

We talked for almost an hour. Times like these, I found Yvonne's colorful language soothing.

Ice still hadn't replied.

I sent Francis a message to thank Ice for me.

Will do. See you on Monday. Francis' reply was immediate. I wished it were Sore Eyes who answered.