Chapter 4 The Dream Goes Further

Jaymes looked around the dark room, turning to face the light when it formed. His green eyes were fixed on the by now familiar man at its center. He was tall and slender, his clothing black. His skin was a dark green where it was visible, and his were eyes a bright shade of electric blue.

"Jaymes," he said, his voice soft and full of feeling.

Jaymes gasped softly, because his voice sounded like Uncle Ben and Uncle Kevin's did when they spoke to each other. The implications and meaning of it was beyond his five year old mind, but for some reason he felt his face heat up with a blush anyway.

"You have a glorious future ahead of you, Jaymes, but the path to it will not be easy. It will be reached only through patience and courage…" The man's voice trailed off as his image started to fade quickly.

Jaymes sighed softly, sadness in his eyes, thinking futilely. 'Please, don't go…'

The man's image solidified again, his expression turning surprised as he looked at the boy. "What is it, Jaymes?" he asked in concern.

"I… I'm lonely… Why do you always leave before I wake up?.."

"Oh, Jaymie," he said softly, lifting a hand in his direction almost compulsively, then putting it down at his side again. "I'm sorry. It's just… easier for me. I can't explain, but.. You're not old enough for me to be with and comfort you like I want to. Like I need to…"

"Oh. You want me like my uncles want each other. I don't know exactly what they do when they're alone together. Mother won't tell me. But I know that they love each other. I wish that I was older…"

"You will be soon enough, Jaymes. Just have patience. Time goes faster then you think.."


Jaymie smiled as he lay in his bed the next morning thinking about the dream, stretching as he sat up slowly. Then he put on his clothes, going downstairs to the kitchen.

He didn't even notice his mother's look of surprise as he hummed softly to himself while pouring a bowl of cereal, adding milk and grabbing a spoon. He sat down at the table and started to eat quickly.

"Slow down, Jaymie," Gwen said affectionately, her green eyes sparkling. "The bowl isn't going to hop away with your breakfast, you know."

"Yeah, I know, but I want to go to uncle Ben's house soon."

"Are you packed?"

"Yes."

"Do you have your teddy bear?"

"Mother," Jaymie groaned in protest. "I don't need that thing anymore."

"What?" she asked in surprise. "But you love teddy."

"I'm almost six, mom. I'm too old to play with toys now."

"Who told you that?"

"I just am, okay?"

"Alright, honey, I'll go get your bag and put it in my car. Take your time. We can go as soon as you finish eating your cereal."

Gwen sighed as she repacked Jaymie's bag so that it was a bit neater. Then she picked up the bear from its place on his bed, cradling it in her arms like a baby.

"Too old to play with toys now?" she whispered to herself softly, sadness in her green eyes. "Doesn't want Teddy? Jaymie.. Please don't grow up so fast. Enjoy it while you still can, baby…"