Chapter 53

Kristin lay on the bed, propping her head up with one hand as she glanced up at Nathan. "What about Lucas?"

"I think he'd rather sleep alone," he quipped.

She laughed softly. "That's not exactly what I meant, and you know it." She nodded her head towards the adjoining door. "With his father not coming to see him after all, I'm worried he might have been…trying to put on a brave face for you and me." She pushed herself up to her knees. "I know I said I wanted you to stay, but he might need you more than I do. I think you should at least talk to him."

Nathan sat down on the bed next to her, placing an arm around her shoulders. "I did while you and Kimberly were still talking. When I saw he was with everyone else, I pulled him aside. He assured me he was really fine. With Lawrence being so engrossed in the World Power Project, Lucas knew he wouldn't have his full attention anyway. That's not the way he wanted to see his father. Lawrence promised him that he'd see him soon."

"And the cat's in the cradle," Kristin said with a sigh. "You know how that might work."

"Don't think I've given up on giving Doctor Wolenczak a piece of my mind, though. I plan on it, but we need to choose our battles. And at the moment, I think we're fighting more than enough right now, wouldn't you say?"

She gave a quiet nod, averting her gaze.

"I forgot to tell you he's staying in Ben's room tonight anyway. He invited him over to watch movies, eat junk food, that kind of thing. In fact, every one of the senior staff members has been extra attentive to Lucas. He's fine. Don't worry, all right?"

"I'll try not to. I'm glad the others are being so kind to him."

"So am I." He paused. "I thought you were tired, though?"

"I am; exhausted, actually," she said with a yawn.

"Then why don't we get some sleep, okay?"

"Of course," she replied, lying down and trying to get into a comfortable position as Nathan did the same. He then pulled her close, and she laid her head on his chest, listening to the soft thump of his heartbeat.

As tired as she was, however, Kristin's mind wandered, preventing her from relaxing completely. Her main worry now was the hypnosis; no, it was nothing she hadn't done before, but the stakes were higher now, she knew. Not only that, she figured she ought to let Nathan know that was her ultimate decision. She lifted her head for a moment, wondering if she should mention it now. But when Nathan didn't stir, she decided he was already asleep. She sighed and lay back down. That would probably be a conversation best saved for morning anyway, she decided.

No matter how Nathan felt, it really didn't matter anyway. If she wanted things to go back to the way they were before they found the chest…well, at least for the most part…there were no negotiations. She had to go through with it.

But then she had Sylvia to worry about. If she was going to put herself in danger once again for her, there was no way she was going to let it all be for naught. She had to figure out a way she could speak to Sylvia…but how? Kimberly already told her she wouldn't facilitate it, and Kristin didn't blame her for that in the least. Obviously, she'd taken the Hippocratic Oath just as Kristin had; as a doctor, she sympathized with Kimberly's position, and she was grateful that she was concerned about her physical health.

She let out a sigh and turned to stare at Nathan. Maybe he wasn't asleep yet after all.

"You're having trouble getting to sleep, hm?" he muttered without opening his eyes.

"A little. I'm tired, but I can't get my mind to relax."

"Roll over on your stomach," he told her.

"What?"

"Just trust me. Roll over."

Kristin relented and rolled over. "I don't quite-" She stopped short when she felt his hands begin to knead the back of her neck and her shoulders. "Oh…that feels heavenly."

"Ssh, just relax," he whispered. "Let's see if we can ease that tension a bit."

Kristin took a deep breath and did her best to do as he said. She closed her eyes and instantly felt drowsy. She heard Nathan shift positions, lying down once again, but he continued to massage her back and neck. It wasn't long before Kristin found herself yawning.

"Do you think you can finally sleep now?" Nathan asked after several minutes.

She gave a nod. "I think so. Thank you."

"Anytime." He pulled her close to him. "We'll talk in the morning about whatever's been on your mind. That is, if you want to."

Kristin nodded against his chest. "Goodnight."

"Sleep well."

Kristin absentmindedly touched the locket around her neck, thoughts of Sylvia on her mind as she finally dozed off.

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"Kristin? Kristin?"

"Mhm," she mumbled. "Go 'way. I just want to sleep."

A soft, melodic laugh followed. "All right, but just remember, you called me."

Kristin's eyes popped open. She realized she wasn't in the bed of her hotel room at all, and Nathan was nowhere near her. She was lying on a blanket on the same, familiar beach she'd created in her mind. The sun was warm and pleasant, and the waves were gently lapping onto the shore. She sat up and saw Sylvia sitting in front of her, a smile on her face. Kristin placed a hand to her cheek. "Sylvia?"

"In the flesh." She paused. "Well, you know what I mean."

Kristin shook her head. "I wasn't sure I'd see you again...after the last time…" She suddenly looked around nervously. "Are…are we alone?"

Sylvia's brow furrowed slightly, as though she was trying to remember the last time. She gave her a reassuring smile. "As far as I know." She lowered her gaze. "I wanted to apologize about our last meeting. I didn't quite realize… I never meant for that to happen." She placed her hands on Kristin's shoulders. "Are you all right? Did…did he hurt you?"

Kristin hesitated. Truthfully, their encounters all blended together, so remembering what exactly had transpired was a little difficult. All she remembered was that she'd been terrified, that Frank Knox held her hostage and… Well, she couldn't recall all the details, but she knew the experience had been less than pleasant. "I'm all right now…but what about you?"

Sylvia's eyes widened slightly, as though she'd never been asked such a question before…or at least not lately.

"Sylvia?"

She then waved a hand. "Oh, I'm used to it by now. You don't need to worry." She stood and offered her hand. "Why don't we take a walk, hm? It's such a lovely day."

Kristin, however, refused to take her hand. "That isn't what I asked you. Besides, I'd rather stay right here and talk. We have a lot to hash out."

Sylvia didn't answer. She simply turned and walked down the shore a few feet, staring out at the water.

Kristin sighed and pushed herself to her feet. "We don't have a lot of time for games, you know. Things are much more complicated than either of us thought. I-"

"Game?" Sylvia turned to her, dark eyes flashing with anger. "Maybe it was a game to you, but it was never a game to me."

"That's not what I meant. I just was trying to-"

Sylvia shook her head. "I assure you, this is no game." She turned back to the water, arms crossed over her chest.

Kristin let out a deep sigh. She carefully approached her. "I…I apologize for my poor word choice. I never meant to call this a game. Do…do you think we could start over, please?"

A few moments later, Sylvia relented, turning back around to face her. "I didn't mean to fly off the handle quite like that. It's just… Things have been very stressful lately."

"Tell me about it," Kristin replied. "It hasn't been a picnic for me either."

Sylvia was quiet for several minutes before speaking again, her voice calmer and quieter this time. "To answer your question, I'm fine for the time being. Before…not so much, but I'll survive. I always do."

Kristin simply nodded, unsure of what else to say.

"So, why is it you're here?"

Kristin raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you bring me here?"

Sylvia smiled softly and shook her head. "It might seem that way, but that's not the case. You're the one in control."

"But how? I didn't…"

Sylvia sighed. "Remember I told you where this beach is?"

"In my mind…"

"Exactly. The only way I could come here is if you summoned me. Well, more like your subconscious mind did the summoning, but you get the point." Sylvia turned to sit on a nearby rock. "So…why is it you've brought me here?"

Kristin, however, couldn't bring herself to answer. She didn't understand how she could be in control. She didn't feel that way. And did that mean she was in control every other time?

"Kristin? Honey, you don't look very well." Sylvia ushered her to sit down. "I guess I dropped a bit of a bombshell on you."

"I don't quite understand how I could be the one in control. Was I…before…every other time?"

"It's…complicated, but the answer is…somewhat." She paused for a brief moment. "It's been a long time since I've seen a movie, but you've seen The Wizard of Oz?"

Kristin gave a quiet nod.

"Good. Okay, you know at the end where Dorothy wants to go home, and Glinda tells her she had the power to do that all along?"

"Yes…but what in the world does that have to do with this? Are you saying all I need to do is click my heels and this will all go away?"

"I wish it were that easy, but no, that's not what I'm saying. What I meant was that you have great power within you, and you had the power to summon me all along. Anytime you needed me, actually."

Kristin shook her head in disbelief. "Why in the world didn't you tell me that before?"

"Because you had to discover it for yourself…just like Dorothy," Sylvia replied simply. "Besides, if you had known it before, it might have been too dangerous because doing so-"

"Drains my energy?" Kristin finished.

"Exactly. How did you know?"

"Lucky guess," she said with a shrug. "But what about Frank Knox? Am I in control of him too?"

"If only it were that simple…" Sylvia said with a sigh. She shook her head. "Unfortunately, no."

"But if this is the place I've created, how in the world can he enter? Is it possible my subconscious mind has brought him here?"

"It's not that at all. It's more that Frank Knox has breached your subconscious mind, invaded it without your permission. He's a parasite who feeds off your energy. Apparently, mine wasn't enough for him anymore." She took a deep breath. "I'm afraid for you, Kristin. I haven't figured out a way to get rid of him yet."

"That's actually why I wanted to speak with you. I suppose that's why my subconscious mind summoned you. We're not sure, but Jack seems to think that-"

"Jack?" She brought a hand to her chest. "My Jack? You spoke to him?"

Kristin nodded. "Apparently, my mind's been busy." She let out a sigh. "Though Jack did say he pulled me to him…" She shook her head. "I suppose it doesn't really matter, but the point is, he had a lot of insight on the situation."

Sylvia's brow furrowed. "You mean he knows about all this?"

"He's been watching from Heaven. He never mentioned how he did it, but I'm assuming he pulled a lot of strings in order to speak with me."

Sylvia averted her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper as she spoke, "If he'd been watching, why didn't he come to me?"

"I can't really answer that," Kristin replied. "He had a message to give, so that's why he spoke to me, I suppose. That's what I need to tell you. He told me this is about forgiveness, and-"

Sylvia stood and shook her head. "If he could come to you, why couldn't he come to me, rescue me from this hell?"

Kristin stood as well and placed a comforting arm around her shoulders. "I wish I could answer that," she said with a sigh, "but we honestly don't have time to speculate. What Jack told me was very important, and-"

Sylvia, however, held up a halting hand. "I can't…" She gently removed Kristin's arm and turned to walk away.

"Where are you going?" Kristin asked, debating if she should go after her.

"I just need some time. I'm sorry."

Kristin hadn't anticipated Sylvia being angry about Jack coming to her, but then, she should have expected it. She'd been angry when she found out Jack had been watching too. She watched Sylvia's form in the distance getting smaller and smaller. She let out a deep sigh, sitting back down on the ground. She knew if she went after her, it was probably going to cause more of a problem. Hopefully, she'd calm down enough to where Kristin could talk civilly with her. She pulled her knees up to her chest and leaned her chin on them.

"I'm in control," she said weakly. She rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on, Kristin; say it like you believe it." She paused and took a deep breath. "I'm in control," she said again, this time sounding a bit more confident. She looked up at the sky. "Sylvia, I command you to come here this instant."

She waited a moment, but nothing happened. "Hmmm," she thought aloud. "If I'm like Dorothy, she always had someone to help her along her journey. I doubt there are any Munchkins around, and I don't foresee a good witch in a large bubble showing up any time soon. Perhaps I can find a yellow brick road?" She stood and looked all around her, but of course, there was no road of any kind. She didn't expect one anyway. She wasn't sure what she expected, actually.

Another sigh escaped her lips as she crossed her arms over her chest. She looked in the direction Sylvia had gone, hoping to see her coming back, only she wasn't. Kristin wondered if she should go after her. She certainly didn't want to wait around all day for her…or all night…whatever it may be. Suddenly, a shiver ran down her spine, despite the balmy weather, as a thought occurred to her: what if Frank Knox had gotten to Sylvia?

Kristin shook her head. She said a silent prayer, hoping that wasn't the case and debated for a moment whether or not she should look for her. She didn't really want to see Frank Knox at all. She'd quite enjoyed her time away from him and hoped it stayed that way, but at the same time, she desperately needed to speak with Sylvia. She needed to tell her what she needed to do, or she feared Sylva would remain a prisoner in this realm. Kristin wasn't about to let that happen.

She took a deep breath and set out down the beach. She cupped her hands around her mouth, about to call Sylvia's name, but opted against it. If Frank Knox was lurking around, she decided it best not to draw attention to herself or Sylvia. She decided she'd just have to use her eyes. Strangely, however, once she got past the shores of the beach, she seemed to know exactly where she was going, evidence that perhaps Sylvia had been correct: that Kristin was indeed in control.

Kristin came to a clearing with three different paths. "I wonder which path I should take," she muttered aloud.

"I think you should go down the first one," an unfamiliar voice said.

Kristin startled a bit as she looked around for a face to match the voice. "Who…who said that?"

"But the second one looks like it could be nice as well."

Kristin continued to search all around her again, but she still didn't see who the voice belonged to. "Show yourself, please!" she called, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Though I've heard the third has some lovely flowers at the end. I bet they smell heavenly."

"I…I don't quite like the joke," Kristin said after a moment. "Tell me who you are!"

"Of course, if you're feeling adventurous, you could try all three."

Kristin put her head in her hands. She had to be going mad, she decided. She must have been hearing voices. There was absolutely no one else there, she was sure of it. She shook her head and turned back to the three paths, trying to decide which Sylvia might have taken.

"Still can't decide?"

"No, I-" Kristin turned around again as she realized that she wasn't just hearing things. "Is someone else there?"

"I think you should go down the first one." A gloved hand immediately poked out of the thick vegetation to the right of the paths.

Kristin carefully approached the person. "Why are you hiding back there? Why don't you come out so I can see your face?"

"I would, but I appear to be stuck. It's been a long time since anyone's come by."

Kristin used her hands to pull the leaves, branches, and vines away until she revealed… Her hand rose to her mouth as she gasped. It was a scarecrow, a living, breathing scarecrow; not only that, he looked suspiciously like Nathan...or perhaps Jack? It really didn't matter who he bore a resemblance to, but it was…very strange. "I…I don't believe it. How…?"

The scarecrow smiled. "You created this place, so I suppose I came from your mind. I'm here to help you."

Kristin raised an eyebrow. "Do…do I need to help you off that pole too?"

The scarecrow brought a finger to his chin, tapping gently as if he were in deep thought. "It is a little uncomfortable," he admitted. "I've been up here for ages. I believe if you just bend that nail down in the back, I'll slip off."

Kristin moved around to the back of the wooden pole and pushed down on the nail with all her might. When the scarecrow finally toppled to the ground, she let out a soft cry and quickly moved to his side. "I…I'm terribly sorry. Are you hurt?"

"Sorry? What have you got to be sorry for? I'm perfectly fine." He tapped on his chest. "I'm just straw, remember?"

"Oh, I suppose I'd forgotten. You'll have to forgive me; you're the first scarecrow I've met. Did…did you happen to see another woman come by this way, by chance?"

"Does she look almost exactly like you?"

Kristin nodded. "Yes, you see, it's very important I speak with her. So I really need to know which way she might have gone."

The scarecrow stood and looked down the first path, thinking for a moment. Then he moved in front of the second path and then the third path, the same expression on his face. "The third path."

Kristin took a step forward when the scarecrow said, "No, wait, the first path."

She let out a sigh and moved to the first path.

"Or maybe it was the second path?"

"Well, which is it?" Kristin demanded, turning to him and crossing her arms over her chest. "I haven't got time for games, and you-" She stopped when she saw the hurt look on the scarecrow's face. "Oh, no, don't tell me you haven't got a brain."

"Actually…" He held up a finger. "I think that's exactly my problem. But as I said, I'm your creation. And I'm just here to help you."

Kristin sighed. "Did you actually see my friend?"

The scarecrow nodded.

"Recently?"

A pause…and then another nod.

"Do you remember which way she went? Please, try to remember." She spoke slowly and clearly, as if she were speaking to a small child.

The scarecrow remained silent for several minutes, and Kristin decided she was completely out of luck with him when he finally said, "I've got it! She went that way!" He pointed down the center path.

"You're sure?"

"Positive."

Kristin paused for a moment. "Would you like to come with me?"

The scarecrow stared at her for a moment in shock. "No one's ever asked me that before."

"Well, now's your chance. It would be nice to have a little company along the way." She held out her arm. "What do you say?"

But the scarecrow held up his hands and shook his head. "I'd love to, but this is your journey, not mine. Unless you're going to Oz, I have to stay here."

"But-"

"Just follow the second path. She'll be waiting at the end. I just know it." The scarecrow then placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a gentle push.

But Kristin turned back to him. "Wait. I don't know how I can ever repay you…" Her voice trailed off when she realized the scarecrow was gone, as if he were never there in the first place. Kristin shook her head and let out a shaky breath. "Well, it could have been worse, so I'll take a talking scarecrow any day." She turned back around and walked down the second path, hoping she wouldn't run into the tin woodsman or the cowardly lion along the way. She didn't have time for that. And she said a silent prayer that there was no Wicked Witch of the East waiting for her either.

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She was relieved she'd reached the end of the path without encountering any strange beings whatsoever. But then, she didn't see Sylvia waiting for her either. She shook her head. "Now what?" She looked around and breathed a sigh of relief because she did see a familiar-looking form standing near a lush, green field in the distance.

Kristin ran to her, not wanting to waste any more time. "Sylvia? I've been looking all over for you."

"I…I'm sorry. I didn't realize how long I'd been gone." Her voice was thick with emotion as she sniffled quietly.

"I never meant to make you cry." Kristin approached her carefully and took her hand. "I'm sure Jack didn't want that either. Maybe…maybe he thought if he spoke to you, you wouldn't listen."

Sylvia pulled away. "And why would he think that? Did he say something? I…I thought he loved me…"

"He does…with all his heart. The last thing he'd want to do is hurt you. I know that. He had just mentioned you were angry, and-"

"Well, don't I have the right to be? You've only lived my life for a couple of weeks. Imagine doing it every day and never getting a reprieve." She buried her head in her hands and sobbed softly.

Kristin stood there for a few moments, wringing her hands together nervously. She tried to think of something comforting to say. "Of…of course you have a right to be angry," she said softly, pulling Sylvia into her arms. "I don't think anyone said you couldn't be. I'm angry for what happened to you. I…I wish it would never have happened. I wish I could change it. But the truth is, I can't. No one can change the past. The only thing we have the power to change is the future."

Sylvia said something Kristin couldn't decipher.

Kristin did her best to soothe and comfort her, and after a few minutes, her sobs quieted. "Jack told me that this was about forgiveness and lessons for everyone involved."

"What does that mean?" Sylvia asked weakly.

Kristin shook her head. "He wouldn't say…or couldn't say. I'm not sure. He suddenly had to leave, but my friends and I spoke about it, and we think we've figured it out. We need to forgive Frank Knox."

Sylvia lifted her head and stared at Kristin for a moment, her mouth agape. "You…you mean I'm actually supposed to talk to that monster? Forgive him for what he's done to me?"

"I…I know it seems strange, but if you want to move on-"

Sylvia shook her head. "You're crazy if you think I'm going to forgive that bastard for the hell he's put me through. He ruined my life. How in the world can I forgive that?"

Kristin sighed. "No one said you couldn't be angry at all. But if you're goal is to move on to the other realm, you need to let go of that anger. Forgiveness isn't necessarily for Frank Knox, but for you to find peace."

Sylvia didn't reply. She simply crossed her arms over her chest.

"Look, Sylvia, I know you might not want to hear that, but it's true. Part of the reason you're stuck here is because you can't let go of what you're feeling. If I go and forgive Frank Knox myself, go and retrieve that letter…do everything you asked me to do…it's not going to make one damn bit of difference if you don't move from this place. I agreed to help you, but you need to help yourself too. Not only that, I don't have much time."

Sylvia looked at her in surprise.

"I've been given an ultimatum. I have three days." She paused. "Correction, I probably have only two days now…before the seaQuest leaves. If I don't get back to normal, I'll lose my job. My life will be ruined too. You had said you never wanted any of this to happen to me. I want to believe you, but if you can't make a few sacrifices for me, this seems a little one-sided. If you care anything for me, anything for Jack…you'll do what you need to move on." She placed a hand on her shoulder. "I really have to go, but please, don't let me down."

-sQsQsQsQsQsQsQsQsQsQ-

December 11, 2019

"Kristin? Kristin?"

Kristin let out a soft moan as she began to stir. She opened her eyes for a moment, noticed the brightness of the room, and winced, closing them once again. "Na-Nathan?" Her voice was hoarse and weak.

"Yes, it's me, sweetheart. Are you all right? You…you'd been mumbling in your sleep, and I've been trying to wake you for several minutes."

Kristin felt his warm hand touch her forehead.

"You've got a fever," he informed her. "And you look as white as a sheet."

"I…I had to go see Sylvia, and it drains my energy. I'm sorry. But I didn't know how-"

"Ssh," Nathan said. "I'm going to call Joshua or Kimberly. You just rest."

Kristin gave a slight nod, making her head throb. She hadn't quite expected to be so ill when she returned. She then heard Nathan speaking with someone, though she couldn't tell who it was. The voices all blended together and sounded very far away.

A short time later, Nathan returned to her side. "Kimberly's on her way." A cool washcloth was laid across her forehead. "Are you thirsty?"

She shook her head. "You…you were in my dream… I was glad you were there."

Nathan's voice cracked slightly as he replied, "I…I'm glad I was there too. Just rest, sweetie. I promise I won't leave you."