Chapter 6

In her office, Catherine was directly looking at her desk. The business card Alexandra gave her was laying on it. Catherine stretched her hand to take the card but put her hand down without even touching it.

What happened the last night, was not supposed to happen. It was beyond a coincidence. Since she is a psychologist, Catherine knew that every dream that we see is a link to our subconscious mind. We see the dreams that are connected to our desires, fears, etc. This fact startled her. She would never imagine it in real life. Why would she even dream about it?

She exactly remembers how Jackie laid on top of her; her tongue pressed against Catherine's and her hands on Catherine's breasts. Since when she is on top, thought Catherine to herself. She immediately turned over with Jackie, so she could be on top of her. To her horror, she was looking at Alexandra's face. Alexandra was the one laying under her, not Jackie. As if it was not enough, she said, "Are you going to do it or not?"

Then she woke up and could not ignore the dream whole day. What was happening? She felt like she betrayed Jackie, cheated on her. Well, she cheated on her long before, when she slept with Michael to make Jackie feel bad... What the hell she was thinking... But sleeping with another woman in her dream was cheating on her mentally.

And why Alexandra? There is nothing likable about her. Yes, she is attractive, she is smart and she seemed nice during their last talk but she was nothing like Jackie or anyone else she slept with. She is too self-directed and self-esteemed for Catherine. Catherine liked people who were week and lost. That way it was easier for Catherine to hunt them as a predator. Alexandra is not like that. She probably is a hunter herself.

What made it even worse was the business card Alexandra gave her. She definitely was interested in meeting her but Catherine was not sure about it. Especially after that dream.

Now sitting at her desk Catherine observed the card with Alexandra's name and contact information. Maybe she should give her a call and arrange a meeting for next week. She cannot meet her right now due to recent dream confusions. Therefore, she would better meet her a week later. That way, she will calm down and be more relaxed.

She dialed the number, pressed call and waited for Alexandra to respond. She waited long enough to put down the phone. Once she wanted to do that, she heard someone answering to the call and saying, "Hello". Catherine froze. She did not know how to start the talk.

- Hello?

- Hi, it is Catherine.

- Professor Stark! Such a pleasant surprise.

- Well, you were the one to give me your card.

- Well, you had the option not to call.

- I did not want to be rude.

- Thank you in any case. How was the rest of the night?

- Let's say, you were smart enough to leave. Timing was ideal. So, are you willing to discuss academic issues?

- We will discuss work only?

- Yes... Until you would like to discuss something else?

- No, I mean it is great to meet and discuss our inquiries.

- OK.

"She didn't believe it. Why the hell would I say that?", Catherine said herself. She decided to change the topic. So, she asked:

- Do you have a place in your mind?

- Actually, there this little coffee shop in the crossover of W 3rd St. and Sullivan St. I like it a lot. Coffee is great there.

- OK. Wednesday, next week at 5:00pm?

- Next week?

- Yes. This is a tough week for me. The next week right before exams would be perfect.

- OK then. I confirm the date and time. See you then.

- See you too.

On Wednesday at 5pm, Catherine entered to the coffee shop. There were not so many people. She saw a woman in a red sweater sitting at one of the estranging tables. She was reading a book. Catherine looked at her carefully to be sure its Alexandra and then moved towards her.

- Hi.

The familiar face glanced up at her. Seeing her face and remembering her dream, Catherine felt uneasy.