Chapter 10
DreamingThe little girl was walking behind her mother a little shy. They just moved to this neighborhood and she didn't know anybody. One of her mother's friends, who lived in the area and had a daughter the same age, invited them to her daughter's 6th birthday.
A young boy opened the door. He seemed to be about 12-13 years old. "Hi," he said with a pleasant smile. "Come on in. Hope is waiting in the living room."
Six years old, but mature for her age, the little girl reached out her hand to him. He returned the gesture, and they shook hands. At least they tried to.
The minute her tiny palm touched his, a wave of electricity went through them both pulling them apart, knocking the little girl back, almost causing her to fall down the stairs.
"What have you done?" asked her mother in concern, trying to help her daughter to her feet.
"I didn't do anything," he replied. "I'm sorry," he said to the child who stood in front of him.
She had a limp smile of her face, and she remained standing close to her mother.
The young boy turned in some direction calling out, "Mom, Hope, you have a few more guests," while moving from the front door and allowing the two to enter the hall.
"Are you ok?" he asked the little girl.
She just shook her head in what seemed to be a yes, but didn't return his worried looks or the hand he extended and remained in mid air.
"Eleanor, I'm so glad you two could make it," said Lea. "Come on in. Hope is looking forward to meet you Abigail."
The other woman gave her hand to Abigail. The little girl reached her hand as well but then suddenly pulled it back, looking at her mother.
"What wrong dear?" asked Lea. "You don't have to be shy. Come on in where the rest of the children are."
Abi looked at her mother, searching for some sign.
"Don't worry sweetie. I'm sure Mrs. Adler won't pull any tricks on you the way he did," said Eleanor pointing to the young boy.
"Benjamin Adler, I'm shocked. What have you done?" asked his mother in anger.
"I didn't do anything. We just shook hands and then she kind of flew out the door."
"I don't believe this," said Lea. "Go to your room and stay there. Your father and I will deal with you later."
"But I didn't do anything," he protested.
"I don't wanna hear that now," said his mother trying to show Abi and her mother to the living room.
"Fine," he said, annoyed that now he can't be at his sister's birthday party.
The two women went ahead the little girl following them but she suddenly froze in her steps. She turned back and started walking in his direction.
She saw his miserable face and ran toward him, wrapping her small hands around his waist. Nothing happened. No electricity was flowing through then anymore. She smiled at him and he was hooked. She was the sweetest little girl he has ever seen. His sister was turning 6 years old today and he loved her to death. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his baby sister. Some how, the thought that he would do the same for this little girl was nesting in his mind.
"It's not his fault mother," said Abi sounding her voice for the first time since they entered the house. "It was just electricity. He didn't do anything to me."
Lea was looking at the little girl and was wondering if she is telling the truth or is she trying to help Ben avoid punishment.
Eleanor moved over to her daughter who was still holding her arms around the surprised boy. She touched her dace gently and a vision hit her. A nice vision obviously since it made her smile. "I'm sorry son," she said "You are always welcome to…" she paused, not wanting to reveal too much. After all they both are too young, just children.
"Sorry Ben," said his mother. "Come join your sister and her friends.
Eleanor smiled at lea and holding each child's hand in her palms she led them into the other room.
From that moment on the trio, Ben, Hope and Abi were almost inseparable.
+++
Abi woke up opening her eyes. How strange she thought to herself. That dream was so real and vivid. She shook her had lightly remembering the scene as if it happened yesterday. She looked over at Ben and smiled. He was still asleep and there was a smile on his face. She tried to slip from his grip to go to the bathroom, but as soon as she moved his arms tightened around her.
"Hey you. Where are you going? Running out on me so soon?" he asked.
Giggling she answered, "I'll be right back."
"Ok. Make it quick. I have something I want to share with you," he whispered in her ear.
When Abi returned to the bedroom, Ben was sitting up. "I think your mother knew," he said.
Abi was surprised. "Knew what? She asked puzzled.
"That we would be together. I think she knew it from the day we met."
"You had the same dream," stated Abi.
"About the time we first met? You dreamt it as well?" he asked.
"Yes, and now that I think about it, she knew. She had a vision about us, I'm sure of it. Aren't you glad we didn't disappoint her?" she asked smiling and sat next to him.
"Thrilled," was his answer. "How is it possible we both had the same dream Abi?"
She thought for a minute then said, "I think it's the baby's doing. I think he's trying to tell us something. I'm just not sure what it is. Maybe this dream was a sign for… something." She then looked at him for a moment,"So what are our planes for today," she asked, but before he could answer, her cell phone started ringing. She took it out of the drawer in her dresser and flipped it open.
"Hello," she said.
"Hi Abi. It's me," said her father's voice from the other side.
"Hi dad. How are you? How are the love birds?"
"If you mean Nick and Julia, well we hardly seen them the past week. They spend each possible moment together."
"That's great," said Abi. "I'm happy for them."
"And you dear. How are you?" asked her father.
"Happy dad. Really happy. I have some stuff to get through but I'm great. So is Ben," she said guessing what his next question will be.
"I'm glad for you two."
"Dad was there something you wanted? Is everything ok with you?" she asked a bit concerned.
"No, not really. It's mid November now and I was wondering if you and Ben have any plans for christmas."
"No, we do not. Why?"
"I would really like it if you two and the children, my grandchildren, can come and spend it with us," said Derek, hope in his voice. "Everyone will be here, including my mother. Please say you'll come."
"Ben, Dad wants to know if we can spend Christmas in San Francisco?" she asked her husband.
"I don't see why not," he answered.
"I guess we'll see you then. I'll call you after we're back to settle the details," said Abi.
"Good. I'll be happy to see you all." He paused, not sure if he should press the issue, "Are you sure you're ok Abi?"
"Yes, I'm sure. Why? Did you have a vision?"
"Not a clear one, but something in my gut tells me you two are in danger."
"Us two?" she wondered.
"You and Ben."
"We're fine dad. I'm taking good care of my self and Ben is doing the same. He's going to take over his fathers company when we get back."
"And you? Have you decided what you want to do?" he asked a concerned father's tone in his words.
"No dad. Not yet. I'm not sure what will happen, but besides Ben you'll be the first to know.
"Ok dear. I'll talk to you soon."
"Bye dad," she said and put the phone back in the dresser.
"Abi, why the frown?"
"Because he said we're in danger. He can't pin point it but he says we should be alert to all kinds of signs or whatever." She looked at him then finally said, "I think the baby senses it as well. I think the dream was some kind of a warning. But I can't understand what it is."
"Do you sense anything?" he asked.
"No. I promised myself and you, that these 2 weeks will be ours, no ghosts or demons."
Ben smiled. "Ok then. I'm sure it will come to you honey. When the time is right, you will know everything you need to know."
"I guess so. So what are we doing, and where are we doing it?"
"How about we go up mount Hermon, watch the skiers, and have a nice lunch at the restaurant up there?
"I believe you've got a date Mr. Adler."
They got up, quickly showered and went up to the cable station that will take them up the mountain.
+++
San FranciscoNick knocked on Derek's office door. "Come in," he heard Derek say.
"You look awful," said Nick.
"What do you need Nick, I'm rather busy."
"Julia and I are going into town and wondered if maybe you need something."
Derek thought for a moment then said, "Well actually, if you could drop by at the university and get me this book from the library, I would really appreciate it." He scrambled the book's name on a piece of paper and handed it to the young man.
"Dream interpretation?" asked Nick looking at the book's title.
"Yes, think you'll have time to do that for me?"
"Sure boss. We won't be too long," answered Nick a bit concerned from the dark circles around Derek's eyes.
"You haven't been sleeping lately, have you?" He asked.
"Not really Nick, But I'm not in the mood to talk about it right now. Just be sure to get me the book."
"Sure thing," said Nick and left the office.
Derek buried his face in his hands. "God, please protect them," he prayed. "Don't make me lose her. Not again."