As Good As Dreams
By: Christina K.
Chapter 2: A New Start for Mr. Strong
(A/N: Most of this fic is already written, so you won't have to wait too long in between chapters, unless of course my computer just goes into nuclear meltdown, which is highly unlikely. Anyway, this is the first chapter in Travis's POV, so on with the fic!)
I walked into my apartment, dropped my keys onto the table in the corner with a metallic rattle and I walked over to my answering machine. I pressed the flashing button and my head snapped to attention when I heard my friend, Robbie's voice sounds throughout my kitchen.
"Hey Travis, I bet you're wondering right now how I got your phone number. I ran into your mom at the store and she told me that you had moved to the States and I asked for the phone number. Well, anyway, you've been gone for about six weeks now and we all really miss you. You should come back soon to see us. But I know you won't, and I understand why. By the way, the ceremony was beautiful. I'm sorry you missed it. Anyway, man, please call me back. Lily and Ray send their love." The machine beeped again.
I sat down and stared at the telephone. Should I call back? I decided against it and pulled out my lesson plans for the week.
Sixth grade wasn't my ideal job; I'd rather be teaching younger kids, like first or second grade, but I couldn't find any openings anywhere else, so I was promised a position next year when the kindergarten teacher retired, so I accepted. Luckily, the Canadian educational system is different than Florida's, and I have my certification up through seventh grade.
I thought about meditating, but instead walked to the kitchen and started my dinner. Nothing fancy, just Pasta Alfredo.
Over the six weeks here in Miami, I had transformed into quite the cook. I actually found myself in my kitchen cooking more than meditating. It wasn't that I was going against my faith; I had just found a better way to center myself.
My job was going good. Like I said, it wasn't my ideal, but it was going smoothly, so I couldn't complain. I hadn't made any solid friends in the two weeks working there, but I got along with everyone, so it was a start. I wasn't really there to make friends anyway.
I finished my dinner, cleaned up, and went to bed. My mind was reeling. I knew it would be a far off chance that I would be getting decent sleep, thanks to my chronic insomnia.
But by some miracle, I started to drift off, probably due to my exhaustion from not sleeping the past two nights.
Shortly after I fell under, however, I was tossing and turning in my sleep, haunted by the same recurring dream I have every time I do sleep.
Images of white flowers and guitars flashed in and out of my head, following by a memory from high school I had tried so hard to suppress; the first time I kissed Lily Randall. Then, watching her walk away from me, into the arms of our friend Ray.
Everything after that went in fast motion, the last eight years spinning around my head in a blur, until it all came to a screeching halt and I found myself at a church in a tuxedo, watching the woman I love marrying the man I had grown to despise, their kiss replaying in front of me hundreds of times.
Each time, I felt like I was dying.