Chapter Two - Dreams in Reality
Florence and The Machine - Dog Days are Over
No! Oh my God, no!
I squealed, loudly. The sound reverberating from the small park, bouncing from trees and echoing into the distance. A group, more like a stampede, of children wielding squirt guns, and water balloons stumbled after me. I chuckled loudly, as a whirling balloon was thrown past my shoulder.
I was winning. Several feet from the children, as I ran. Had it not been for my own clumsy feet.
A jutting tree root caught my flip flop, sending me to the ground with a grunt of exhaled breath. And those tiny devils wasted no time! Water was dumped from their buckets, balloons bursting onto my head and back, and those darned guns sprayed my face. Effectively soaking my clothing, as their gleeful cries rose into the air. Those little buggers! Always ones to catch me!
"No! Okay! I give! We can have cake!" I screamed, hands in the air. Trying to block the cool water, as they gave a loud, simultaneous cheer. They scattered like critters, each giving high fives and grins as they took off in the opposite direction. The only one left standing was a mousey haired boy, bright hazel eyes alight and mouth parted in a panting grin.
"C'mon! Its cake!" His small, eleven year old hand jutted for mine. And I took it, as he helped me stand. I brushed the hair from my eyes, as he bounced on his toes. Barely able to contain his excitement. "And its your birthday, so you have to cut it!"
Nineteen. Geese, it was a new year. A new me. A new future! I was hopeful, for the most part. The world was much larger, the more you grow up.. Options seemed infinite, and the hard part was finding one that...
Well, that fit me.
Would going to school be an option? Maybe.
How of traveling? Seeing the world through my own eyes, and not projections of televisions or books. More likely.
"I'll beat you there..." Jamie Bennett took off like a speeding bullet at the competition. While I strayed behind, at a jog. Shaking my head as the delightful child reached the picnic tables way before I.
The party was small, not that the young woman minded. It was well worth the preparation, and the agonizingly long wait for the day of her birth.
Ruby McKlinn stood at the edge of the worn wooden table, carefully cutting each slice of cake from the platter. A simple white cake, dusted in blue and white frosting. Nothing spectacular, nothing too loud for the girl. No, she was not one to have anything magnificent.
Hands carried paper plates to each child first, then to the adults. Motherly, in the way she presented the children the delicatessen first.
An elderly woman took hers, wrinkled hands patting her shoulder as a kiss was pressed to her temple. Congratulating Ruby on her 'special day'. And special it was, as a candle was poked into the moist cake upon her plate from another woman. Younger, in her late thirties.
"You gotta make a wish!" Spoke the woman to her left. Hazel eyes watching as the grandmother sat upon the bench seat. Mrs. Bennett, Jamie's mother. Ruby had been watching Sarah's children for nearly a year, and the woman had quickly become family.
"A wish? Really?" Ruby playfully rolled her eyes, as children dispersed with their plates to the playground nearby. Jamie had invited all of his small friends. And little Sophie? Well, the small blonde child was swinging at the play set, having scarfed down her cake in record time.
"Make a wish! And eat your cake!" Elaine, the elderly woman pointed to her granddaughter with her fork.
"Jesus, Nan! Okay!" Ruby was laughing as Mrs. Bennett placed a lighter next to the candle and lit the wick.
What in the world do I wish for? For a moment, Ruby was stumped. And, gazing down at the quickly melting wax, found a solution.
With eyes closed, the young woman took a deep breath.
I wish for love. Of adventure in finding it..
With a quick exhale, the flame was snuffed out. And the candle was pushed away by a spoon, as Ruby dug into the vanilla cake. Stuffing the large portion into her smiling mouth, as Sarah Bennett and Elaine McKlinn began chuckling at her.
Frosting was decorated upon her grinning lips, causing the uproar of laughter from the two women at Ruby's ever delightful, childish antics.
A simple wish.
It all starts with just a simple wish.
Jack, in all his mischievous glory, was pressed against the smooth birch tree. Grinning from ear to ear, as his pale face peaked from behind his hiding spot. Beyond the expanse of lush green grass, and towards a small patch of sand that held a small playground. I stood behind him, looking over his shoulder, at the group of children that began playing with water guns and balloons.
Oh! This was his idea of fun!
Grinning, my hands clapping in excitement, at the thought of seeing the small hero's once again. They had, just three years prior, helped us defeat Pitch and his Nightmares. And Jamie Bennett had been the one, the very first, to believe in Jack!
I welled with pride. They each had been so brave! So courageous in the face of fear himself.
They had grown! Taller, bodies more lanky than rounded like children. Just on the cusp of teenagers, really! Each boy was growing into handsome, small men. Even Cupcake had thinned from her weight! Looking more womanly, as she was the eldest. Now fourteen, and ever the spitting image of punk.
It was saddening, and yet.. Heartwarming. I hadn't seen them in ages. Only little Sophie, who often found me at night.
However, my pride was dashed in something else. That all too familiar vibration pulled stronger at my heart strings. Like I was suddenly close to whatever it was, that needed to be found. Yearned to be found. It tugged, gripping me in curious fascination.
"Told you it be fun," was Jack's remark as his hands softly cupped together. The all too familiar glow of blue formed from his fingers, and soon a perfectly round snowball sat upon his palm. "Now, just wait..."
His arm lurched backwards so quickly, I had to shift from getting knocked back with an elbow. As the snowball lurched forward in a rush of glowing white, it hit a young boy in the middle of the shoulders.
Jamie Bennett had turned so quickly he had nearly lost his balance, and was squirted in the ear with a water pistol, from his lack of attention. "Jack!" His voice hushed, just as the three other children stopped still.
"Is that Sandy?" One quiet voice spoke, and it only took a second for the boys to realize it wasn't a dream. Their guardians had come back, for a visit. Each took off in a run, leaving the youngest to sit quietly at her swing. Until, young Sophie followed. As fast as her five year old legs could take her.
I moved from behind Jack, giving space as Jamie nearly knocked the man to the ground in a bear hug. Little Sophie, however, barrelled into me. Swerving from the other boys' figures to give me a hug!
It was a breath of fresh air to see her! I had stayed late on many occasions, to tuck her into bed when she had fallen out of it. Or even to play with her soft bunnies, as she drifted off into sweet slumber.
As a guardian, I was never meant to pick favorite children. However, Sophie Bennett was it. Her imagination was phenomenal! And, on days she knew I could be in the area, the child always stayed up late to watch my work.
"Sandy!" She squealed loudly. I was laughing, pushing the straight blonde hair from her bright green eyes, and nodded. However, the boys quickly shushed her loudness, and I gave a confused face. A golden question mark above my head.
"They might hear her.." One boy, Claude, jutted a thumb over his shoulder. That was when Jack and I both followed his pointing hand to a group of adults. Three women, to be exact, who sat at the picnic table chatting.
I shrugged, but that insistent drumming rose in my chest. They wouldn't be able to see us, anyways. Not a huge deal, if they heard...
"Oh, come on! Adults can't see us anyways!" Jack whined, as Jamie gave him a gentle push.
"Yeah, but we don't want them coming over here snooping! They are gonna see us talking to thin air!"
"Not if we are all talking. Then it looks less... Sneaky."
Claude's twin brother, Caleb, spoke up. Giving his sibling a nudge, as they both began nodding. "Yeah!"
All the while, Sophie was tugging at my hand. Trying to get my attention, as my eyes settled on her sweet face once more. "Lookit! That's my mom!" Her hand pointed, and I recognized the woman immediately. Jamie looked so much like her, down to the hazel eyes. However, the other two women I did not know, but Sophie was there to remedy the fact.
"That's Nana Elaine!" The elderly woman who was seated, as another stood from her spot. She held my attention, then. The drumming vibrations reached crescendo upon my breast, and I glanced at Sophie as she was introduced as well. "And that's Ruby! She babysits me on nights mama goes out!"
The young woman turned, and my eyes never left her form. Oh, by MiM, she was beautiful! Her long, mahogany hair hung in waves and ringlets past her shoulders. Slender hand ran through them, as a laugh poured from her pouting lips. A pair of dark capri's hung low upon her waist, as her bare arms reached to the heavens in a long stretch. A bright teal shirt rose above her belly, and a glinting of gold caught my gaze there. Amongst her milky skin, was a simple belly ring.
But her face turned, glancing at the children who stood at the woods edge. And my blood ran much hotter. Swimming like molten lava under my skin, as it rose to my cheeks. Her oceanic eyes.. Those eyes I have seen nearly every time I had closed my own..
"Come play with me?" Little Sophie asked, and I tore my gaze from the young woman. Nodding numbly, as she began to pull me towards the swing set. Ignorant to the fact that had anyone else looked in her direction, she would be holding hands with nothing.
Upon reaching the swing, I had glanced at the young woman multiple times. Never sure, and yet absolutely positive it was she. The one who haunted my sleep with visions portraying many scenes and situations; all heartwarming, and leaving me longing for more every time.
But, she couldn't be the one, right?
I couldn't hide my eagerness when she caught sight of tiny Sophie, and began her trek towards the girl.
Sophie pulled herself up to the seat, without my help, and grinned up at me. "Can I have a push?" I nodded, allowing myself to busy as the young woman kicked off her sandals and sat upon the swing beside the child. Toes grounding herself in the play sand.
I gave a tentative push, as Sophie turned to look at the woman. "Can I swing with you?"
"Duh!" Sophie said with and ecstatic nod, before glancing at me. Knowing the woman couldn't see, nor hear my presence. I used it to my advantage; much to my own dismay.
The young woman gently pushed back on her toes, barely able to reach the ground. She was tiny, sprite-like in her height and shape. Despite her youthful appearances, she was well rounded like a woman.
"Why are you over here, Soph? Did the boys kick you out of their gang?" She seemed concerned, and Sophie merely shook her head. Silent for a moment.
"Nu-uh. I wanted to play with Sandy."
Ruby glanced around us, as the child kicked her legs forward. And she smiled gently, eyes turning to the girl. "You have a new friend?"
"I've known Sandy since I was two!" Oh, she looked so proud. Counting her fingers, and holding two small digits up. She was growing, so fast, before my eyes.
However, I was too busy watching this young Ruby.
"Oh, I see.." She replied carefully, kicking a pile of sand with her violet painted toes. Twisting the chains of the swing, to face myself and Sophie.
Oh, her eyes! Like staring into the depths of the ocean, itself. Swirling pools of lovely blues and greens. It was like home, and they drew me in without a second thought. I had left Sophie's back, and inched towards the young woman, hesitantly. Hovering just a foot from her frame.
Her chest heaved in a content sigh, and my eyes went there. And below. Admiring the soft curves of a woman, as if I had never seen one before.
When Sophie slowed down, she had turned to look at me. "Hey!"
That broke the trance I had been in, as I darted back to Sophie. Ruby seemed startled by the child's outburst, and looked quizzically at her.
"Sandy stopped pushing me!" She defended herself, and Ruby tossed her head back and laughed.
Oh, I could listen to that all day and night! Soft, light hearted and smooth. Like fine silk from her vocal cords.
"Okay, Sophie... " Her gaze shifted towards the boys who looked to be having another water fight.
As silence rose between them, I nudged Sophie. And the child looked confused as I pointed a finger at Ruby. Urging her to continue talking to the young woman. I wanted to hear more of her voice. Yearned to learn more about the female that had plagued me with visions.
But, the child didn't understand. At first. Until my dreamsand images rose above me. In the shape of moving lips; I was nearly begging!
Sophie! Talk to her! Please, for the love of all that is good, talk to her!
"Ruby, what are you gonna do now?" The child asked, innocently turning her eyes from me. I gasped in relief, and the young child only smiled.
"What do you mean, Soph?"
"Like... You're nineteen! What are you gonna do? Mama says she moved into her first home at nineteen. You are a big girl, right?"
No, not entirely. If the woman stood, she would only be a a few inches taller than I! Five two, at most! I giggled to myself, at the thought.
Her innocence made Ruby grin, as she righted her swing back to facing the child. "I dunno, Soph. This is a big, big world. I've been looking at apartments-"
"Wait, does that mean you'll move far away?!" The girl seemed to understand, then. And I drooped at the prospect. I had just found her! Was she to disappear, like dust in the wind, again?
"No! I can't leave you behind!" Ruby said in jest, carefully placing a hand on top of Sophie's as she gripped the chain. "Seriously, Sophie. We just moved to Burgess last year, I kinda like this town. I think I'll keep it." Her playful grin was matched with Sophie, and I left out a long sigh of relief.
She wasn't moving. I could find more about the young, beautiful woman.
Ruby moved from her swing, and crouched in front of Sophie. Stilling my pushes, as I peered over the child's shoulder. Watching the girls deep eyes stare up at Sophie Bennett. "I'm not going anywhere. And I don't know what I'm gonna do, yet. Don't worry about those things, honey. Just focus on being the sweet little girl I know you are."
The child beamed down at Ruby, but didn't speak to the young woman. No, she spoke to me. "See, Sandy? She is the nicest person in the world! Besides you."
I did see. I saw clarity in her words, and warmth in Ruby's smile as she slowly stood. Like no lie had ever spilt from her plump, pink lips. Lips I found focused on for far too long, as I missed the sight of her grin, when she turned.
"Well, Princess Sophie," the young woman began. And she dipped low in a bow before the child, "Will you help me eat as much of that tasty cake as possible?"
Sophie, now crowned princess, jumped for joy. Literally leaping from her spot on the swing, and cheering her way to the tables beyond myself. Just like a child, she had lost interest in playing with me. And I had no problem with the fact, as Ruby took her hand and began skipping along with Sophie. Sandals forgotten, as I had been so easily.
It left a longing inside of me. Watching her skip away, without a care in the world. One I had never felt before, as her frame slipped into a seat beside the child princess. I hadn't realized my lips had formed a smile that hadn't left the moment I saw her. That I was clutching the front of my robes the second she had sidled beside Sophie. Hoping to never feel that vibrating beat disappear from my chest.
No, I realized all of that... The moment she walked away. Without seeing me. Without saying a word to me. And without a belief in me.
And that left the longing and warmth with a new desperation:
I needed to see her again.
How long had I been here?
Well, my pocket watch says its just past eight. Two hours? Maybe three...
Was it wrong?
Certainly, in some instances. However, I hadn't been a peeping Tom, in any means. Just admiring the simple way she moved. How her hair, pulled a top her head in some messy fashion of a quick bun, traveled across her forehead. The way her mouth twitched upwards in a smirk, as her eyes scanned the pages of her book. Her slender legs cradled the novel, shoulders hunched as her frame curled into whatever story she had been reading for the past hour.
I had watched the woman, Ruby McKlinn, for the past (possibly) three hours. And she really hadn't strayed from her spot, as the setting sun died and was soon replaced with Manny. High, plump, and waiting for the on coming night.
Ruby had come home, after her party. Only to shower, I swear that was a window I did not peek into, slowly climbing into her bed. A mound of blankets the color of emeralds had been tucked around her waist. Pillows, gosh so many pillows, littered at the metal head board, that she had occasionally leaned against. Giving rest to her aching spine.
I wanted to wait longer. Continue watching the woman, as her arms rose above her head in a long stretch, and her eyes scanned the alarm clock upon her bedside table.
Ruby had quickly gotten up, crossing the room with bare feet as she turned the switch. Dimming her room, only to be bathed in moon light, and twinkling white holiday lights that scattered across her bed's canopy.
That porcelain skin glowed, and I was in awe of her beauty once again. I watched intently as her fingers plucked the book up, and set it upon the crowded bookcase near her door. Her legs, those slender and shapely legs, carried her to the window.
I reached out, pressing a palm to the glass as her breath fogged it. I wished I could feel that warmth, of her soft breath against mine-
No. This is not right! Spirits can not mingle with humans. And certainly couldn't mingle in those ways, either. . .
My hand drooped to my side, at the thought. That longing only grew stronger, as her eyes gazed up to the sky. I could see the reflections of stars in them, and I was left gasping at the swirling galaxies that swam in them.
She strayed at the window. Fingers curling at the old, wooden panes while her longing gaze mapping the stars. Ruby spoke, murmuring words that I couldn't hear through thick glass.
She was marvelous, as a pale forehead pressed to the window pane. My tentative hand rose, touching the cool glass with the pads of my fingers that she rested on. So close, yet.. So far.
No, no, please!
I pressed my nose to the glass, as her frame retreated to the bed. Begging silently for the woman to come back, but knowing she was gone. Soon to be embraced in sweet slumber.
As she laid her head upon the pillow, my hands wove softly before me. The glowing warmth of dreamsand flickering between my fingertips as I sent the first dream of the night to Ruby. My gift, to her.
Happy Nineteenth Birthday, Ruby..
It snaked its way into the cracks of her window panes, tendrils reaching her and forming her most coveted dream as her eyes fell closed.
"Geese! It took me forever to find you-" a loud, obnoxious voice spoke at my side. All movements ceased, as I jumped to the sky. Turning so quickly, and pressing my back to the window as Jack Overland Frost looked to me curiously.
"Uh, Sandy?"
I was red in the face, I just knew it. The heat rose, and stayed upon my cheeks. Damnit, Jack!
Sanderson clutched his wildly beating heart in fright, hiding the woman's body from Jack's peering gaze.
"What are you doing? What's goin' on?" The young man floated closer to the window, and Sandy effectively blocked him, wagging a finger as Jack held both of his hands up in defense. The Dream Weaver's eyes narrowed, warning the frosted male.
"Woah, okay! Okay..." Though his curiosity didn't faulted, and Sanderson was left looking guilty. Twisting his hands together, as his eyes turned to his feet. Slowly shifting from the window.
Jack gave hesitant glances at the strangely acting Sandy, inching to the window and peering inside.
"Who is she? Do you know her?"
Sandy glanced upwards, and thought about it. Dwelling far too long for Jack, as he spoke again;
"Isn't she the birthday girl? Jamie said her name was Rose or something..."
Sanderson shook his head, and in a sprawling golden script the name rose above his head:
Ruby
Jack barely glanced at it, nodding. "Yeah, that's it. I was close! How do you know her? Isn't she a bit old to be a believer?"
The golden man seemed to deflate at the comment, and that made Jack raise a brow. A knowing smirk growing upon his pale lips as the conclusion came soon after. "You like her? "
Sanderson had quickly shook his head, but the ever growing blush upon his cheeks only further confirmed the question. Jack rose both brows, looking in smirking disbelief at the giver of dreams. Who was crumbling under the unneeded pressure. His golden hand shaking to a fro.
A clear sign he was unsure of the feelings for the human.
"Can she see us? That would be a nice change!" He looked into the window, but the shake of Sandy's head and disappointed face stopped him half way.
"Then... " he was waiting for explanation, and Sanderson didn't know how to convey it in images. Though, he tried..
A sleeping sandman. Dream cloud above his head, as he pointed to the woman who was lost in her own dreams of oceans and islands.
It took a long moment for Jack to understand, "Wait. So your telling me, you've dreamt of her?"
A nod was all the confirmation he needed. And Jack peered back into the window, a knowing smile forming on his lips. Like he had a secret that Sanderson hadn't heard yet. "Looks like you're not the only one..."
Confused, the small golden guardian also looked into the darkened room. Where the dreamsand was forming a miniature being who stood upon a cloud with hands reaching downwards.
His heart stopped, before fluttering excitedly in his ribs.
"Strange. You guys never met each other, how do you two dream of the other?"
Sandy only gave a happy shrug, too gleeful to fully understand it himself. There was an ounce, a smidgeon of hope in her. Could she be able to fully believe in him?
"You know, why don't you try contacting her?"
What would he say? How could he try to contact her? He had only powers in dreams. He couldn't form simple dustings of ice upon glass and mirrors, like Jack.
"I have an idea..."
Oh, he loved Jack's ideas!