Chapter Five - All Around Me
"You're dripping like a saturated sunrise.." Halsey - Colors
A week past, and Ruby was growing tired of unanswered questions that haunted her. For a being that had seemed so happy and care free, the Sand Man was rather mean for leaving so quickly without a single word of her statement.
Of course she had grown a slight resentment. Despite the way her mind always found the shape of his blushing cheeks. How adorable he looked, peering up from his lashes! Of his bright amber eyes that seemed to find her's, in every single negative thought. The good natured male, even in her subconscious, chased away the resentments. Even his soft hands, that she wished to feel time and time again, carried her mind to another place.
It was early morning, when the young woman rose from her bed. Too early, as was heard from her disgruntled noises of disapprovingly stretching limbs. The sun rose in the East, as her figure slipped into the adjoining bathroom, barely bringing light to the Earth with its bringing of day.
Ruby sluggishly moved, at first. Sloth like to brush teeth, and yank her thick tresses up into a tight bun. Clothing was thrown from dresser drawers, each item found slipped on with new found glory.
Leggings that clung like a second skin. A violet lace bralette, one she often wore in such times. Last was a white tank, much too large, as with every movement the woman bared more skin than she intended. Not as if it truly mattered. No one was to be peeping on her, where she was heading.
She needed to get out of her house. And, slipping a pair of purple sandals upon her feet, and snatching up a multicolored mat, Ruby McKlinn did just that.
Clear her mind. Ground herself in pure silence. Unbothered by the nothing but the serendipity of Mother Nature, herself.…
Her feet carried her through quiet side walks, past emptied shops as she found a nature trail. Burgess had many of them, but the one she chose was one less traveled by. Silent, save the sounds of the forest that calmed her in ways nothing else could.
A road led her to three separate trails. And she took the higher one. Much in life, that much she had grown to learn. And quickly, too. From past occurrences.
Ruby traveled, as her mind clouded with the many faces Sanderson had made in one night.
The way his face tipped down, blushing at his friend's words.
How the corners of his eyes crinkled in smiles.
The gentle swoop of his nose, when it too, wrinkled at Jack when he glared at the male.
How he brightened! Face glowing, brows arched in happy delight!
Why had he plagued her so? And why hadn't he come back? Questioning the Bennett children had given her nothing but information she had already learned. Jack, nor Sandy, had come to visit them since. Jamie was quick to defend those actions, saying they were always busy. Life as a Guardian was tough, they had jobs.
Sanderson was a giver of dreams. He spent all time in the skies, and was rarely seen. Jamie had explained in depth of what the child called 'The Battle of Burgess'. How the Dream Weaver was fierce, as he was fair. Tearing through the 'Boogieman', scolding him for his trite behavior, and uppercutting the dark being.
Ruby couldn't picture the short male doing such.. He seemed much too kind. Too innocent.
Her hands unwound the circular fabric, and laid it upon the dew ridden grass as her eyes darted towards the rising sun. Why won't anyone give me an answer? Why is it always riddles, and dodging?
Kicking the foam from her feet, she gave a long stretch. Arms above her head, before her legs curled under and set her bottom to the prayer rug. She found yoga mats just too 'mainstream', and had found the fabric at an old garage sale. On a better plus, it was more eco friendly. Something Ruby found more important than not. It was thick, made of cotton and what she suspected was hemp, swirling in arrays of violets and cyans. A mandala; the circle of life to be specific.
Moons decorated its crest, and her hands laid palm down upon them. Deep breath in, and slowly let out. Ruby took one last glance at her green surroundings, before closing her lids to find a peaceful place of her mind that wasn't utterly lost in the Guardians.
Her chest rose slowly, breaths even as serenity engulfed her in a familiar embrace. Tipping the scales to the woman's favor, as the chirping of birds echoed in the distance. A song she found both calming, and uplifting.
The cool breeze carried the scent of pine, wet wood, and leaves. Ruby had found clarity in yoga, many years ago. Finding it relaxing, and calming when she was too rushed in busy life.
•°•°•°•°•
I hadn't meant to come back to Burgess, after that night. I felt guilt, the moment those words left Ruby's lips. For a woman I had only ever seen in dreams, she had a power with those eyes. But, she also made me realize something more.
I wanted a companion. Someone who quelled my loudest thoughts, and spoke with me in silence.
I wasn't just envious of others. Wishing to have what they could easily do. No. I wanted it.
Much like Cupid and Aphrodite. Much like a blossoming of feelings between Jack and Toothiana…
I watched couples curl into one another, and had wished for the same at night. My home was empty; no mermaid or seashell warrior could staunch that. It was delightful to have conversations with them! But was it the same?
Hardly.
Many times I was ignored, due to my own silence. And when I was understood, or heard in the sounds of wind chimes and bells, it was a breath of fresh air. But, never the same.
Of course, I had tried to mingle romantically as a guardian. Never really worked out. The leprechaun, Patty, was much my opposite. A disaster waiting to happen. And now? Now I watched a love blossom between Jack and Toothiana. As joyful as it was, it left a sour patch on my tongue. Leaving me longing for the way they stared at each other. How they brushed fingers when they thought no one was looking. Their shy glances from across rooms, neither making a move. Yet holding the other's attention.
It was lonely. I had only ever chanced looks upon the sleeping; and the children, obviously they kept me running. Always one or another who stayed up late, wishing to spot me and play a game or two. Much like Sophie...
I nearly always gave in, to them. Their bright grins, and shining eyes of innocence.
The past week, I hadn't. Only tucking them into their beds, and dusting them with the sweetest of dreams. Despite their pouts, I had been preoccupied. With thoughts drifting to Ruby.
How her smile lit up a room. How her hands always tried to hide her giggles, when Jamie and Sophie did some hilarious act. The way she snorted during heavy laughter!
Even how she sat, upon a prayer rug, at the edge of a rolling hill spotted with trees and lush grass-
Wait. What?
I stopped my flying, peering over the edge of my dreamsand cloud, at the woman who was lost to the world. I steered the cloud closer, silent as a mouse, as the woman held her back straight. Legs crossed and palms in her lap, as she meditated. Ruby was practicing yoga meditation methods! I couldn't hide the swell of pride, at the knowledge.
On nights unable to find sleep, or even to project myself into another astral plane.. I had done the same.
That dark hair glistened in caramel from the sun. Her porcelain skin glowed in peaches, as the ball of fire littered the earth in reds and tangerines. Reflecting onto her cheeks, and dancing across her pristine white shirt.
I hadn't realized how close I had inched towards her. I was swimming in minty breaths. Her essence both calming and exhilarating as it swarmed my senses.
The woman shifted, and I froze. Darting to her side, as those graceful hands I held before, rose to the sky. The shirt shifted with her, and I was graced with the pale skin of her side as the sleeves had been cut off and snipped low. Allowing her more movement, as one arm curled above her head. Spreading the fabric further, as violet lace undergarments held my attention.
She was flexible. This I realized as a blush rose to my cheeks. Her bare skin left me wanting to feel more of it under my fingers. All of it. Each inch that was gifted to my eyes, and more. In what ways she could bend and twist, writhing in -
However, her eyes had opened. And in my frozen state, she found mine.
•°•°•°•°•
Ruby quickly covered herself with her arms, a loud squeak coming from her lips at being intruded upon. "Sanderson Mansnoozie!"
The Sandman blushed further, turning his eyes away from the young woman in haste. He fumbled with his own hands, trying to explain himself;
I was flying by. I swear! I just happened to find you- I didn't know how to interrupt your yoga-
"So peeping on me was the answer?!" She quickly stood, though only stood. She did not take off in the other direction, only waiting for further explanation. Her arms didn't move, only held onto herself. Further blocking his perverse eyes.
No! That's not my intent!
Ruby, suddenly on edge from the interruption, ran a hand through her dark hair. "Why are you here, anyway?"
I wanted to speak with you. Sanderson then turned his eyes to the young woman. Unable to see anything but her confused optics that resembled tropical seas. About what is going on... I owe you that.
"Okay..." Ruby nodded, biting her bottom lip as the man gently bounced from his cloud, as if gravity did not work with him. An astronaut upon the moon, he landed slowly. Taking a seat in front of the prayer rug, and motioning for Ruby to sit, as well.
Without any sort of fight, the woman did. Though her piercing gaze narrowed suspiciously at the Sand Man, unwavering. And they were knee to knee in their closeness. Soon Ruby peered downward; unable to meet his eyes. Despite probing for the gaze with his own.
"I don't know why I have dreamt of you, and I find it very unfair that I'm left with a ..." Her voice paused, "horrible loneliness afterwards. I don't quite understand why you would cause that feeling in another person. I would like you to stop."
Her eyes met his, and she was pouting. Like a child who didnt get their way, as the golden man held back his smirk. Sandy wished for nothing more than to kiss that bottom lip that protruded ever so slightly, in that instant.
I did not make this dream. That's not how dreams work. They show us what we wish for, or a solution to a problem that's plagued us. On rare occasions they can be prophetic. What humans call 'déjà vu'. Never in a million years would I wish anyone to feel lonely. Especially you.
Her questioning eyes held him, and Sandy realized what he had said. Quickly, with a shake of his head, he continued:
I think this dream was created by the man in the moon. Why, I don't know. But there's a connection with you, and I. What his intentions are, are a mystery. Per usual.
Ruby glanced away, at her hands. Then spoke, so softly that Sandy had to inch forward to hear her. The secret left her mouth, and the man sighed in confirmation.
"I'm tired of being lonely."
Me too...
She gave a dry laugh, "You have friends. Friends your own age."
He smiled at the laugh, then corrected her. Not entirely. I'm the first guardian. I'm older than all of them. And you have friends, I'm sure.
"No, not really. Acquaintance's, really. I moved to Burgess last year, and I just... Lost touch with the ones I had in Boston. They're all getting married, or going to school. I get a text once a week, really. One person calls me often. But again, the distance and life keep us apart."
Sanderson watched the longing reach her eyes, and he slumped in disappointment at the news.
Why did you move?
"My Nana lives here. She needed the company, and I needed a change of pace. After what happened in Boston, i needed 'new'.
My aunt said I have dreams bigger than my heart, so why I came to a small town was beyond her." The memory made her smile, and Sandy was left questioning her further. Probing the woman for information that pulled every curiosity from him.
Your father? Mother?
"Mom died giving birth to me, and Dad... He hasn't been around for a long time." That caused a crease in his brow, and the golden man gave a soft, silent sigh.
It was more often than naught. He had visited children who lost one, of both, parents. Sanderson couldn't imagine how lonely life could be, without them.
Well... We are friends, right?
"Friends dream about each other?" She chuckled, glancing up at him as her lips turned up in a sly smile. Sanderson couldn't help but grin right back, rolling his eyes playfully.
"I dunno.. I still know nothing about you. For all I know you've been watching me since I woke up this morning."
Her playfulness was a breath of fresh air, and it left him both relieved and full of worry.
I have not! I happened by-
"Oh, yeah. Happened by! Sorry!" Her hands rose in mock self defense, and Sandy swatted at them.
Then what do you want to know? I'll be honest, if you will.
"What? You want to play twenty questions?" She joked, shifting one leg. Allowing it to stretch out, as she leaned back on her hands. Oh, she was flexible!
Sandy watched the slender appendage, as Ruby rectified what she believed to be curiosity. "My foot is asleep..."
He laughed, and Ruby was in awe. He sounded like bells! Tinkling and chiming in a softened symphony. She wanted to hear more of the noises the man could make! If he giggled like a child, was it a higher pitch? If crying, was it like the chimes of Notre Dame?
"That's beautiful!" But, when his smiling face met hers once more, Ruby realized she had said the thought aloud. "Your laugh. It's... Lovely! Its a beautiful sound..."
Sanderson hadn't thought of it before, and was pleasantly surprised she enjoyed it. The red dusting her cheeks, at that moment, was what he was admiring. And slick was the man who poked one blushing softness;
That's beautiful.
Ruby sat dumbfounded. No one had called her beautiful. Friends, family, ex boyfriends, yes. But never someone whom she did not know. Her eyes turned away, and Sanderson believed he had said something wrong. He had been too bold!
"Hardly beautiful, Sandy." He wanted to argue with what she had said, hands raising to deflate the bubble of self doubt she had created, until Ruby spoke again. "Okay, I'll ask a question first. And then you. But you have to answer honestly, no jokes like Frost..."
He nodded quickly, eager to know more about the lovely young woman in front of him.
"How old are you?"
Oh, gosh... He went as far back as he could, and still couldn't put a number on his age. Frowning, and then shrugging at a disappointed Ruby. I've lost count. I was seventeen when I joined the Star Captains. Twenty five when I caught one of the last rogue stars. Twenty eight when I fell to earth...
"Star captains?"
He wagged a playful finger at her. My turn.
Ruby gave a huff, but was smiling. Clearly not as upset as she wanted to be.
What is your dream about?
Then young woman took a moment to think about the dream again. "It's just the same thing over and over again. I'm walking down the street, and all the streetlights go out. Its dark, like just pitch black out. I can't see anything, and I get paranoid. I can feel my anxiety rising, heart rate rising. And I swear there's something out there, trying to get me. But," she paused and shifted once more. Sitting cross legged once again," I see a light. It comes closer, and closer until I see you. And you are there, reaching for me.. Then I wake up. Every time."
He nearly regretted asking, at the amount of fear she had when speaking of the dream. Sandy couldn't stand to see the fear in her oceanic hues. He hoped to never see it again.
Why are you scared of the dark?
Ruby leaned forward, and wagged her finger at him. Barely brushing his nose as she tutted. "My turn, Sanderson. What are Star Captains?"
He grinned, snatching her hand and holding it a second longer than intended. In which she only chuckled about. "Give me details! What are Star Captains?"
I'm not from Earth. I was born in the constellation Zeus, just a few light years from your solar system.
"Shut up!" Her excited voice stopped me, and she leaned forward on her elbows. Inching forward to examine my story. I stopped all sign language, at her eager excitement. "Not literally... Tell me more!"
Anyways, interrupting inertia! Ruby chuckled, and Sandy was able to grin. I was a Star Captain in The Golden Age. I worked for The Tsar and Tsarina, who once piloted a ship called the Moon Clipper. Which is what you see every night when the moon is full. The remnants of that ship, and their only child, MiM. Well, The League of Star Captains caught shooting stars; our job was to fulfill every wish made of those stars, and prevent any serious collisions. Like planets, and other solar systems that held life.
It was… a marvelous job! I soared the solar systems of endless space. It wasn't until I wrangled one star, that things changed..
Stars have personalities. I know, strange.. He paused to snicker at Ruby's confused face.
There was one rogue star, than no one else could catch. Not a soul on my team could! So, with some planning.. I did. She was furious! Bucking this way and that, trying to knock me and my ship off of her!
After a while, the star let me ride with her. Never quite letting me steer, but just.. Driving with her. As time passed, I found her name. And with it, her dream.
It was far too late when I realized that inside of the star, was a child. Her name was Emily Jane, and her father had been a great man within the Golden Age.
Kozmotis Pitchiner, a war general I knew in story and slight chance meetings. But.. He was not the same man.
You see, there were dangers in the Golden Age. Dream Pirates who plundered and pillaged stars. He had become one of them.. And Emily Jane wished only to be free of him, and his evil.
So, while riding and talking, we had settled into a Dream Pirate trap. With Pitch as its leader.
He shot harpoons, and took down my ship. It was easily done, with our struggling. I pleaded with him, to take mercy on his child. But… he didn't believe me. Said his wife and child were long dead..
I crashed to Earth with Emily Jane and her star. That was when MiM found me… I was asleep on an island, when I heard the little Tsar's wish,
"I wish you would help."
That was the day I became a Guardian. I took an oath, that I carry every day.
Ruby was in awestruck. Mouth parted, and eyes collecting saddened tears. For Emily Jane, who had crashed to Earth. For Sandy, who lost all of his life. "So… you're technically not human."
His mass of spiked, glittering hair shook.
Nope.
"What do you have that is different from humans? What happened to Emily Jane? How did Pitch come to Earth!?" Ruby was spouting questions faster than the Golden man could answer!
There's no difference. Not really.
She is also a spirit, now. Who you know as Mother Nature. Very strange, and easily angered woman now. Not that that's changed.
The man rolled his eyes at the thought. Emily Jane was always one to find disobedience as a child, it suited her so. However, he still visited the woman. Once every decade or so.
"Do you have an extra lobe to your brain?" Ruby questioned, again. Still curious if there was a difference between herself and the extraterrestrial.
Nope.
"Then how did you learn all those languages? I mean, you have to have something extra!"
Sanderson laughed, running a hand down his face. No. I learnt over time, just like it took time for you to learn ASL. I have had a long, long time to learn. And still am. There's no difference between you, and me. Besides the fact that I am a spirit, and you are mortal.
Mortal. That word hung like pepper on his fingers, but Ruby didn't notice. She was too much in awe, dubious awe, that there had to be a bigger difference. When she gave him her disbelief, yet again, he took her hand mid sentence. Placing it on his beating chest, and nodding.
"You probably have three hearts or some-"
One heart. We are nearly identical.
Ruby McKlinn held her palm to his chest, biting her lip as she tried to silence the sudden rush of blood to her cheeks. He was right, she only felt one heart beat. And it mimicked her own. It held a warmth under her fingers, and Ruby was hesitant to pull away. Comforted by it.
But, to much of both of their disappointments, she did.
"Your turn..."
Sanderson had to think. He had been lost in the sudden flooding warmth, and lost track of their conversation. However, the question never came from him. A sudden up beat song echoed around them, and Ruby was turning to grab the small bag behind her. A phone was pulled out, and she sighed.
What?
"Its just my alarm. I have an hour to get back, shower and get ready for work..." Sandy deflated, disappointed the young woman had to leave so soon. He hadn't learnt a smidgen of what he wanted to from her. She had effectively made it so, in his stories about a previous life.
Ruby stood, slowly. Rolling the rug and tugging it in half as she slipped it into the sack. Half of if poking from the opening as she slung it over one shoulder. Sandy was quick to stand, as well. Trying to hide his sorrow, and failing as the young woman turned her gaze to his.
"What's wrong?" The Dream Giver was slouched. Lips pouting, while his downcast eyes trailed the blades of grass. Until she spoke, did he brighten. That innocent and all knowing smile upon his plump face.
When can I see you again?
It poured from his hands before any second thought stopped him. And Ruby shyly glanced away, lingering in the tree line. "I dunno... I work Mondays through Wednesday, sometimes I babysit on Saturday's..."
Well... How about we meet in the mornings? I can be here at four a.m. Every day.
He was eager, maybe too much so. Though, Ruby found no fault in it. Instead, she gave it a good thought. "You'd be asking me to wake up really early. I barely sleep as is.." It was a joke, and Sanderson hadn't caught onto that fact. Hurriedly replying to her before she made another excuse.
Five? I'll make sure to get you to sleep at a reasonable hour-
"Five is fine, Sandy. I was only teasing..." He visibly relaxed, and gave a relieved sigh. Cheeks puffing at the exhale. "You want to meet here? What days?"
Every day? Would that work for you? Here is just fine. Anywhere, really. I can meet you at your house, we can walk here...
He bounced lightly on his toes, biting back the excitement that threatened to burst from him.
Ruby only chuckled, nodding gently in agreement. "Okay. Every day. At five. Sounds like a date, Sanderson..."
A date...
He was floored by the words, and yet his grin spread. Parting his mouth in a huge, excited smile with ecstatic nod.
"I'll see you tomorrow then.." Ruby seemed to contemplate something, before giving a short wave as she turned and began walking back down the hill and towards the path she had taken there.
"If you are late, don't expect me to wait! I'm a busy chick, Star Captain!" It was called over a slender shoulder playfully. Her frame disappearing around the bend of trees, as Sanderson Mansnoozie stood in awe.
I have a date...