Beautiful Dreamer

Chapter Eleven

I woke up with a start. It was the middle of the night. I looked around groggily, reached for the night lamp, and switched it on. The silver necklace caught my sight. I somehow knew Grandma was telling the truth. I couldn't believe it, however. I needed proof first. I put on the necklace. I was going to sleep again, but this time I would try to dream on purpose. Maybe even lucid dream. I didn't know how I was going to do that, but I was going to try. I was going to try and see the future.

I decided to find out whether or not Simon had a girlfriend. Yes, that seemed like a good idea. I could ask him for real the next day (or I guess the same day). I steeled myself, turned the light off and lay back down.

I was walking down a library aisle. I looked around at the book titles, checking to see if there was anything interesting. I took down a book I liked, and read the back to know what it was about. I suddenly felt as if I was losing balance. I swayed and stumbled, I would've fallen if it weren't for the bookshelves. I guessed that I had to control the dream better. I thought about what I wanted to see. Then I heard hushed voices. It was a pair of people, giggling and walking along the aisle next to mine. I looked through the gaps in the books on the bookshelf between the aisles. What I saw made me gasp, which made me panic about if they heard me. Then I remembered this was a dream.

It was Simon, holding hands with a beautiful red headed girl. She smiled at him in amusement, and hit his arm affectionately. She seemed so adorable. I couldn't decide whether I should be jealous of her or Simon. Then I realised it was him I had come here to see. He looked at her with such fondness, I almost cried. They both seemed so in love, I felt stupid for believing I ever had a chance with him.

Then the dream shifted. I felt confused. I hadn't intended on seeing anything else. But nevertheless, I saw a particularly gruesome scene. It was none other than my Uncle Rob, tied to a chair. I blanched in horror. He was gagged, and bloody from cuts and bruises all over his body. There was a tall, lean man standing over him, grinning. He slapped him, causing Uncle Rob to yelp in pain.

The man laughed heartily. "You never learn, do you, Robin? You actually expected to escape from me. Sometimes I wonder what I keep you here for. Oh, that's right. In hope that your foolish mother would somehow come and save you."

Uncle Rob yelled something, but it was muffled by his gag.

The man chuckled. "You really need to shut up. Your loose mouth is what landed you here in the first place." He shook his head in amusement, still smiling widely. "After your Mommy died, I almost lost all hope. But I guess your sister will do just as well. I just hope she sees the sense to cooperate and deliver, unlike you." He spat on the floor at Uncle Rob's feet. Uncle Rob looked desperate and emaciated. He almost made me pity him for apparently landing in this terrifying situation. The dream faded.

I was now staring into a vast darkness. I looked around to see if anyone else was there, but saw no one. Then suddenly I saw Pam, staring into my eyes. She smiled warmly at me. I felt utter joy and elation, though I couldn't understand why. She stroked my face and tucked some hair behind my ear. And I couldn't help but smile back.