The Origin of My Dreams

Chapter 9

Vladimir couldn't sit still. It was only day two of his temporary hiatus and it was already bothering him. Most nations didn't work full time in their governments like Vlad did, but still the calmness was driving him insane. The reason Vladimir had accepted a hiatus was because he didn't want to. He left because every aspect of his being told him to stay. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea, but nothing could change it now.

Mindlessly grabbing his sweatshirt, he rushed out of his apartment. He couldn't just do nothing. Vladimir walked the streets with no real purpose in mind. He rounded corners, crossed streets, only to find himself on Main Street. Slowly, Vlad made his way to the empty space of rubble that was still being cleared out. He could almost hear the screams, the fear. Everything came back to him, his head started to hurt again. Taking a deep breath he started off.

"I was meaning to thank you." a voice from behind Vladimir said. Putting on a smile he turned to see Agatha.

"For what, exactly?"

"You saved my life." She smiled and came closer, fixing her bangs with her little finger on the way.

"No one died." Vladimir stated, Agatha frowned.

"That doesn't mean it couldn't have happened."

"No, I suppose not." Vladimir went past her, but she only stepped next to him.

"How did you know to leave?" she asked. He sighed

"I do not know, just intuition I guess." She eyed him suspiciously "I had nothing to do with it."

"Alright, alright," she giggled "But really, thank you. I was able to avoid the cops too, which was nice."

"Trust me- I would give anything to be able to avoid the police. You are lucky." They both laughed "Yeah, they can get pretty annoying."

"Anyway, it was nice catching up." Agatha turned to leave, then looked back at him. "See you around?"

"Sure," Vladimir waved and they started their separate ways. "Actually-"

"What is it?"

"This is going to sound crazy, but I need your help." Vlad didn't realize what he was saying. He couldn't stop the words coming out from his mouth.

"With what?" Agatha looked at him quizzically. Vlad didn't know the answer, so he improvised.

"My computer is broken- it refuses to turn on."

"Is it charged?" Vlad struggled to find words, so his mouth simply moved until he realized and gave her a weak smile. She shook her head, laughing. "Try that, it may help." he nodded as she left

"Thank you!" he called after her.

"Charge you computer!" she yelled in response. He walked away chuckling to himself.

.

The next few days each became a little more bearable. As Vladimir found more things to do, he became less bored. Sometimes he spent hours in the library researching something completely random. Other times he went out to eat at exotic restaurants and hung out in the foreign parts of the city. One day he drove through the countryside, simply enjoying the peaceful setting rather then the usual city buzz. His life seemed it was getting better.

Happily strutting down the street, whistling a happy tune, Vladimir noticed something strange. There was a lack of people out. Of course most people would be in work or at school, but he walked around other days at this time and there seemed to be a decent amount of pedestrians then. An ear piercing scream filled the air.

Snapping to attention, Vladimir sprinted toward the source of the scream. His search brought him down narrow alleyways and sketchy backstreets until he finally reached his destination. A wooden door was settled in its frame, surrounded by grey cinderblocks all around. He could practically feel the fear in the air.

Shaking his head, Vlad kicked the door down, rushing into the front room. Inside was all stares. It looked like a sort of club, with a bar along the side wall and a stage in the back. There was music playing softly in the background. A few chairs and tables were shrew about, with people all around.

The diversity of people caught Vlad off guard. There were businessmen in overpriced suits, there were homeless people in ripped jeans and baggy sweatshirts, and then there were the ordinary, everyday looking crowd looking as if they had just meandered from the park. One thing they all had in common: they were all men.

This was defiantly a place for conversation. It was almost like there were several little meetings going on, all at once. They all seemed perfectly comfortable with each other, even the bartender had joined in with a few conversations. But when Vladimir burst through the door, he immediately knew he was not welcome.

A man wearing dress pants and a button down came forward, "Can I help you?" he asked, the slightest pang of annoyance in his voice.

Vlad struggled to find words, so he simply backed away, muttering few apologies. "Uh, I, I heard a scream, and, I," the man raised an eyebrow "I wanted to make sure everything was okay."

"Everything's fine here," he sighed "Here, have a drink." he motioned to Vlad, and Vlad automatically came forward. A man stepped behind him and guided him to a chair, putting the slightest pressure until Vladimir got the idea and sat down.

"I really should go." he said, wiggling in his chair. All eyes were on him.

"Nonsense," the man called, making his way to the bar. "It's on the house!" All Vladimir could do was sit silently, wishing he could leave. He felt so alone, so spotlighted, singled out. Soon the bartender returned with a blue drink, a lime on the rim of the tall glass. He set it on the table in front of Vlad and sat down across from him. "So what's your name."

"I, uh, Vladimir."

"Cosmin." the bartender smiled and offered a handshake, Vlad meekly accepted it. "So where are you from, Vlad?"

"Um, well you know, around, Romania especially. I'm Romanian." Cosmin nodded

"Yes, you look it." he laughed, waving his hand. A few of the men broke off into their other conversation, while others stayed to spectate. Vladimir felt less pressured now, but still quite uneasy. He brought the drink to his lips, but was taken aback by its sweet, almost candy like scent.

"What is this?" he asked

"Dissolved Jolly Rancher and a bit of vodka." when Cosmin saw the skeptical look on Vlad's face he added "And a lime. Taste it, it is better than it sounds."

Cautiously, Vladimir took a sip. At first all he could taste was the candy, then the pinching vodka aftertaste unexpectedly kicked in. He was unable to keep his usual pokerface, then shook his head at a smirking Cosmin.

"What kind of establishment are you running here?" he chuckled

Cosmin turned serious and looked Vladimir straight in the eyes. Surprisingly, there was trust, and even a bit of shame. His blue eyes that should've still been bright with the fire of youth, were faded navy. Vlad could see the sleepless nights, the dumpster dives, the begging for money or food. He could see the hurt and the hope, that this world might become a better place. And the longing, and sadness because secretly Cosmin knew that this world could never change. And Vladimir could see the honesty.

"An illegal one."