Dream Walker

Chapter 25 | Linger

The slapping of feet hitting pavement and the clicking of bicycle chains overwhelmed the sounds of nature, but the paved pathway still felt like an oasis. One of the things Callie loved most about Quinn was that they could be together for hours in near silence. Though he was an outgoing extrovert around most people, he was able to appreciate the comfort of a calm, quiet day around her. Callie and Quinn were not able to walk in step due to their height difference, but their paces were evenly matched. Without conscious coordination, they dodged oncoming cyclists and young adults on roller skates in sync.

With the easy rhythm of their steps, Callie's mind was able to wander. Her thoughts continually drifted back to her conversation with Cyril, lord of otherworldly people that may or may not be in danger. Was she naive to consider the offer? Or was she taking charge of the unchangeable reality of her life? She knew no one else that had similar abilities, so it seemed logical to learn from an expert. Once she was trained, he wouldn't be able to force her to stay there or summon her at his convenience, right?

On the other hand, he could have been lying. She had no clue about the extent of his powers or the sincerity of his intentions. If only Callie could talk to Quinn about it. He would probably give his most sage advice, after they got through discussing her crazy idea that parallel dimensions existed all around them. Alex was the obvious choice for the discussion, but she still felt weird around him most of the time. They were just starting to settle into a comfortable friendship, even if he was professionally obligated to hang around her.

All nice, quiet times must come to an end, though, and the end was approaching quickly for their peaceful nature walk. They had almost reached the end of the large loop, and the beautiful lake would soon disappear from view. The woods were growing thicker, the trees stretching out to the horizon around them. It was always a shocking change when the broad woods suddenly gave way to a parking lot, playground, and sports fields. Oases were rare in the modern world.

The warm, late fall weather had inspired good moods in everyone, apparently. The playground was full of bubbly kids, chasing each other and their parents. The baseball and soccer fields were occupied by people of all ages. Including the crowded nature trail, the whole park was bustling with cheerful energy.

She could already see some of Quinn's friends warming up on the edge of the soccer fields, waiting for other players to finish up their games. Jonah was sitting on the bottom riser of the bleachers stretching his calves while Natasha and Arabella sat on the riser above him. They were all talking, and a sly grin broke out across Nat's face as she whispered something in Jonah's ear.

Callie followed Quinn to his car so he could grab his cleats. She considered asking if she could drive his car home to avoid the awkward situation she would face hanging out with her roommates' friends without Lyn around to run interference. Lyn was, apparently, too busy with studying and meetings to join them.

Callie had nothing against the girls or the friends Quinn played soccer with, but she wasn't sure how to act around them. Interacting with people other than her roommates was not her preferred activity. Hanging out alone with Alex was the most adventurous socialization she'd done in over a year.

"You know, I'm a great runner. I don't play soccer, but I can follow that ball for hours. My endurance is amazing," Callie rambled. At Quinn's questioning glance, she continued. "I know, I know, that's what she said. Entirely accidental."

"That's not what I was gonna say, Cal," he responded. Sliding his duffel over his shoulder, Quinn pulled down the door to close the trunk. "I was gonna ask why you have a sudden interest in soccer, when you've always said your ankles were too precious to risk hurting."

Callie shrugged. "I don't like sitting on the sidelines while you guys work up a sweat. I haven't run today, so I'm fresh. I could be a real asset."

"Well," Quinn said, "you're always welcome to join, but I didn't bring an extra pair of cleats, so you'll be sliding all over the place." His tone was sincere enough. His eyes, though, suggested he was merely humoring her while she talked through her nervous energy.