Crystal's one escape from the pretentious life her parents want for her is the dreams that fill her mind as she sleeps. In those dreams awaits the same boy who comes to her night after night, filling her heart with hope that can only be a fantasy. T...
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My hand caresses her soft cheek as I stare into her ocean-blue eyes. Tonight they look especially bright under the Moonlight, as do the pale strands of her hair splayed around her on the blanket. I can't tell if the glow about her is from the abnormally large moon or the soft smile on her face.
But looking at the girl lying beneath me, I decide it might just be something about her. Whatever that something is, has me under a spell. It has for years now. It's the only thing that explains why I can't help visiting her night after night.
Leaning down, I slowly place long leisurely kisses along her jaw.
"Mmm," she hums, her hands reaching to thread through my hair. "Do you have to leave again?"
My stomach twists at the reminder. "Yeah. I have some things I have to handle."
"Don't. Stay here with me. We could stay here forever, just laying on the beach under the stars."
I glance around at the sand that stretches around us and at the waves softly crashing on the shore a few feet away. But the large ship with its graffitied body, five masts, and clear white sails drifts not far from us. It's another reminder of why I can't stay.
"Maybe another time," I say, already lifting my body from on top of hers to sit up. "Besides, if we stay here forever, you'll have to finally tell me your real name."
She props herself up on her elbows, that beautiful smile filling her heart-shaped face. "I've said it before, I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours."
I shake my head, my lips pulling to one side with a small grin.
Telling her name will only make this feel more real to me.
She's a sleeper, drifting in and out of dreams her mind only lets her experience. To her, this is just another night of sleep with another dream I sailed my way into. And when she wakes up, this will all feel imaginary to her, me included.
But I'm a dreamer, fully awake in the realm of dreams where I can twist, bend, and create whatever my mind is strong enough to conjure. When I awake, everything feels as fresh and real as what happens in the waking world. I've tried my best not to get too attached and withholding my name is just another way to do that.
A whistle breaks through the peaceful night, snapping me back to what I have to do.
"Time to go?" She asks, her smile dimming.
"Yeah." I nod, already getting to my feet. "I have to go."
She mirrors me, standing on the blanket that's magically free of any sand. "Will you come back?"
"Don't I always?"
Her full lips lift again. Not enough to hide the sadness in her eyes but enough to keep me from feeling too guilty between now and tomorrow night.
