They come in dreams

Part 18

The next three days go by too quickly for my liking I wake up with Tierna and after she goes to school I go on a run then work on homework till she gets home. Then we hang out for a bit before going to practice. We do talk about my mom on Wednesday afternoon like we agreed but there wasn't much to say. We go hard in conditioning every night and are far to tired for any late night chats once we get home. Finally the weekend comes, Tierna has a game on Saturday but then we will have the whole weekend together. I have gotten to know Tiernas parents pretty well at this point and they are making me feel super welcomed. The question of how long I am staying came up in a very friendly way and I answered that I hadn't decided but I defiantly didn't want to over stay my welcome. I was assured that wouldn't happen.

At Tiernas game I cheer her on with her parents in the stands. She plays fantastically and is in a great mood after the game. We have plans to go out on the town Sunday but today we just head back to Tierra's house to relax and have a movie day in bed.

"So," Tierna says laying down facing me once she is showered. "Monday is the 28th, do you want to celebrate your birthday then or on the 1st? Actually never mind we are doing both." She decided before I could answer.

"Whatever you want," I roll my eyes. She cuddles up next to me and we pick out a movie to watch. We watch movies all day taking breaks to talk and eat food.

Sunday morning I wake up before Tierna getting a good workout in since I didn't play yesterday. When I am back and showered she is still asleep so I crawl back into the bed.

"Did you already go on a run?" Tierna mumbles not so asleep.

"Yeah," I respond into her neck.

"I can't believe you, its like 6 am," she says without moving.

"Actually its like 9 am now so you better wake your pretty butt up," I say lifting her up from under the blankets. She squeaks in displeasure but sits up. Once I get her up we go on a tour of Menlo Park where Tierna lives. She shows me all her favorite spots. Tierna is the proud owner of a new drivers license and is having a lot of fun driving us around.

Monday I wake up to Tierna already gone. Before I can move though she comes into the room caring a tray.

"Breakfast in bed for the birthday girl," she says placing it on my lap. I smile,

"Not really my birthday but thank you."

"I'm not skipping celebrating you because you were born on the most complicated day of the year," Tierna rolls her eyes. We share the breakfast and then she heads off to school. I repeat the schedule of running, doing homework, and then joining Tierna at practice. The next morning I wake up and Tierna is already gone but there is a gift on the table next to the bed. I check the time on my phone and see its almost 9:30 I also see Maias customary 12am happy birthday text she always sends if we aren't together in the hour that hypothetically could be my birthday. There are also several texts from teammates and my mom even. Morgan has tagged me in a story celebrating the birthday of her 'favorite tiny player'. I smile before opening the present on the desk. Inside I find several items I had pointed out liking on Sundays outing. There was also a card that almost made me cry. I put all this down and get out of bed. I decide not to do an extra run today instead sticking to just practice. I eat breakfast with Tierra's mom and then head upstairs to do work.

I'm 40 minutes into writing an essay for my English class when my phone chimes.

'I love you so much' Maias text is a bit random but I figure it must be a birthday text.

'Love you even more Maia," I respond. There is no response so I go back to my paper. A few minutes later I get a text from Tierna.

'I'll be back in 15 minutes, hold on,' this text confuses me she's still got a few hours left in school. I'm opening my phone to respond when the news alert pops up. 'High school in small town Jordan, Washington under fire from a unidentified gun man.' No. No. This can't be happening. This is a bad dream. I manage to convince myself its just a bad dream for a few moments before it hits me. Maias text. Shit shit shit.

'MAIA ARE YOU OKAY,' I wait ten seconds. 'MAIA RESPOND TO ME,' ten more seconds. 'Please.' I send the last text and then it all hits me. I stand up gasping for air and walk over to the window opening it and trying to fill my lungs with the cool outside air. I can't loose Maia, she has to be okay. I can't believe I'm not there, I can't protect her. I failed her. I check my phone no response from Maia. I can't stand at the window anymore I lean against the wall sliding down it trying to catch my breath.

"Dani hey it's okay deep breaths," Tiernas mom is suddenly in front of me. I can't see straight but I can see her holding a phone to her ear. "I've got her get home quick," she says before hanging up. "T is on her way it's gonna be ok. Just breath for me ok." I am have trouble comprehending what she is saying. I need Tierna here. I need Maia, Maia knows everything I've ever thought. I check my phone again still no response. Tiernas mom is squeezing my hands and trying to guide my breathing. I struggle to remain conscious taking gasping breaths. I somehow survive the next 10 minutes. Tierna burst in after what feels like forever.

"Dani," she sounds heartbroken and I can see tears have been running down her cheeks. Her mom moves out of the way letting her sit in front of me. The sight of her shocks me out of my state and the panting is interrupted with sobs.

"I can't loose her T, I can't loose Maia," I sob still trying to breath. I sway back and forth even seated.

"Mom go get a soft ice pack," Tierna says as she pulls me into her. I sob against her chest unaware of anything happening other than the living nightmare. If I just keep breathing I'll wake up and it will all be over. The cold presses against my chest and Tierna holds me tight. My breathing evens at the cold but my sobs don't stop. Finally I sit up.

"I need to know, I need to know if she's okay," I whimper out. Tierna opens her phone looking through google. I know before she opens her mouth. A look of horror comes over her face. She opens her mouth but suddenly I don't want her to be the one to tell me. "Wait don't say it." I take the phone. 

'17 confirmed dead and several others injured in shooting in Jordan.' I gasp but looks past it at the list of confirmed dead. And right at the top, Maias name, I let out a sobbing scream and drop the phone. As soon as the phone hits the floor I am up and running, I only make it a far as the front yard before I lean against the side of the house heaving with sobs. Tierna holds me up as I throw up and sob. I can't feel anything happening to me anymore. I continue to heave with sobs as I lean against the wall. Finally the blissful happens and everything goes dark.