When Summer Becomes Winter

Chapter 4: The Nightmare and Flower Festival

Spring 12

I slowly opened my eyes, allowing them to adjust to my surroundings before sitting up in a panic. I noticed that I was sitting on a translucent, glass-like ground—a thick fog surrounding the white vastness of nothingness. I inhaled deeply, standing up as quickly as possible. Where was I? How did I get here?

I started to walk, shivering slightly. I wasn't sure where I was going, but as long as I could find a way out, all would be fine. My eyes looked ahead to the blond locks of a familiar figure. I sighed in relief upon seeing my best friend! He was translucent, but his smile was still brightly visible.

"Leonel!" I exclaimed, "I'm so glad to see-!" but he interrupted me.

"I just wanted to thank you." He said, causing me to furrow my brows.

"Uh, for what?" I asked confused. He gave me a big, quick hug before breaking it.

"For all the fun times! Bye, Clara!" He waved, running away, turning instantly invisible, where I couldn't see him, but I could still hear his laughter.

"No! Wait! Where are you going?!? Leonel!"

"Thanks, Clara!"

I shot up from my bed, sweaty and panting, clutching onto my chest, trying to keep my heart from bursting out. I was glad to know it was just a dream. However, was the dream trying to tell me something?

I shook my head, rolling my eyes at my ridiculous thoughts; it was just a dream! I mean, I had a dream once where the blender came to life and started chasing me, and that still hasn't happened yet!

I threw the covers from my body and looked at my clock, 6 AM. Again, the same time that I woke up almost every morning.

I threw on my outfit for the day and walked out of my room.

"Good morning, Clara!" My mother exclaimed. I turned towards seeing that she was cleaning the windows. I smiled at her.

"Morning, mom!" I exclaimed, quickly hugging her and scurrying downstairs. My father smiled at me.

"Morning, Clara!"

"Morning, dad!" I ran up and gave him a big hug; he smiled and hugged me back.

"I can't believe how much you've grown." He whispered; I didn't reply out loud, but in my mind, I replied, I can't believe it either.

-

The noon clock chimed as Barrett—excuse me, Mr. Barrett—scribbled notes on the board.

"Today we'll be learning about defenses in attacking, and when I say we, that means you, Leonel."

Leonel blushed slightly as Orland sniffed slightly at him in a mocking way. The elf had much higher grades in Mr. Barrett's classes than any of us, and I think that put my best friend to shame since he wants his father to be proud of him. I secretly think Barrett...sorry, Mr. Barrett is very proud of his son and his choices but doesn't want or know how to show it.

Then again, maybe he wants his son to be like him and is upset with his choices.

I just slouched forward and looked interested in the topic, when in real life several things were running through my head, none of which had anything to do with defenses in attacking.

"Class dismissed." my teacher announced, and so suddenly too that I was as straight as a stick. I looked at the clock, three o'clock, the same time we always got out of Mr. Barrett's class. Time seems to be flying now than it used to; next thing I know, I'll be married and pregnant.

I gave a small snort giggle to myself; that was a long, long time from now! Then again, time was going by fast. It was like summer was becoming winter in less than a day!

However, that made me wonder what summer and winter would bring me this year. Would it bring me happiness, sorrow, or maybe both? I felt someone shake my shoulder, snapping me out of my thoughts as I turned my head towards Leonel.

"Oh, hey, Leonel!" I exclaimed. He blushed with a concerned look on his face. His fingers started to wiggle in front of him.

"You okay, Clara?" he asked. I just sighed and looked down.

"I'm not sure. Several things have been running through my head; it's like...time's going by way too fast now."

"Well...I hope you'll be fine by tomorrow because I was going to ask you to the flower festival!" He exclaimed as I gave him a sweet smile.

"Aw, Leo! You know I'll always accept your invites! You're much more fun to talk to than Orland and Roy." I said as a blush began creeping on his face.

"Aw, you're just saying that!" His face was turning a cherry red and he started swaying as I giggled.

"I mean it!" I told him sincerely as I stood up from my desk.

"I'll see you later!" I exclaimed, rushing out of the classroom and towards the farmhouse for a bit of relaxing before tomorrow's festivities!

-

Spring 13

I woke up with a ray of sunshine splashing my fair-skinned face as I flipped the blankets off of me.

It was 6 AM, which meant I had a bit of time to make myself look nice for today's festival! I rummaged through my dressers until I put together a pink outfit! A ballet slipper pink halter top and a charcoal black skort. It was perfect for the festival! I tied a simple, silky pink ribbon in my hair and applied a bit of subtle pinky makeup. I strapped on a pair of low-heeled closed-toed shoes that matched the color of my top, hurrying out the door at around seven AM to meet up with my friends.

I arrived in front of the school, our meeting spot, and waved hello to them.

"Good morning, Clara!" My cousin chirped. I politely said 'Good morning' back at her before giving her a big hug.

"You seem excited this morning, Clara." Leann said with a giggle as I nodded my head.

"You know I love festivals!" I replied, grabbing Leonel's hand and dragging him towards the cherry tree.

"Wow, you're overly excited, Clara." Leonel said with a bit of a nervous look on his face; his eyes darted to something behind me for a split second before focusing on me again.

"Are you still bothered from yesterday?"

"Oh! No! I mean, I am, but it's not as bad today as it was yesterday!" I replied; he just smiled and nodded.

"Oh, okay! Well, if you ever need an ear, I'll lend you one!" I looked over at him with a smile. We sat in silence for a few moments, looking up at the cherry blossom petals raining before he broke the silence by asking.

"Ah, h-hey? W-what's it like being fifteen?"

"What's it like? It doesn't feel much different from being fourteen." I replied with a shrug.

"Really?" He asked. I nodded. "I just wanted to know because you're different now."

"Is different okay?" I asked as I saw him nod from the corner of my eye.

"Different is great." another moment of silence.

"Hey, Leonel?" I began as he looked at me with a 'Hm?' I continued, "Your birthday will be here soon! Is there anything special that you want for your birthday?"

He blushed, placing his hand on his chin. Pondering.

"I dunno." Was his reply; I just gave him a small smile.

"You mean you really don't know?"

"Nope. I guess, just a simple surprise. Y-you can surprise me if you want!"

"I'll do just that." I giggled, looking up again at the raining cherry blossom petals.