Man Of My Dreams

Chapter Two

I can’t quite make out what she called him. Ty, Ky… It’s something ending in ‘y’ I’m sure of. I still feel that jealous feeling. I’ve been racking my brain all morning trying  to figure out who she is… who he is. I’ve even debated asking Mama again. But I know she won’t even give me the time of day on that subject. I’ve been wandering through the swamp trying to occupy myself and get last night’s dream off of my mind to no avail. 

  I found myself going back in the direction of our run-down house. I don’t know what going there is going to change but at least I won’t keep going in circles in this stinking swamp. I don’t have to hunt today, so there really isn’t a reason for me to stay out here. Something felt off as I approached the house. I quickly realized that something was Mama. I could hear her on the phone with somebody complaining. “There you are,” she hung up the phone and stalked over to where I stood. “What did I tell you about leaving and not telling me first?” I sighed. 

  I had left this morning before she ever woke up. I usually do tell her when I’m leaving but I was afraid to wake her. “I didn’t want to wake you,” I backed up against the wall and braced myself for the yelling that was sure to come. But she only stood there and looked me up and down and sighed. I narrowed my eyes at her, “What is it?” I asked, genuinely curious to know why she was sighing in relief and not tearing me a new one. 

  But she only shook her head, “It’s nothing,” she sat down in her chair and flicked on the t.v., “just tell me when you leave. I don’t care if you wake me up.” I nodded and went into my room. Okay, that was weird. But I won’t even question it. I sat on my bed and grabbed my dream journal. I always write down the things I learn about the man in my dreams. Taking notes in case I ever escape this swamp and find myself anywhere near him. 

  My door swung open and I slammed my journal shut. “I’m going into town. I’ll be home before bed.” I nodded, “Alright,” was all I said. I didn’t want to say anything more on the off chance that she decides to linger and force me to show her my journal. She shut my door. A few seconds later I heard her keys jingle and the front door slam shut. I breathed a sigh of relief. 

  Usually when Mama goes into town, it’s just to get a few things that we need that we aren’t able to provide ourselves. Toiletries, flour, sugar, and milk. Everything else is grown here. Well, not in the soil here. It’s too muddy for things to grow well so I built Mama some raised planting beds. She usually occupies her time in her garden. It’s the only time I ever see her relaxed. 

  I let my thoughts linger back to my dream last night. I had to know who this man was. I couldn’t keep dreaming of him for the rest of my life peacefully until I at least knew his name. I could sneak into town. Mama would never know. I spend most of my time in the woods anyway. I could always just say I was in the woods when she asks where I’ve been. But what if I see someone that knows Mama and they tell her they saw me out and about in town? Or worse I run into a vampire that hasn’t eaten all day?

  I’ve never seen one in person. Mama says they’re unpredictable and feral, that during the war, the humans that supported vampire’s and their rights were forced. She said vampires had the ability to control your mind therefore they could also control your body. They could make you do anything they wanted and they would stop at nothing to destroy you and everyone you love. I’ve always speculated that that’s probably why we hide out here in this swamp. That perhaps, though Mama is cold and distant towards me, she only wants to protect me. 

  There is a small part of me that thinks she only tells me those things to scare me. To keep me trapped here in this stinking swamp with her. So I can continue to hunt for her, clean for her, and whatever else she wants me to do for the rest of my life. I’m not some stupid little girl anymore, though. I’m twenty years old. I should be able to leave this place whenever I want. I stood up, feeling motivated to change my circumstances. Tomorrow, I’ll find out what Mama has planned for the day. And if her plans only consist of things here at the house, I’ll sneak into town. 

  But how will I find out who he is? I can’t just tell someone his features and they– wait! A criminal sketch artist! But wouldn’t they only be willing to sketch a criminal’s appearance? I suppose I could just say he’s a criminal. But what would happen if the police showed up at my house? I shook my head. No. I won’t worry about that. If they show up, what’s the worst that could happen? I’d be long gone by then. I am an adult. It isn’t like Mama could have them force me to come back. 

  The sun was setting so I showered quickly. Before bed, I packed a small backpack of things and slid it under my bed. Tomorrow, I'd sneak into town and finally get some answers. Tomorrow, well, tomorrow might be the day that all hell breaks loose. 

  Fast asleep, I awoke in my dream. I immediately began listening for voices… or rather sounds. But I didn’t hear anything. Relieved, I followed that familiar pull I’d always felt and led me towards wherever the man would be. I instantly realized this was the way to his library. It was there that I’d most often found him. Hovering over a table full of open books. His face always etched in deep concentration. I could watch him for hours like this. 

  I took my usual seat in the corner on the opposite side of his huge library. I never could get too close to him. I’d always thought he would see me, smell me, or sense me if I watched too closely. But tonight, I was even more careful and sat extra far away just in case. He walked back and forth between two tables, both full of opened books. I never had enough courage to try and see what he was reading but tonight that would change. I needed to know his name, at least. 

  He walked away from the tables and stood in front of a bookcase. His hand on his chin. I crept over to his table, careful not to move too quickly. He’d never seen me before but I couldn’t be too careful. I looked down at the table but I couldn’t read anything in these books. They were all in a different language. Latin, maybe? I looked up right as he turned, a new book in hand, and began walking this way. I walked quickly back over to my chair in the corner. 

  He stopped half-way to the tables. He breathed in and his eyes began scanning the room. What the hell is going on? Could he- could he be smelling me? Was it me that he’d sensed last night? Me that made his face light up with shock? What the hell? There’s no way. In all the years I’ve dreamt of him, he’s n– “I can smell you,” I stood there, stunned. Even if I wanted to wake up right now, my fear wouldn’t allow it. 

  “What’s your name?” I found a slither of courage to ask. But it came out in a whisper. He only stood there. Eyes still scanning the library. Maybe he didn’t hear me. I opened my mouth to ask again but something tugged me away. The sun was rising. I have to wake up. I’ve never stayed long after the first tug. As I began waking up, I heard him say, “Don’t go.”