The Dreams and Nightmares We Share...

Chapter 3: A (Barely) Living Nightmare...

"--And in our world," Alexis continues, "we also have these big things called, 'cities,' where lots of people and buildings are!"

"We know what 'cities' are..." Sarah rolls her eyes, "How about actually sharing something that the rest of us don't have?"

"Ummm... Do you guys have 'towns' instead? They're like cities, but smaller..."

"We already told you that's what Peach Creek is!"

"Oh yeah..."

Unfortunately, one could easily say this rare opportunity wasn't playing out well: they're beings from different worlds and able to share insight into these different lifestyles, yet they can't seem to find much "difference" in their overall lives. If not for the species and time period differences, they may as well have all lived within the same home. Even overlooking the disappointing nature of the foreign information, the group's... less positive attitudes towards all or most of each other didn't help.

Claire refused to really look out from behind Jimmy. Jimmy worried it may fall onto him to play "peacekeeper," especially with the timid Claire's need for assurance and the annoyed Sarah possibly losing her temper again. Seve is bored out of his mind and barely listening; but simultaneously attentive enough, just in case Sarah decides to recreate the "one woman army." Sarah is trying to assure herself Alexis is simply a well-meaning kid that comes off annoying, while she also tries to swallow the uncomfortable feelings Claire stirs up because of her weird wolf-human appearance.

If anything, only Alexis seemed to be enjoying the current discussion. ... A repetitive, grating discussion, thanks to Alexis' inability to recall what's already been discussed or asked. She couldn't help it, though, she was just so excited!

"--So, do you have 'cities' where you're from? They're--"

"Okay, I'm done!" Sarah stands up, "We've all got buildings, phones-- what else do you need to know?!"

"But, do you have--?"

Sarah leans into Alexis' face, the former's teeth gritted.

"YES, cities exist where we're from..." Sarah slightly pulls back, "I swear, if you ask about 'towns' again, too..."

"Uh, Lex, maybe knock it off with the questions...?" Seve suggests, eyes fearfully glued to Sarah, "Like, maybe let them ask some...?"

"Oh, great idea, Seve!" Alexis grins, "Okay, ask away; I'm all ears!"

She loses her smile, in favor of a highly attentive and serious stare. Seve rolls his eyes, but is ultimately relieved Sarah won't be further provoked. Sarah crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow, before deciding to vent out her frustrations in a humoring manner.

"Do all the goats in your world like making people pull their hair out?"

Alexis actually considers an answer, her exposed tongue and head-scratching finger signifying her brain's endeavor. She points to the woman.

"Some of them... I think."

"... Okay, now for a question I'm more serious about," Sarah turns to Claire, "How do people look like you?"

Claire slightly ducks behind Jimmy, not enjoying the harsh stare of those disgruntled blue eyes. Jimmy smiles and reaches his opposing hand over to pat Claire's shoulder.

"It's alright," he assures, "I'm rather curious myself."

Claire's softspoken little voice was better meant for closer conversation, but Jimmy would help with that: after Sarah's request to "speak up," Jimmy would relay all Claire had whispered to him.