In The Mind Of A Girl In Slumber

A Lovely Dream

I cannot quite remember the exact location, but it must have been somewhere in the middle of a busy city, within the confides of a school campus or perhaps in an unfamiliar place. I was with a group of people, not sure who they were but I had some feeling that they might be friends from school or from work.

We were all just standing, eagerly waiting for someone to arrive amid a foreboding atmosphere. I was worried, I think everyone was too and I hated that feeling. This supposed person must have been important to me since I was feeling a mixture happiness, nervousness and concern. But what exactly was I worried about? It seemed like this man I was desperately waiting for had been hurt, or at least, that's what I believed - but I wasn't sure why or how.

I don't know how long we waited, but we stood there for what felt like an eternity. Earlier, we had been informed by some sort of specialist that, due to the battle and the sacrifice our friend made, he had aged beyond repair. I wasn't sure how to feel about that, but I didn't care especially when I saw an old man walking towards us. Before I could even think about what I was doing, I ran and hugged him tightly – but not too tightly, I didn't want to further hurt him. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes, but I didn't want to cry in front of everyone Behind me, I heard snickers—perhaps I had already started crying.

Then there were sounds of happiness, and cheers and people running past me. What was happening? I wondered. I opened my eyes and glanced past the old man I was hugging, who strangely remained still. I saw my friends, about a dozen of them running towards and hugging the man of the hour. He looked fine, unhurt and definitely not old. What?! Then who on earth was I holding? Without a second thought, I let go of the old man abruptly, and he just walked off quietly, not even glancing in my direction.

At this point I was beyond furious and embarrassed. These people had pranked me, and by the looks of it 'he' was also in on it. But the overwhelming sense of relief that washed over me calmed my anger and all I could think was, 'Thank God he was alright'. I quietly climbed the steps and sat on the topmost one, my head in my hand and my eyes toward the happy laughing group of friends. I had to admit that I was jealous of how they were all over him. That smile on his face made my heart skip a beat. That jerk, how dare him make me worry like that.

It took him a moment to notice me sitting alone before he began walking over to where I sat. Well, I was still kind of pissed so I turned my face away and pouted, waiting for my apology. He sat down beside me trying to get my attention, but I made sure to act a little stubborn before finally turning to look at him. There it was again – that smile. Oh no, I must look away before he noticed me blushing.

Unable to control myself any longer, I threw my arms around him and hugged him tightly – really tightly. He said some things and I said some things, but I cannot quite remember what it was all about. Maybe it was about missing each other or just being happy to be together again. After pulling away from the hug, a sudden sense of courage surged through me. I took hold of his face and kissed him on the lips. Yes, I did that, surprising even myself. He looked shocked, but there was a hint of blush on his face. I could hear gasps and murmurs from the group of onlookers below, but I chose not to acknowledge them.

Well, that sense of bravery I was so proud of left me immediately as I got up and ran away with a smile on my face.