Dream Boy

Chapter Twenty

I am stressed out all day. I feel so bad for Evan. This is all my fault. I should've refused to go the movies with him. I finally catch up with him in the parking lot after school, and I stop him before he gets into his car.

"Evan wait. Please, I'm so sorry! This is all my fault!"
"No, it's not Sarah. It's fine. Let's not make this any worse. Besides, you have a boyfriend. You shouldn't be hanging out with me."
"Why art thou denying a lady's right to have acquaintances that are male?" What was that?
"That's been happening to you too?"
"What?"
"Never mind, it's nothing. I have to go. Chris is probably waiting for you."
"But Evan--"
"Please, Sarah. Go be with him. Don't make this harder than it has to be." I can't help but wonder if he means the breakup or something else.

"Hey cutie pie. Where have you been?" Chris walks up behind me and gives me a hug as I am opening my car door.
"Don't do that! You scared the crap out of me!" He laughs and spins me around. "I was making sure that Evan was okay." He nods slightly.
"He's an eighteen year old dude. He can tough it out or figure out how to make it work."
"You're probably right. I just feel so bad--" He kisses me before I could finish my sentence.
"Works every time." I just roll my eyes.
"I have to go. Lots of homework."
"Okay." He leans down and kisses me again, this time a little longer and with more emotion behind it. "You know I love you Sarah, right?"
"I--uhh. I have to go Chris. See you tomorrow." He just nods, and walks off with his hands in his pockets.

"Taylor, he told me he loved me! And I couldn't say anything!" I call Taylor the second I get home. "And after all I put him through this week!"
"Wow. Just, like, wow!"
"Thanks Tay. That helps so much!" I spit sarcastically through the phone.
"Sorry. I'm just surprised. You've only been dating for like, less than a month!"
"I know! I think I just need to do my homework and take my mind off of it, and then I'll sleep on it. Maybe in the morning I'll feel like I can say it back." Hopefully my dreams give me the answers.

I do exactly what I told Taylor I would. I finish all my homework, take a long shower, and then climb into bed, drifting off into shallow sleep.

"Today, my dearest, is wedding day."
I look down and see green velvet swirling around my legs, and emeralds around my wrists. I look up and see King Evil smiling at me, his eyes running over my body.
"You look beautiful, Princess Sarah."
"Thank you, King Christian."

I sit up immediately in bed. Christian is King Evil? No, no, it's just a dream. You're just paranoid. I lay back down, trying to convince myself that my stress levels are making my dreams act up. But something in the back of my head keeps telling me that my dreams have the answers to the questions I am asking.

I drift off again, tense and shaken.

"Sarah! No! You can't marry him! You don't love him! You're just under his spell!"
"My Prince Evan? Is that you?"
"Yes my love! He's trapped me in the dungeon! Please come save me!"

I shoot up again, sweating. No no no no. This can't be happening.  It is Evan? No, no. He didn't want to talk to me. But was that what he meant? That he loves me and that it's too hard to watch me be with Chris? No no no. Chris loves me. He said he loves me!

Evan's POV:

I climb into bed, not wanting to think about anything. But if you've ever tried, you know that you can't make your brain stop thinking. I am hit with a wave of memories from my childhood; the dreams of the beautiful princess I would one day save are running through my head. I slide under the sheets and close my eyes, trying to forget about Christine and the day's events.

"EVAAAAN! Help me, please! He's going to hurt me, help! My Prince, help!"
I run, trying to find my Princess, trying to save her. I sprint outside. It's pouring and I can't see; salty water runs down my brow, dripping into my eyes.
"Princess Sarah? Where are you?"

I bolt upright in my bed and look over at my clock. Eleven forty-three. It was her. All those years ago, I was dreaming of Sarah. Maybe that's why I was speaking strangely--I have found my Princess. I have found my purpose. I am a knight, and each knight must go on a quest. I have found mine.

I shake my head at myself. My thoughts are so cheesy, like they are coming from a Disney movie, but somehow they seem right. I shake my head again and lay back down, closing my eyes.

"Oh, I've found you! What has he done to you, love?"
There is Sarah, curled up in a ball, laying in a puddle, shaking. Tears run down her face and mix with the rain. I grab her and pull her into my arms. She is freezing cold.
"Thank you. You--you found me."
"No matter how hard it rains, I will always find you."

I open my eyes, oddly comforted. Maybe Christine was right. Maybe I do love Sarah.