Tiger's Beginning

Chapter 3: Silhouettes and Family Portraits

The next few days, I honestly forgot all about my dream. It was my last week of high school, and I almost wanted to forget that ever happened. With my mother planning every second of my time and trying to finish exams, I had no spare room in my brain for crazy, mystical, dream stuff.

When the final bell rang, it was a mix of emotions. I was officially out of high school. I said goodbye to my friends, who had invited me to some rave but I politely declined because I wasn't much for “raving”. As I drove home, I turned on the radio and funnily enough “Don’t You Forget about Me” by the Simple Minds, better known for being in the Breakfast Club movie, came on the radio. I laughed at the coincidence and hummed along, singing the chorus.

As I made the turn to go down my street, I noticed a moving truck in front of the mansion. Ornate vases and leather chairs were being carried into the large white house. Suddenly a younger guy emerged from the garage. I didn’t even notice I was slowing down as I looked at him. He seemed to be concentrating on something he had in his hand. He had on athletic shorts and a tank top with trainers. His black hair was pushed away from his face in a messy fashion. He hadn’t noticed me yet, and I didn’t want to seem like a creep so I got one last look before I drove past.

I walked inside and breathed a sigh of relief. I made my way up the stairs to my room and put them in the corner, not wanting to deal with them at this moment.

I still had not met this mysterious new family; they had to decline the offer of dinner because of their move, which my mother was thrilled to hear.

I spread my hands out as I lay on my back, my feet barely touching the floor. Closing my eyes, I was shocked to see violet eyes flash across my closed eyelids. I sat up quickly and the dreams all came flooding back. I pushed the hair from my forehead, and wondered what in the world I was going to do.

My parents took me out for dinner, kind of a celebration on my completion of high school. I had already been accepted to WOU and was heading there in the fall. I wasn’t as excited as I felt I should be. I mean, I was starting a whole new chapter of my life, and I would barely get excited about selecting my classes. I guess once I got closer to the day I moved in, I would enjoy it more.

I pushed the spicy chicken around on my plate, lost in my thoughts. My parents were across from me talking about work or something that wasn’t particularly interesting, and I guess my mom noticed my less than perky mood, and asked,

“Grace, honey, are you alright?”

I looked up and gave her a halfhearted smile before nodding and saying,

“Yea, I’m fine, just a little tired.”

My mom gave me a sympathetic smile and said,

“You have been staying up too late studying for your finals. Tonight you need to get some rest.”

I just nodded, knowing it was useless to argue with her and frankly I didn't have the energy. These days I would rather stay in the real world than the dream world. There was less complications surprisingly.

“Grace, your mother and I wanted to tell you something.”

Oh great this could be anything. It could be a baby, we could be moving, they might actually make me go to the party tonight. Oh gosh please don’t let it be that.

I realized they were waiting for my response, so I nodded and my dad said,

“Well, as you know I have been researching a few things related to a certain country. As a special treat before you start college, we thought a family trip would be fun. It’s also for my work so we get to stay the whole summer! We are going to…”