Talon Academy

Chapter Eight

Before leaving I decided to go to the head teacher's office to ask about my dreams. I was about to knock on the door when I heard her from inside.

"Come in, Elizabeth."

As I made my way to her I realised her desk was messier than before and a tall stack of books now lay next to her desk. I hope I wasn't disturbing her.

"Ah yes," She looked up from the huge book in front of her, "I was hoping to catch you before you left today but it seems you beat me to it. I heard about what happened earlier today. How are you doing now?"

"Um...much better now actually. Thank you for asking."

"We were all concerned about your sudden reaction. However, I don't think that's why you are here right now. Is something else wrong?"

"Well I was wondering if it is ok if I could speak to you about...an issue?" I asked.

"Of course, have a seat. Like I said yesterday; I am here to answer any of your questions." She closed the book and moved it to the side to focus her full attention on me.

"Well, I have been having dreams lately," I began slowly, "Ever since my sixteen birthday I have had the same dream every night. Actually I did have the same dream every night till about three weeks ago. It all starts in the middle of a forest where..."

Laura had been listening carefully as I explained my dream and didn't stop me to ask questions in between. She had let me say what I had to. Her emerald eyes were soft and caring as she spoke, "Elizabeth, I am very glad you came to me. Your dreams have been going on for so long and every night without stopping It must be so terrifying for you." She poured a glass of water for me, sliding it over with a small smile.

I take a sip before I nod my head slowly and say, "They are worse than terrifying. In the beginning I woke up screaming and my parents were so worried. So I managed to stop myself from doing that, instead I tried finding another way to relax myself after I woke up. At first I didn't know what to do and dreaded sleeping every night. The only person I told my dreams to was Rachel, who held me while I cried or while I was too scared to do anything."

Laura smiled, "Did you find a way to relax in the morning?"

"Yeah. I found that taking a shower or running helped. I prefer running because I get to see the sunrise which always makes me happy," I said smiling too.

"Your mum used to wake up early for the exact same reason."

Surprised I said, "She also had dreams?"

"No, she didn't have dreams. However she also loved the sunrise. I remember my older sister always telling me how Isabella woke her up early to watch the sunrise."

"Your older sister knew my mum?"

"Yes, they were best friends. She used to come over to our house a lot; that's how I knew her. She was such a bright and caring person. I still remember her even though I was very small then. Whenever she was over for a sleepover she would wake us up and take us outside to gaze up at the beautiful sky," she looked into empty space as she thought about the past, "Rose would then make us hot chocolate when we came back inside. I remember Isabella often burnt her tongue because she was too busy looking at the sky with wide eyes." She laughed.

I imagined my mum gazing up at the sky in the morning with a huge grin and wide eyes. I missed her a lot - I missed my whole family a lot.

I remembered times we went to the beach and Sophie used to flick water into my face. I remember my parents laughing as they watched us splashing about in the water. After that, Sophie used to wrap me up in a towel and hug me tightly. We all drank mugs of hot chocolate while we argued over who had won the water fight. A tear made a scorching path down my cheek. I still missed them so much even if it has been 10 years since I lost them.

"Oh Elizabeth," Laura said as she came around the table and hugged me. I tuck my head into her shoulder and hugged her back. She smelled of roses and tangerines.

"Thank you for listening Laura," I said into her shoulder.

"No problem," she stepped back to look at me, "Your dreams are very strange but I'm going to do a little research and see what I find. If there's anything else feel free to talk to me. Being shoved into a crazy new world isn't fair on anyone."

"Ok. Again, thank you." I said gratefully.