Dreaming of Him

My hand mindlessly fumbled with my locket again. I knew that Leah was still talking to me, but I couldn't seem to focus on the conversation anymore.  "Maia, are you even listening to me anymore?" Leah said as she waved her hand in front of my glazed-over eyes.  "No, not really." I said, sheepishly. "I just can't seem to get my mind off of...him." "C'mon Maia, you don't even know this guy is real. Just because you've been dreaming about him doesn't mean he actually exists." I shook my head in denial. "No, Leah, I know he is real. I can feel it. I'm going out to the woods tonight to see if I can find that opening that I keep seeing in my dreams. He might be there." I could see the disappointment in Leah's eyes as she realized I wouldn't drop the topic. "Fine" she said with disdain, "But you have to promise me you will keep your phone charged and on you at all times tonight. It's not safe in the woods, especially alone at night. Also, you have to call me when you get home." "Fine, mom." I laughed as I rolled my eyes and walked away, grabbing Leah's hand and pulling her behind me through the halls. "Come one, we're gonna be late." We only had two weeks left until we graduated, and I wasn't planning on slacking now.  I had worked hard to get straight A's throughout high school and I wanted to finish my senior year out strong. I had plans to go to a private school across the country and I couldn't wait to go to orientation this summer.  The last two classes of the day dragged on. I could hardly focus on what we were learning in class, but I knew it wouldn't take me long to study it and learn it by myself later. I've been a quick learner all my life, which has helped me in times like now.  I seem to get trapped inside my head very easily. Now, my thoughts are captivated by the idea of him… I wish I knew what his name was. All I know about him is the image I have ingrained into my memory now after countless dreams about him. My friends think I'm crazy, but I know he's out there. We're meant to meet and I can't wait until we do. I can vividly recall his piercing blue eyes looking at me across the opening in the trees. He looks confused, yet also excited. His light brown hair is reflecting the sun as it peers through the clouds overhead.  It was as if I was being pulled to him, but I couldn't seem to move. Sometimes he would approach me, but it didn't happen very often.  The harsh bell loudly interrupted my thoughts of him, signifying that it was finally time to go home. Leah caught up to me quickly, grabbing my arm.  "Do you have any plans for tonight? Cal, Luke, and I want to watch a movie and we were hoping you could join us." "So what you really want to know is if I can host tonight?" I rolled my eyes and laughed. Considering we were all only 18, I was the only one of my friends who owned their  apartment.  Ever since my dad passed away, my mom hasn't been the same. It feels like she doesn't want me anymore. I moved out as soon as I could afford it. I started saving money when I was 14 and, over time, saved enough to cover my living expenses for my entire senior year. My mom occasionally helps me out with groceries, but we don't have the common mother-daughter relationship that Leah has with her mom.  Leah dragged me out of my thoughts with a laugh. "You know I love you."  "Of course you all can come over tonight. You guys can even stay over until I get home from the woods if that would make you feel better." She grinned happily before dragging me to her locker. "Great, we'll bring the snacks and order pizza, just let us know what time we can come over." We dropped our books off in our lockers before walking out to our cars. We usually drove to school together, but I had plans today. We waved our goodbyes as Cal walked up to my car.  "Hey Maia, ready for milkshakes?" Cal's large grin always made my day. His black hair was getting kind of long, but he still kept it styled well. His green eyes were sparkling with excitement. It reminded me how handsome Cal really was. He always dressed well; he was wearing a dark pair of jeans and a stylish green hoodie today. Cal is one of the hottest guys in town, but I've always thought of him as nothing more than a friend. Cal and I have been best friends for longer than I can remember. We practically grew up together. We've been getting weekly milkshakes for about three years now. What started as an escape from my mother soon turned into a long-term tradition. Although sometimes Luke and Leah came along, most of the time it was just Cal and I.  “Hell yeah I am!” I said excitedly as Cal and I got into our own cars.  I followed him to his house before he got in my car.   Living in a small town, it’s easy to get from place to place quickly.  We didn’t try to make small talk because that’s what the milkshake “date” was for.  One of my favorite songs came on the radio when we pulled up, but I was too eager to talk with Cal, so we went inside.