Dreaming of Him

The Diner

The diner was a lot busier than it normally was.  Our usual table was still empty, so we took a seat.  Anna, our waitress, took our milkshake order (chocolate for Cal and strawberry for me) and brought us water before leaving us to our conversation.

When I made eye contact with Cal, he seemed to have a concerned look on his face.  

"What's up?"  I said, leaning forward on the table.  I started to notice a group of people at a different table glancing back at us, but before I said anything, Cal distracted me with his response. 

"I'm worried about you.  Leah told me you were planning on going into the woods alone tonight?"

Surprised, I met his eyes once again.  "Yeah, what's so wrong about that?"

Before he could answer, our waitress brought our milkshakes.   I cut him off when he started to speak again.  "Look, Cal.  I've been dreaming about him for weeks now.  It's about time for me to finally meet him and learn why he seems to be so crucial to my life and my dreams.  If all it takes is me going into the woods at night to find him, what's wrong with going tonight?"

Cal absent-mindedly slurped his milkshake while trying to think of the best reply.  "What if I came with you?" He said hopefully.  

Seeing the hope in his eyes, I sighed loudly before responding.  "I suppose you can come with me, but only you.  I think the more people we have, the more likely he will be to run away.  I can hardly catch him in my dreams, I don't want to ruin my chances in person.  Luke and Leah are coming over tonight too to watch the move, and I already told Leah that they could stay until I get back.  She might be more lenient if you come with me."

Excitement sparkled in his eyes once again as he finished the last bit of his milkshake.  “Can we stop at my place before we go back to yours so I can get a change of clothes for tonight?” 

I nodded my head as I dropped cash on the table for our milkshakes.  We always took turns paying and it was my turn.  As we got up to leave, I noticed the large group of people behind him again, but this time they were getting up as well.  When they walked past us, it looked like they were bowing their heads at us, but they walked away quickly and I wasn’t sure.  I didn’t say anything to Cal about it because they had left us alone.  

We got in my car and drove to his house, but this time we both got out and went inside together.  “Hi Mr. and Mrs. G!” I said as I entered his home.  They were used to me coming around and I even kind of considered them to be my parents as well.  They were always there for me when I needed them, especially after my father passed away.  We walked into the living room and found them sitting on the couch watching a movie together.  

“Oh, hello Maia!  How are you doing?”  Mrs. Gesselle said to me.  

“I’m doing fine, thank you.  We’re just here for Cal to change into some comfy clothes.  We’re watching a movie at my place with Leah and Luke tonight.”  Cal’s parents have never been worried about the amount of time that Cal and I spend together.  He’s slept on my couch numerous times before, but they know we’re just friends.  

At that point, Cal came downstairs in grey joggers and a black hoodie.  “Have fun you guys!” Mrs. Gesselle said as we went to leave the house.  Cal went back to give his mom and dad a hug before we left for the night.  “I’ll probably just stay with you for the night.”  He said as we exited the house.  

We walked into my living room and I immediately felt like I was at home.  Cal followed me to my room where I sprawled out in bed.  He sat on the edge of it, scrolling through his phone.  I excused myself and made my way to my bathroom, shutting the door behind me and looking at myself in the mirror.  

My hazel eyes are wide, looking back at me in the mirror.  After years of growing it out, my light brown hair is long now; it almost goes all the way down to my butt.  My olive skin is still very pale; I haven’t spent much time outside this summer, at least during the day.  I am taller than most girls at the height of 5’9’’, and my hourglass figure is accented by the high waisted shorts and tight-fitted shirt I wore to school today.

I rinsed my face before going back out into my bedroom, where Cal had laid down, taking up most of the bed.  “Excuse me!”  I laughed as I hopped on the bed and pushed him over so I could have my spot back.  

Cal laughed before he looked at me with a serious look. "Are you going to be okay if we don't find this guy? Or what if he turns out to be bad?"

I understood his concerns because they had already crossed my mind. "I'll be okay if that is the case, although I don't think it is." 

I texted Leah, telling her to grab Luke and come to my apartment. Cal and I grabbed some sodas from the fridge and started to scroll through the streaming services, looking for a movie. 

Luke and Leah arrived shortly after we started looking and it wasn't long until not only was there a movie chosen and started, but also the pizza was ordered too. 

I couldn't seem to focus on the movie, so I started to glance around the room. Leah had fallen asleep and ended up leaning on Luke's shoulder. Her short black hair framed her face and her petite body was curled up in a ball on the couch. Luke's tall, muscular frame looked a lot less intimidating with Leah sleeping on his shoulder. His blonde hair was kept short and he had a sharp jawline. I've been waiting for the moment they fall in love for the past year. They're practically perfect for each other and now I'm just waiting for them to see it. 

The movie ended and Leah woke up. We told her that Cal was planning on coming with me, and she agreed that it was the best idea. Cal and I left the apartment and went straight back into the woods where hopefully we could find the man from my dreams.