Into The Future

NIGHTMARE

"My boy. You're all grown up now, and you're going to start seeing strange things in your life soon. Never be afraid, and always believe in yourself. You were born to be great. You have a difficult road ahead of you. Prepare yourself for whatever may come your way. Everything will be fine."

This is what Ian's adopted mother told him when he went to see her. He never understood what she was saying or why she said it. It only seemed like a goodbye to him, and he wasn't ready to say goodbye. He was perplexed as to how she could have given up so quickly. What happened to the never-give-up that she always mentions? He was having a hard time putting everything together.

Margret walked in at that precise moment. She met him with a gloomy expression and rested her hand on his back.

"Ian! Are you all right?" She inquired.

Ian let out a sigh. It took him about two seconds to respond. "I am."

"You appear to be distressed. Is there anything bordering you?"

"There is nothing. I'm all right." Ian put on a fake smile.

Margret took a seat on his bed. Ian grew up with them, but she still doesn't know much about him. He had always been very private. Most of the time, she just convinced herself that whatever he said was true. She had already convinced herself that everything was fine with him.

"You do know you can talk to me about anything, don't you? Anything?"

Ian nodded, and she went on.

"What's the deal with you and Angie?"

"Nothing."

"I haven't seen Angie act like that in a long time, especially when it comes to you. You and she have always gotten along. Is there anything going on between you two?"

"No."

Margret let out a sigh. She reminded herself how pointless it was to ask Ian such questions, so she asked something else instead.

"Is this true? That you've changed your major?"

He began to stutter as a way to stall before coming up with a better idea, as he was reluctant to give a definitive answer. "Uh, I, uh, it is." He sighed as he said, "I just..."

"It's fine if you don't want to discuss it," Margret said.

"I'm sorry," he apologized,

"it's OK," Margret replied. "Just know you can talk to me at any time, okay?"

Ian nodded and watched as she walked away. He sighed once more, feeling bad about how he had treated her.

***

Angie walked past his door at bedtime, in the middle of the night, and heard him panting heavily. She'd woken up in the middle of the night because she couldn't sleep. Her mind was racing with memories of her squabble with him. She was debating whether to reconcile with him, but her decision was made when she heard him panting from the other side of the door.

She slowly pushed open the door. It wasn't latched. She noticed that he was sleeping and very disturbed, with his heavy pants. He awoke slightly jolting when she touched him.

"Was it a nightmare?" She inquired, her voice low.

Ian panted a little and inquired, "What brings you here?"

She locked her gaze on him. Why do I care? She pondered this question to herself. It was not the response she had hoped for.

"Keep it to yourself." she stormed out of the room, her voice low and angry.

Ian stared in perplexity as she walked away, still in a daze from waking up. He let out a sigh.

***

The next morning was routine. Ian was eating breakfast at the dining table. George was getting ready to go to work. In the sitting room, he had his suitcase on the table. His wife entered the room, holding a necktie. She put it on for him.

"Thank you, honey," he said, smiling.

"Hmm. Make sure you don't screw up, okay?" his wife stated.

"Of course," he replied.

"Yeah, dad, don't screw up. It's not just your reputation that's at stake here. Mine is as well."

"Stop talking, Collins," Margret said. "You can do this," In a low voice, she encouraged her husband. "You only need to ask him. There is no need to divulge information."

"Sure," George said, with a smile.

Margret smiled and kissed him. "Good luck."

Angie entered the sitting room with a neutral expression. She was still depressed and enraged about what had happened the night before. It wasn't always like this. She and Ian were once best friends. They were now completely different people.

How did things get so bad? The answer to that remains an enigma.

She greeted everyone with, "Good morning." She was leaving without waiting for a response to her pleasantries.

Her father stopped her and said, "Wait." "I was under the impression that I was supposed to drive you to school."

"No, I don't want to ride with someone today."

Ian understood that the 'someone' she didn't want to ride with was him. And he didn't want to deny her a ride with her father. Ian yelled just as she was about to open the door.

"Wait!" With his backpack in hand, he walked over to George. "I'll be accompanying Jeremy. I'd like to speak with him about something. Have a wonderful day, everyone."

He saw the bitterness in Angie's eyes when he looked at her. He couldn't look any longer, so he just said, "You too, sis," and walked away with his backpack slung over his shoulder.

Their parents exchanged astounded looks. Except for Angie, everyone was taken aback. There was a brief pause in the conversation. Nobody said anything. Until Angie finally spoke up. "Did you mention that you'd drive me to school? "Oh! Yes, you did, so let's get started. Please don't make me late."

With a shake of his head, George expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation. He was completely oblivious to what was going on.