Dreams of Green

Temptation

When I finally open my eyes, I see Lucas close to me, shaking me by my shoulders. Mira is standing beside him with tears in her eyes.

I feel confused and more tired than I ever felt. I look around me and realize I'm at home lying on the couch. Lucas must have carried me here from the café.

"May, are you ok? What happened!" Mira asks with a shaky voice.

"I don't... I don't know..." My head hurts and my vision is still blurry.

"You passed out when I told you about your family. I couldn't wake you up." Lucas sounds terrified.

I have no idea what happened. I must have fallen asleep somehow, though I don't feel rested at all. Looking at Lucas's and Mira's concerned faces, however, I decide not to tell them about my dream. It would most likely freak them out even more.

"I was probably just overwhelmed with all the news... I'm fine now." I quickly look away. I've never been a good liar.

"Are you sure? Your breathing was really shallow and there was no waking you up. We wanted to take you to the hospital."

Lucas isn't convinced by my reassurances. He's so caring, I can't but feel grateful to have such a good friend.

"It's great, I just need to rest for a bit and wrap my head around everything." I murmur.

"And you should definitely eat something. Have you even had anything for breakfast?"

Mira's already on her way to the kitchen.

"I'm not hungry, Mira. Thank you though."

Food is the last thing on my mind, although I haven't eaten since yesterday.

"I don't take no for an answer!" Mira calls from the kitchen and I can already hear her chopping something.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Lucas looks uncertain what to do.

"Of course, Lucas. You can go home. Thank you for everything."

I smile at him weakly and squeeze his hand.

His cheeks turn red a little which catches me by surprise. I'd always seen Lucas as just a friend, a brother almost.

But I must admit, he is one good-looking man. His light blue eyes are so kind and sincere, his light brown hair looks soft and I suddenly feel the urge to touch it. And though he has a vibe of a young academic with his glasses and brown jackets he obviously hides some serious biceps under the fabric. He'd single-handedly caught my fall in the cafe and then carried me home. And his smile! So heartwarming. I always feel so safe with him.

But at the same time, I cannot get the mysterious green-eyed man out of my head. The way he'd told me I belonged to him got me weak in the knees. And how he said my name - my real name - with so much passion and desire. I cannot subdue the sudden feeling of lust and I bite my lip.

Lucas stares at me and leans closer... I get up quickly. I'm so stupid, he must think I wanted him to kiss me.

"Ok then, thanks again Lucas!" I turn away, ashamed. Waiting in embarrassment for him to leave the apartment.

"Uh... great! Take care, May. Or should I call you Monique now?"

The name sounds so different when he says it. It doesn't make me feel anything. I decide that I will be Monique only for my green-eyed dream man. In a way, Monique will belong to him. The thought alone brings heat into my face and my heart starts beating faster. I'm glad I turned away and Lucas can't see it.

"No, please call me Maya - or May, that's who I am anyway..."

"Ok. Bye, May." he says silently. I can hear he's hurt but I cannot make myself look at him.

When he finally leaves, I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding. I feel awful but also eager to go to sleep. I am almost certain I'll meet HIM in my dreams again and I feel that this time, I'll get to know who he is. And there's nothing I want more at this moment. Just him.