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Authors: J. Sterling

In Dreams (8 page)

BOOK: In Dreams
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“I’m sorry I’ve been gone. It’s hard to get through that steel trap of yours,” he joked.

“What? Steel trap?” she responded, confused. “Oh, my mind?”

“Yeah. You try so hard to see me that you end up blocking me out. Tonight was really the first night you fully let go. It made it easy for me to slip in and find you,” he informed her. “Of course, I understand why.”

“Well, that makes sense, I guess.”

Katherine smiled and her whole body filled with warmth and love. She stood up to hug him. He was taller than she was, but not by much. She guessed that he was probably just about six-feet, maybe five-eleven. She wrapped her arms around his waist and refused to let go. Brody wagged his tail as sand scattered in every direction.

“I’ve missed you so much,” Katherine told him, her voice shaking. This boy made her feel things at a level she couldn’t wrap her head around. Every emotion felt as if it was rooted in the very fiber of her being. Nothing else mattered. Nothing else existed. There was no Cooper here. There was nothing but the two of them.

“I’ve missed you more than you know.” He sat on the bench and she followed his lead. “This will be our spot from now on. When you want to find me, you’ll come here to this beach and sit on this bench. And I’ll always find you. I’ll always come.”

“You promise?” she asked him, genuinely.

“I promise,” he reassured her as he stroked her fingers. Katherine could feel her eyes welling up with tears. “What’s the matter?” he asked her and gently touched her face.

“I’m not sure. I just have this feeling…like I’m going to lose you.” She felt her chest tighten and knew she was going to cry.

“I’m not going anywhere.” He looked into her eyes. “I promise I’ll never leave you. I’m so sorry for what happened last time,” his face writhed with pain.

“Last time?” The words stung with familiarity, but she couldn’t quite grasp what he meant.

“Yes, in our last encounter. Or I guess I should call it our first encounter…or more accurately,
your
first encounter with me.”

“Right. Last time,” she looked away from his gaze and settled on the sand at her feet. Her mind struggled to put the pieces together. She willed it to assemble this puzzle, but she couldn’t.

“You don’t remember, do you? That’s okay. Control over your memories while we’re together will come with time.” She still had no idea what he meant, but she didn’t care. All she cared about was being with him. He smiled at her and she felt her heart melt.

****

“Time to get up, sunshine. Oh, sleeping beauty. Nappy head. Wake up.”

“What is that,” Katherine thought to herself. She could feel herself being pulled away from the beach…and the bench...and him.

“I don’t even know your name,” she yelled out, but it was too late.

She looked at the smile on his face one last time and then opened her eyes. Taylor stood above her.

“Jeez, Kat. That only took me like twenty minutes. For the love, get up girlfriend, you’re going to be late.”

“Taylor?” Katherine was confused. “Taylor, I was dreaming about him again. Oh my gosh. That was intense.” Katherine shouted out with a smile. She quickly realized what she said and her smile faded. “A dream. Dang. Every time I wake up, I’m sad all over again that it wasn’t real. But this time was different...”

“No way! Tell me everything,” Taylor sat on the edge of her bed.

“It doesn’t make any sense. I’m not sure what this guy is. I mean, he told me that he would always find me. And that we had a spot. And I just have to go there anytime I want to see him. And what the hell is going on? It’s weird right? Am I making it all up? Is this crazy? Oh good Lord, what is happening to me?”

“That’s a lot of questions all at once, Kat. So, um…yes, you are crazy. Duh. Yes, it’s extremely weird. But it’s also extremely cool. I have no idea if you’re making it up, but who cares? I mean, they’re just dreams, right?” Taylor responded calmly.

“Yeah. But weird as hell dreams. And I mean, what about him always finding me? It was like we were having a conversation. He apologized for the last dream I had with him in it, but I didn’t know what the heck he was talking about at the time. Man, I’m so dumb when I’m dreaming!”

“What? What do you mean…apologized? Like for going and getting himself shot, or what?” Taylor asked.

“I have no idea. But he said he was sorry for our last encounter…or my first encounter with him or something. He made me feel like he knows me, but I swear to you I’ve never seen anyone as hauntingly perfect as him. He almost looks NOT real.”

“That is weird, Kat. I mean, do you think this guy was talking to you...like…he could come back every night if you wanted him too and stuff?” Taylor asked; her voice intrigued. “I’ve never heard of anything like this before.”

“I swear, Taylor, I’m just as confused as you are.”

“What about Cooper?” Taylor’s question crashed Katherine back into reality.

“Oh, God. I don’t know. It’s like when I dream about this guy, there is nothing and no one else.” Katherine’s heart felt like it was ripping in half. She knew the guy from the dream meant more to her than anyone she’d ever known. But she also knew Cooper made her feel ways she’d never experienced either. “Do I have to choose? I mean, really? At this point...do I have to choose between them?” She knew the question sounded a little absurd.

“I’m sorry, what are we choosing again? Between a real life super hottie and a guy that only appears in your dreams? I think the choice is obvious.”

“Easy for you to say...you’re not the one having the dreams.”

Katherine didn’t know what to do. She wasn’t sure how she felt, or what the rules were for something like this. Did she have an obligation to let Cooper know that she was seeing someone else? But that it was only while she was asleep? This was crazy and she knew it. Just because Dream Guy said he could come back, maybe he wouldn’t. Maybe it was all some crazy made up fantasy.

“Maybe he’ll go away,” Taylor suggested.

“I don’t want him to go away, Taylor. Do I tell Cooper?”

“Tell him what? You’re dreaming about some guy you’ve never met and you want to have ten thousand of his babies? I mean, really Kat...even if you did tell Cooper, you think he’d just walk away from you? Not a chance.”

“No, you’re right. I’m just being crazy. You should probably keep a mental ward on speed dial though. Just to be safe.”

“Already done,” Taylor smiled at her. “Are you excited for the game tonight?”

Katherine was grateful for the subject change. “Yes! I can’t wait! But Taylor, I’m not kidding when I tell you that I know NOTHING about hockey, so you’re going to have to help me out.”

“You’ll be a pro in no time,” Taylor winked.

As they walked across campus Katherine noticed Taylor giving other girls dirty looks. “What are you doing?” Katherine chuckled.

“I am about to lose my mind on these stupid females.”

“Huh?” Katherine looked around and noticed all the sour looks aimed in her direction.

“It would be one thing if you were a total bitch or something, but you’re not. You’re normal and nice and they’re just mad that he didn’t pick them,” Taylor snapped.

“Maybe they’ll like me once they get to know me?” Katherine genuinely believed that people were good at heart. She had been around celebrities in LA enough to know how other girls behaved when they were jealous.

“God, you are so naïve! East coast girls can be really mean, Kat. They don’t care how nice you are. All they care about is that some California girl just rode into town and took their property.”

“Well, what am I supposed to do?” Kat started saying “
hi
” to all the girls who looked at her cruelly.

“Oh my gosh, STOP doing that. What is wrong with you? These girls are not your friends. Stop being so nice to everyone.”

Katherine laughed.

“I’m not kidding. Saying ‘hi’ isn’t going to make them like you. It’s only going to make them hate you more.”

“Well that’s stupid. And I’m not going to stop being nice so they can feel better.”

Cooper sauntered up and took Katherine by the hand as he pulled her tightly against his chest. “Morning,” he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. She immediately felt the heat rise inside of her.

“Geez, Cooper, are you trying to start a riot?” Taylor glared at him.

“It has to happen sooner or later,” he said before he looked at Katherine. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.”

“Oh it’s okay, I have my bodyguard Taylor over here.” Katherine caught herself thinking about the boy from her dream. She looked at Cooper and knew she should focus on what was right in front of her, but her heart wouldn’t let her.

“That’s right,” Taylor said with attitude.

Cooper laughed, “Coming to the game tonight?”

Taylor looked at Katherine, “No, I think there’s a new show on we wanted to watch. You don’t mind, right?”

“Oh yeah, that show looks amazing. Can’t miss it, sorry,” Katherine smiled at him.

“Ladies, you’re breaking my heart here.”

“Well, that was a stupid question. Of course we’ll be there. You think I want to see my boyfriend cry?” Taylor teased.

“True, true. It’s not pretty, I’ve seen it,” Cooper remarked.

****

“Come on Katherine. Hurry up! I want to get to the rink early,” Taylor whined.

“I’m coming. What’s the rush?”

“I want to watch Danny warm up. And I also want to get a good seat. People on this coast actually like hockey, you know.”

Katherine appeared out of the bathroom, “Okay, I’m ready.”

At the rink, Katherine followed Taylor into what she considered perfect seats and sat. She breathed in the cold air and smiled.

“I just love being in here,” Taylor told her with a smile. “Oh, I see Danny!”

Katherine looked around the ice for Cooper. When she spotted him she noticed him wink at her through his facemask. Her insides fluttered.

The seats quickly filled up and before Katherine knew it they had formed the “girlfriends section.” It was the area of the rink where all of the girlfriends of the guys on the team ended up sitting. All the other girls knew exactly who Taylor and Katherine were, and exactly who they were there to watch play. “Hi, I’m Kristie. I’m dating Tommy. He’s number 39.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Katherine.”

“Hey, I’m Taylor.”

Introductions went all around and Katherine thought to herself that it was the first time other girls were actually being nice to her when it came to Cooper. She relaxed her shoulders and attempted to watch the game she knew nothing about.

The crowd went crazy when the team skated onto the ice but nothing was louder than the cheers for Cooper when they introduced him over the loudspeakers. Katherine felt a glow of warm pride inside her.

Cooper skated around on the ice effortlessly. The way he moved and stopped was as easy for him as walking. This was a side of him she didn’t see everyday. Being a hockey player brought out his tough edges. He couldn’t walk around and punch people on campus but on the ice it was a different story. He could be rough, aggressive, and powerful. And he was. She watched him slam people into the sides of the rink and wondered how they didn’t get hurt.

She noticed the other team was always very aware of where he was and they tried their best to stop his every move. But no one could stop Cooper Donovan on the ice. He made goals, assisted with goals, and led his team to victory. Now she understood why people treated him the way they did. He was like a god when he played and it was incredible to watch. People wanted to be part of it because it was special.

After the game the girls followed the other girlfriends downstairs into a secluded tunnel area. There was a door that led to the locker room and it was the only way in or out.

Katherine turned to Taylor and whispered, “Do you think Cooper’s parents are here?”

“I didn’t even think about it, but I bet they are,” Taylor looked around.

The door swung open as Danny and Cooper walked out together, smiling widely. Cooper’s eyes darted into the crowd as he looked for familiar faces. He spotted Katherine and his face softened. She started to walk toward him when she noticed a couple motion him over. He kissed the short, dark-haired woman on the cheek and gave the older, gray-haired man a hug. He looked back at Katherine and waved her over. She started to shake nervously with each step.

“Mom, Dad, this is Katherine.”

“Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Donovan. It’s nice to meet you,” Katherine said with kindness.

Cooper’s dad welcomed and greeted Katherine with a warm hug, “It’s nice to meet you too, Katherine. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Katherine shot Cooper a surprised look.

“Yes, Katherine. Nice to meet you,” Cooper’s mother reached out her hand to greet her with a firm shake. Her tone of voice was cold and unfriendly. Katherine noticed Cooper’s eyes narrow in disapproval.

He turned to Katherine before his mother could do any more damage and said, “I’m going to grab some dinner with my parents. I’ll call you later. Thanks for coming to the game,” he bent down and kissed her lips with longing.

Katherine blushed. Embarrassed, she quickly responded, “Of course. It was a lot of fun. ’Bye, Mr. and Mrs. Donovan. It was nice to meet you.” She spotted Taylor and rushed over.

“Oh hey. Dad, this is Taylor’s roommate Katherine. She’s also Donovan’s girlfriend.”

“So, you’re the lucky girl? Nice to meet you, kid.” Danny’s dad shook her hand and then pulled her in for a hug.

“Nice to meet you, too. Are you sure you’re not Danny’s older brother or something, you look so young!”

“Oh, I like this girl,” he winked.

“You can have her,” Taylor joked.

“I’ll take you both.” The girls giggled and Danny shuffled his feet.

“Dad! We’re gonna get some food. Do you want to come?”

“No. You two go. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Taylor offered.

“Are you sure?” Danny asked again.

“Of course I’m sure. Plus, you guys need time alone. You can see me anytime. It was nice to meet you, sir,” Taylor smiled.

“You too, beautiful. I’ll make sure he takes good care of you.” He threw his arm around his son and squeezed him tightly, “And if he doesn’t, I will.”

BOOK: In Dreams
7.63Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

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