Rem: A Dreamer’S Gift

Copyright © 2012 by Cheryl Abbott.

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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-4759-1701-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-1703-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-1702-4 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012907571

iUniverse rev. date: 05/03/2012

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Acknowledgments

To my husband, James, 

 for your love, support and encouragement.

And also to my boys, Caleb and Jonah, 

 whose dreams I look forward to sharing every morning.

REM (rem) n.

abbreviation for rapid eye movement

The rapid, periodic, jerky movement of the eyes during certain stages of the sleep cycle when dreaming takes place.

Prologue

It was my choice to make. I had already decided. Yet everyone around me felt compelled to dissuade me. As I carefully selected my most comfortable pajamas from the bottom drawer of the armoire, a sudden sense of concern overcame me. What if they were right? What if this was more than I could manage? I’d be leaving so much behind.

The emotion pushing its way up the back of my throat was unnerving. I quickly pulled the yellow tank top over my head and lifted my long, slightly tangled, straight brown hair out from underneath and over to one shoulder. A nervous smile crept across my face as I pulled the matching cotton shorts up over my hips, remembering how my brothers always complained of how tomboyish I appeared, never bothering to tie the waistband strings in a quaint little bow. Yanking the brush through my hair, I could hear the whispered sound of my father’s voice in my head. You can do this. You’re strong. And you’re the only one with the ability to make it right.

I jumped at the knock on the bedroom door. Gathering my composure, I let out a deep sigh and prepared myself for the induced sleep I was about to endure.

I hesitantly opened the door and tried to look past the saddened, yet tranquil, green eyes of the one I loved. I didn’t want to look at him. I knew if I did, he might stand a chance at talking me out of the task at hand.

My oldest brother stood behind him at the top of the steps with the doctor at his side. I nodded, giving them permission to enter. It was time. I didn’t know how long the sleep would last. I didn’t know if I’d be able to find my way out of the induced coma I was about to surrender to. I didn’t even know if I would be able to dream the things that needed to be seen. But I was certain it needed to be done.

Chapter 1

I woke to the smell of strong black coffee brewing downstairs. It was the most obvious clue Randal, my oldest brother, was awake and no doubt jealous of the day ahead for me and Fredrick. The only argument I ever remembered between him and Mom was the desire to attend a mixed school instead of the boy’s academy. And now, two years after his graduation, he would watch as his younger brother and I received his wish.

I ached with the need to drift back to sleep, but the aroma crept under my bedroom door and flooded my senses. It had been yet another night of unbearable restlessness. Two, maybe three hours of uninterrupted sleep was all I had before my dreams took hold of my mind, jumping from one scene to the next. I could only hope that today, the start of a new school year, would finally put an end to the week-long torture. Surely, anticipation had something to do with it.

Nearly everyone was excited about my girl’s school and the boy’s academy finally joining together. That is, everyone but me.

Regardless, here I was going into my junior year now having my brother looking over my shoulder. Not to mention almost every girl would now stumble upon themselves to befriend me simply to get closer to him and his senior friends.

A heavy pounding on the wall sounded beside my head and I kicked back in defiance. I’m up! I shouted at Fredrick, only moving my foot far enough to shove back under the covers. A few more restless minutes bundled under the comforter and I knew there was no getting back to sleep. I reluctantly pulled myself from bed, moving at the unimpressive speed of a sloth and climbed into the shower.

For a brief second, as the water dribbled over my hair, I thought about how everyone else would arrive at school; some in their new toys purchased by their parents, the younger ones being dropped off. Nearly all of them polished and styled, proudly displaying all the latest fashions, uniforms no longer required.

I didn’t really have a lot of friends, not that I didn’t have the opportunity with all the sport’s teams I’d played on. It wasn’t because I was awkward, unintelligent, or too intellectual on the reverse. I wasn’t even ugly (I based this on the frequent advances from a wide range of my brothers’ friends). Mom said it was probably because I was too insightful. Ha, if they only knew. Instead, I was nearly positive I was seen as an uninterested, horrible listener, always fighting to stay awake. Drooping eyelids and dark circles under my eyes were definitely not my finest features.

So for me, it was just the start of a new school year and one more benchmark toward a future I simply couldn’t imagine. I wanted so much to just have a single night’s sleep where my dreams were devoted solely to me and what I wished for. I’d even settle for what I subconsciously didn’t want.

Irritated, I turned off the water, grabbed a towel and dressed.

Brady-bean, you couldn’t at least wear one of the new shirts Mom bought you, for her sake?

Knock much? I glared at Randal, standing in my doorway. I ignored his question, annoyed just as always by his nickname for me.

It didn’t cause pause in the least. We had a good relationship—closer to each other than either of us was with Fredrick. He made his way over to the bed and perched on its edge.

So… little bro and sis at the same school, huh? he began. Somehow I knew exactly where he was leading. Not wanting to follow, I played dumb.

And?

Nothing. He shrugged. I guess he’s your responsibility now.

It was sad really, the idea of me watching out for my older brother, trying to keep him out of trouble. A small puff of amusement escaped my lips until I saw Randal’s expression, serious.

His shoulders sunk as he let out a sigh. Without dwelling, I grabbed my dingy old backpack off the window seat. He handed me the half-read novel beside him. I shoved it into the bag and slung it over my shoulder.

I paused at the door only to add sarcastically, By the way, thanks for the car. Fredrick’s really excited to have it for the week. Personally, I hated the idea of it.

For the week? I said he could have it for the day!

Hmph, I hummed. Yeah well, try taking it back now.

He raced past me, down the stairs. I heard a chair fall and something significant hit the wall before Mom hollered for them to take it outside. Even though Randal was the oldest, Fredrick matched his size and outshined him in athletics, which made arguments more evenly fun to watch and antagonize.

Half way down the steps, I saw Mom nervously watching the guys out the front window. With the smallest creek of the bottom step, she turned and reluctantly gave me a smile of approval.

None of the new stuff? Not even for, Douglas? She always had a way of asking questions in a subtle tone making me feel guilty of the answer before it was ever said.

I avoided looking at the sly smile I knew would be showcased on her beautifully put-together face. Douglas Rothen and I had been friends since… well forever. He was the only reason I was looking forward to the schools merging. Finally, I’d have an ally by my side; someone I trusted wholeheartedly; someone who knew… everything.

Friends, Mom. Just friends.

Right, she responded. Well, have fun. Oh, and do try to keep Fredrick out of trouble please.

I nodded in her direction, not surprised by the request, and headed out the front door. Doug, my mind hovered on her words and I shivered at the thought—or maybe it was just the cool breeze in the air. It wasn’t like that, never had been. Besides, he was like one of my brothers—a better behaved, polished, most definitely adopted kind.

All right, let’s go already, I shouted at Fredrick.

Randal yanked his arm out of Fredrick’s grasp and grudgingly turned away.

Looks like you’ll see your car in a week then, huh? I teased.

Yeah, yeah, he huffed, quickly tapping at Fredrick’s crooked nose and mussing up his hair with a last attempt to display the upper hand. Just be careful with her. She’s fragile.

You’re referring to the car, right? I quickly questioned, hating the idea of them protecting me.

Of course he is. Get in. Let’s not keep Doug waiting. His teeth shined brightly with a teasing grin. He started the car and 15 minutes later, we were there.

Our newly-renovated school took me by surprise as we pulled into a parking spot. It was nearly twice the size I remembered. Through the front entrance I could see an open courtyard with a few enormous trees that looked as if they’d been stationed there for hundreds of years—impossible.

What’s up, Brady? Like what they did to our precious school? Doug spoke through the cracked window.

Hey, you. I smiled back, already more at ease for the day to begin as I climbed out of the car.

Dreading this? ‘Cause you look a little nostalgic.

Nostalgic? Oh please, I huffed. I’m just not looking forward to watching you boys drool all day over random girls.

Oh, I see how it is. But uh, I haven’t seen anyone drool worthy, yet.

Hey, Fredrick shouted across the car as he grabbed his backpack. Watch yourself, Doug. Brady’s probably the best girl you’ve got a chance with.

I rolled my eyes and dropped my chin to hide the subtle smile betraying my embarrassment.

Me, on the other hand… He threw a pencil at the back of my head, completely sidetracked by his own prospects. Who’s that?

Watch it! I yelled back. Who’s who? I turned in the same direction and saw Addy, a tall blond with long curly hair. She had a heart-shaped face with bright blue eyes that seemed to sparkle from the diamond earrings and necklace she eternally wore. I’d say she was the average stereotypical girl for this school, but honestly, she was anything but average. Standing by her bright red convertible, she waved—as if it was something she always did.

One of your friends? Fredrick questioned with enthusiasm.

Not usually, I muttered. It must have everything to do with you… or the car. Probably the car.

A name please… He looked ready to pounce.

Whatever. Adelaide Stetner. She goes by Addy. A senior. But I think she’s already dating someone, so be careful okay?

Too late; he was already walking toward her. And from the look of it, she seemed pretty happy about it.

Great, I mumbled.

Oh come on. Give him a break, I mean look at her. Doug glanced behind as we walked into school.

I ignored him. She might be accessible to Fredrick, but she was out of Doug’s league. Besides, he wasn’t interested. At least, not according to what I had seen.

Sharing the same first class made it go by fairly quickly. We received the whole, ‘start of the new year’ speech. The usual, don’t be late, have your homework done on time, no talking while I’m instructing, always bring your book, blah, blah, blah. Mrs. Stambaugh seemed nice enough. But it was still math. There wasn’t much she’d be able to do to make it more interesting.

At the sound of the bell, Doug grabbed my backpack and I yanked it from his hands before he had a chance to swing it over his shoulder. He was just being nice, but I didn’t want anyone to get the wrong impression. People were always looking for gossip and the last thing I wanted to give them was a fabricated story of budding romance on the first day.

Not a chance, I mumbled.

Oh right, what was I thinking? No rumors already. I mean, we have to give it at least a week. I could hear sarcasm in his tone. Come on, Brady. As soon as people see us together they automatically think we’re dating. I don’t understand why it bothers you so much.

It doesn’t bother me, I lied.

When we got to our next class he opened the door and gestured toward a table in the middle of the room. Well, sit by me and I won’t let it hurt my feelings.

I nodded with approval and let him lead the way. We were both huge biology fans, excited about our college prep class. Besides, who else would I sit with?

Listen up, the teacher, Mr. Banks, directed as he closed the door. I’ve got too much to pack into one school year to care who you choose as your lab partner. So look around, choose intelligently, and we’ll get started. You have five minutes, let’s go.

Within seconds, metal chair legs scraped against the floor, making my skin itch. I sat, peering around at the groupings. Quinn and Foster, two of my brother’s senior friends, sat together at one of the back tables. They nodded a quick hello when they noticed me looking. I returned a smile and their attention immediately drifted back to Ella and Winnie, the annoying best friends paired up at the front of the room.

Between my brothers and me, there weren’t many people I didn’t already know, even if it was just by brief acquaintance. But I hadn’t met him before.

Overlooking the commotion around him, he sat unmoving at the furthest table from mine, alone. His messy dark, almost black hair, made the intensity of his green eyes more noticeable than most. He was gorgeous. His brilliant white teeth bit the lower left corner of his bottom lip as he flipped through the pages of his book. His head rested on the back of his olive-toned forearm, nearly lying on the solid black top of the table. He seemed oblivious to the movement around him. I’m not sure how long I stared. I, myself, became oblivious to my surroundings. I hadn’t even noticed Doug’s hand upon mine. But now I wondered how long it had been there, and if anyone else had seen it. Just then, the mystery guy glanced up at me.

I quickly pulled my hand out from under Doug’s just as he leaned over to whisper in my ear. Suddenly I was self conscious. So tell me, Brady, what does my year look like?

Shhh, I hissed, not wanting to redirect my attention. Reluctantly, I glanced around the room making sure no one heard, as they settled themselves at random tables.

Oh come on, paraphrase for me. He didn’t back down, despite the discomfort I now wore upon my face. Just tell me what you saw. I know you’ve checked in on me. You can’t stay away, can you? he snickered.

Hardly my fault, I grumbled, upset he was right. And you know it doesn’t work like that. It’s not like I can see the future. I lowered my voice even further, barely inaudible. I only see what you dream. I don’t know anything more than you do.

That’s not true and you know it. Most people forget their dreams, Brady. You on the other hand, remember each one, whether it’s yours or not.

It was moments like these I occasionally wished I hadn’t ever told him, or better yet, that I was normal. Because the truth was… he was right. Instinctively I took another frantic glance around us, making sure our words hadn’t carried too far. I paused briefly at the boy in the back, but his emerald eyes no longer focused on me.

So, how many have you seen? he asked nonchalantly. Figured out how it all comes together yet?

I glared out the corner of my eyes at him, waiting for Mr. Banks to walk past our table as he started in with the lesson plan.

Dreams are private, I hissed. I’d explained this to him many times before. Dreams are filled with people’s desires, fears, hopes and a lot of nonsense. I couldn’t see the future, just what’s in their heads. Sometimes it’s what they want more than anything else, but they don’t even know it exists when they wake. Sometimes it’s a window, a glimpse at who they really are at the core. But it wasn’t some sort of game. It’s… annoying.

I can’t believe you think having a superpower is annoying. He lowered his voice when I kicked him under the table as if to beg him to shut up.

It’s not a superpower you idiot. And if it was, what a stupid one it would be. Let’s show some 17-year-old girl all of her classmate’s dreams and see what she can do with them. I mocked the concept under my breath. It’s a gift… or a curse.

A look of shock flashed upon his face. Wait a second. Did you say ‘all of your classmates?’ Why haven’t you told me?

I glanced over my shoulder, pausing again upon the unknown boy in the back—the only person in the room whose dreams I hadn’t yet seen. Lowering my head, I closed my eyes and filtered through all the memories I held onto over the past month. I was searching for something to end the discussion. Just then, it clicked.

Okay fine. How about Becca? Really, Doug? I had no idea how fond of her you were.

His lips pushed together in defeat. A portion of a dream must have rushed into his memory because his cheeks suddenly blushed.

We sat mostly silent throughout the rest of class. A few seconds before the bell, I gathered my things, intending to rush at its sound to avoid another round of interrogation. My next class was English literature, one of my least favorites, but now my sanctuary since he had French. I stood just a second too fast, surely giving away my desire to hurry. Instantly, my bag fell from my shoulder and slid across the floor as I caught myself with one hand on the corner of the table, the other grasping whoever just crashed into me.

Sorry. I didn’t mean to— It was him; the gorgeous dark-haired guy with the mesmerizing green eyes that looked even more compelling as they stared right through mine. Just inches away, I could see the faintest outline of a black-tattooed, Celtic cross on his left shoulder blade showing through his white t-shirt.

Watch where you’re going, Xander. What’s the rush anyway? You okay, Brady?

I hesitated to look away and release my grip, but Doug asked again. Brady, hey, you okay?

I’m fine. More than fine, I thought to myself. Suddenly, I had a nervous feeling in my stomach, an unknown excitement of adrenaline running through my system, and what I could only imagine as the most dumbfounded look on my face.

I guess I’m not the only one in a rush to get this day over with. I turned back around to assure my mysterious assailant I was fine, but he was already out the door and down the hall.

Don’t mind Xander, that’s just him. He pretty much keeps to himself. He’s harmless. Doug grabbed his books and started toward the door, picking up my bag without offering me a chance to deny his help.

So you know him? I asked, more interested in how I hadn’t seen him before than I was about the implications of someone carrying my stuff.

What? He smiled—probably at my lack of protest, his victory. Oh, yeah. He transferred in last semester. Don’t know much about him though, except his parents travel a lot for work or something.

He walked me straight to class and into the room without me even noticing. With a crooked smile, he handed over my bag and turned to leave. There was no way he’d make it to class before the bell. Foreign languages were on the other side of the building.

See you at lunch, okay, he hollered over his shoulder before picking up his pace. That is if I haven’t already pissed you off.

With my head lowered, I walked to the back of the room. As I looked up, I recognized the tussled dark hair of the boy in the last row. He was ignoring everyone around, once again. I made my way to the empty seat in front of him and slid behind the desk.

Unfortunately, he didn’t look up. I wondered if he was one of those don’t-have-a-care-for-anyone-or-anything kinds of guys. My stomach somersaulted. Not like with butterflies, more like full grown birds—apparently they had been growing over all these years of never being called upon.

Um, Xander, right? I questioned nervously. He raised his eyes for only a second. Well… I, um, just wanted to make sure you knew it was no big deal back there. I wasn’t watching what I was doing. Oh, and I’m sorry I grabbed your arm so tightly.

He nodded ever so slightly. At least I think it was a nod.

I turned back to the front, my hands fidgeting with my hair. Leaning forward, I tried putting space between us—attempting to redirect my attention. But there was something uncomfortable about the smallest void it created. I had no idea why. If anything, he was being a bit of a jerk. He could’ve at least said sorry—not that he did anything wrong… but still.

As Mrs. Fields came to the end of a required reading list, I shifted again, being pulled back like a magnet, strangely calmed, yet excited, knowing he was behind me.

With a new list in hand, she began alphabetically calling out last names first, asking our preferred name or nickname to be used throughout the year. I waited anxiously for each new name, not wanting to miss his.

Connelly, Alexander. She smiled, looking around the room. Now, do you go by Alex or Xander?

Alexander. He stated dryly, sending goose bumps up my spine.

Someone who actually goes by their full name. Refreshing, she stated and he faintly huffed.

Looking down at her roster, she continued.

Oh, Collier, she stumbled. I must have skipped right over you.

I hadn’t even noticed.

Collier, Brad-a-lynn, she completed with hesitance.

Brady, I answered and then felt the unexplainable need to expand. My dad’s name was Bradford and my mom is Lynette. They joined the names together and that’s how I got stuck with BRAID-a-lynn, I stressed the first syllable. But, my brothers have called me Brady ever since they found out I wasn’t a baby boy. It just stuck.

A faint chuckle sounded from behind. Was he laughing at me? I wanted to look back, to see his face, to gage his expression. He probably thought I was an idiot. Why did I ramble about my brothers? Did he know them? Or at least, Fredrick? Oh great, I thought. What if they had gotten into it over something ridiculous last year? No, I calmed my thoughts. I would’ve heard his name if that were the case. It’s not like everyone knew Fredrick—as much as he’d love to think they did.

Throughout the rest of class I nervously shifted every few seconds, rubbing the exposed arm he had recently slammed into. It didn’t hurt. Instead it tingled with a phantom memory of his touch. I knew how absurd it was to have such an immediate interest in him. I told myself it was simply because I knew nothing about him. It was the mystery that had me captured. I wondered if this was how all the girls felt about the guys now at our school. Was this normal? Regardless, everything in me wanted to know more.

The bell rang. Before I could even think to move, Alexander swooped up my bag and stood in one fluid motion. He hesitated for a brief second, surely to avoid another collision. Without saying a word, he lowered it onto my desk, stepped to the other side of the row and walked away. I gazed after him as my classmates filed through the door.

The rest of the day was fairly uneventful—especially since I failed to share any further classes with Alexander. When the final bell rang, I headed out front to wait on Fredrick.

Brady, wait up, Doug called from behind a minute later. Want me to give you a ride? I’m still coming over for dinner tonight, right?

I glanced at the old Chevy Chevelle and the gathering group of guys. Fredrick was leaning over the hood, his hands stretched to the sides, fingers tapping impatiently against the metal. Something was wrong. Doug must’ve noticed as well; he gave a quick smirk and turned toward his Jeep offering a quick flick of a wave.

What’s his plan? Fredrick grumbled when I approached, probably only asking to keep me from questioning him.

He’ll meet us at home, I answered, sliding into the passenger side. It wasn’t the lingering guys still ogling the car that caught my attention. Instead it was those beautiful green eyes, peering through from further away. Alexander. Only, he wasn’t looking at the car. He was staring at me.

The natural response would’ve been to shy away, to divert my eyes as if I hadn’t seen. But instead, I returned his gaze. Those eyes—deep with meaning I couldn’t yet place—could’ve seized my interest for lengths of time. But all too quickly, Fredrick peeled out of the parking lot, leaving any connection behind.

What’s with you? I huffed, concerned I wouldn’t like the answer.

Nothing… Defensiveness rang. Just a snag.

I knew it. He was incorrigible! He showed no indication of wanting to fill me in, so we continued home in silence.

Doug wasn’t far behind. I saw him pull into the driveway from my bedroom window. He was used to my after-school nap routine. I heard Fredrick holler an invitation to him to toss the ball around out back. Not even ten minutes later, I was asleep.

The delicious garlic scent from Mom’s lasagna and bread was what woke me a couple hours later. Sure, it was lazy to sleep after school, but I felt great. Nearly everyone else was awake at that time, making it the best time for me to sleep. I didn’t have to worry about getting pulled into their dreams.

I heard the boys gathered in the kitchen and could only assume they were hovering over the food. I hopped out of bed to join them.

Let me carry that for you, Lynn, Doug said while grabbing the bread basket from her hands.

Why thank you, Douglas. You’re too sweet.

My brothers gave him an evil glare when she wasn’t looking; probably embarrassed they hadn’t thought to help. Ever since dad passed away three years ago from cancer, both of them tried to help out more around the house, especially Randal.

My parents would love to hear that. Which by the way, they wanted to make sure I didn’t overstay my welcome. He winked in my direction.

Oh, don’t be silly. You’re practically family. She shot a sly glance toward me.

Yeah, you and Fredrick make a cute couple, I joked, shooting the same sly glance toward Doug and putting an end to his chuckling. I hated when he encouraged her.

"Bradalynn Collier,