Follow the Hummingbird (The Dream Tamer Chronicles Book 1)

by Elena Carter

  “I know you didn’t do it on purpose. But it’s almost been two days! Mike and I were planning on coming over there and breaking the door if you didn’t open.”

  “I have no idea how it happened. And I didn’t have a great time, either.” Tina quickly described her latest experience in the dream to Natalie.

  “Do you think it’s because you didn’t have the necklace on you? I was worried after you told me you’d given it away.”

  “I don’t know. Maybe you’re right. But on the other hand, I managed.” Tina felt proud of herself. “Plus, the hummingbird was there. It helped me get out of that place in the end. The weird thing is that it didn’t seem that long! Only now do I feel all the consequences of sleeping on the sofa for almost two days in a weird position.”

  “I can imagine! Although, maybe I can’t.” Natalie laughed.

  “Head hurts.” Tina winced. “And neck. And back. And I’m starving.”

  “Do you want me to come over? I can bring something to eat. Or I’ll cook something. Or we’ll order.”

  “That would be great. I can barely move. And I’d love to see you I feel kind of … shaken. Do you have anyone to watch the girls?”

  “Yeah, don’t worry! Had it all planned already just in case. Have you called Mike?”

  “Not yet, called you first. I’ll text him while I wait for you. How does pizza sound?”

  “Sounds great. Talk to Mike first, maybe he’ll wanna come too.”

  “Will do. I’ll text you. Are you driving?”

  “Nah, I’ll get a cab. And I’ll bring some wine. You know how it works—you disappear for a couple days in mysterious realms, we worry like crazy, then you come back, finally return our calls, and we come over to drink wine and listen to your stories after giving you a lecture on how you shouldn’t scare the hell out of your friends. Have I missed anything?”

  “Nope, that’s pretty much it.” Tina reached for her coffee mug. “You usually bring food and coffee, but this time I managed to make it myself—pouring it in a cup right this minute. Smells good. Considering the pain I’m in, well done to me!”

  “You’re awesome. Have your coffee, text Mike, and I’ll be there soon. Most importantly, don’t fall asleep under any circumstances.”

  “I won’t. Not until I get my pizza, anyway. See you soon, Nat.” Tina hung up and took her first sip of coffee, closing her eyes with pleasure. The last thing she wanted to do was sleep.

  She texted Mike, explaining briefly what happened and asking if he wanted to come over for dinner. He called her straight away, happy and relieved, and said he’d join a little bit later. Like Natalie, he also warned her not to fall asleep again.

  Tina rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Don’t sleep. What are they, some kind of sleep patrol?”

  It sounded ridiculous when said out loud; she couldn’t help but laugh.

  The coffee was doing its job and making everything better. The pain was still there, but it was easing off. Her mood was lightening up too. The fact she was back home and her friends were soon to come over made her feel happy and safe. She smiled, taking another sip of coffee, unplugged her phone, and headed toward the living room. Half-way there, she stopped and looked at the sofa.

  “Or maybe not … just to be on the safe side.” Tina said, turning around and going back to the kitchen. She pulled out one of the chairs and sat at the table in her favorite position—sitting on one folded leg while hugging the knee of the other one.

  I’ll wait here, she thought. It’s safer. I can check my messages, while I’m waiting. Maybe there’s news from Alice?

  There was no news from Alice. Tina tried calling her, too, but she wasn’t responding.

  Tina’s thoughts drifted back to the dream with the invisible wall.

  Why can’t I get to her house? She frowned. That wall meant somebody—or something—didn’t want me near that house. Which, I suppose, means there is something there they don’t want me to see. What is it? A message?

  She tried to avoid thinking about who the mysterious “they” were. However, somebody was preventing her from getting Alice’s message, that she was sure about.

  I can’t even ask anyone. Ironically, I would probably ask Alice. Or Greg. But both are out of reach. I’m on my own.

  She reached for the necklace, but only grasped at bare skin. She had developed a habit of rubbing the beach glass between her fingers when she was thinking about something serious. For the first time, she missed it. As if she had lost something special and important.

  Oh, come on, Tina, that’s silly. Nobody forced you to give it away, it was your decision. Don’t be a baby now. Besides, Kate probably needs it more.

  She thought she should probably text Kate and ask her how she was doing. Maybe not ask her directly about the dreams she’d had since she got the necklace, but at least find out how she was doing in general.

  Tina picked up her phone, about to text Kate, when the doorbell rang.

  It’s probably Natalie. I’ll text Kate later, then, I guess. Tina headed to open the door.

  As she walked out of the kitchen, the screen of her phone lit up with the preview of an incoming message.

  Kate: Hi Tina, how’s it going? Hope everything is okay. I have something very important to tell you.

  Tina couldn’t wait to get to her phone and read the message. She was having a great time with her friends, and had put her phone aside as soon as Natalie arrived. She knew her absence had caused them great stress, and she wanted to show her appreciation at least by giving them all of her time and attention.

  The pain had eased off, and Tina was able to enjoy the evening. She had told Mike and Natalie about her dreams, and then they talked about Mike’s upcoming birthday. Tina was glad to be back to normality. She enjoyed planning a picnic with friends instead of worrying about going to sleep or thinking about what happened to Alice. She needed some time off.

  No dreams, no invisible walls, no messages, nothing. Enough. Can I stay here for now? In this moment? she thought, looking at her two best friends discussing the food for the party. Can I have some normal life? Nothing extraordinary? Go to sleep and wake up the next morning, not two days later. Maybe without even remembering any dreams. Work. Have coffee. Chat with friends. Simple ingredients of a happy life, right?

  Somewhere deep inside, though, she knew that no matter how attractive that simple, happy life was, it wasn’t for her. It wasn’t her way. The doors weren’t just open for her. And they weren’t just calling. They were pulling her in, and she couldn’t resist it. And, if she was completely honest with herself, she was happy about it. Although, that didn’t stop her from moaning and being terrified.

  A couple hours later, all the plans for the party were made, empty pizza boxes and wine glasses decorated the coffee table in the living room, and Natalie and Mike started a yawning contest. Tina realized that soon they’d go home and rest, while she had no idea what to do, apart from reading Kate’s message. She wasn’t feeling sleepy; she was actually quite apprehensive of sleeping, despite escaping from the last trap successfully.

  That was what she viewed the last dream as—a trap. She didn’t know who set it or why, and she didn’t have anyone to ask.

  Alice has disappeared. And Greg … I don’t know how to find him. And even if I did, that means I need to fall asleep. It’s a vicious circle. I have to dive into the world of dreams in order to find out how to get around there and survive. Basically, I’m being thrown off the boat into the open sea. Either I learn to swim or I drown. I’ve never been a fan of that approach.

  While she was lost in her thoughts, her friends had cleaned the table and were ready to go.

  “Are you sure you’re gonna be okay?” Natalie looked concerned. She could see the inner turmoil reflecting on Tina’s face.

  “Absolutely. I have coffee. And work. And when I finish my work, I have books. And internet. And Netflix. I’m pretty wealthy.” Tina forced a smile.

  “That’s a nice
and positive perspective, and I’m happy you’re counting your blessings, but how long are you going to avoid sleeping?” Natalie tilted her head to the side.

  “I’ll see how it goes.” Tina shrugged. “Can’t keep running forever, I know. But right now, I don’t even wanna think about it. I kind of overdosed on sleeping, you know.” An idea crossed her mind. “You know what? I have a spare set of keys. Should’ve given it to you ages ago, actually. Just in case.”

  “So we don’t break the door?” Natalie laughed and glanced at Mike.

  “Yes, I was going to. What other choices did we have?” He shrugged.

  “Come on, admit it, Mike. You just wanted to smash my door. Like in a movie.” Tina giggled. “Well, sorry to disappoint, but there’s no need. You guys can use the spare key.”

  “Well, that’s boring and normal.” Mike rolled his eyes, playing along.

  “Don’t undervalue normal. Trust me. Sometimes, normal is a blessing.” Tina reached for the spare set of keys hanging on the hook in the hallway.

  “Everything will be all right. Hang in there, okay?” Natalie gave Tina a big hug. “And we’re always here for you.”

  “Thank you, guys. I really do appreciate it. Not sure if I show it enough, but you really are my greatest blessings.”

  After they left, Tina shut the door, turned the key, and took it out.

  Just in case, she thought, hanging the key on the key holder next to the door. Although, I’m really, really not going to sleep in the nearest future.

  She returned to the kitchen and turned on the stove. She threw a couple of teaspoons of coffee into the cezve, added some cinnamon, and put it on to heat. Thinking again, she reached for the coffee jar.

  Another spoon won’t hurt. I need to do some thinking … and some work.

  She brought her laptop and phone and put them on the kitchen table. The smell of heated dry coffee was spreading around the kitchen.

  “Shit! Almost.” Tina quickly poured a cup of cold water into the cezve; the liquid hissed, meeting the sizzling hot metal, and let out a cloud of steam. Tina looked at the brown mass critically, making sure she wasn’t too late and her magical elixir wasn’t ruined. But she’d managed to catch it at the last moment.

  In a few minutes, she settled cozily in the kitchen, surrounded by the delicious aroma of coffee and cinnamon, and put her cup next to her computer. Finally, she looked at her phone.

  “Come on, Kate, tell me something good, please. I could really use some good news right now.”

  She unlocked the phone and opened the message.

  Hi Tina, how’s it going? Hope everything is okay. I have something very important to tell you.

  First of all, I found the money. Sorry I didn’t message straight away. You must have been wondering why I disappeared.

  “Not really, I kind of disappeared myself.” Tina chuckled and returned to reading.

  I was in shock. I couldn’t stop crying. It’s like I was realizing all the things you said with a delay, and the shoe box was the last drop—it was physical proof. So I had a real meltdown. Took a day off at work. Switched my phone off. I had to let it out, you know. I’m glad I did.

  The amount of money was another shock for me. I couldn’t even imagine there was that much. Now I’m full of ideas for the art center. I really want to do it, Tina. I have to do it. It’s what Bob wanted me to do. And it’s what I’ve been dreaming of. I thought of a name for it too. I want to call it Hummingbird. If you don’t mind. Just like a hummingbird is guiding you on your journey, this center will guide children to discover their talent and unleash their inner power. Besides, it’s one of the most beautiful creatures in the world, isn’t it?

  Tina opened the next message and continued reading.

  Speaking of your journey—and the VERY IMPORTANT part—guess what? I had a dream I finally remembered. A very short one. And no, it wasn't Bob. Actually, it was someone who was looking for you and asked me to give you a message. A woman, maybe in her sixties or seventies, very beautiful and elegant, perfect makeup, lots of jewelry, and a broad-brim hat with flowers on it.

  Tina jumped up. The coffee in her hand sloshed, almost spilling again. She moved the laptop away, put the cup on the table, and tried to catch her breath before continuing to read. Her heart pounded and her hands shook.

  She asked me to tell you not to worry about her. She said she got your message, but she can’t get through to you for some reason, and the fact you gave me your amulet didn’t help. But she said you will see each other soon. She also asked me to tell you not to be afraid of anything. She said there’s no need for me to return the amulet, since you saw that you can go without it.

  But I do want to return it, Tina. It looks like something that should be with you at all times, and I think you need it. I can’t express how grateful I am for everything, and giving me the amulet was incredibly kind and generous of you, but I wouldn’t forgive myself if I knew it got you in some kind of trouble. So, even though the lady said I don’t have to, I will.

  Going back to her message, she said, be patient, be brave, keep your heart open, and follow the hummingbird. It will guide you. And that’s it, I think. Still can’t believe I remember all those details from a dream!

  Wow, this is a long message. Maybe I should have called, but somehow it felt right to write. I took some of her advice for myself. Keeping my heart open and listening to my intuition. Maybe someday I’ll see Bob too, without an amulet.

  I would love to see you—to give you the pendant back and talk about the art center. I could really use your help and ideas, if you don’t mind. I’ll need a copywriter for the website. Would you be interested in the gig? We could discuss it when we meet. This time it’s my turn to come over. I’ll bring cinnamon rolls, I promise.

  Let me know how you are and what you think about everything.

  Love,

  Kate.

  Tina finished reading. As she reached for her coffee, a tear trickled down her cheek, and after pausing for a second on her chin, dripped on her knee.

  The coffee jar was empty. Tina turned the stove off and sighed. She had known she was running out of it, and had even set a reminder on her phone. But she hadn’t left the house, and she had a habit of snoozing reminders. And now it was too late.

  She had worked through the whole night and day, only getting up from the desk to make a cup of coffee and a quick sandwich. Now the work was finished, and tiredness was catching up. But she wasn’t ready to sleep yet, even though she remembered Alice’s words about being brave.

  It wasn’t that she was afraid; she did feel much more confident after Kate’s message. But still, something was stopping her. She needed to do some thinking and acquire a certain state of mind, a clearer and calmer one. She couldn’t even formulate it, it was just a feeling, but she decided to stick with it.

  Remember, you need to keep your heart open, she told herself. Listen to yourself. If you feel like you shouldn’t sleep now, then maybe you shouldn’t. And for God’s sake, stop snoozing the damn reminders.”

  Annoyed at herself, she put the lid back on the empty coffee jar and shoved it back into the cabinet.

  The shops are closed now. No coffee until tomorrow. Well done, Tina.

  She returned to her desk and flopped into the chair, trying to figure out what to do next. The work was done, and it was too late to go for a walk or call anyone to chat on the phone. She wasn’t in the mood for watching anything or reading a book, either—she was tired and her thoughts were scattered.

  She remembered she hadn’t replied to Kate. She had read her message several times, and then dived into work for hours.

  I should respond. She’s probably waiting.

  Feeling a bit relieved, because she found something to focus on, Tina typed a long response to Kate’s message. She told her how important the message from Alice was, and that she didn’t want her to return the pendant, but would be really happy to see her and discuss the art center ideas. She added Hummi
ngbird was a beautiful name, and that it would be her pleasure to write the content for the web page.

  Smiling as she typed, she recalled how terrified she initially was of talking to Kate, and thought of the guilt stopping her from reaching out.

  Sometimes all it takes is one step, but we see it as climbing a mountain, she thought. I have a feeling I did something good. Something right. And it’s a great feeling.

  She sent the message, put her phone down, closed her eyes, and stretched her arms. Her body ached from hours of sitting in the chair and begged for a change of position.

  Maybe I should lie down for a while. I’m really tired, and this is not good for my back. Maybe a couple minutes … I need to close my eyes for a moment, she thought.

  She yawned, stretched, and opened her eyes.

  The scenery before her was breathtaking.

  Dark blue pyramids of mountains in the distance pierced the light fluffy clouds above them. The foothills with emerald green grass looked like they were covered by a huge smooth and silky blanket. While the sun hung high in the sky, there was another source of light, and it took Tina a moment to figure out where it was emanating from.

  She gazed at her feet. She stood at the beginning of a path made of light. It was rather wide, and somehow Tina knew it was solid.

  Tina’s gaze traveled along the slightly winding path. It led to the mountains and over them. The shining road faded into one of the clouds above the mountain tops, and Tina knew she absolutely had to find out where it led.

  She stepped onto the glowing path and started walking.

  The surface was indeed solid and easy to walk on; it was just a little bit dizzying when Tina looked at her feet. She decided to focus on the end goal and to look ahead. It was hard to tell how far the mountains were.

  And how am I going to climb up that road? It looks really steep. Hope it won’t get slippery, she thought. But, in any case, I have to get there.