by K M Frost
“He actually had six anthologies.”
Leah rolled her eyes. “You need to get out more,” she muttered before picking up her rant again. “And no person in the world should know the number of editions that were printed of the fourth anthology—”
“Seven.” I was full-out grinning now, enjoying myself for some reason.
She ignored me.
“—and absolutely no one anywhere at any point in time should have in their array of knowledge the dates that those editions were printed on.”
I shrugged. “I agree. It’s a dumb question. But there’s nothing we can do about it.”
“Oh yeah?”
I looked up quickly from my bag and an odd sinking feeling I think was somehow related to panic tightened my chest.
Leah shot me a grin and slid past me.
With a jolt and a flush of alarm, I realized she was headed straight for Instructor Grey, a horribly determined look on her face.
“Leah!” I hissed, but I knew she wouldn’t hear me. And even if she did, there was no stopping her. But maybe if I could catch her . . .
I tossed my bag haphazardly onto my shoulder and jumped to my feet.
Leah was almost to where Instructor Grey stood, and there was still a group of kids in between me and them.
Once the way was clear, I cautiously made my way toward them, just waiting for an explosion.
They both wore intense expressions, and I wondered if maybe I should just keep walking and hope I saw her alive tomorrow. But before I could decide either way, Leah turned abruptly and strode out the door.
Instructor Grey looked down his long nose at me and I gulped.
Realizing we were alone in the room, and Leah very possibly had just told him how much I hated him, I figured it would be in my best interest to get out of there as quickly as possible.
So I dropped my head and scurried out into the hall. I didn’t breathe again until I had put several classrooms between us.
I found Leah at the front door, talking with Ellie in the sunlight. It was a weird thing to see them together, like two realities colliding, two worlds that never should have mixed. I wondered what they are talking about, and why they were talking in the first place.
They both looked up when I got close, and I forced a smile. “What’s the sentence?”
I tried to sound lighthearted, and I hoped I wouldn’t be sharing the punishment.
Leah shrugged. “An essay on the works of Leone Merre, due the first of next week.” She acted like it wasn’t a concern.
“What did you say to him?”
I wondered briefly if I should tell Ellie to cover her ears.
“I just told him he’s a jerk and he needs to lighten up, or I’ll report him to the Head of the School.”
I felt my eyebrows raise and couldn’t help but feel awed by her. She was either incredibly brave or dangerously stupid. Either way, I was impressed.
Ellie looked just as surprised. “You said that to an instructor?”
Leah smirked. “You bet I did. I would’ve said more, but I was worried his little heart wouldn’t be able to take it. I figured this was a good start.”
Ellie looked completely amazed, and I knew that Leah had just become a personal hero to my little sister. I also knew Ellie’s habit for aspiring to be just like her heroes. Not that Leah was a bad person, necessarily, but I didn’t want to even think about how Mom would react if Ellie ever behaved the way Leah had today.
I tossed Leah a look that was part meaningful, part threatening.
She grinned at me and then turned a more serious face toward Ellie. “But of course, you should always respect your elders.” And she winked. She actually winked!
I rolled my eyes, not sure if that’d done any good, but I didn’t press it. Ellie was a good kid. She would stay out of trouble.
I led the way down the stairs and started along the path to home.
Leah walked beside Ellie. “So, you must be the sister Jonas always talks about.”
I shot her a look of warning, but she was watching Ellie. I glanced at my sister too, and was surprised to see the huge grin lighting her face.
“Really? He talks about me?”
“Oh, all the time.”
I suddenly felt bad I hadn’t said more about Ellie to the Reality Dreamers—and I wished the things I’d said had been a little nicer. Ellie wasn’t so bad, at least as far as little sisters go.
Ellie held out her hand to Leah. “I’m Ellianna, but most people call me Ellie.”
“Pleased to meet you, Miss Ellianna.” Leah shook her hand with a mockingly noble air.
Ellie laughed.
I smiled and slowed our pace a little, falling back to join them.
Leah offered a little bow. “And I’m Leah.”
“Oh!” Ellie’s blue eyes brightened. “You’re the one who beat up Ethan.”
“Huh.” Leah pursed her lips thoughtfully. “So that was his name.”
I grinned. “Don’t forget Brock and Austin, too.”
Ellie looked up at Leah with wide eyes. “Did you really beat them all up?”
I sensed my sister was about to move Leah’s name up even higher on her list of idols.
Leah laughed. “Well, it wasn’t all that tricky, considering they were just a bunch of cowards. That, and your brother here kept bleeding and tripping all over them. That was a nice diversion.”
Ellie laughed, and even I smiled.
My sister got a skip in her step. “Where’re you from, Leah?”
Leah’s grin lost some of its humor, and she shrugged a little stiffly. “Oh, far away from here.”
Ellie didn’t seem to mind the vague answer, and she pressed on. “Why did you move to Capernia?”
“Because my dad moved here, and I came with him.” There was something bitter in Leah’s tone.
I frowned at her guarded expression.
Ellie was frowning, too. “Just you and your dad?”
I watched Leah closely. This was something I didn’t know. Did she have other family? She’d only ever mentioned her dad, but maybe she just didn’t like to talk about herself and her family.
“Yeah, just us.”
I could tell she was getting defensive, and I didn’t want her to turn moody on me. I also knew Ellie wasn’t going to pick up on the signs and would charge straight into a minefield unless someone stopped her.
“Where do you live in Capernia?” I asked.
I spoke too quickly, but Ellie jumped at the question and repeated it eagerly to Leah.
Leah’s voice was still tight, but at least she answered. “I live on the south end of town, near the soap factory.”
“Oooh!” Ellie clapped her hands in delight. “That must smell good!”
Leah relaxed marginally and even smiled a little. “Not really, but then, it could be worse. I hear there are some houses by the meat factory.” She shuddered.
Ellie laughed. “We live on the west side. There aren’t any factories there—just houses.”
We got lots of curious looks as we made our way through town—after all, the Hartley kids always walked alone.
Ellie continued to pelt Leah with endless questions, but luckily she stayed away from the dangerous ones for the rest of the time.
I was glad she kept on going. There was something nice in talking about favorite foods, Themes in school, colors. I wondered if this was how everyone felt, having someone to talk to, to laugh with—a friend.
We reached a point though, when our ways parted and Leah told us goodbye.
Ellie was obviously very reluctant to let Leah go before the interrogation was complete, but I reminded her we would see Leah again tomorrow.
Ellie immediately brightened. “I know! We can all meet here tomorrow morning, and then we can walk to school together!”
I thought Leah would shoot her down, but to my surprise she smiled. “I’d like that.” She glanced at me, and then back at my sister. “You should probably think up some mor
e questions tonight, though—you don’t want to run out.”
I chuckled at that thought. Ellie? Run out of things to talk about? Never.
But Ellie nodded seriously. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ll come up with some good ones.”
Leah laughed good-naturedly. “I’m sure you will.”
“Well, we’ll see you tomorrow then.” Ellie tossed her a wave before turning down our path and continuing toward home.
I hesitated, though. I’d had a lot of fun talking with Leah today and I wanted to talk to her again, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it in the Reality Dreams. Honestly, I was terrified to go back, but I didn’t know how to not go back when I fell asleep tonight.
Leah smiled like she knew what I was thinking. “See you tonight, Jonas.”
Then she waved a hand and turned down the other path.
I watched her go, filled with an unexpected rush of disappointment. I fought it back. Just because she’d left didn’t mean she was going to stop being my friend.
I followed Ellie and thought about my day.
I’d never had a friend before, and I’d never really wanted one. I mean, when I was little I sometimes looked at the kids around me and wished I had a friend to play with, to talk to, but I’d given up that dream a long time ago.
But now that I knew what it was like to have a friend, I didn’t know if I could go back to not having one.
That was why I went back to the Reality Dreams.
Chapter 13
I am confused when I open my eyes. The last few times I’ve been to the Reality Dreams, I’ve woken to the distant sound of water and the cool shade of a cave. So when I see stars overhead and hear the rustling of leaves in the breeze, it takes me a moment to remember the lean-to Rogue had led us to last night.
I sit up and look around. It’s dark, but I can see the others are still asleep. I must be alone for now.
I don’t want to be alone.
I remember the terror and danger from last night too clearly to handle being alone.
So when there’s suddenly movement from within the shadows, I scream.
“Whoa, pal. Settle down. I’m not going to eat you or anything.”
The figure moves closer and I realize it’s just Rogue.
I mutter a phrase I heard at school once and have never repeated within earshot of Mom.
Rogue grins in the darkness, his teeth flashing against his dark skin. “Wow. That’s quite an expression.”
I try to ignore him, and silently pray that my mom will never find out I said such a thing.
To distract myself from the darkness and the apprehension in my chest, I ask, “What’re you doing here?”
Rogue settles onto the ground and lazily rests his arms against his crossed legs. “I figured you kids might need some help, so I thought I’d swing by and see how things were going.”
I try not to squirm, though his intense gaze makes me uncomfortable. “Well, the others are still asleep . . .”
“Not me.”
Rick suddenly sits up in the dark.
I’m glad it’s too dark for either of them to see just how high I jump when Rick moves. I’m pretty sure my heart is hammering loud enough for them to both know just how jumpy I am.
“Ah, what was it again . . . Rick?” Rogue’s blue eyes are bright, his tone mocking.
“That’s Penski to you.”
“Penski.” It’s almost a snort.
Rick ignores the Entity hunter and turns instead to me. “How long have you been here, kid?”
“Not long.”
Rick nods and glances at Leah and Stewart’s sleeping bodies. Then he leans back against the wall of the lean-to and closes his eyes.
It’s a few minutes before Leah stirs.
Rick greets her with a nod. “Leah.”
She nods back and glances over at me before focusing on Stewart. “Stew’s still sleeping?”
Rick grins, letting his eyes slide closed again. “No, that’s the problem.”
I grin, too. I’m surprised Stewart is awake later than any of us. I’d figured his parents would put him to bed early. Mom never lets Ellie stay up late. Then again, she doesn’t let me stay up late, either.
“Anything exciting happen today?” Rick asks into the silence.
Leah leans back too, copying Rick’s relaxed stance. “Oh, just the usual. Insulted an instructor. Got assigned an essay to make up for it.”
Rick snorts. “Typical, Leah.”
She just grins. Then she turns teasing. “So how’s Miss Marianne doing?”
I remember her saying Marianne is Rick’s girlfriend.
Rick’s grin vanishes. “Shut up, Leah.” His voice is darker than I’ve ever heard it.
Apparently Leah’s surprised too, because she doesn’t reply—just leans back against the rock face behind her and waits for Stewart to wake up.
We don’t have to wait very long.
A minute later, Stew sits up. “Sorry I’m late, guys. I couldn’t fall asleep.”
I wonder to myself if he was as nervous to come back as I was.
“No worries.” Rick waves aside the apology. His voice is back to normal.
“What’s the plan for tonight?” Stewart’s eyes shine—excited and nervous all at once.
Rick hesitates before answering. “Actually, I thought we’d look around the area a little. It’s a new place and I think we should stay close for now.”
I’m relieved to hear that, but Leah seems annoyed.
“What’s the point of just hanging around here? We’re explorers. We’re supposed to push the limits.”
Rick’s expression turns dark again. “We’re staying in the area, Leah.”
Leah huffs but doesn’t argue any more.
Rick continues like she hadn’t spoken. “We’ll split into teams—Jonas with me, and Stew with Leah.”
I’m a little disappointed. I’d been hoping to talk with Leah some more, without Ellie asking ridiculous questions. Plus, Rick is angrier than I’ve ever seen him, and I don’t really want to be left alone with him.
“But, shouldn’t we, you know, pair up for protection or something?” I hope I don’t sound like a wimp.
Rick smirks. “That’s what we’re doing, kid. Leah can keep an eye on Stew, and I’ll keep an eye on you.”
I realize belatedly that he’s labeled himself and Leah the protectors and cast me in with the weaklings. I try not to let it chafe my pride too much, though Leah’s grin is barely tolerable.
“What do you want me to do, boss?” Rogue asks from behind me, making me jump again. He’s been so quiet, I’d forgotten he was even there. I carefully avoid looking at Leah, because I know she’s laughing at me.
Rick frowns at him. Apparently he’d forgotten he was there, too. “Don’t you usually just do whatever you want?” Rick’s tone is taunting and impatient.
Rogue grins. “Yeah. I just thought you kids might want to have someone . . . well, someone who knows what he’s doing.”
Rick bristles at the insinuation. “No thanks.”
“Whatever you say, Penski.” Rogue shrugs carelessly and stands up. I don’t like the way he towers over us all. He’s even taller than Rick. “You kids can stay here as long as you like. Good luck.” Then he turns and walks away, quickly disappearing into the shadows.
Rick mutters something under his breath and Leah rolls her eyes.
Then she looks at Stewart. “Ready, Stew?”
Stewart jumps. I’m secretly glad I’m not the only one who’s uneasy. Of course, Stewart is a twelve-year-old kid, but hey.
Rick watches them stand up. There’s something in his expression, his eyes, that makes me think he’s worried. “Just stay close, Leah. Take that side and Jonas and I will get this side.”
Leah nods and then she and Stewart are gone.
I glance uncertainly at Rick, who still hasn’t moved. I don’t want to pester him and lose an eye, but I’m anxious to get moving.
We sit for another min
ute in silence before I finally dare to speak up.
“Rick?” I’m embarrassed at how small and weak my voice sounds. I clear my throat.
He looks over at me. “Sorry, Jonas. I guess I was just thinking. You ready?” His voice is still gruff, but not really angry.
I nod.
“Let’s move out, then.”
He leaves the shelter almost reluctantly, and I hurry to follow him.
I’m surprised. Rick’s always been the most eager, the most excited, to explore the Reality Dreams, but right now he looks like he would rather be doing anything else.
We walk for a long time in an awkward silence—well, it’s awkward for me. Rick seems totally lost in his thoughts, and I don’t dare try to bring him out of them by talking.
Eventually, he stops to look up at the dark sky and the stars far away.
I stop behind him and glance up too, wondering if there’s something important up there. But all I see are stars.
Rick’s sudden voice breaks into the stillness. “Have you ever been so worried about something, all you want to do is fall asleep to escape it?”
I think about Ethan and how I’d just wished I could sleep the entire situation away. “Yeah.”
I’m curious where he’s going with this, but I decide not to push him.
After another moment of silence, he speaks again. “Does that make me a terrible person?” His voice cracks, surprising me.
I wonder—hope—that maybe I imagined the sound. But then I see his face is streaked with tears that glint in the starlight.
I don’t know what to say or do. I try to keep myself from freaking out and think about Mom and what she does when someone’s crying.
Awkward and embarrassed, I step toward him and reach up to set my hand on his broad shoulder.
He looks over at me, shocked.
I swallow and force myself to speak. “I don’t think it makes you a bad person.”
I take in his tearstained face and then glance away quickly. I’m a guy. I don’t do emotional. Where’s Leah when you need her? I smile when I realize Leah probably handles emotional situations about as well as I do.
Rick turns his face back up to the sky. “But she’s all alone, and she can’t escape it.”
“Who?”
He pulls in a deep breath. “Marianne.”
