I stand. “I’m going to the bathroom,” I tell them.
Mom says, “Are you sure you’re okay? You were thrashing around and you’re soaked.”
I force a smile. “I’m okay. Really.”
She nods unsurely.
I enter the bathroom and splash water on my face. After dabbing it with a towel, I stare at my reflection in the mirror. Is something weird happening to me? Will the dreams get stronger? Am I wrong to keep this from Sebastian?
No, they’re just nightmares. They can’t hurt me, I’m sure.
As I emerge from the bathroom, I find Sebastian leaning against the opposite wall. “Are you okay?” he asks.
“You followed me here?”
His eyes move toward the living room. “I didn’t mean to invade your privacy. I just want to speak with you privately.”
I motion for him to talk.
“You had a nightmare again.” His voice is soft, not demanding. His eyes are filled with love for me. “I know you don’t want me to make a big deal about it, but you were shaking. Was it the same dream? With the meadow?”
I nod. “Only this time you were in it.”
“Me?”
I think it’s time I tell him everything, every detail, including the black cloud swarming us. “I was suffocating, but I heard a voice in my head. It was a man. He said, ‘It’s time, Lily.’”
“‘It’s time?’ Time for what?”
“No clue.”
His forehead furrows. “Did the voice sound familiar?”
I shake my head. “Do you think it means something? Because I don’t. Maybe I do. I don’t know. I think I’m trying to convince myself it’s nothing.”
He runs his hand through his hair. “I’m not an expert on dreams. I don’t know what to make of it.”
I rest my hand on his chest. “Can we please not worry about it? Maybe it’s just some phase I’m going through. I’m sure it’ll pass.”
He nods slowly. “They do seem to be less frequent…” He rubs his chin. “Is there something in your life you’re avoiding? From what I read online—”
I kiss him to shut him up. “I love that you care so much about me. But I don’t want these dreams to hold me back from enjoying life. Can we forget about them and move on?”
“I don’t know.”
“They’re not hurting anyone.”
Sebastian and I are going to have a lot of things to deal with, more so than many other couples. I’m not going to add freaking-out-over-weird-dreams to the pile. I’ll be fine. If bad dreams are the worst of it, then I’ll accept it.
Sebastian is about to say something, when Mom calls, “Lily? Is everything all right?”
“We’d better get back to the living room,” I tell Sebastian.
Mom smiles as I take my seat beside her. “Are you okay?” she asks.
“Yeah.”
She studies my face. “You still seem a little spooked.” She pushes some hair off my shoulder. “Do you dream…?” She shuts her eyes, then takes a deep breath and opens them. “Are you having dreams because of Daisy?”
I stare at her. She shifts in her seat, her eyes anywhere but on my face. “I have dreams about her. I don’t wake up sweating or trembling, but I do feel lonely. I’ve spoken to the therapist about it and she told me it’s normal to have such dreams, but it’s important to talk about them.” She rubs my arm. “I think it’s…time we talk about Daisy.”
My gaze lowers to the gray rug as I think about her words. Could my nightmares have to do with Daisy’s death? I went back in time and was there when it happened. I didn’t see it, but I felt it. Can that be the cause of everything that’s happening to me? The dreams, the shadows. Am I…traumatized?
But how can her death be the reason? I dream about a meadow, somewhere I’ve never been before. Somewhere Daisy has never been before. Also, it was a man who called my name, not my sister.
I’m so confused.
Mom hugs me close, squeezing my shoulder. “I always think about that big smile she always wore on her face. How she loved helping people.” Mom’s smile is strained.
“I remember how she gave up her prom queen title to a girl who was dying.”
Tears gather in my mother’s eyes as she nods. “I often asked myself how I merited to have two wonderful, kind daughters. Daughters who put others before themselves.”
“We had a great role model.”
Mom’s smile widens a little. We spend a good few hours talking about memories, the good, the bad, the ugly. We cry and laugh as we remember my sister.
Mom dabs her eyes with a tissue. “If only I can see her. Just one more time.”
I’m quiet before I say, “I did.”
She raises an eyebrow. I tell her about Sebastian taking me back in time so I could explain to Daisy that her boyfriend Jimmy didn’t cheat on her with me. We had been discussing their three-year anniversary. She had died being upset with me and Jimmy, but after I explained everything, she died in peace.
Mom leans back on the couch. “Sebastian did this for you?”
“Yeah. I didn’t wish for it. He did it on his own. He’s such a special person, Mom.” I smile at him.
Mom nods. “I can see that. I have no objection with him as a person, but I still don’t like the idea of the two of you dating.”
“Mom, please.”
She sighs. “I’m sorry. I won’t bring up the topic again.”
Sebastian steps forward. “Tell your mother that she can see Daisy, but just once and it needs to be quick.”
“What do you mean?”
“If you wish for your mother and yourself to see her, I’ll be able to bring her into the house, but for only a few minutes.”
I gape at him. “How can you do that?”
“I’ve done it for a master a few years ago. I’m not sure how it works on someone else—like your mom—but I assume she’ll be able to see Daisy through you.”
“Will it be her ghost?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “I can’t bring her from the afterworld to this world. It’ll be an image. A memory. It’ll be like I’m taking the two of you back in time to a memory that took place in this house.”
I inform Mom what we’re talking about and her eyes practically shoot toward her forehead.
“Do you want that?” I ask.
“I’d love to see her. It doesn’t matter how or when. I just want to see her face one last time. Will I be able to touch her?”
I look at Sebastian, who nods. “Yes, but it’ll only be for a few minutes,” I say.
Sebastian instructs us to stand around him. I make my wish, and gusts of wind blows at us. Once they’re gone, I look up and notice someone standing before us. She has light brown, wavy hair and green eyes.
Daisy.
Peering at the calendar on the wall, I realize that Sebastian has brought us back to a few weeks before Daisy’s death.
“Daisy.” Mom pulls her into her arms. “Oh, my Daisy. You have no idea how happy I am to see you.”
Daisy tightens the hug, laughing softly. “I was just at the store, Mom.”
Mom stares into my sister’s eyes like she can’t believe what she’s seeing. I decide to stay on the side because Mom only has a few minutes with Daisy and I already had my turn.
Mom doesn’t release her hold on Daisy. She kisses her forehead, then her cheeks, telling her over and over how much she loves her and how sorry she is.
Daisy draws back. “Sorry for what?”
Mom shakes her head, wiping her eyes. Daisy stares at her. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?”
Mom plays with my sister’s hair. “It’s nothing. I’m just so happy to see you.” She kisses her cheek again. “You’re going to be okay, sweetie,” she tells her. “You’re going to be okay. Lily and I will be okay, too. Just know that we love you so much and we think about you every day.”
Daisy gives her a confused look. She’s about to say something, when she begins to flicker, like she’s a
malfunctioning hologram.
“Time’s just about up,” Sebastian says, taking my hand. Mom must figure this, because she takes Daisy in her arms again. Daisy’s hand goes right through my mom.
“Bye, honey,” Mom whispers before Daisy completely disappears. Mom wipes her eyes, but the tears keep coming.
I stretch my arm over her shoulder. “Are you okay?”
She nods. “Sebastian, thank you.” Her eyes roam the room. I point to where he is and she steps before him. “You’re a good guy. A very sweet, caring, and a special person. I can’t thank you enough, and I’m glad you’re part of our life.” She reaches up. Sebastian must understand her intention because he lowers his head, allowing her to place a kiss on his cheek.
Chapter Thirty-Three
I’m relieved to wake up well-rested back home in my bed. I didn’t have a dream last night, which makes me hope that it’s over. A part of me argues that I’ve had nights without those dreams before, but I ignore it. I’m in a very good mood this morning, especially because Mom is starting to really like Sebastian. Not only because he’s a genie, but because he has a good heart. She told me yesterday that Sebastian does so much for us and gets nothing in return, only wishes that sustain him. But other than that, nothing. He saw how much it pained my mom that she didn’t get a chance to say bye to Daisy and he wanted to fix that, which is why he suggested the wish. I didn’t think I could love him more and more with each passing day, but I do.
I roll out of bed and plant a kiss on Sebastian’s lips. He normally wakes up with me every morning to wish me a good day at work, but he’s a little worn out from performing that wish, and I want him to rest.
As I grab my clothes, he shifts in the bed and sits up, rubbing his eyes. His hair is messy and I want to rake my fingers through it. But there’s no time for that. If I don’t move, I’ll be late for work.
“Good morning,” I greet.
“Morning. Did you sleep well?”
“I didn’t have any more dreams.”
He smiles. “That’s good.”
Half an hour later, after kissing my boyfriend goodbye a million times—it never seems to be enough—I head toward Inferno. On my way, shadows crawl around me. At first I think I’m imagining them, but I catch one on my right for a split second before it disappears. What the hell are they? I thought it was Max following me, but I see now that it wasn’t.
I stand there for a bit, waiting for them to reappear. They don’t. I decide to forget about them and go to work.
Macy rushes over to me once I walk through the entrance. “All ready for the party? Chef Charleston should be here any minute.”
“Party?”
“Yeah, Chef Charleston’s birthday party. Where have you been?”
Um, I’ve been a bit too preoccupied with Mom telling me she had cancer, healing her, then having nightmares and creepy shadows following me.
“He’s coming!” another waitress yells.
Macy grabs me and we hide along with everyone else.
***
As I walk home from work, darkness surrounds me. There are more shadows than there was this morning, almost as if they have doubled in size. I stop walking as they creep up on me from both sides.
“Lily,” they whisper. “Lily.”
My breathing is heavy, and I can feel my heart pounding in my head.
I’m only a few blocks away from my apartment. Shutting my eyes and counting to three, I let out a small yelp before running to my house. I never knew I could run this fast, but then again, I’ve never had shadows chasing me.
I throw my door open, slam it, then lean my back against it. My chest rises and falls rapidly. I don’t know if my breathing will ever get back to normal.
“Lily?” Sebastian walks into the living room. His eyes widen when he sees me and he rushes over. He places his hands on either side of my face. “What happened?”
My eyes close as I try to regulate my breathing. It’s not working. Sebastian’s arms go around my waist and he sits me on the couch, then brings me a glass of water, which I gulp down. I didn’t realize that my hands are shaking.
A few minutes tick by. I can’t talk. My throat is parched, and drinking doesn’t seem to help. Sebastian leans forward and rests his hand on mine. He doesn’t say anything, doesn’t demand an explanation. I appreciate it, because I don’t want him to bombard me with questions. I need time to recuperate.
I close my eyes and lean my head back, forcing myself to think about happy thoughts. Like the fact that Silvia woke up this afternoon. Mom texted me at work and told me how happy she was to hear the news. It was only for a bit, but at least she’s making progress. I think about George and how good he is to Mom. After what happened with my dad, I didn’t think she’d find love again. But she’s putting herself out there. I’ve never seen her so happy. And once she goes to her doctor and he confirms her cancer is cured, Mom could live in peace again.
When my body is somewhat relaxed, I open my eyes and look at Sebastian. He gives me a small smile. “Are you okay?”
“Not really.” I bite my lip and let my eyes rove around the house. Those shadows aren’t here. Maybe they didn’t follow me home.
Could I have imagined the whole thing? No, that’s impossible. It’s happened more than once. I’m not losing my mind.
“Sebastian, I need to tell you something.”
He nods for me to go on.
“I didn’t want to tell you at first because I didn’t think it was a big deal. Hell, I thought it was Max.”
He sits straight up. “Max is bothering you?”
I put my hand on his chest to calm him down. “No, that’s what I’m trying to say. I thought it was Max following me—”
“Someone’s been following you?”
“Sebastian. Let me get a word out, please.
He clamps his mouth shut.
I take a deep breath. “A few days ago as I was heading to work, I felt a presence behind me. It looked like shadows. I checked the area but didn’t see anything, so I ignored it. But it happened a few more times. When Max came after me outside the club, he told me he had been watching me and knew I didn’t have a boyfriend. He thought you were fake. In a way, I was glad he said that because that explained the presence behind me. But then after we scared him off, I figured he wouldn’t follow me anymore and the shadows would stop. But they didn’t.” I bite my lip. “And my dreams have been more frequent than you think.” I hate that I’ve kept things from him. I was just doing what I thought was right.
“Today,” I continue. “The shadows followed me to work. Then on my way home, they surrounded me, like they wanted to attack me. They called my name. Over and over. I was so terrified and ran home.” My body quivers.
Sebastian encloses me in his arms, pressing his cheek to mine.
“What do you think the shadows and the dreams mean? Do you think they’re connected?”
“I don’t know,” he whispers against my cheek. “I’m hurt that you didn’t tell me. I don’t want to change the subject or make this about me, but you know how much I love you and want to protect you.”
I kiss him softly on the lips. “I do. I’m really sorry. I guess I hoped that if I forgot about them, they’d go away.” My eyes search his. “Do you forgive me?”
“Of course I do. I can never be mad at you, my beautiful Lily.”
I feel terrible, especially because he’s being so sweet about it.
“I’m going to walk you to and from work every day, if that’s okay,” Sebastian says. “I want to watch over you and see what these shadows are.”
I hug him close. Normally I like to take care of myself, but having my genie by my side will help calm my nerves. “Thanks so much.”
He nuzzles his nose in my hair. “Anything for you.”
***
I toss and turn in bed as something chases me down the meadow, chanting my name. The voice is male, but I’ve never heard it before, other than in my previous dream.
Sebastian isn’t anywhere to be found, nor is anyone else. It’s just me and the meadow and the shadows.
As I run, something knocks into me and I tumble to the ground, into the tall grass. I look up and find a dark shadow, the black cloud. Hovering over me.
Hiding my face with my elbows, I yell, “What do you want from me?”
“It’s time, Lily.”
“Time for what?”
“It’s time. It’s time. It’s time.”
It swoops down on me, causing me to feel like my limbs are being torn off. I scream.
A hand shakes my shoulder. “Lily!”
I open my eyes and find Sebastian staring down at me with a worried expression on his face. He pulls me to his chest. “It was just a dream.”
It felt so real. I can still feel pain all over. Drawing back, I push some hair out of his eyes, wishing I could tell him I’m fine. I’m far from it and am done lying to him just so he’d stop worrying about me. I can’t do this on my own. I need him.
I lift my head to tell him how important he is to me, when I notice something crawling on the wall. It’s a shadow. I back away from him like I’ve been zapped with electricity.
More shadows gather on the walls, causing the walls to close in on us.
Am I still in my nightmare?
“Lily, what is it?” Sebastian asks.
I back away even more, banging into the wall near my bed. Wake up, I yell to myself. Wake up!
Sebastian’s eyes fill with even more worry. “Lily? What’s wrong?”
My mouth opens and closes, but no words come out. My gaze is locked on the shadows creeping up the walls. They shoot down at me, just like they did in my dreams. At once, my body burns like I’ve been doused with oil and someone threw a match on me. I screech, thrashing around. The shadows—smoke, since they’ve grown thicker—fill my lungs and I can’t breathe.
It’s all around me, sucking me in. The burning pain is excruciating.
I manage to call out Sebastian’s name and feel his hand clasp mine before everything goes black.
Loving the Genie (Genie's Love, Book 2) Page 18
