“Dreamstone?” Melissa questioned.
“Yeah, that’s what Helios calls the stone,” Matt replied.
“Is he the stranger in the dreams?” Melissa asked hesitantly.
“Yes, he is,” Matt replied while Melissa opened the notebook and started reading a few pages.
“You wrote that the dreamstone is interactive. I thought it only transmitted strange messages into your dreams?” she remarked.
“It’s so much more than just a message, the dreamstone is a communication device. You can ask questions and get the answers while you’re inside the dream world,” Matt revealed.
“You mean the dreams are real?” Melissa asked, with a look of concern and intrigue.
“Yes, it allows direct communication with the aliens whenever you’re asleep and have the stone nearby,” Matt stated in such a way that Melissa could tell he had tested it.
“That would make the dreamstone the Archeological find of the century!” Melissa gasped as the implications of it started to set in. “Oh my... it proves that extraterrestrials have come to our planet and there are completely new cultures that we can learn from... it means you were right all along, there is complex life out there...” Melissa exclaimed, mentally paralyzed by the endless possibilities.
“I know, but it only works if you have an open mind and are not trying to subvert it in some way.”
Once Melissa came to grips with the realization that the dreams were real, she continued to read Matt’s notebook until she finished the most recent entry.
“You actually talked to Helios today?” she asked after setting the notebook down on her lap.
“I did, and from what I can tell, he is the liaison for his species, and has asked me to help expose the military’s secret project,” Matt remarked.
“Aren’t you freaked out by all of this?” Melissa asked.
“I have spent my whole life speculating that there is life somewhere out in the universe, and I hoped that one day I might witness its discovery. Now I know without a doubt that life exists beyond our solar system, of course I am scared, but not from the fear of that revelation. I am scared because I am supposed to find the one person that the dreamstone will benefit the most and allow the aliens to help humanity. I am scared that I will fail at this task and I am afraid that the dreamstone will fall into the wrong hands,” Matt admitted.
“You can still turn it over to the authorities if you think this is too much to handle,” Melissa suggested.
“I was chosen to help uncover the secret project, and I feel like this is an opportunity for me to be part of something important. It might even be a defining point in human history someday,” Matt replied.
“I get what you’re saying, and I’m not concerned that you are helping Helios, but what I am worried about, is what our military will do to you when they find out you’re helping an alien race,” Melissa answered.
“Well, it’s not like they can just drop the dreamstone into a crowd of people and expect the right person to come along and pick it up. Helios said that they would have little chance of success trying to find the right person without my help. I can’t explain it, but for whatever reason they have put their faith in me despite my obvious shortcomings,” Matt explained.
“Well, I guess I’m not the only one who sees the potential inside you,” Melissa acknowledged.
“I just don’t want to let anyone down,” Matt replied.
“If you trust Helios, then I’ll help you through this,” Melissa offered.
“I do trust him, not only because he seems genuine, but because I find it hard to believe that an advanced species has come all this way to deceive me. If they really wanted to conquer us, I doubt this would be the route they would take,” Matt conjectured.
“Probably not, but you must promise me that you will be careful,” Melissa insisted.
“I will,” Matt promised.
“So you said the stone only works on people with an open mind?” Melissa asked.
“Yeah, that’s what Helios said. If you remember back to the night we spent in the hotel, Greg didn’t have the same dream that we did, and he is completely close-minded when it comes to anything dealing with extraterrestrials.”
“Is the dreamstone here?” Melissa asked, wondering if she should try it out again now that she understood how it worked.
“No, I put it back in my car. I knew you didn’t want it around when you were staying here,” Matt acknowledged.
“I might be willing to use it in the near future,” Melissa admitted.
“Really?” Matt remarked, “Why the change of heart?”
“I guess I’m curious, now that I know how it works,” she replied.
“Yeah, I admit there is a strange comfort in knowing that we are not alone in the universe,” Matt remarked.
“I can’t help but wonder how many other races there are in the universe,” Melissa pondered.
“I don’t know, but at least we are not so naïve as to believe that every alien is as evil and bloodthirsty as Hollywood would make them out to be,” Matt remarked.
“Good thing,” Melissa joked.
“So, you’ll let me know when you want to try the dreamstone?” Matt asked.
“I will, but not tonight. I’m just too tired and worn out from all the drama with my parents,” Melissa replied.
“I completely understand,” Matt remarked as he got up and started getting ready for bed.
Chapter 14
Tuesday after class, Melissa, Greg and Matt met in the green belt park to go over their Anthropology presentation. Greg seemed excited about the project, and his theatrics would no doubt bring cheers and laughter to their classmates. He was so animated and dramatic that he could make nearly anything funny.
“Now Greg, don’t over do it,” Melissa scolded. “Just describe our trip to the petroglyphs, present each of the petroglyph scenes, and explain their meanings. Then wrap it up with the cultural significance of the petroglyphs.”
“I don’t see anything here about our run-in with the military.” Greg said after he looked over the presentation. “Shouldn’t I mention something about that?”
“No!” Matt and Melissa replied in unison not realizing he was joking.
“Oh come on, it was the best part of the trip,” Greg said as he simulated being electrocuted by the stun gun.
“What is that on your finger Melissa?” Greg asked suspiciously when he saw the gold and sapphire ring.
“Matt and I are engaged,” Melissa said with a nervous smile, uncertain how Greg would take the news.
“I knew it! I saw the two of you sitting in the park late one night a few days back and you seemed awfully cozy,” Greg smirked.
Melissa blushed a little, but Matt turned three shades of red from the feeling of being exposed.
“Were you spying on us?” Melissa asked, trying to redirect the attention back on Greg.
“No, I could see it was a private moment, so I left you two alone. By the way, when were you going to tell me about your little secret?” he asked.
“We just finished telling our parents, you were going to be next,” Melissa replied.
“How did that go?” Greg asked.
“Not all that well for me,” Melissa acknowledged as she looked away for a moment. “My dad was upset, but hopefully my mom will smooth things over... Matt’s parents were excited though, and they even offered to help with the wedding.”
“That’s good,” Greg replied, seeming pleased with himself since he loved digging up gossip. “When did you propose to her?” he asked, looking at Matt suspiciously.
“We took a trip to Lake Shasta last weekend and I asked her there,” Matt replied without divulging any of the details.
“Well, congratulations. I think you two make a really cute couple,” Greg commented. Then, when Melissa wasn’t looking, he punched Matt in the arm and whispered, “You sneaky dog, you knew I liked Melissa didn’t you?” Matt smiled, but he didn’t reply to his acc
usation. Melissa had confided in him not long ago that outgoing guys like Greg were always competing for the spotlight, and at some point the relationship would falter as a result.
“Well, I’d better get going,” Greg said as he put all of the presentation materials into his pack.
“Thanks for doing the presentation,” Melissa remarked as he headed off to his next class. Greg looked back and waved, then continued walking.
“Did he seem a little put out by our engagement?” Melissa asked.
“Yeah, I think he had a bit of a crush on you,” Matt replied.
“Really? Yuck! He’s so not my type,” Melissa said with a frown. Matt was amused by her reaction and felt better knowing how she really felt about Greg. He didn’t like to compete with Greg because Greg would do anything to win.
“I’m getting a little hungry. Would you like to get a bite to eat?” Melissa asked.
“Yeah, I could go for some food. There is an Italian place a few blocks off campus that overlooks Arcata,” Matt suggested.
“Okay, lead the way,” Melissa replied.
Matt took Melissa’s hand and they lazily walked along the sidewalk until they reached the restaurant. Then Matt asked the waiter if he could seat them out on the patio.
“What are you going to get?” Melissa asked.
“A meat and cheese pizza,” Matt replied.
“That sounds good, can we share one?” Melissa asked.
“Sure,” Matt replied. Then he placed the order when the waiter returned.
While they were waiting for their food, Melissa stared at the city lights as they twinkled in the cool night air. Matt rolled up a napkin and threw it at her when she wasn’t looking.
“Hey, what was that for?” she asked.
“I didn’t do that,” Matt replied with a smirk.
“Then where’s your napkin?” Melissa asked.
“It must have fallen under the table,” Matt exclaimed as he looked around for it. Then he felt an ice cube slide down his shirt while he was leaning forward, pretending to look for the napkin.
“Oh, that’s so cold,” he cried as he pulled the ice cube out and tossed it away. “Why did you do that?” he asked, looking at Melissa’s guilt-ridden face.
“I didn’t do that!” she replied while mocking his voice.
“I see,” Matt smiled, figuring he should probably quit while he was ahead, or at least not behind.
“I am going to stop by my place before I come over tonight so I can clear out the rest of my stuff,” Melissa said after taking a sip of her water.
“Do you need any help?” Matt offered.
“No, I don’t have that much to pack,” Melissa replied.
“When we get our own place we can buy a few things together,” Matt suggested.
“I like that idea,” Melissa said with a smile.
“Here comes our pizza,” Matt commented when he saw the waiter maneuver around the tables on his way over to theirs. Then he waited for Melissa to take the first piece before taking one.
“It’s really good,” Melissa acknowledged after taking a few bites.
“I’m glad you like it. I’ve only been here a couple of times, but the food was always tasty,” Matt replied.
After dinner they walked back to campus and then parted ways. Matt returned to his dorm and started the water to take a shower. No sooner had he stepped in and started soaping up, then his cell phone started ringing. ‘Dang it!’, he exclaimed as he reached for the phone. Then as he was about to say hello, it shot out of his wet fingers and onto the floor.
“Hello?” he said after recovering it.
“What was that crashing sound? Melissa asked.
“Sorry about that. I dropped the phone,” Matt replied.
“Oh... well, I have some good news,” Melissa said in a cheery voice.
“What is it?” Matt asked.
“My dad called and left a message apologizing for the other night.”
“Wow, that is good news!” Matt remarked.
“I know... you were right all along. He just overreacted,” Melissa acknowledged.
“I’m so happy it worked out. I know how much your parents mean to you,” Matt replied.
“So am I. I’ll be over in a few minutes. I love you,” Melissa said in a sweet voice.
“I love you too,” Matt replied. Then he dried off the phone and got back in the shower.
When he was done, he walked out of the bathroom and saw that Melissa was sitting on the couch.
“Hi,” he said in a surprised tone. “I wasn’t expecting to see you until later.”
“I said I was on my way over,” Melissa replied with a frisky look in her eyes. Matt noticed she was wearing a lacy robe and as he finished drying off, she patted the empty cushion next to her. Then when he sat down she started kissing his neck. When he tried to return the favor, she giggled and teasingly pushed him away. Then as she leaned over to kiss him again, he playfully pushed her back. Melissa grabbed his arm and pulled him over onto her and nibbled his neck. Matt responded by running his fingers through her long black hair and down her sides until he reached the lacy edge of the robe. Melissa encouraged his hands lower, and then she pulled back the sides of her robe, exposing her midsection. Matt reached behind the couch for the lamp cord and pulled it out of the socket. The room went dark and they snuggled late into the night.
Matt woke up after a while to find that they had fallen asleep side-by-side on the couch. He gently picked Melissa up and took her over to the bed. Then he climbed in alongside her and pulled the covers over them. Melissa woke only long enough to give him a little kiss on the cheek and then fell back to sleep.
The next morning Melissa gently tugged on Matt’s arm until he woke up.
“I made breakfast,” she said looking down at him with a smile. “I didn’t want to wake you, but we do have to get ready for class soon.”
“I know,” Matt replied as he put on his clothes and joined her at the table. “I wish I could spend every hour with you.”
“Oh, you’re so sweet,” Melissa replied. “How did I get so lucky?”
“I am the lucky one. You could have had your pick of guys,” Matt remarked.
“Stop before you say something you’ll regret,” Melissa cautioned. “You know I don’t like it when you put yourself down or imply that you are not good enough for me.”
“It just scares me a bit when everything is going perfectly, I start to wonder if something bad is going to happen to balance it out,” he said in a genuinely worried tone.
“You are a good person Matt, just enjoy what you have and stop worrying about what may or may not happen next. Enjoy the moment.”
“I’ll try,” Matt said as Melissa got up from the table and kissed him good-bye.
“I’ll see you in Anthro class,” she added with an encouraging smile.
Matt blew her a kiss as she left and then finished his breakfast. A moment later his door flew open and Melissa can running back in.
“There are military police coming this way!” Melissa said before Matt could even ask her what was wrong.
“Oh crap!” he exclaimed as he grabbed his backpack and immediately followed her out of the dorm. When they reached the green belt park, they looked back and saw two men knocking on his door. Matt cut over towards the parking lot and Melissa followed him a short distance behind. When he got close enough to see his car, he saw a third MP rummaging through his vehicle. A moment later the MP discovered the fake dreamstone in the trunk and then radioed his buddies to come back. After the three of them inspected the stone for a moment, they jumped into their Hummer and drove off. Matt waited for several minutes to make sure they weren’t coming back and then snuck over to his car and opened the trunk. Then he felt around under the spare tire until he felt the real dreamstone. After putting it into his pack, he made his way back to Melissa and smiled when he saw her
“The dreamstone is safe,” he said with a sigh of relief.
“Did
you leave them a decoy?” Melissa asked looking spooked by the incident.
“Yes, I left a similar looking rock in the trunk in case they searched my car,” he admitted.
“You’re playing a very dangerous game,” Melissa warned.
“I know, but remember what you said about destiny and fate and doing the right thing?”
“Yes... why do I think I’m going to regret telling you my views about life?” she remarked.
“You said the dreamstone is the archaeological find of the century, and I believe we must protect it. Helios has entrusted me to help him and I am going to do just that. Besides, we haven’t broken any laws, and if anyone is breaking the law, it is the military. They are the ones grossly abusing their powers and putting humanity at risk,” Matt alleged.
“I agree with you, and it’s not a question of who is right or wrong. Clearly the military is trying to take the stone without permission, but I don’t like seeing you caught in the middle. I think the military is dangerous and they operate with impunity,” Melissa replied.
“I will be careful, but I am determined to see this through,” Matt insisted.
“I’m not letting you do this on your own. I will go into the dream with you and meet with Helios. I want to know exactly what he expects of you and I would also like to know more about the secret project. The more we know about this, the faster we can find the dreamstone a new home,” Melissa declared.
“Maybe we should take a few things back over to your dorm room and stay there tonight. I don’t know how long it will take the military to figure out the stone is a fake, but when they do I’m sure they’ll be back to search my place again,” Matt said looking a bit fatigued by the ordeal.
“That’s a good idea, we can’t be too cautious. …and you should bring the dreamstone,” Melissa suggested.
“Are you sure?” Matt asked.
“Yes. We can talk about this later, but I need to get going or I’m going to be late for class.”
“Okay, I’ll see you later today,” Matt replied.
“Stay out of trouble until then,” Melissa added as she kissed him good-bye.
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