Every Waking Dream

by Lauren Eason

  I hopped onto my laptop and pulled up all the files and articles I could find about her. None of them had any good leads to work with. They only mentioned she had run away from home, got on a bus, and was never heard from again. It was the kind of vague story you always read about where the case sort of dies, never seeing the light of day.

  I tapped my pen against my notebook as I thought about the clues in the first dream I had. She had been alone in a motel room—possibly one she had encountered on her little trip away from home. I wrote down every detail I could think of from the dream and then remembered the most significant find. The welcome card from the motel room had a name on it in the bathroom. It was the Sundown Motel.

  Quickly typing in the motel's name into the search bar, a website pulled up the motel homepage. It was a real place, and it was only about half an hour from here. Looking up directions, I printed the page off and set it on top of my notebook. I circled the bus station right across the street from the area. It was the same bus line the news said the girl had gotten on. Now I knew why they were running into problems with their investigation. The missing girl had never gotten on the bus.

  “What are you doing?” Jess asked from the doorway. I shut my notebook, hiding the directions inside.

  “Just some homework. What about you? Is creeping around doorframes a past time for you?” I teased, trying to act unflustered by her intrusion.

  “I came to let you know that Mom and Dad are heading out to see a lawyer, so it’ll be you and me tonight,” she relayed.

  “Crap. Has she already left?” I asked.

  “Yeah, a few minutes ago. Why? Did you need her for something?”

  “I was invited to this beach party, and I forgot to ask her if it was okay if I went,” I answered. “I’m supposed to give someone a response tonight.”

  “And you waited till last minute to ask her?” Jess asked eyebrow raised.

  “Well, she was going through a lot, and then there was the whole issue with my detention. I didn’t want to bother her,” I admitted.

  “You could always go and beg forgiveness later. I mean, she did give you your car keys, so I assume she knows you’ll want to go out somewhere eventually,” Jess replied, walking into my room and taking a seat on my bed.

  “You want to go with me?” It was the only thing I could think of where our mother wouldn’t be too upset.

  “To a beach party? Of course, I want to go! I’ll get my swimsuit,” she said excitedly.

  I smiled as her face lit up, racing out of the room to change her clothes. It was the first time since coming home where we could spend some quality sister time together. Taking out my phone, I sent a text to Jason, letting him know I was going to the party and that I could drive myself there since Jess was coming too. He replied with an enthusiastic, see you there!

  Leaving my notebook on my desk, I went to my closet to change. Hiding the bikini under a loose T-shirt and jean shorts, I grabbed a bag and stuffed two towels into it with a little sunscreen. With my fair complexion, tanning wasn’t a viable option for me. It was either fried or extra-crispy.

  I walked downstairs, telling Jess to hurry up as I did so. I sat on the couch in the living room, turning on the news to see if there were any new developments in the case. It appeared the case had been reduced to a single headline running across the bottom screen while the announcer talked about re-elections for state officials. All it said was there were no new leads and the tip hotline number.

  Taking out my cellphone, I quickly inserted the number into my phone if I needed it one day. I wasn’t sure that my revelation would go very far with the police. After a brief moment, I glanced up at the TV and saw Officer Highwater on the screen, but now he was a newly appointed detective.

  “Why is it taking the police so long to uncover these strings of missing persons in the area?” an interviewer asked.

  “There’s a clear lack of evidence to work with. This kidnapper is highly astute and catches his victims’ off-guard. We ask that if there’s anyone who may know about the whereabouts of any of these girls to please call our tip hotline—”

  “I’m ready!” Jess exclaimed as I shut off the television.

  “Great. Let’s go,” I said. We headed out into the garage, where I unlocked my Jeep for the first time in a long time. Jess hopped into the passenger seat as I cranked the car up. Pressing the garage door opener, I backed out, stopping right before the street.

  “Um, do you know how to get to the beach?” I asked her.

  “Depends on which part we’re going to,” she replied.

  I placed the car in park and took out my cellphone to see that Jason had already sent an address. I placed my phone into a holder on the dash as directions flashed across the screen. A knock on my window sent me jumping through the roof as I saw Susan beside me.

  I rolled down my window for her. “Hi, Susan. Did you need anything? We’re about to head out.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, dear,” she started. “I was wondering if Jess had seen Steven today. He’s supposed to be helping me with some floral arrangements.”

  “I haven’t seen him today,” Jess replied. “He’s not home?”

  “No, I’ve already tried that,” Susan continued. “If you see him, let him know I’m looking for him. Where are you two off to?”

  “We’re heading to the beach. There’s a party going on with some kids from school,” I answered hurriedly. “We’re kind of late, so we’ll see you later.”

  I rolled up my window and backed out onto the street as Susan waved from the driveway. Jess messed with the radio and turned on some music for us as we drove in peace.

  “Do Steven and Susan work together?” I asked Jess as I turned onto Front Beach Road.

  “I think he helps her out sometimes for a little money on the side in between his piano lessons.”

  “Ah. How are those going, by the way? You have a recital coming up soon. I can’t wait to hear it.” I reached over to turn the volume down a little so that I could talk with Jess. It had been a while since we had had a conversation lasting for more than five minutes.

  “It’s coming along. You want to come over next weekend and hear some of it? I need your opinion on it. Steven and I created the music ourselves, so it’s more like a debut than a recital,” Jess explained.

  “Of course! Just tell me when,” I replied with a smile.

  I turned off the road into a sandy parking lot next to the boardwalk. Shutting the engine off and taking my phone from its perch, we climbed out. I slung the towel bag over my shoulder as we headed down the walkway past the dunes.

  “Would you mind texting Mom to let her know where we are?” I asked Jess. She took out her phone to do as I said, knowing it was for safety reasons. With all the disappearances going around, I wanted our parents to have a location.

  “She says to have fun,” Jess stated. “See? I told you it would be okay.”

  “That’s because she trusts you,” I said as we descended onto the sandy beach, heading towards the group of people surrounding the bonfire. Sunset on the beach was always the most magical time. Colors filled the sky as our shadows grew long behind us on the shore.

  “She trusts both of us. She told you so,” Jess corrected. “What happened before you went to the center wasn’t your fault.”

  “I took those drugs willingly. No one forced them on me,” I remarked. “So yes, it was my fault.”

  “You were asleep, Ais. You didn’t recognize me,” Jess replied, grabbing my hand to stop me. “You can’t keep blaming yourself for that night.”

  “If I had been a little stronger, none of it would’ve happened,” I growled, pulling my hand away. “Let’s have some fun. I don’t want to dwell on the past.”

  Jess nodded as we neared the group of guys from our school. Raven popped up off her towel, racing towards me, pulling me into a giant bear hug and spinning me around. She quickly scooped up Jess as well.

  “I’m so glad you guys are here!” she
squealed. “I was worried I would be the only girl among these wolves.”

  The boys howled in the background as we continued towards them. Jason and Ben were among them, drinking from Solo cups. Some of their football buddies were there as well, but thankfully, not all of them.

  “Glad you could make it,” Ben beamed. “Let me introduce you to the others. This is Leo, Harold, and Max. We all usually hang out together. In fact, this is our tradition we started back as freshmen.”

  “Nice to meet you, ladies,” Leo commented.

  “Thanks. I’m Aislin, and this is my little sister Jess,” I said, placing an arm around her shoulder and hugging her to me.

  “Put it there, Little Sis,” Harold said, sticking his fist out in front of her. Jess gave him a fist bump, and the boys laughed around the circle.

  “Oh, so, you’re the elusive Aislin we’ve heard this one say so much about.” Max pointed a thumb over at Jason. Jason swatted his hand out of the air, smiling at Max.

  “Am I missing something here?” I asked, heat rising to my cheeks as the boys eyed me.

  “No, nothing at all,” Jason said, handing me a drink. Jess went over to sit with Max, the youngest of the bunch.

  “What is it?” I asked cautiously, sniffing the drink.

  “Relax. It’s soda. Unless you want something stronger?” he inquired.

  “No. Soda’s good,” I answered. Raven took Ben by the hand and walked off from the group down the length of the beach. She glanced over her shoulder at me, flashing a quick smile.

  “You want to go for a walk?” Jason asked.

  “Um, I don’t know if I want to leave Jess here by herself...” I relayed, turning towards Jess, who was engrossed with Max.

  “Hey, Jess, do you mind if your sister and I go for a walk?” Jason asked her.

  “Sure. I’ll be fine. Go have some fun, Ais.”

  “Fine. I’ll be back soon,” I said as Jason took me by the hand away from the group.

  He leaned over to me. “Don’t worry. We won’t go far.”

  Leading me away from the bonfire, we walked along the beach, my feet sinking into the soft, warm sand. The sun hung lower in the sky than when we arrived, with splashes of purple and indigo setting in. The sound of the waves as they crashed against the shore was rhythmic as they pulled and pushed with the tides. A few seagulls flew overhead, their spontaneous chirping sounds among the song of the ocean.

  “I’ve seen you out by the field during our practices this past week,” Jason commented, his pace slow but steady as we strode along.

  “Yeah. Coach Simmons has a unique version of detention. She’d rather see me run myself ragged outside doing exercise than allow me to do my homework. It’s a little annoying, but at least Raven’s there,” I laughed. “So, you’ve been watching me, huh?”

  “Well, that’s not exactly what I meant,” Jason sputtered with a slight blush crossing his cheeks. He cleared his voice. “I simply noticed you outside.”

  “I noticed you too,” I said without thinking.

  Jason chuckled as I floundered, trying to explain myself. “I get it. Football practice and all. I’m sure it gets boring jogging around the track after school with nothing to occupy your mind.”

  “Can I ask you something? What’s the deal with Raven and your brother?” I inquired, veering the subject away from me.

  “Oh, that,” Jason said. “It’s not recent if that’s what you’re wondering. They’ve always had this unique bond with each other. I don’t quite understand it myself, but that’s been going on long before you got here. I’m surprised she hasn’t told you more about it.”

  “I guess it’s something she wanted to keep to herself,” I stated. “Raven and I only met during the summer.”

  “How did you two meet?” Jason asked, intertwining his fingers with mine as we walked.

  “We, uh,” I began before releasing a sigh, shaking my hand free of his. I stopped to turn towards him, the wind blowing my hair in my face as I pushed it back off my shoulder.

  “If I tell you, will you keep it a secret? I don’t want this getting around the school. I’m trying to build a new life for myself here.” My heart pounded in my chest.

  “I know Raven went to the Rehab Center,” Jason admitted. “If that’s what you’re afraid to tell me, don’t worry about it. I already know.”

  “You do? How?” I crossed my arms over my chest.

  “Most of the school knows, to be honest,” Jason revealed. “Melissa didn’t make it easy on Raven when she came back and spilled it to everyone who would listen. She didn’t account for the fact that no one cared.”

  “That’s a relief, I guess,” I replied.

  “I figured that’s where you two met, but I didn’t want to pry. I thought you’d tell us when you felt comfortable.” Jason kicked at some of the sand near his feet.

  “It’s true. I was in rehab for the summer. It wasn’t fun, but I did meet Raven there,” I said, turning away from him. I gazed out over the ocean as it grew darker around us.

  “Is it alright if I ask what you were there for? You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to...” he quickly added.

  “It’s okay,” I sighed. “My parents busted me for taking prescription drugs. I was depressed and confused about my life. I have bad night terrors, so I don’t like going to sleep. I know you probably don’t understand it, but my dreams can be...a little out there.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. How do you manage now?” Jason inquired as we sat down on the shore together.

  “My doctor prescribed me sleeping pills to help. One of the side effects is that I don’t dream. They’ve been helpful and allow me to live a normal life. It’s still hard, though. My family’s falling apart, and I can’t help but feel as though it’s my fault,” I continued. “I’m sorry. I know you probably don’t care to hear any of this—”

  “No,” he said, grabbing my hand beside me. “I do care. When I was younger, I bounced around foster homes before being adopted. At first, I did everything in my power to make them hate me. I realized it was because I secretly hated myself. It took a long time to break my destructive cycle.”

  “How did you do that?”

  “I started playing football with Ben. Our father told me it was for my own good, and he was right. Being a part of a team—something bigger than myself—helped me understand what everyone around me was trying to do for me. They were my teammates, and it was up to me to make the change,” he answered. “I was a pretty angry kid growing up.”

  “You? I would’ve never had guessed. You’re so calm now,” I commented.

  “Ha! You should see me on the football field,” he remarked. “You should come to our home game in the next couple of weeks.”

  “You’re inviting me to your football game? Um, yeah, sure. Why not?” I laughed. “What number am I rooting for?”

  “Number fourteen,” Jason smiled, standing from his seat and holding his hand out for me to take. I took it, and he lifted me to my feet.

  We stood there for a moment, holding each other’s hands. Shouting caught my attention, and I glanced over towards the glow of the bonfire as the others beckoned to us. Laughing, I ran away from Jason towards the others as he followed on my heels. The others had turned on the radio and had some music playing as Raven and Ben danced by the fire, holding each other. Jess was engrossed in a story Max was telling her while they leaned back against the cooler.

  “Where have you two lovebirds been?” Harold teased as he sat down on a towel with his drink.

  “Oh, leave them alone,” Raven replied. “We’re all here to have fun.”

  “Aislin is going to come to our home game, so you two better not mess it up for us,” Jason teased Harold and Leo.

  “Aye, Captain,” Leo saluted before dropping to the ground beside his buddy.

  “Are they drunk?” I whispered to Jason.

  “I believe so,” he chuckled.

  We sat down around the fire with the other
s and listened to the music. As we chatted with each other, the radio music shut off for a special announcement for the Bay County area.

  “Gabrielle Nguyen was reported missing earlier today, marking the fourth disappearance of a teenage girl in the area. We urge the public to be cautious and to take special care after sundown. The City Council is monitoring the situation and will have a local town meeting available to all concerned citizens on September 21st regarding the safety of our children and imposition of a nightly curfew—”

  “That’s some bull,” Harold said as he changed the station to a different one. “A curfew? Are they serious?”

  Jess stood up from the blanket next to Max. “Aislin, we need to go.”

  “Jess, are you okay?”

  “Please...” she begged as she walked off.

  Sliding an apologetic glance to the others, I got up and chased after my sister as she ran down the boardwalk. “Jess! Wait!”

  Catching up to her in the parking lot, I caught her by her arms and spun her around. “Jess, what’s wrong?”

  “I knew her, Ais,” Jess cried, hugging me tightly.

  “What? The girl that’s disappeared? How?” I asked, stroking her hair, trying to console her.

  Jess backed away from me, tears in her eyes. “She was one of my students with Steven. She’s only twelve.”

  “What?” I asked incredulously. “Jess, we have to tell the police—”

  “I just want to go home...” she begged. Nodding, we walked towards my car together. I gave her the keys to get in as I heard footsteps racing from behind me. Turning around, I saw Raven, Ben, and Jason.

  “Is she okay?” Raven asked as she got closer.

  “Jess knew the girl from the bulletin on the radio. She’s distraught. I’m going to take her home,” I replied.

  “Wow. That’s insane,” Ben remarked.

  “It’s okay. I’ll text you guys later. Sorry, I had to cut this short,” I apologized, jumping into the car. My friends stood in the parking lot as I pulled the car out and back onto the road.

  Jess shook in the seat next to me. As we drove, I could hear sirens in the distance, along with Jess’s rapid breathing. I knew that sound, so I pulled the car into a gas station and unbuckled my seatbelt.