Dickensen Academy

by Christine Grabowski

  Eventually he asked, “What’s with all the questions, sis?”

  “Just curious. I rarely remember my dreams, but you’ve been talking about yours nonstop.” Then I steered the conversation to safer topics, summer and UW.

  I returned to my homework when an orderly arrived to help him into a wheelchair and take him to physical therapy.

  When Josh returned and the medical personnel left, Josh caught my eye. “I believe you somehow made me dream those dreams.”

  My stomach somersaulted. I did my best to play dumb. “What? How could I do that?”

  “No idea. But I can’t get them out of my mind. While I was in the coma, I had this recurrent dream about graduation. Then I had another about becoming a neurosurgeon. I was thinking perhaps being in a coma made my dreams more intense, but I dreamed about my graduation this week too.”

  I kept a poker face as I listened. I can do this.

  “So today I replayed them in my mind during physical therapy since you asked me all those questions beforehand.” He snorted. “And PT is so boring. I recalled seeing you in one of them. You were talking about Dickensen Academy and how they were teaching students to be…dream-makers?”

  I averted my eyes but could feel my cheeks flush. Uh-oh. Now what? Never in a million years would I have put those words into a dream if I thought he might receive it and remember it.

  “I knew it!” he cried, grinning ear to ear. “Part of me thought it was some crazy result of my brain injury.”

  I leaned over his bed and caught his eye. “You can’t tell anyone! I’ll get in so much trouble…they’d expel me or send me nightmares.” Then something worse came to mind. “Or maybe send you nightmares.”

  “Calm down. I’d never tell. Who’d believe me anyway?”

  I took a deep breath and gazed toward the ceiling for a moment. “You’re right. But getting expelled doesn’t matter anyway. I’m not going back.”

  “Why not?”

  I snapped my head back to face him. “Why not? Are you kidding? I’ve been sitting by your bedside for over three weeks! I thought you might die. I’m not leaving now. I’m going to stay home with you. With Mom and Dad.”

  He smirked. “But I didn’t die. I’m going to be fine…well, one day. Besides, if you return there, you’ll be home in two months. You’ll be here for my graduation.” He winked. “I saw it in my dream.”

  “But the dream wasn’t real. I made it up and conveyed it to you.” He scrunched up his face and tilted his head, so I explained, “I created a perfect graduation day dream because that’s how I believed and hoped it’d be.”

  “Well then, that’s how it’ll be.” He sat there smiling, all cheerful and confident, like his old self. “That dream pulled me out of my coma. Every time I had it, I experienced this overwhelming urge to wake up, so I could return to school. I think my mind somehow forced me to wake up once my body was healthy enough.”

  “Really? I didn’t know it could do that.”

  “It did for me. You have to go back so you can learn more.”

  I shrugged. “Well, I wasn’t good at it. Until now, I’ve never been able to send a dream. I didn’t think I could. And then there was Dad’s voice in my head telling me it was impossible.”

  “I’m telling you that you did it.”

  I stared at him, unable to one hundred percent trust what he said was true.

  “Many times.”

  I jumped up and paced the room. “I’m way behind in Creative Core. I’m not sure if I can catch up. At least not well enough to earn an A. Dad was furious when I got a B minus in it last semester.”

  “Leave Dad to me.” Then Josh looked out the window and his voice lost some of his enthusiasm. “Never mind. I don’t think he trusts my judgment these days.” He took a deep breath and turned back to me. “Maybe you can do better this time?”

  “Maybe. But not until you’re out of this hospital.”

  “Fine.”

  “Fine.”

  We stared stubbornly at each other until I almost burst out laughing at the silliness of it, but Josh caved first. “In the meantime, tell me more about this dream-making.”

  I’d already spilled the secret, so what could it hurt to tell him everything since he promised never to repeat a word? I sat down on the edge of his bed and began with the dream I received last summer before my appointment at the testing center.

  My brother listened, only interrupting to ask me to clarify a point here and there. He didn’t think it was silly or childish. He thought dream-making was remarkable and could be an asset to my future in ways I couldn’t yet imagine.

  He was right. Telepathy was much more powerful than they’d told us. I’d never thought beyond education and entertainment and the occasional nightmare, but it had genuine real-world benefits. I could no longer focus on my fears.

  I went on to explain about the academic dreams, including the language immersion ones. Josh paused his interrogation long enough to ask me a couple questions in Spanish—he’d been taking Level Four at Haller Lake. He was blown away when I spoke almost as well as him, yet with a flawless accent. He pointed out that even if I didn’t do anything with the dreams, the education alone was worth attending for three more years.

  ****

  Back home, as I got ready for bed, I examined myself in the mirror. I had a fresh round of zits and my cheeks had hollowed—a weird combo. I twisted around. My pants no longer fit right; they were practically falling down. I didn’t realize how much stress I’d been under the past month. Maybe it was time to focus a little on myself.

  I went to my desk and pulled down my wall calendar. I’d been gone almost four weeks, although one was spring break. My missed midterms would be a challenge, but I’d manage them somehow. Fortunately, I’d kept up with all the homework and continued to receive academic dreams. Dad had even taken over the role of algebra tutor when I got stuck. I sighed. It’d be nice to get back to my school tutor—he had a sense of humor and made math somewhat fun—not to mention my study sessions with Ben. But I had to admit, Dad no longer dropped remarks that made me feel stupid like he had over winter break. In fact, he admitted a few days ago he was sorry Josh’s injury was taking such a toll on me.

  The one class that might cause trouble was Creative Core. I needed to not only pass Dream Management but to pull up my grade significantly. Yes, I’d conveyed to Josh several times, but I doubted either of those dreams would count for the course. I’d already received approval for four of the six required dreams. With over two months of the semester left, I’d have plenty of time to develop the remaining two. The only question: could I get through all the required conveyances?

  Chapter: 40

  Our family was gathered around Josh’s hospital bed, eating pizza, when Dad turned to me. “I think it’s about time we get you back to school.”

  I blinked then glanced at my brother. “Can’t it wait ’til he gets home?” I didn’t want to say it in front of Josh, but I’d hate to return to Dickensen Academy only to be whisked back home again. The possibility of seizures still existed, which could cause a setback. He’d only had a minor one this past week, but still.

  Mom exchanged a look with Dad, then turned to me and took a deep breath. “We’ve been discussing enrolling you at Haller Lake.”

  My chest tightened. That’s what I’d been afraid of.

  “Then you can visit after school each day,” Mom explained.

  Josh gave me an encouraging nod, which helped steel my resolve.

  “Once Josh gets out of here, I want to go back to Dickensen.”

  “Really?” Mom’s voice was pitched high with surprise. “I thought you’d want to stay in Seattle. I mean, after all this, Josh is just starting to get better.” He had continued to make both neurological and physical improvements, but although the doctors were calling his recovery miraculous, he still struggled with retaining new information and couldn’t walk more than three feet without assistance.

  My gaze darted
between Mom and Dad. Not long ago I wouldn’t have even considered negotiating, but now I had to try. “I think it’d be easier to return there than transfer to a new high school so late in the year. You know, they might cover topics at separate times, and I’d have to get used to new teachers and everything.” I swallowed hard. “It’s only two more months. I’m not saying I’ll go back next year. But at least for now.”

  My words hung in the air.

  Dad licked his lips, and Mom rubbed her hands together.

  “Besides,” I continued, “we’re only talking about waiting a few more days. Aren’t the doctors hoping to discharge him within the week?”

  Dad turned to Mom. “Liz, she has a point.”

  Did I hear him right? My pulse quickened. Had Dad supported me for a change? I kept the momentum going. “I’m almost caught up with my homework, and my teachers said they’d work with me on rescheduling my midterms.”

  Dad turned up his mouth a bit. “Looks like someone did her research.”

  I smiled and tore at the pizza crust in my hands. Compliments from him were rare.

  Mom dropped her head and closed her eyes for a moment. “But…it’s been so nice having you home.”

  Josh gulped down a bite of pizza. “She should go back. Unlike me, Autumn has a chance of catching up in her classes. But you know, without her around, I might be able to focus better.” When my parents weren’t looking, Josh winked at me.

  Mom sighed and studied the three of us. “Looks like I’m outnumbered.”

  Bursting with joy, I leaned closer to give her a big hug. “Thanks, Mom!”

  ****

  Before I returned to Dickensen, I needed to make more progress with Dream Management and confirm conveying to Josh hadn’t been a fluke. The last thing I wanted was to return only to fail.

  The next evening, I offered my aunt and uncle a date night, insisting a night with the kids would be good for me. After my cousins were asleep, I kneeled on the floor next to Alex—based on the disastrous dream review with Skylar at Christmas, an eight-year-old now seemed a better choice.

  This past week, I’d analyzed what I’d done differently with Josh compared to Aditi, Hannah, Skylar, and Brady. Concentrating on each individual conveyance step had been tripping me up. It had been the wrong mindset. I hadn’t done that with Josh, and I wasn’t about to do it now. Confidence took over my mind as I immersed myself into the story rather than focusing on transferring exact words into my cousin’s brain. Then I let the conveyance run its course.

  The following morning, Alex woke up jabbering about opening presents under the Christmas tree. Uncle Michael thought it was an unusual dream to have in April, but I simply listened to my cousin rave while a flood of joy ran through my body.

  In the afternoon, I phoned Alex. She was ecstatic someone had called for her. I was careful to talk about a variety of activities we did the previous night but interspersed questions from the Dream Review Checklist. It was clear: Alex remembered.

  The next night, Josh agreed to be a participant, so I conveyed a more complicated version of Dream Two. I hadn’t told him any specifics about the dream, so although he knew it was coming, he was unprepared for how giddy he’d feel, almost like attending a Seahawks home game.

  I was finally ready.

  Chapter: 41

  Wednesday morning, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Still dark. I rolled onto my side and hugged my pillow but couldn’t fall back to sleep. I was wide-awake, full of anticipation. Today I was returning to Dickensen.

  Josh had been discharged yesterday. He’d slept in the guest room on the main floor last night so he wouldn’t have to struggle with the stairs. Mom had probably stayed there too, to make sure he was still breathing and everything.

  Footsteps passed outside my bedroom door. The stairs creaked. My alarm clock displayed 6:08. May as well get up too. The house was chilly, so I threw on my bathrobe and plodded down the stairs.

  I found Dad in the kitchen filling his travel mug with coffee while Zoey chowed down her morning kibble from her bowl on the floor. No sign of Mom or Josh yet. Although with the meds Josh took, he might sleep ’til noon.

  “Hey, you’re up,” Dad said.

  “Couldn’t sleep.”

  He nodded. “Big day.” He twisted the lid onto the mug and returned the creamer to the fridge. “It’s going to be tough. Just do your best.”

  I waited for something more, but then he gave me a quick hug goodbye and disappeared out the garage door.

  I sat at the table, my body somewhat numb and in shock. He still hadn’t said a word about my grades. Not that I expected a lecture as he rushed off to work, but it was like a new person had invaded Dad’s body ever since the night of the accident. He hadn’t even drilled me about school since I’d been home; he simply offered legitimate help. Probably the stress. But with Josh back home and our lives gradually returning to normal, his controlling side would likely reappear in no time, and he’d demand those As.

  Hours later the doorbell rang, interrupting me as I was double-checking the contents of my messenger bag one last time. In the past month I’d managed to leave texts and notebooks in practically every room of the house.

  I inhaled sharply—Mrs. Humphrey stood on our front porch. I don’t know who I expected to bring me back to school, but definitely not her. In my mind, she only existed at Dickensen. But after my initial shock, I changed my face into a grin. I couldn’t imagine another faculty member I’d prefer to ride with.

  Mom shuffled into the entryway with Josh in his wheelchair. No school for him yet. He didn’t have the stamina to get through a seven-hour day. And of course, they had to consider the chair. Haller Lake was a three-story building. Rumor had it an elevator existed somewhere, but no one ever used it.

  “Mrs. Humphrey, good to see you. Care to join us for a late breakfast?” Mom asked.

  “So kind of you, but we better get a move on. I need to get back before school lets out.”

  I gave Mom a quick hug. Saying goodbye to Josh was harder. Tears threatened to fall, and I sniffled as I clung to him longer than usual.

  He pulled away. “Hey, don’t go worrying about me. My social calendar is packed. Let’s see, I’m off to physical therapy at one. Then we have to race back to meet my new tutor. Oh, and if I’m lucky, Luke might come by with some work packets from my teachers.” He grinned. “Fun times ahead.”

  I laughed.

  He put his fingers to his temple. “Let’s see, tomorrow I’ve got counseling at eleven and then…”

  Josh’s humor was exactly what I needed in my worry-filled state.

  I waved goodbye, grabbed my bags, and followed Mrs. Humphrey to her––my jaw fell open––fire engine red Camaro. My eyes widened, taking it in. I staggered to the back of the car. She opened the trunk and I tossed in my things. I’d seen the car in the lot at Dickensen, but never did I imagine the sports car was my RA’s.

  “Is this really yours?”

  She simply nodded, but her twinkling eyes betrayed her excitement. “Yes, dear. But I only drive it when the roads are clear of snow. I like to keep it looking nice.”

  Once I folded myself inside, the scent of leather tickled my nose. She turned the key and the engine purred to life. She turned the stereo on, filling the car with Elvis Presley’s melodious voice. I had to laugh, guessing the sexy musician was the subject of Mrs. Humphrey’s dreams when she was my age.

  At a traffic light, I sank back into the passenger seat, happy and relieved to do something other than hang in the hospital all day. My RA chatted up a storm about my friends and teachers as we whizzed through the city, past the suburbs, and up the mountain pass.

  When we reached campus, it had transformed from how it had looked in mid-March. The snow was gone except where it had been piled up. And the deciduous trees had tiny green leaves while others were covered in pink blossoms. Red tulips, yellow daffodils, and purple hyacinths had popped up everywhere. The brilliant colors contrasted with the sur
rounding dark evergreens. Even the air smelled sweet. Although the day was overcast, it was warm enough I could get away without my winter coat.

  As we traipsed across the quad, the lightness I’d experienced during the car ride began to be replaced by my previous concerns. Had I made the right decision returning here? Would I be able to convey to Aditi? Did I seriously stand a chance at earning an A in Creative Core?

  I took in the dorm in front of me, memorizing the bottom stone layer and the cream-colored structure rising from it with its rows of narrow windows and intricate designs. What if I failed and my memories of everything around me were erased? I’d hate to forget this beautiful campus and all my friends and teachers. Would Ben miss me? I bit my lip as I walked through the entry door Mrs. Humphrey held open. How was I going to study for my missed midterms on top of everything else? By the time the elevator opened on the second floor of O’Reilly, I had worked myself into a frenzy and felt I weighed an extra fifty pounds.

  As we hauled my bags to my room, I breathed in and out and focused on the familiar brown carpet and door-lined hallway. I had changed since I last walked this corridor. I needed to remember that.

  I unlocked the door to my room. Oops, wrong room. I began to close the door but hesitated and took another look. Aditi had used her month alone to clean and organize my side. Poor Aditi. She had never complained, but our perpetually disorganized room must’ve stressed her out more than she’d let on. I swallowed. I’d try harder.

  ****

  Aditi eyes widened when she found me in our room after school. “Autumn!” She dropped her backpack and gave me an I-can’t-breathe hug before she even removed her fleece jacket.

  Her over-the-top greeting broke a protective shell around my heart, and I almost started to cry. I hadn’t admitted to myself how much I missed my friends at Dickensen. I’d been in my own world back at home. There’d been a possibility I might not return, so it’d been safer to deny my true feelings. I had to blink hard to hold the tears back when she let go.