Dreamlike State (The Magic of Black Forest Book 1)

by Macy Farmer

  “Seager, someone stole our dumpster. What’s up with that?”

  When we got closer, I realized it was Colleen. And if my eyes weren't deceiving me there appeared to be flowers – different colors – on the table beside her. I wondered who she brought them for. Out of breath from practically running to greet her I smiled, “Hey Colleen, what are you doing here?”

  Her eyes were wide with fear. “Your dog is huge, does he bite?”

  I giggled and replied, “He hasn’t bit anyone yet. He’s still not done growing into his paws. He’s gonna get a lot bigger. You look a little pale...” I tried to control the smirk on my face. “Are you afraid of dogs?”

  “Not usually but he’s big and looks intimidating, like he wants to bite me.”

  “He’s just teasing you, Colleen. Seager, go say hello to Colleen and stop scaring her.” Slowly, he walked up to her, sniffed her feet, and then sneezed all over her legs.

  “Eww, that’s gross.” Her bare legs were soaked with snot. I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. Before walking over to where the dumpster was, Seager wagged his tail and licked her hand as if to let her know she had nothing to fear from him.

  “Colleen, was there a dumpster over there when you got here?” I pointed in the direction of where Seager stood, where the dumpster used to be.

  “No, but the owner, Sam, stopped by. He asked me to tell you to let your friend know that he moved the dumpster as he requested. So who’s this friend of yours? Maybe I know him.”

  “I’m not quite sure who he’s talking about.” While I tried to think about what to change the subject to, I checked to see where Seager was. I mean, why would Bradley ask Papa Smurf to move the dumpster? That didn't make any sense.

  She just laughed at me “Then who did these come from?” She pointed to the flowers. Oh, they’re roses.

  I gasped. “You didn’t bring them with you? How many are there?”

  “Why would I bring you roses, Natalia? I counted four dozen, so that’s forty-eight long stemmed roses. How can you not know who gave you four dozen roses? Come on spill it, Natalia.” She smiled; her sarcastic tone was full of skepticism. She didn’t seem so pushy when I first met her.

  “I honestly don’t know who put them there. Maybe they belong to someone else – dropped off at the wrong cabin.” I shrugged while picking them up to smell their beautiful aroma. “I’ll put them in water and leave them out here just in case the giver or receiver realizes their mistake.”

  “Okay, whatever, Natalia. I’ll find out soon enough.”

  “Fine, when you do let me know. So what brings you by today?” I was getting annoyed with her pushiness. She rather reminded me of Melissa. Just thinking of Melissa made me smile; I missed her. I really needed to call her.

  Ignoring the obvious fact that she annoyed me, she said, “I said I would stop by today. Sorry I missed you last night. I wanted to know if you have any plans for tonight.”

  “I haven’t really decided. I’m pretty beat from our hike.” That reminded me, where was Seager? I glanced around and sighed when I spotted him. He was out like a light, sleeping on a small patch of grass in front of the porch. Boy, a nap sure sounded – no looked -- good!

  “I’m thinking about taking my ATV out tomorrow so I’ll probably get to bed early tonight. I wanted to check out the ATV trails in Haneyville. Why? What do you have in mind?” I’d most likely decline her invitation but I was curious.

  “Well, there’s a live band playing tonight across the street. They’re good and the lead singer is hot. He’s not just easy on the eyes. His singing gives me goose bumps. He could sing professionally but…” She shrugged her shoulders; she said no more on the subject. “So do you want to come with us?”

  Forgetting about her unfinished statement I asked, “Us? Who’s us?”

  “Oh, my best friend, Jesse. We know the band members so we get V.I.P treatment. They always save us a table in the front row, but away from the loud speakers and amps. Well are you interested?”

  “I don’t know. What are you wearing?” I’m definitely not going if she was getting all dressed up. I didn’t have ‘dressy’ clothes with me. She sensed my concern, and offered to check out my wardrobe.

  We pulled out all my clothes, which wasn't a lot, and laid them out on the bed. Some of the items she just threw aside as if they weren't good enough to be seen. “Well those are way too casual. They’re more like clothes you wear to bed, if you were to wear clothes to bed.”

  I ignored her comment. “Specific dress attire is not required is it?”

  “No. But if you’re looking to bump into Mr. Right tonight, you may want to dress for that occasion.” Does she know something I don’t?

  “This shirt and skirt would look great on you.” She lifted up my blue button down shirt and my long black skirt; both are form fitting. “Where are your shoes?”

  “That’s hysterical! I forgot about my shoes. I have sneakers, boots for ATV riding and these sandals here.”

  “Well I guess you could wear either of them since the skirt is so long but let’s go with the sandals. At least they’re blue and go with your shirt.” What did she think; I was going to wear my boots? She’s really weird.

  “What are you going to wear?” I asked before I actually decided whether I was going or not.

  “I’ll wear a skirt too. But if you don’t mind, I’d like to wear heels with mine,” her words were laced with sarcasm.

  “I guess that’ll be all right.” I teased. “What time does the band start playing?”

  “At nine, but they start setting up around eight. Jesse and I typically like to get there when they’re setting up. Would eight be okay?”

  “Sure, I’ll meet you there at eight. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to take a nap.” I didn't mean to sound rude but if she wanted me to go tonight, I would need to get some sleep.

  “No problem, I can take a hint. Don’t forget to take your roses inside before you take your nap.” She snickered sarcastically.

  “Thanks for stopping by. See ya later.”

  I called Seager into the cabin but waited for Colleen to pull away before I brought the roses in. Whoever was supposed to get these beautiful roses was going to have to knock on my door to get them. I wanted to see who the lucky lady was.

  Exhausted, I skipped lunch and took a nap.

  ***

  I jumped frantically when I woke. “Seager, it’s five-thirty! I’m going to be late.”

  He yawned and stretched before waiting by the door to be let out. I left the front door open so that I could watch him while I whipped up something to eat for both of us. By the time I got done with dinner and cleaned up, I only had an hour to get ready. I hoped for more time. What if Bradley was there? I kind of liked that there was a possibility and that I would be dressed up—well sort of dressed up.

  One last look in the mirror and I was off with just enough time to walk to the bar. I had messed with my long curly hair a little longer than I should have. I put it up in a bun, straightened my bangs, and then let a few curls hang down the sides and back of my neck. It looked somewhat elegant. I liked the color of my hair. It’s a brownish blonde. I’ve never colored it so I still had my natural highlights. With my hair up and my bangs framing my face right at my eyebrows, my green eyes really stood out and they were even more enhanced by my blue blouse.

  When I walked into the bar, I didn't see Colleen anywhere. I did, however, see groupie like girls everywhere with their cleavages popping out the top of their shirts, lace stockings and miniskirts that barely covered their rumps. Instantly, I felt out of place. I thought about leaving but figured Colleen would probably seek me out at the cabin and drag me here anyway so I decided I might as well find a seat. There was an empty stool on the other side of the bar by the band. Great! I pondered the thought of waiting outside for her before I tried to slip through the groupies to get to the only open seat at the bar. “Stop being a coward,” I said to myself. When I finally broke through
the crowd, I saw Bradley. He was helping the band set up. I had hoped he would be here.

  While I walked over to where he worked I thought, “Lady Luck is smiling my way.” I no sooner finished the thought when I noticed all the groupies that were planted around him, dressed in skimpy outfits, and vying for his attention. I hesitated for a moment but then thought he saw me so I went over.

  “Hello Bradley, how are you?” He looked at me as if we had never met. How embarrassing. The band members started laughing at me while they repeated in a teasing tone, “Bradley.” Confused and mortified, I spun around and put as much distance between myself and the group as I possibly could.

  Was he drunk? Was it all an act? Was Bradley even his real name? I mean, I really didn’t know him. People have always commented in the past that I am naïve and gullible, but I just shrugged it off because I thought they were idiots. Trying to escape through the crowd, I heard what sounded like a slap followed by Bradley’s voice saying angrily, “Great, thanks a lot.” He didn’t bother following or attempt to stop me from leaving though, so I continued to push myself through the mass of people waiting for the music to start. He probably thought I was one of the groupies, and thought he could get lucky. I looked down at myself while checking to see that my hair bun was still intact and realized that was not the case. I didn’t look like any of those girls -- my dress didn't reveal anything.

  I was almost out the door when… again… I ran right into Colleen. Literally, ran into her. Why did she have to show up this time? Seriously, I just wanted to go back to my cabin to hide and sulk in private.

  “Natalia, we really need to stop meeting like this,” she laughed. The laughter stopped abruptly when she realized I was leaving, “Were you leaving?” I shook my head but she missed it. Her eyes searched through the crowd. “Did someone say something to you?” Before I could even respond to any of her questions she turned to her friend, “Jesse, someone’s messing with Natalia.”

  A man I’d never met before turned to me and asked, “Who is it – Are you okay?” His eyes, like Colleen’s, began to scan the crowd looking for the culprit. He cracked his knuckles and prepared to take care of business.

  “I’m fine.” I lied but not very well. They both looked at me, unconvinced. “No really, I’m fine. I was just going out to get some fresh air, to wait for you.”

  “Whew. Good. I’d like to introduce you to my friend Jesse.” Twice I have seen Colleen and each of those times her smiles were warm and sincere. As she introduced Jesse, pride, respect, admiration, and a heated desire radiated from her. The way she leaned her body flirtatiously against his, from what I could see, Colleen thought of Jesse as more than a friend. She wanted him.

  Jesse extended his hand. I eagerly shook it, wanting to see how he felt about her. The first thing I saw in his mind was Colleen. “Very nice to meet you, Jesse.” When I first saw him standing next to her, I couldn’t help but notice he was a pretty good looking guy. What I didn’t notice, until I saw his thoughts, was that he was madly in love with her.

  Colleen apologized and explained why they were late, while all along Jesse stared down at her with eyes full of love. It was obvious now how he felt about her. She never mentioned that she had a boyfriend. Since I didn’t see everything, I needed to see more. I’m definitely going to find out why they’re not together. Just as I was about to reach out to touch Jesse again Colleen started to jump up and down while she pulled me towards the other side of the bar --- in the direction of the band and Bradley or whatever his name was.

  Jesse walked ahead of us, yelled, “Yo Brad, what’s up?”

  Colleen didn't let go of my arm when she chimed in, “Where the heck have you been, Brad? We didn’t see you last night.”

  I practically laughed myself silly when I realized Bradley was his name but everyone called him Brad. I recalled when he introduced himself to Seager. He introduced himself as Brad. Colleen wanted to know what was so funny. “Nothing. I just had an epiphany. Ignore me.”

  Embarrassed, I avoided direct eye contact with him. “Hi Brad.”

  His lips were pressed firmly against themselves as he put his arms around Colleen and Jesse. “Nothing’s up. Sorry I missed you last night but I was busy reminiscing about the damsel I rescued earlier in the evening.” I gasped, thinking, was he talking about me?

  “You guys going to hang tonight? I wrote a new song today. It’s a little rough but I’d like to know what you think.”

  “So was it the damsel that inspired the new song?” Jesse added jokingly. Bradley didn’t answer when he saw me scowl at him. Instead, he let out a boisterous roar of laughter. Anyone who wasn't already looking at him before were now.

  A confused Colleen began to introduce us when Brad said, “No introduction needed. She was the damsel, you know Colleen – the one you stood up.” He chuckled and shoved her playfully. I, on the other hand, was not happy being identified as the damsel. I crossed my arms over my chest, narrowed my eyes and once again scowled at him. He was enjoying my reactions a little too much.

  He walked closer to me, bent down and whispered in my ear, “I apologize for earlier. I barely recognized you. You look gorgeous.” His eyes roamed up and down my body, which made me quiver. “Please don’t call me Brad, everyone calls me that. I like the way it sounds when you call me Bradley. Did you get the roses I left you?” His closeness and sweet warm breath had me longing to take a taste. I was a heartbeat away from wrapping my arms around his neck, running my fingers through his hair and pressing my lips with urgency against his.

  Focus Natalia! I screamed at myself. I looked over at Colleen. She looked a little upset while Jesse, like Bradley, enjoyed every minute of this. Did they hear what he said?

  Moments later, Bradley, a little frustrated by my lack of response, whispered again, “Did you get the roses I left you?” My eyes returned to his. I smiled shyly.

  “Y-y-yes, I got the roses. I thought they were a mistake – for someone else. They were from you, for me?”

  “A mistake? Silly lady, there’s no mistake. I left four dozen beautiful roses for a beautiful woman.”

  The corners of my lips curled slightly upward, “They are beautiful, thank you.”

  Jesse cleared his throat and interrupted our moment, “What’s going on, Brad, are you Natalia’s ‘Knight in Shining Armor’?” He positioned himself as though he was holding up a shield and sword, while sticking his chest out. Wise guy.

  I glared at him then at Bradley.

  Sensing that I wasn’t having as much fun being teased as they were having teasing me, Bradley replied, “Yep.”

  While Colleen continued to stare at me, we sat down at our reserved table. Before Bradley left to go back to work, he told me that he was happy that I came and hoped I would like their music. I smiled shyly and blushed in response. Inside I gushed. I was sure I would, so far I liked everything about him. He walked over to Colleen, kissed her on the cheek and thanked her for bringing me.

  I turned and looked into the eyes that were burning a hole into the side of my head. “What’s up, Colleen? Are you and Bradley an item or exes? Because if you are, please tell me. I don’t want to upset anyone here.” I inadvertently sounded defensive but I couldn’t understand why she kept staring at me.

  She and Jesse cracked up. “Eww! Never! Though he is hot! I’ve never seen him act this way, so carefree. I just saw him a few days ago and he was his grumpy old self. Today he’s smiling, joking and whispering… what is that? It looks good on him.” She turned to Jesse and asked, “Don’t you see the difference, Jesse?”

  “Yea and it's grossing me out.” He exaggerated a few gags to give a barfing effect. Colleen slapped him playfully. He laughed. Their attraction to one another was undeniable. If it was the only thing I did while I’m here, then so be it. I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to get these two together. Jess interrupted my mind rant. “It’s been a long time since Brad wrote a new song. He must really like you. It’s been years since anyone has m
oved him in such a way. He actually has a glow about him. It definitely makes me want to puke. Nice work, Natalia. Do us a favor though since you’ll only be here a few weeks don’t string him along. Tell him right away.”

  “Well, he already knows. I told him last night.” I had a few questions I wanted to ask but Colleen jumped in and cut me off before I got a chance to ask them. “I also told Brad about meeting her at the store, that it seemed like we’ve been friends forever and how it was going to suck when she leaves in four weeks.”

  Moved by her comment I blurted, “Honestly Colleen, I thought you were just being kind, sort of hospitable. I feel the same way, it’s like we’ve known each other all our lives.” Well this one anyway. I don't see that we knew each other in our past lives. “It’s nice to know that after my vacation, I’ll be leaving with a new friend. Especially for me, it’s so hard for me to feel comfortable with people.” Tears filled my eyes. It was so embarrassing when I got emotional like this. I’m such a girl. I looked up at Colleen and she was teary eyed as well. We reached out to hug each other and started to giggle. Well I giggled, she laughed.

  Jesse was shaking his head saying, “Girls.”

  Before we let go of our embrace, Bradley had returned and demanded to know why I was crying. “What’s the matter, Natalia? Are you okay?” We let go, looked at Bradley, then started to cry and laugh again. “Jesse, what’s going on?” he barked.

  “Settle down, Brad, they’re just having a touchy feely moment. You know a girly moment. The only thing they are missing is the kitten. It’s really gross, save yourself and everyone else -- please play some music.”

  I looked at Bradley and winked. Seemingly satisfied, he walked back to the stage. Whoa, did I just wink at him. Why? My instincts told me to. But how did I know that a wink would comfort him? I felt it. I saw his face then felt as though I needed, desperately, to comfort him. The same way he felt the need to come over here and comfort me. This is so wonderful, weird, but still wonderful.