Only In My Dreams

Sleeping with an Empty Shell

I sobbed gut-wrenching sobs and it was a wonder that my parents or siblings didn't hear me. I threw myself at my pillows and wished I had bought ice cream last time I went to the store. i was treating this almost like a break-up, but we were never together in the first place. My sobs quieted down and I looked at my tear-stained sheets and pillows.

I have never cried more in my entire life.

I didn't notice that I fell asleep until the blackness surrounded me.

[BEN'S POV]

I flew on my bird until I got to the small island. My family owned it, so all who knew about it called it Ginger Island. It's been in my family for years. I gazed at the water thoughtfully as the bird landed. It gave me the most sympathetic look I've seen from it yet. I gave it a small smile and with a click of my tongue, it flew off. I sighed as I looked up at the small hill before me.

The small path was worn down from the many times I've used it. The wind teased my hair as I climbed higher. I got to the top and I walked up to three protruding stones in the moonlight. I closed my eyes and took a breath before kneeling in front of the grave stones.

In Memory Of:

Lori Claine Ginger

1974-2009

Loving Mother, Caring Daughter, Valued Friend

May your wings take you to His Kingdom

*

In Memory of:

Nora Grace Ginger

2001-2009

A Girl Who Embraced Life Before Death

May you live on in His Kingdom

*

In Memory Of:

Valerie Louise Barker

1994-2010

Beloved of All

May you find refuge before Him

*

  I looked at the three graves and bowed my head, offering a silent prayer to any god-like being that was out there. I sat cross-legged on the ground as it started to rain. Lacey's face flashed into my mind, both smiling and frowning, laughing and crying. The thing the scared me the most was that she didn't show any emotion after her transformation. I looked up at the gravestones again. I smiled faintly.

  "Hey Ma, Sis, Val," I whispered. "I'm sorry I didn't bring any flowers this time around. I was kind of in a hurry."

  I ran my fingers through my hair, remembering the events of the night. Helen had come to warn me of a dangerous enemy and they had already tried to poison me, when I collapsed. I blacked-out, but the next thing I saw was Lacey with her golden cloak of energy. I was still mystified that she could have so much untapped power. I sighed as I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to release the tension and the stress lingering there.

  "I'm in sort of a pickle," I admitted. "I feel like I've met you all over again, Val, but the feelings have intesified by almost millions. I can't get anything from her mind at all, let alone try to control her. She sent my strongest beast back to the depths of my mind, where it came from. I'm not sure if I'll be able to call it again." I stopped and took a shaky breath. I exhaled slowly as I went on. "She's a really powerful Blessed. I don't get it! Her parents are even Shifters, and neither is the Smith bloodline..." I stood and started to pace. "And I didn't even need to see her for the Connection to form! And she was across the entire United States! I'm so confused and dad doesn't even talk to me anymore. I wish you were still alive, all three of you. Nora, I miss my little sister so much. I still have that stuffed bear you gave me that one year for my birthday. Remember? The day before you d-" I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Went away? Mr. Snuggles? Yeah, he sits on my nightstand when I go to bed, so I can think of you every night. And I still wear your watch, Mom. Except when I'm at parties, I don't want to run the risk of it being stolen." The tears prickled my eyes as my hair flattened in the pouring rain. "Well, I have to go now, because I'm wet enough as it is, but I'll be back soon, promise. I'll bring double the flowers next time, alright? Goodnight you guys. All my love...."