Lucid Dreaming

Chapter One - Grizzly Peak

"Oh, sorry Jupiter," Ben remarked sarcastically, "I couldn't see you through that giant stack of- what the hell are you carrying?"
"Star charts, Ben. These are books filled with ancient maps of stars. Isn't that so amazing?" I replied.
"Uh huh." Ben said, looking at his phone. I know he isn't all that into astronomy like I am, but would it really be that hard to just pretend to care? He disregarded my question and continued, "Hey so how about you ditch the star charts and come to Grizzly Peak with us?"
Grizzly Peak is a mountain in Berkeley near where we live, that is widely known as a place people go to get stoned. I prefer this one trail that ends on a huge rock, and even though you can see the entire San Francisco skyline with all its lights, it's still dark enough to see millions of stars. It's also secluded so there's less of a chance of bumping into people while you're smoking.
"I would, but you know I can't just leave work." (I work at the space center. They have a volunteer program for high school students and since I'm sixteen I'm old enough to work there.)
"Oh come on," he pleaded, then added wiggling his eyebrows, "Kara will be there..."
I smiled to myself at the thought of laying on that big rock and stargazing with Kara. Holding her hand, smelling her coconut scented hair... But I know she is straight, so I try not to think about how I feel about her.
"Come on, Ben, you know me and her is never gonna happen." I looked back down at my charts.
Ben put a consoling arm around me, "I know I'm sorry I shouldn't have brought it up."
Although, I thought to myself, even if being around Kara and not being able to kiss her is painful, I can still wash away all that pain with a good high. "Alright," I gave in, "fine I'll go."
"Awesome!" Ben grinned, "let's go, I'm driving."

~-~

We pulled into the parking lot of the hiking trails. I could see a few other groups of kids from my school walking toward the trail head; it was a busy night. Typical for a Friday, though.
"Come on, there at the big rock and they have the green." Ben nodded for me to follow him.
As we walked up the trail, I couldn't stop thinking about Kara, and how I couldn't wait to see her. I don't get to hang out with her that often since I have work and she has her sister to take care of. So I was excited she could make it tonight.
"Juju, you're here!" a warm voice called to me, and whoever the voice belonged to, began to walk toward me. The smell of coconut wafted over from the person as well. Kara.
"Hey, Kara! I've missed you," I said it platonically, but I didn't mean it in that way.
"Me too! I'm so glad you're here," she grabbed my arm and led me toward the rest of the group, "come on we have gooooood weed."
I greeted Tibo, Zach, and Tyra, before sitting down between Kara and Ben. We all laughed and talked and I chatted with Kara. The bong was passed around and when it got to me, I took a nice, long hit. The good ones are the ones that make you feel like you have to cough, and this one did. But I didn't cough, I never cough. I like the feeling in your throat and coughing ruins it.
Within the next fifteen minutes, I was high as a kite, without a care in the world. Stress-free, work-free, and just relaxed. I looked to my right and zoned out staring at Ben. We've been friends for a while. We met freshman year and have hung out together ever since. I love him, as a friend of course. And he loves me as a fiend too, but sometimes I think he means it in a different way when he says it. He's hot, I'm not going to lie, and nice, funny, charming, smart. Though, for some reason I never felt romantic toward him. Maybe I think he's too good for me. Too pure. I don't want him to have the burden of my depressed, negative self.
I realized I had been staring at him for a long time, when he turned to me, laughing, and said, "Maybe I should take you home."
"What do you mean?" I replied defiantly, "I just got here!"
"Yeah, just got here an hour ago, and smoked about three buds!" He looked amused but slightly concerned.
"It's been an hour?!" I could tell my pupils were huge.
"Ok, time to go." He helped me up, said goodbye to everyone, and began walking me back down the trail.
When we made it back to the car, and I had settled into the front seat, I asked, "Hey do you think I could crash at your place tonight? I don't think my parents would approve of me coming home like this..." that was the understatement of a lifetime.
"No problem, Jj." He looked at me with that comforting look he gives, that makes you feel warm. His eyes are apple green with flecks of golden brown on the inner parts of his irises. Truly a work of art. After making that observation, I zoned out for the remainder of the car ride.
When I snapped out of my daze, we were pulling into Ben's driveway, and he was getting me out of the car, into the house, and up the stairs to his room. He let me have the bed - because it's what you're supposed to do - and he slept on the floor, which made me feel bad but I was too stoned to do anything about it. As my body fell into a deep sleep, my mind awoke with colors, patterns, and images entirely of my own creation. I love sleeping, because if there is one thing I am good at, it's dreaming.

Hey guys, I hope you liked this chapter and are excited for more! It's going to get good, so stay tuned! Come for the romance and stay for the thrill. Oh and by the way, if you were confused about Jupiter wondering why she had never had romantic feelings towards Ben (and you were prolly thinking "well duh she's gay") it's because she's Bi, not Gay. Thank you so much for reading and I'll be posting the next chapter very soon.