I woke with a start and sat up disorientated and slightly shaky. What was that all about? It was so vivid and lifelike, but it was surreal at the same time. It made absolutely no sense. I don’t think I can ever look at him the same way, without seeing those fireflies. Apparently sleeping couldn’t help me get my mind off a certain someone though. At least I felt a lot more refreshed than I had the past few days. The dream came to mind at almost every possible time, and each time I failed at trying to figure out what it mean, if it meant anything. I didn’t even bother to tell Marley or else she’d just go all hopeless romantic on me. She’d insist that this was a sign of our undying love for one another. I wasn’t in the mood for that.

I avoided any and all possible contact with Blair. Not that we ever talked to each other, but I refused to look at him in fear of seeing him like I did in my dreams. It was unbearably hard not to look at his eyes. For some reason today, of all days when I wanted to avoid him, Blair decides he wants to talk to me. He tried each and every way to get me to at least look at him. By the end of the day the refreshing energy that I had woken up with had been diminished to a nonexistent thing in my mind.

Blair had even gotten Marley to try and convince me to talk to him. “Why won’t you talk to Blair!” she exclaimed exasperatedly as we closed our lockers and walked out of the school and started walking to the ice cream shop nearby.
“Do I have to have a reason?” I said smiling at her annoyance and slight confusion.
“Yes!” she screamed causing several passersby to look at us questioningly.
“Keep your voice down, or I’m going to be deaf and will never talk to Blair,” I warned her.
“Tell me,” she whined as we reached the front of the store.
“Fine,” I cried over dramatically.
I recounted my dream to her, beginning to get worried at her solemn face. After I finished recounting my short story over ice cream I waited for her reaction. A moment passed by with her just staring at me when a large grin planted itself on her face, a squeal escaping her lips.
“It’s a sign. You two must be meant for each other. I wonder if he had the same dream as you only switched. That would be so romantic,” she sighed swooning and began rambling on again. I shook my head at her and tuned her out nodding every once and a while.

I didn’t want to go home after that, I needed to just put all my thoughts out in front of me and help stop the forming obsession with a boy I met only two days ago. I drove down a deserted highway, and parked my car by the sand of an old beach. The only sign of life was a single call from a seagull nearby. I sat on the water’s edge letting the tide soak my feet. I breathed in the salty smell of the ocean, savoring the peaceful moment. I loved this place because of the serene atmosphere and the way it could help me think of all my problems and ways to fix them. I felt myself smile thinking of everything that seemed to be a problem in my life.

I avoided the one topic that was most important not sure that I was even ready to confront it. I tucked everything else into a little box in my mind to keep anything from distracting me. The only thing I could come up with was that I definitely had feelings for Blair, but this nagging feeling was telling there was a reason I shouldn’t. At least I cleared that and some other things out of my head. It somehow felt lighter when I stood up, and was minutely proud I had gotten a small piece of the puzzle.

I didn’t want to leave just yet so I ran into the water fully clothed. It was an impulse more than anything, and I hadn’t thought it through. The water was freezing but felt good and I welcomed it laughing. I swam around, staying away from the deeper parts. I walked out of the water into the crisp air, the wind chilling me to the bone. Before I had made it to my car I had started shivering. I ran into my car turning the heat on high, struggling to get my temperature back to normal.

I immediately knew that I was going to be sick in the morning. I made it back home in my soggy clothes and changed instantly. I woke up with a splitting headache and one of the most horrible cold I’d ever had. With each step I took, I felt that someone was using the sides of my head as drums. Something wrong was happening, something very wrong. I don’t know if it I gained a sixth sense or something but I felt an unusual presence in my house.

I stalked down the stairs, becoming more confused as the faint smell a food cooking on the stove made me nauseated. I poked my head around the door, and nearly dropped the steel bat I was holding. My mom, a woman that’s barely home long enough to order takeout let alone cook a full meal, was standing at the stove shoveling eggs on a plate. My dad sat at the table, reading a newspaper and sipping coffee. I backed away from door wanting to get away from whatever surreal world I’d entered. I pinched myself several times to see if I could be dreaming, but oddly I wasn’t. Gingerly I stepped through the door as my mother’s back was turned. “Oh Ivy what happened to you, you look so sick?” my mom asked worriedly flitting around me trying to feel my forehead, “Go upstairs and take some medicine, I’ll be up in a minute with some soup and orange juice.”

I had almost forgotten about all that, but as my mom mentioned it the pounding in my head came back. I shook my head and went upstairs, doing as I was told in a trance like, befuddled state. Why would my mom and dad be home? I laid down hoping sleep would help the new issues that mixed in with the old ones. By the time my mom came in with soup I had only managed to confuse myself even more.
“Why are you here?” I blurted out as my mom placed a tray on my nightstand. She looked like she hadn’t expected to hear that.
“Well your father and I got some off time and we thought it’d be nice to spend it with you,” she said awkwardly, almost as if she wasn’t telling me something.

I nodded my head slowly; I didn’t want to ask any more questions. The entire day was filled with sleeping and watching old movies on TV. My mom and I had talked several times, but she and my dad normally kept their distance to let me rest. I tried to figure out how my life went from boring and normal, to me basically being infatuated with a stranger and my parents actually acting as if they cared. What was happening to my life?

The whole day I had ignored any phone calls from Marley because she’d use my sickness as the perfect excuse to not go to school. By the time I actually did answer her calls she wasn’t that mad at me. In fact she seemed slightly giddy.
“I know something you don’t know,” she taunted.
“Oh jeez, what is it,” I mumbled slightly afraid of what her response would be.
“Blair asked about you!” she squealed. I heard honking and shouting and instantly frowned.
“Be careful while you’re driving,” I scolded her.
“Hello, the guy you are madly in love with asked about you today, and you’re telling me about my driving skills!” she screamed. I heard more honking and shouts from Marley, “Some people can just drive terribly.”
“You mean people like you, and besides I’m not madly in love with anyone,” I told her lightly.
“Sure you’re not,” she said sarcastically, “well I have to go Ms. In Denial, bye.”

I rolled my eyes and went back to staring at the TV. My mind was more focused on the fact that Blair actually asked about me. I reached for my phone and dialed Marley’s number.
“I knew you’d call back, and I bet you want to know what he asked am I correct,” she said triumphantly as she answered the phone.
“Just a little,” I grumbled stubbornly.
“He came up to me and asked if you were okay, were you sick, if you needed anything, and he sounded so worried when he said it,” she said sighing dreamily, “see I told you, you two are perfect for each other.”

I said goodbye and smiled a little at her comment. I looked outside at the rain and let out a contented sigh. I walked over to the doors to my balcony and opened them just looking outside, the occasional drop of rain hitting me. I was enjoying the peaceful moment when something glowing caught my attention in the woods behind my house. It was shiny blue that looked really pretty against the forest. I wanted to go see what it was.

I crept down the stairs, avoiding the creaky spots so I wouldn’t disturb my parents. I walked barefooted across the wet grass toward the shiny blue light. I was so close that I could almost begin to make out what it was when it was jerked back. I followed it, when I tripped over a stray branch. When I looked up I met stormy eyes, with little blue and purple raindrops falling in them.

Too shocked to even move I backed away quickly, the eyes disappearing. My breathing increased as I sat there, in mud trying to get the image of those eyes out of my head. It couldn’t have been Blair because that was impossible. I don’t know how long I sat in the mud just staring at nothing hoping to see those eyes reappear. As if my senses had finally come back I shook my head and stood up. Mud was caked on nearly every possible surface of my pants.
“Ivy Jade Lispen, what on earth happened to you!” my mom explained when I made my way into the house.
“I slipped in some mud,” I grumbled.
“Well you march yourself up those stairs right now missy and take a shower, you are covered in mud,” my mom ordered.

I almost smiled at how motherly she sounded and did as I was told. I cleaned up and fell into a much welcomed, dreamless sleep. I woke up feeling loads better than yesterday and got ready for school. I’d managed to tuck away any thoughts of Blair and the eyes I saw in the forest as I got ready for school. My parents were home still which made me happy. I drove to school early just because I wanted to. The school was nearly deserted by this time of morning with only the rare teacher or lone student milling around.

Students were allowed to wander around the halls at this hour if they didn’t make a disturbance. So I did just that. I walked through hallway after hallway, entertaining myself with silly stories in my head. I started humming and twirling in small circles like a small child, a smile settling on my face. I was enjoying my little kid moment when a soft throat clearing interrupted it. I saw Blair standing there grinning at me, and watched me with smiling eyes.
“Well I see you’re feeling better,” he stated walking up to me.
“Yeah, I’m fit as a fiddle now,” I replied instantly regretting it. I can’t believe I just said that. He let out a low chuckle and looked at me intensely, as if looking for something. I gazed back into his eyes; searching for answers to questions I didn’t know needed answering. We were having a moment, not a romantic one, but a moment nonetheless.

The moment was ended as the bell rang and students started to fill the hall and he walked away. No goodbye or anything just leaving me alone again with more questions and zero answers. I didn’t understand this guy, and I wasn’t sure I ever would. I headed to first period and sat in my seat deciding to wait on telling Marley about earlier. We were talking when Blair walked in and I offered him a small smile in which he returned with a huge grin.

Marley looked at me questionably before whispering to me that I’d better tell her what happened. I promised I would, but frankly I didn’t even know what happened. Class began with our teacher in one of her moods again. The day was just one big blur of monotony and confusion as I had I had trouble comprehending even the simplest of classes. I felt like a zombie walking aimlessly to classes that would almost bore me to tears. I felt so tired that by the end of the day I felt I might just drop like a fly and sleep in the middle of the hallway. Marley helped keep me up partly because every time I saw her she kept reminding me to tell her what happened to me and Blair this morning.

Sweet freedom from the torture of school had ended as those welcomed bells signaled us to leave. I was so ready to get out of this place I left without even saying goodbye to Marley. My eyes immediately closed as I went into my room and fell onto my bed. I swear I could have slept through three hurricanes, nine thunderstorms, and a tornado. I woke up to a dark sky, and silent house. The digital clock on my nightstand read 2:39. My phone was beeping frenziedly, blinking with new messages. I had about 23 call from Marley and 20 from a new number. I didn’t even want to see how many texts there were.
“Where in Samantha Hill have you been exactly Ms. Ivy Jade Lispen!” she shouted angrily after the first ring.
“Sleeping,” I muttered groggily, involuntarily shrugging my shoulders in the dark.
“Sleeping! Do you know that Blair and I have been worried sick about you? We thought you were dead, raped, or lying in a ditch somewhere. He wanted to send a search party after you, a freaking search party Ivy!” she screamed. I could hear a mix of anger and relief in her tone.
“Did he call me?” I asked after she’d calmed down.
“Yeah, like 20 times. You better call him and apologize right now missy,” she ordered me.
“I was going to do that anyway, bye,” I said pressing end. I sat cross-legged on my bed and thought about how I was going to apologize to Blair. I must have picked up the phone a dozen times before getting up the nerve to call him. I felt like I was in junior high, asking out a guy for the first time. By the third ring a remotely familiar voice picked up. His voice sounded tired and ragged, like he’d been up all night. My voice caught in my throat and I managed to say something at the last second.
“Hi Blair,” my voice said sounding oddly high pitched.
“Ivy?” he asked sounding hopeful.
“Yeah,” my voice was small.
“Ivy where have you been? I’m so glad you’re okay. You are okay, aren’t you?” He asked. His voiced mixed with great relief and a little worry at the end.
“Yeah, I’m fine, I just was really tired and I fell asleep. I’m so sorry I worried you and Marley. Please don’t be mad,” I rushed.
“I’m not mad at all, just really glad you’re okay,” he sighed.
“Are you okay you sound tired, maybe you should drink some tea. I know a great tea recipe,” I babbled, feeling incredibly guilty.
“I’m fine,” he laughed, still sounding exhausted.
“Why did you worry about me so much? Marley said you wanted to send a search team after me,” I blurted.
“Oh, um I just got really worried I guess, well goodnight and see you at school tomorrow,” he mumbled embarrassedly.
“Bye,” I muttered and clicked off the connection.

I can’t believe he worries about me. I wanted to get up and dance around my room screaming yes, but thought better of it. I couldn’t help but grin at the thought of him thinking about if I was okay let alone worrying. Then again I felt awfully guilty about him distressing over me. Even if he wasn’t exactly in distress over me I still felt terrible. Maybe I should bake him cookies or something. Before I could make a final judgment on that decision I saw the glowing blue light I had seen the other day. Only this time it was accompanied by green and purple lights.

I let my curiosity get the best of me again and went to see what those things were. I snuck outside and got so close before they disappeared again like they were being jerked by something. I followed it this time, and yet again I trip on a stupid tree branch or something. I looked up expecting to see those stormy eyes, but I only saw the darkness of the forest. A little disappointed and more than a little perplexed, I walked back inside the house and slept away the few hours I had before school.

I went to school with butterflies and fear rising in my stomach. The fear was for Marley and the butterflies were for Blair. I walked to my locker with no signs of Blair or Marley in sight. Just when I thought that I could make it to class without seeing either one of them, Marley had to go and ruin it.
“Young lady, you are in deep, deep, deep trouble,” she hissed at me, stressing out every word.
“Yes, mother,” I saluted her mockingly.
“Don’t sass me, you are grounded for a month, no Blair, now march to class young lady,” she said jokingly.

We walked to class laughing, but not before she made me promise I would never do something like that. Even though all I did was simply fall asleep.

We sat down and chatted for a minute until Blair walked in. She sent me a stern look, that said “talk to him” and I did.
“Hey Blair,” I said shakily, “how are you feeling.” I heard Marley snort as she tried to cover up a laugh.
“Hello Ivy, I’m good,” he said smiling at me.

Before he or I could say anything, the bell rang signaling the start of class.
“Today class I will be assigning partner projects,” boomed the voice of our teacher, “and don’t bother thinking that you’re picking your own partner. I have assigned each and every one of you a partner.” An assortment of groans flew around the room. As she started reading out the list of partners, I was secretly hoping that I either got Blair as a partner or that I at least wasn’t partners with Marley. Even though Marley was my best friend, she was useless when it came to projects. A sudden pairing caught my attention.
“…Ivy Lipsen and Blair Nottwood,” she called. I could have fainted at those words, I was so happy. I tried keeping the stupid grin that kept trying to plant itself on my face, off.
“Your assignment is to find out how the other person lives. You will visit their house, observe them, and become them. By the end of this project you will be able to recite facts about and answer questions about them at the speed of lightning,” our teacher stated dramatically.

I looked over at Blair and he caught my eyes smiling. Marley was busy trying to decide whether or not to squeal for me or her. She got Matthew Drilden, her longtime crush of seven years. The rest of class flew by and before I knew it the bell rang.
“So Ivy, would you like to come over to my house tomorrow or me go to your house?” Blair asked.
“If it’s okay can we go to your house first, I’m going to have to convince mine,” I said sighing. And convince I would.
“Sure, you can ride with me after school Friday,” he smiled and walked away.
I felt Marley grip my arm and I jumped. I didn’t even know she was standing there. She seemed to have an evil glint in her eyes, and I dashed to class not wanting to know. That girl could have seriously messed up ideas when she got that glint in her eye. For the rest of the day I had a smile on my face. I didn’t even get scared when my French teacher announced a pop quiz. Nothing could possibly go wrong, that is until my car decided it didn’t want to start.

The end of a wonderful day had come and the wonderful part had to be screwed up by my car. Every key turn only got a little lifeless sputter. I banged my head against the wheel repeatedly until there was a tap on my window. I looked up and saw Blair with a raised eyebrow.
“Need a ride?” he asked when I climbed out of my car. I looked at it ruefully, nodding my head yes. I followed him to his expensive car and hopped in. That was day I promised myself to never ride in a car with Blair as long as I live. By the time we reached my house my nails were digging into the leather armrest in near hysterics. He gave me an apologetic smile and I gave him a shaky one back. I waved goodbye and collapsed on the floor, kissing it when I got inside.
“Marley, did you drive with Blair when you were looking for me?” I asked her on the phone.
“At first, but then I made him drop me back so I could drive myself. The dude has major speed limit issues,” she said laughing.
“Then why didn’t you tell me that!” I yelled at her.
“Why, did you ride with him home today or something?” she laughed.
“Yes!” I screamed at her.
“Oh, well next time I’ll be sure to tell you,” she said surprised but I could tell she wanted to laugh, “well bye Ivy.”
I sighed and shut my phone. I was beyond the point of boredom and was crossing into desperateness. I needed something to do before I went crazy. It seemed like hours passed when the sun finally sank into the horizon and the moon hovered like a silver circle in the sky.

By the time dinner came I found myself staring at an old crayon drawing on my wall from two years ago. I didn’t realize that I was so hungry because I nearly devoured my food within minutes. My parents had worried looks on their faces so I slowed down.
“Honey we’ve noticed that over the past few days you’ve been extremely tired and eating very fast, we want to know if you, if you’ve been doing drugs,” my mom asked worriedly. My food sprayed from my mouth all across the table. Was she serious?
“Of course I’m not doing drugs,” I retorted aghast.
“Well is something wrong dear?” my mom seemed genuinely concerned. I don’t know why but her sudden willingness to care angered me.
“Why should you care, you’re never here anyway! If something is wrong with me I’ll deal with it without the help of you! I didn’t need you caring before this week, and I do not need it now!” I screamed. I felt a small pang of guilt as I saw the words sting her, but I was too angry to even care.

I rushed up the stairs and slammed my room door lying down on my bed. I took deep breaths to calm myself and stared at the ceiling. The guilt came in heavier as it found a way into my thinking. I couldn’t help but see the pain spread across my mother’s face. I winced at the memory of it.
Quietly I padded down the stairs making my way to the kitchen. I decided that it would be best if I apologized to my mom. I put my head through the door and caught my mom looking blankly at a cup of coffee. I took a seat across from her and just stared down at my knuckles, tracing the lines on them. Neither of us said anything for a while before I managed to find my words.
“I’m sorry for what I said at dinner,” I apologized, my voice barely above a whisper.
“It’s not like what you said wasn’t true. You had every right to yell,” she stated giving me a small smile and I gave her a confused look, “what I mean is that your father and I do work ridiculous hours, we don’t spend enough time with you, and we never meant to make you feel like we don’t care because we do,” she said looking at me. We were bonding, I think. At least it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I said goodnight and hugged her for the first time in who knows how long.

That night I actually fell asleep and had absolutely no dream. I was having a good morning before I grasped the fact that I didn’t have a car. I refused the offers to let my parents drive me and just decided to walk. Besides, walking was better for the environment. I arrived to school finding my car where I left it. I almost wanted to go see if it was working but then that would have just been a waste of time. I was almost late to class anyway.

I slipped through the door in just enough time to not be tardy. I slipped into my seat and smiled at Marley and Blair.
“So are you ready for this afternoon?” Blair whispered to me. I gave him a confused look.
“Remember we’re going to my house to start the project,” he continued. I had completely forgotten about that!
“Oh yeah, I’m ready,” I lied easily. The truth was that I wasn’t ready and I was now freaking out.
“Hey Ivy, what’s up,” Marley asked when she saw me after class.
“Help Me!” I hissed grabbing her shoulders and shaking, “I forgot that I was going to Blair’s house today!”

She looked frazzled for a few minutes before her mouth formed a perfect ‘O’ of realization. All of a sudden she decided to burst out laughing. Her laugh quickly escalated to an insane level of hysteria. I glared at her and walked away from my useless best friend so I wouldn’t be late for class.