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Dream Seeker: Prelude to Remembrance written by Anthony DeCarvalho
Table of Contents
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Dace Senoit dreamt four dreams. Dace dreamt of Marlina, a fellow classmate and a girl he liked a lot. She sat in front of a looking-glass mirror. Dace leaned over her shoulder, staring at her reflection. Dace told Marlina how he loved her, and wanted to go out with her. Marlina tensed, giggled and shook her head. Dace dreamt of San Francisco, and a mysterious woman who seemed to love him. Dace had always wondered if the west coast was the best place for him, once he was finished with High School. This vision of the city by the bay seemed to draw him closer to this possibility. The mysterious woman who gave him affection didn’t hurt his impressions of the city, either. Dace dreamt of Jerry, who was like a father to him, but who was hundreds of miles away in New York. This dream seemed to happen in the future. Dace and Jerry were watching some kind of 3-dimensional, holographic television. Dace wished that Jerry was down here, in Florida, with his mother, but…. Dace dreamt of his mother, Janet, and saw her with yet another jerk for a boyfriend. Dace was powerless to prevent his presence in their household. Dace wondered if Janet would ever see the light, and drag Jerry down here. This dream seemed to happen in the near future, in October. Currently, it was May, and Dace had two months of school left before summer break. His junior year, grades-wise, had gone well. He was pulling A’s and B’s. He was on the honor roll. He was already planning for college. Socially, Dace’s experiences were not so pleasant. Dace had few friends. Those friends he did have would occasionally distance themselves, usually after an emotional outburst. Dace was unhappy. Dace was lonely. Dace was caught in a potentially self-destructive loop. Dace woke up from his four dreams feeling quite miraculous. You see, Dace did not normally remember any dream, let alone four. As a matter of fact, he had been begging the unseen powers-that-be (who Dace refused to name or define) to bless him with remembrance of dreams. Finally, Dace thought, as he wrote down his four visions in detail. Dace believed in the power of dreams. He had helped a friend remember a dream, purely on accident, and the after-effects of his friend’s remembrance were remarkable. Dace, inspired by his friend’s solution, sought his own solace in the land of sleep, hoping to understand his depression, and hoping to escape the feelings that tortured him so. Finally, Dace Senoit remembered not only a dream, but four in one night! His skeptical prayers had been answered today, and for the rest of his life. These four dreams would alter Dace’s viewpoint of life, and would be the impetus for his journey across the country, helping men and women remember their dreams, inspiring them to live towards their true potential. Alas, these stories are for another day. Today, you will read about the first story – the first time that Dace inspired a fellow human traveller to transcend this non-existence, and reach for the ethereal. You will see how Dace sparked remembrance of a long-forgotten dream, and the miracles that followed in the friend’s life. Perhaps this will spark you to remember your dreams. After all, are not dreams the providence of wisdom? And would it not be wise to be aware of your dreams? Perhaps your dreams hold the key to your ideal purpose. Perhaps your dreams could guide you, if only you would let. Beware! Do not believe false realities. You will know by the vividness of the vision you’ve had. The truth is plain, without pretense or advertising drive. You will not be “sold” the truth; you will simply be exposed to it. False realities, however, will sell you an appealing idea. Whether it’s the wrong college or a life of crime, false dreams are the province of Traders, who only wish to profit off your suffering. Please be careful to know the difference between Traders, and true dreams. Enough of my ranting. On with the story! The Traveller At the End of Time and Space ***
Chapter 1: Whatever happened to Freddie Mcgee? Dace woke up at 5:00 A.M. one March morning. Unlike most kids his age, Dace had little trouble waking up for school. You see, Dace didn’t sleep very well – he rarely had dreams to soothe his troubled mind. So, for Dace, staying in the waking world was much more appealing than the land of dreams. This morning found Dace fretting about school. The varsity jocks liked to pick on Dace because of his quiet demeanor. Dace did not want trouble, and he didn’t have the power or allies to strike out against those who bothered. So Dace kept quiet, hoping for the day when relief would come. Dace had few friends. He met one at the bus stop. “Good morning, Dace.” “Hi, Marlina.” “What’s wrong with you?” Dace didn’t want to reveal his fears, so instead he chose a secondary issue. “Have you heard from Freddie?” Freddie was another friend of Dace’s. Freddie hadn’t been seen since winter break. No one knew if he was sick, or just skipping class. Marlina lived near Freddie, and Dace wondered if she had seen him. “Nope. Haven’t seen him.” And that answered Dace’s question. At any rate, Freddie was a good kid. Like Dace, Freddie was quiet. Unlike Dace, Freddie had an easier time making friends. Sometimes, Freddie was able to deflect some of the social pressure off of Dace, as well as keep the Varsity guys at bay. Freddie’s charm disarmed most of the students who approached him, from what Dace had seen. Freddie being gone this long was strange … too strange. It was time to check on him, and find out what was going on. Dace suggested this to Marlina, and they agreed to go over to Freddie’s house after school.
The streets of Sunrise were unusually quiet for a Tuesday evening. It felt as if everyone had decided to hide in their homes, making no noise. Cars passed infrequently. Dace wondered if a holiday was coming up. Marlina rang the door. Freddie’s parents owned a one-story house in a development. The house faced a two-lane thoroughfare, which led to a main roadway. The willow trees on the side of the house provided shade for the house during the day, and protection from prying eyes at night. Freddie came to the door. He looked as if he had been crying. “Freddie!” Marlina said. “Where have you been?” “I…I’ve been skipping class,” Freddie began, “but I’ll be in class tomorrow. My parents and I had to straighten everything out with the Principal today.” “Oh, man. Now you’re going to fail!” said Dace. “No. We worked out an arrangement where I’ll be allowed to make up the work I’ve missed for the past three months.” Freddie Mcgee was quite intelligent. If anyone could make up the work, it would be Freddie. “But why, Freddie? Why did you skip class?” Marlina asked. “I…I was tired.” Dace and Freddie ate lunch together the next day. They sat in the cavernous lunchroom, plastic trays filled with unappetizing meats and vegetables steaming in front of them. “What was tiring you?” Dace asked. “I felt unsure of myself. I didn’t know if I was heading in the right direction. I mean, what is the point of all this? What happens after we leave High School, Dace?” “Well, we go to college.” “Then what?” “Well, we work.” “Then?” “Then… we raise a family, we retire…” “And?” “I don’t know.” “That’s my point,” said Freddie. “I don’t know, either. I mean, we spend years and years, doing stuff, and we don’t even know what our final destination is. That’s why I stopped coming to school, Dace. I needed to figure out where I was headed.” “Huh. Did you figure it out?” Dace asked. “Not really,” Freddie answered. The two friends talked for the remainder of the lunch period. Dace changed the topic, deciding discretion was the better part of valor. That night, as Dace prepared for another fitful night of sleep, he thought of his friend’s words. It had never occurred to Dace to stop living because the future was unclear. For example, Dace didn’t know if he’d ever have a girlfriend, and he got along okay! There seemed, to Dace, to be something deeper behind Freddie’s words. Dace could feel Freddie scratching at the surface of a profound discovery, but couldn’t complete the sentence that expressed the profundity. The idea of not toiling for years was appealing to Dace. Dace would love to have the freedom to discover the world. Unfortunately, Dace wasn’t sure what life had in store for him. Dace didn’t know what the future held, and this did scare him. Dace felt all alone in this world … but this feeling did not prevent him from functioning. Dace simply rolled with the punches, and waited for answers to his questions. The next day, Marlina joined Dace and Freddie for lunch. She was curious about Freddie. “So, you feeling better?” Marlina asked. “Eh,” answered Freddie. “I was doing some thinking about what you said, Freddie, and I decided that maybe our final destination will be revealed to us as we live our lives,” said Dace. “What?” Marlina asked. “Yeah,” Freddie responded to Dace. “Maybe you’re right.” “What are you guys talking about?” Marlina insisted. “Well,” Dace stated, “yesterday we were talking about what happens after we’ve lived our lives – what our final destination is. We both didn’t know where we’re really headed.” “Go to Blockbuster!” Marlina giggled. Freddie and Dace both stared at Marlina. “Sorry,” Marlina said. Dace and Freddie began talking baseball while Marlina ate her lunch. Neither boy knew how to talk to Marlina, and she enjoyed listening to the meaningless chatter. Today’s chatter would end up not being so meaningless, however. “So,” Dace asked, “it’s like when Tino hit the home run off Pedro, even though he was in a slump and no one believed Pedro could lose…” “Whoa! You just reminded me of a dream!” said Freddie. Dace’s eyebrows rose. “Really?” Marlina looked up from her lunch. “Yes. It was an amazing dream I had last night, but I had forgotten it when I woke up. What you were saying about Tino overcoming his slump reminded me of what I dreamt last night.” “Well,” said Dace, “what did you dream?” Freddie went on to describe an incredible dream. “There were green fields … everywhere! I ate fruit, and walked. I looked up, and a skyscraper floated in the sky. The top of the skyscraper angled towards me, but remained floating. Suddenly, I was walking on the side of the skyscraper, racing to the base of the building before the building turned completely upside down! I felt like I was on the Titanic…. “I remember reaching the top, which was the bottom of the building. The bottom of the building was all full of black dirt and muck. It looked more like the bottom of an uprooted tree, not a building. “I slipped and fell off the building. I wasn’t scared, but I waved my arms frantically anyway. I knew I was about to die. Just when I thought I should hit ground, I landed in water. “There was a big splash, and then I went under for a few seconds. The water was real dark, like that scene at the end of Titanic, where everyone’s trying to get to the surface of the water. I got to the surface, and I was breathing hard! It was raining, and the water was choppy. I was bobbing up and down. “Then, I heard this voice, echoing over the water. It said something like ‘All life has meaning’ and ‘all things live, even those which do not’. And that was it. That’s all I remember.” Freddie shook his head. The experience of recalling the dream was having an impact on Freddie. “Whew. That was something,” Dace said. Marlina had stopped eating – she was staring at Freddie. “I think I know what that dream means, Dace,” Freddie said. “All things live, even those which do not. All things …” “What – I don’t get it,” said Marlina. “Don’t you see? In the dream, I thought I was dead. I should’ve been! But the impossible happened. I lived….” Freddie trailed off. “I still don’t get it,” said Marlina. “Maybe it’s just for me to understand, Mar,” stated Freddie. “I don’t know. What do you think Dace?” “I think it’s for you to understand. If the dream means something to you … that’s all that matters.” “Well, what does the dream mean to you?” asked Marlina. “I honestly don’t know. I can’t say I’ve ever tried to interpret dreams … heck, I haven’t remembered a dream since I was a little kid.” Freddie and Marlina both looked at Dace, surprised by this revelation. Marlina finally said, “That’s terrible, Dace!” Dace shook his head, startled. “What? It’s no big deal!” “No big deal? Don’t you see? It is a big deal!” said Freddie. “By helping me remember my dream from last night, you’ve helped me understand myself better!” “A lot of good that does me – I still can’t remember my dreams!” Dace got up to leave. “I’m happy I was able to help you remember … but unless you can help me remember, there’s not much point in worrying about my dreams. Unless you have a cure for my insomnia….” “Maybe you should go to the doctor,” said Freddie. “With what health insurance? What, is the school going to pay to investigate my lack of sleep, or my inability to dream? Life’s just not that easy for people like me,” replied Dace, as he walked away from the table. “Geez, he’s mad,” said Marlina. “Yeah,” replied Freddie, “I wish I could help him. I really do.” ***
Chapter 2: The questions that were answered, which led to more questions Freddie Mcgee kept coming to school, which everyone who knew him took as a sign that he was feeling better. Dace was happy for Freddie, but there were also things troubling young Senoit’s mind. Dace wanted to ask Marlina to the Junior Prom, but he didn’t have the guts. Dace was afraid she would say no. Dace fretted about this problem for days. With each passing day, the possibility grew that someone else would ask Marlina to the Prom. Dace didn’t want to miss his opportunity, but he was afraid she would reject him One night in mid-April, Dace sat up in his bed and cursed at the ceiling, “Why can’t I have a dream that solves my problem?” His mother Janet responded by asking, “Is everything okay, Dacey?” “Yes, Jan,” Dace answered, “everything’s okay.” But everything was not okay. Dace was horrified – so horrified that he stayed up the entire night. Dace’s inability to sleep deeply, coupled with his lack of dream remembrance, was becoming increasingly frustrating.
Freddie McGee was excelling in his classes. “Hi, Dace,” Freddie said cheerily that morning, before the first class. Dace looked up, smiled, and then looked back down. “What’s wrong?” asked Freddie, eyebrows furrowed with concern. Dace looked away. “I can’t – I think I caught what you had, Fred.” Fred squeezed his lips together. “Oh. Well, what do your dreams tell you?” “I can’t dream, okay? I can’t remember my dreams, I have no dreams, Fred. Okay? Happy?” “No,” stated Freddie, matter-of-factly, “I’m not happy. I forgot you couldn’t remember your dreams … and I wish I could help you.” “Well, you can’t. You and your freaky dreams can’t,” said Dace, storming off to first period. As Dace sat in second period Earth Science, a wave of loneliness swept over him, and he savored the sensation. Truth be told, Dace secretly enjoyed being alone. Nothing inspired his imagination more than being alone in his bedroom, watching a baseball game, and allowing his mind to drift. Nothing gave him greater culinary pleasure than eating alone. He enjoyed walking alone … thinking alone … writing alone … talking alone … alone. Dace felt that loneliness once again, and he enjoyed the moment. He had not felt this way since Freddie’s return to school. Now, the loneliness returned – that sense that he was a man against the world … that sense that dogged him into a state of perpetual dreamlessness, revisited him. If he could not feel sleep, at least he could feel lonely. And he was alone. He could never have a girlfriend, or at least, that’s what his loneliness told him. He could never be close to someone without being betrayed, his loneliness counseled. Surely there was a way to mutually bond with someone, anyone! But no, his loneliness reasoned, there was no escape, surely as there was no oxygen on the Moon.
Dace walked through the hallways of his school in between third and fourth period, feeling trapped. There was no one he felt comfortable talking to; not even Marlina, who he definitely was not asking out to the Junior Prom now – Dace figured she already had a date for that night. And Dace felt truly alone. Freddie had been avoiding Dace, and with good reason – Dace was very hard to be with at the moment. Marlina and Freddie hung out by themselves, hoping Dace would snap out of his funk. “What is with him?” asked Marlina. “He doesn’t even say hello!” “I know he’d like to dream at night.” Said Freddie. “What, do you think he’s jealous?” asked Marlina. “Jealous? Of me? Maybe.” “He’s probably wondering why he can’t solve whatever his problem is as quickly as you solved yours,” said Marlina. “Quickly? I was struggling for months, and....” “I know. I know,” Marlina said, reaching out to hold Freddie’s hand. Freddie looked at her hand on his. “Oh,” he said. Freddie looked up at Marlina. Marlina’s eyes seemed to melt under Freddie’s curious gaze. They leaned over tentatively, unsure of what they were about to do. Like iron filings caught in a magnetic draw, they kept moving closer, and closer, until finally, they kissed each other on the lips. Their kiss was slow and passionate. For what felt like the sweetest eternity, the two felt part of something greater than themselves. Dace, rounding the corner, caught sight of this and felt his world collapse. He no longer felt alone; he felt part of a merciless world, of which he could never escape.
That night, Dace slinked into his room after dinner and closed the door behind him. He grabbed his pillow and turned on the television. While hugging his pillow, he heard the voice of his mother Janet and her boyfriend Richard. They were arguing again. Dace thought about his mother and her inability to find a good man. Actually, there was one man, Dace recalled. Jerry. Jerry lived in the Northeast. He had been the closest thing Dace ever had to a father. He mentored Dace through some tough times, and he shared the same interests in baseball and comics. Dace missed Jerry … and Dace remembered that Janet seemed happier when Jerry was around. Jerry stayed in touch with Janet and Dace; he was a close family friend, to this day, even though he was hundreds of miles away. Dace wished he could do something … when the thought occurred to him that he could! If Dace could help Freddie overcome his sadness, maybe he could find a way to help his mother get back with Jerry. And then, maybe Dace would be one step closer to being happier with himself and life. When the yelling stopped, Dace went downstairs. “Jan?” Dace called. He always called his mother by her first name, unless he wanted something. “Yes, Dacey?” replied Janet. “What happened?” Janet went on to describe a frivolous argument based on a silly disagreement over which movie should’ve been rented. “He wanted ’Thirteen Days’, and I wanted ‘Room with a View’ – can you believe it?” “No, Jan. I can’t,” replied Dace. The argument turned into a shouting match when Richard claimed he felt smothered, and Janet didn’t feel she was getting the attention she deserved. “He thought I was controlling him, and taking away time from his life. I told him, ‘If he felt that way, maybe he shouldn’t be here!’ and he left.” “Wow. You know, mom – you never used to argue with Jerry like that.” “Jerry … yeah, it was nice having him around. Too bad he’s up north.” “I know, mom. I know. Hey, maybe we could call him, and see if he’d like to come down for a visit?” Janet looked at her son, sensing she was being led to do something. “No. He’d never want to visit anyway. There’s no point in asking him.” “But, mom! You said it yourself, ‘it was nice having him around’. You actually got along with Jerry, and I bet if you asked him to come down, he might actually do it!” “No. Jerry could never take a hint. It’s a waste of time. I’ve had to move on. So should you.” Dace was furious and frustrated. “Mom, why can’t you see that what I’m saying makes sense?! Give Jerry a call!” “I did not finishing arguing with one man just so I could argue with my son! I know Jerry was good to you – but it would never work. You just have to understand that, okay?” “You’re a quitter, Janet.” Dace stormed off to his room, but Janet cut him off in the hallway. “Listen to me,” she said. “You will not disrespect me like that in this house. I have fought long and hard to provide a home for you, and I will not have you being unappreciative. Do you understand me?” Dace looked down at his shoes. “I just don’t want to see you unhappy, mom. I think Jerry would make you feel happy.” Dace walked around his mother, and went to his room. Janet entered Dace’s bedroom just as he sat down on his bed. Janet knelt before him. “Look, son. I wish things were different, but they’re not. We just have to make the best of it, okay?” Dace nodded, but his face revealed his true feelings. “I know you’re upset, but someday you’ll understand this was for the best. Now try to get some sleep.” Janet knew her son was a light sleeper, although she did not realize the extent of her son’s insomnia. “Goodnight,” she said, as she left the room. “Goodnight, mom.” That weekend, Dace contacted Jerry via telephone. Jerry was pleased to hear from Dace – they talked baseball for a few minutes before Dace mustered the courage to get to his point. “So, Jerry – you ever think of coming down here?” “What? On vacation?” asked Jerry. “Uh, sure,” Dace answered tentatively. “I’ve thought about it,” said Jerry, “and, right now, it’s just not cost effective for me to head down there. Besides I like the city at this time of year. Maybe during the winter….” “Well, I mean, don’t you ever think about coming to see us?” There was silence on the phone line. Finally, Jerry answered, “Of course I do, kiddo. I think about you and your mom all the time. It would be real nice if I could work that out, but now is not the right time. I have a lot of obligations up here, and…..” “Look, mom needs you. I need you. And, it’s not like you’re seeing anybody, so….” “Look, Dace, I hear you, but not now. Maybe during the winter, once I’ve gotten through some things … I can come and see you. Until then … why don’t you two come visit me?” “You know mom. She doesn’t have the money.” “Right. Well, why don’t you save up some cash so you can visit? It sounds like you want to see me, more than anything else. We could catch a Mets game….” “I’m going to school. They don’t pay you for that, Jerry.” “Right. Well,” Jerry mused, “we’ll just have to find a way – hopefully by winter time.” Dace and Jerry spoke for a few more minutes. They talked about trading Mike Piazza … they talked about Rick Reed … and Dace was no closer to getting Jerry and his mom back together now than from the time the conversation began. Dace knew he had a friend and mentor in Jerry, but he wished he had more. Dace knew he wasn’t going up north anytime soon, so he did the next best thing – he took a walk around his apartment complex. The wind was breezy and cool. The clouds flew overhead, flowing quickly towards the eastern coastline, and ocean waters. Dace did not believe in God, per say, but he wondered how sheer random design could be so beautiful and cohesive. As Dace walked along, he spotted a bench—his favorite bench. Dace enjoyed sitting there and watching the breeze flow through the trees, and the cars enter and exit the apartment complex’s parking lot. Seeing the flow of life seemed to hint at some grand design, though Dace wasn’t sure who was behind it all. As Dace sat down, a woman approached, making a bee-line for the same bench Dace sat on. Dace enjoyed being alone, but he wasn’t about to give the appearance of being frightened by an old lady! So, he sat and hoped that the lady would pass by. “Well, well. You look might lonely, just sitting there, young man. Tell me, what seems to be the trouble?” Dace was surprised by this older woman’s concern, and decided to be avoidant. “Well, ma’am, I was just sitting here, watching the traffic … staying out of trouble, I guess.” “Hmph. Looks to me like you’re going to get into trouble if you just sit there brooding!” the lady said, as she sat down next to Dace. “My name is Edith,” she said as she offered her hand to shake. Dace reluctantly shook Edith’s hand and said, “My name’s Dace.” “Dace. My, that’s an interesting name – I’ve never heard of anyone named ‘Dace’” Dace just nodded his head and began to look towards the road surrounding the parking lot. “I can see you’re going to be a tough one,” said Edith. “Tell me, Dace – do you ever dream?” Dace shot a look at Edith. He was surprised by the question. “How did you know? No. I don’t dream.” Dace looked towards the ground – the source of his frustrations brought to surface. Edith put her hand on Dace’s shoulder and said, “There, there, boy. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. You’d be surprised how few people actually remember any of their dreams.” “Really?” “Really. And the fact that you are troubled by this is a good sign, Dace. It means you’re going to remember – you just have to figure out how.” Edith went on to detail to Dace several techniques for dream remembrance. “You want to make sure you tell yourself to remember your dreams, every night before going to bed, Dace. This will train your mind and body to remember,” she said to him. “Be sure to keep a dream journal, as well,” Edith admonished. “You’d be surprised all the good ideas your dreams will contain.” Before Edith left, Dace asked her, “How did you know? You never answered that question.” Edith smiled, and answered, “I had a dream, Dace, that I would meet someone out here, on this bench. In that dream, the boy I met couldn’t remember his dreams … I helped teach him to remember. When I saw you, I knew my dream had come true.” “Wow.” “You have a gift, Dace – remembering your dreams will help you understand what that gift is.” “Wow. Thanks.” “If you ever want to talk, I’m in apartment 306. Don’t be shy, Dace!” Dace smiled. “I won’t be, Edith.”
***
Freddie Mcgee sat in a green field, eating fruit. He was behind the school, sitting in the middle of the quarter-mile track. The wind blew, forcing Freddie to keep his napkins and lunch bag under his leg. Freddie enjoyed the green field; it reminded him of the dream that answered his questions about life – unfortunately, that dream had only led to more questions. For one – how was he to get Dace out of his depression? It seemed that Dace had inherited Freddie’s self-destructive behavior. Freddie wondered if there was a way for him to help Dace remember a dream … but Freddie didn’t know what words would trigger such memories. After all, it had been a baseball reference that got Freddie to remember – who knew? Second – what was Freddie to do about Marlina? They both had grown cold to each other after the initial kiss a few weeks back. Both knew that Dace really liked Marlina – and neither wanted to hurt Dace’s feelings. Freddie had shied away from asking Marlina to the Prom because of Dace … and Marlina had grown cool towards Freddie … and any other guy, for that matter. She seemed content to go it alone, for the moment. Freddie wondered if he and Marlina should just go out, and forget about Dace’s feelings. After all, they did kiss each other! But Freddie knew that Marlina really liked Dace, and she would miss Dace if they tried to go steady. Dace would always come between them -- so Freddie felt it best to leave well enough alone. So, he sat in the middle of a green field, staring at the noonday sun, knowing he shouldn’t, and wondering what to do next. Dace sat in the front of the school, eating his lunch in solitude. He, too, was thinking – although not about Freddie and Marlina. His thoughts turned to glimpses of a dream he had that night; the first dream he had remembered, albeit partially, in a long time. He remembered a tall man, well-groomed, who was dressed in a sharp suit and tie. He was very business-like, energetic, and friendly. The man seemed to be telling him something, but Dace could not remember what. Dace also seemed to remember traveling with the man in a car. Dace had the feeling they weren’t driving through Florida – he didn’t recognize any of the streets. It could’ve been New York or Las Vegas. It was definitely a big city. “Well, son, sure looks like you’ve got a lot on your mind! Can I help you?” Dace looked up, and said, “You’re … I dreamt about you….” “Why, yes, you did! My name is the Realtor. What’s yours?” The Realtor reached out to shake Dace his hand. “I’m Dace. How did you….” “Oh, I know I have some explaining to do. Why don’t you hop in my car, and we can talk about it?” “Uh, I don’t think so,” replied Dace. “I know better than that.” “Fair enough. How about we meet at Antonio’s, after school?” asked the Realtor. “Uh, sure. I … go there all the time….” “Of course you do! Well, see you there! Bye!” Dace looked at his lunch, and threw it in the garbage; he had suddenly lost his appetite. Marlina walked into the counselor’s office before 6th period. She wanted some advice – relationship advice. “Hello? Regina?” Marlina said, knocking on Ms. Regina Givens office door. “Hello, Marlina! Come right in!” said the Realtor. “Uh, do I know you?” “Sure you do! Regina introduced us … she’s not here today, but I’ll be happy to help you.” “Well,” said Marlina, “I’m here to talk about boys, not school.” “Well, you came to the right place! I know all about boys!” “Well … I think I’ll wait till she comes back.” “Okay!” said the Realtor. “If you change your mind … I’ll be here for the rest of the week!” “Okay. Thanks.” “Hey, and have a great day!” Marlina smiled and left for class.
After school, Dace walked into Antonio’s restaurant. Sure enough, the Realtor was seated at a table. “Hey, Dace!” said the Realtor. “Come here! Have a seat!” “Thanks,” said Dace, sitting down across from the Realtor. A waitress walked up with two slices of cheese pizza. “Hi, Dace,” she said. “Hi. Thanks,” said Dace. “I took the liberty of ordering,” said the Realtor. “I hope cheese is okay?” “Just fine,” answered Dace. “Good. Now, I want you to understand – I’m not here to freak you out. I’m here to help.” Dace nodded as he ate. “I know this meeting must seem strange … especially after your dream last night.” “How did you know about that dream? And how were you in it?” The Realtor sighed and said, “Alright, I’m just going to come right out and say it. Dace, you can see the future in your dreams. Once you start remembering your dreams fully, you’ll be able to see things that only you will know. You will be able to help perfect strangers with problems only they know about. Your ability to see the future … man, it could change the world!” The Realtor sat back and sipped from his Mountain Dew. “What do you think of that?” Dace had stopped eating. “I’m wondering why you’re telling me all this.” “That’s easy, Dace. You see, we all need a mentor – a teacher, if you will, to guide us. I can be your teacher, Dace. You have extraordinary powers – you need someone to help you harness that power.” “And you’re just the guy to do it?” “You bet! Dace, as you can obviously tell – because you’re no fool – I, too, have powers. I am not all that I seem. I may appear to be a harmless business man, but I am, in fact, a reality broker. I buy and sell realities.” “Really.” That’s right, Dace. Now let me tell you,” the Realtor leaned forward, “I think we could make a beautiful partnership.” “Partnership?” “That’s right, Dace. You’re ability to see the future, coupled with my ability to sell realities – we could help a lot of people, Dace.” Dace smirked and said, “How do I know you’re not selling me right now? Maybe I don’t need you.” The Realtor whispered, “Do you think its coincidence that the first dream you remember in years is about me?” Dace answered, “No.” “My point exactly! You’re learning already.” “I don’t know,” said Dace. “I think I need some time to sort out all this new information.” “Sure, no problem! I can understand. When I was starting out, I was little confused at first. It takes awhile to get the hang of things in our line of work!” “Right.” “Well, Dace, I’ll give you some time to think about what we discussed. I’ll check on you in about a week or so. Does that sound okay?” “Uh, sure.” “Great,” said the Realtor, as he got up to leave. “Oh, by the way,” reaching into his pocket, “I want you to have this.” The Realtor handed Dace an envelope. Dace opened it, and inside was a round trip flight ticket to New York for the weekend. “No,” said Dace, “I couldn’t accept this. My mom would never understand.” “Tell her it’s a school gift!” “No … I couldn’t.” “Well, I don’t need it. Use it if you want, or throw it out – doesn’t matter to me. See you next week, Dace!” “See you.” Dace stared at the ticket in his hand, and wondered what to do next. Freddie caught up with Marlina after school. Both sat next each other on the bus, and talked about nothing for a few minutes. Finally, Freddie brought up Dace. “Marlina, the guy won’t even talk to me!” “So?” “So?! We’re friends, that’s ‘so’! And you’re friends with him, or at least you used to be!” “Well, friends don’t ignore each other on purpose.” “And maybe friends don’t kiss each other in public.” “We can kiss if we want, Freddie. There’s nothing wrong with that.” “That’s not what I mean,” said Freddie. “I think he saw us.” “Oh.” “That would explain why he’s avoided both of us in the hallway – he must have seen us kiss!” “It would explain why he won’t look at me in third period….” “Look, Marlina – why don’t you talk to him?” “Does he like me?” Freddie went pale. “I think … you should ask him that.” “Hmph. Well, if neither of you have the courage to tell the truth, whatever it is, then both of you can forget it.” The bus stopped. Marlina turned to Freddie and asked, “Do you like me, Freddie?” “Well, yes!” “Then forget about Dace! Let’s go to the Prom together. He’ll get over it!” “I … I can’t do that, Marlina. It’s not right.” “Oooh! You’re so infuriating, Freddie Mcgee!” “What?” Marlina stormed off to her house, shaking her head all the way. Freddie just stood and stared, wondering what to do next. Dace decided to call Jerry again. After a few minutes of talking, Dace finally brought up the subject of the plane ticket. “Well, if your mother approves … did you make sure the ticket is valid?” “Yes – I went online and checked. It’s real.” “And there were no strings attached?” “The guy said to use it or throw it out – he didn’t care which!” “Well, I’ve never heard of a guy just handing out plane tickets … maybe it’s a promo. At any rate, I wouldn’t stare a gift horse in the mouth, Dace. If everything checks out, I would take advantage of the chance and come on up!” Dace mulled over the ticket. Jerry said he would pick him up at the airport, and take him back for his return trip. Dace’s mother found the trip offer to be strange, and she was against his using the ticket – but this wouldn’t be the first time Dace had gone against his mother’s wishes, and she knew it. Janet begrudgingly agreed to take Dace to the airport Saturday morning. All doors had suddenly been thrown wide open – nothing impeded Dace’s journey to the Northeast. Dace felt strange that he was so uncertain about going, when he had wanted to go so badly just a few weeks before. Dace couldn’t understand what the Realtor was getting out of all this, but he knew there was only one way to find out. “Mom,” said Dace, “I’m going.”
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Chapter 4: The weekend that was That Friday, Marlina decided to speak to the counselor. She didn’t know the substitute counselor, but she figured any advice was better than none at all. Sure enough, the Realtor sat behind Regina’s desk when Marlina walked in. “Good morning, Marlina!” “Good morning, sir.” “Please – call me Terry,” said the smiling Realtor. Marlina went on to give an account of her social life. She talked about how she was a junior and she didn’t go out very often. Marlina spoke about how guys never asked her out on dates, let alone the Prom. “Now, wait a minute, Marlina. Are you telling me no one is interested in you?” Marlina went on to tell the Realtor about Dace and Freddie. She told him about how they were all friends, and she didn’t want to be responsible for ruining everything. “Really. Why do I get the feeling you like one of these boys?” Marlina confessed that she liked both of them and she couldn’t make up her mind. “Well, I must say that is rather confusing! My advice to you Marlina …” “Yes?” “… is to go out with the one who’s been up front with you – the one with the courage to speak up is the right one for you.” “Well, neither one’s really spoken up….” “Didn’t you say Freddie told you he liked you?” “Did I say that? I don’t remember saying that….” “Of course you said it! How else would I know?” “Well,” Marlina said, “what does it matter if he tells me he likes me? He still doesn’t have the guts to ask me out because of Dace!” “What are you going to do? Date both of them?!” The Realtor leaned over his desk. “Listen, Marlina: years from now, you’re not going to remember who you didn’t go out with – you’ll remember the experiences you had. And if you don’t go out, you’ll remember your regrets. You don’t want to have regrets, do you?” Marlina shook her head. “Well then!” answered the Realtor. “The answer is quite simple, really. You need to ask Freddie out. Dace will forget about you. Hell, he might even still want to be friends! You’d be surprised – and, heck, if he’s your friend, he’ll understand … won’t he?” “Yeah,” Marlina answered, “you’re right! He should understand!” “Of course.” Marlina left the Realtor’s office more confident than ever. She felt sure “Terry’s” advice was on the money. The Realtor contacted his financiers as he drove off. “Yeah, heh – these school kids are child’s play! We’ll have this group going our way before they know it … oh, don’t worry – Dace is about to get thrown off his path, so to speak.” Jerry picked up Dace at the airport. Dace felt strange being back in the big city. He felt as if he had never left. In reality, he hadn’t been here for five years. As Jerry drove off, the feeling of having never left snowballed. Jerry turned on the sports talk station – the host was complaining about the Mets signing Kevin Appier, instead of resigning Bobby Jones. Dace felt like he was 9 years old again, getting a ride home from his mom’s boyfriend. He missed Jerry terribly. “Just like old times, huh, kid?” said Jerry, with a hint of laughter in his voice. “Not quite … I wish I still lived up here.” “Don’t worry, kid. In a few years, you’ll be able to move up here, if you want.” Now that Dace was in New York, he didn’t want to go back to Florida.
The door bell rang. Freddie wasn’t expecting anyone this Saturday morning – so he was a little surprised to see Marlina at the doorstep. “Marlina! Uh….” “Hi, Freddie.” Freddie was shocked. “Uh, what … I mean, how are you….” “Let’s go for a walk, Freddie.” “Uh … sure. Let me just get some shoes on.” A few minutes later, the two began their walk. Freddie attempted to collect his thoughts and find the best way to approach this conversation. “So … about the other day….” “Don’t worry about the other day,” answered Marlina. “Let’s talk about to today.” “Okay … uh….” “Look, Freddie – I like you, too. Okay? I think we shouldn’t be shy about our feelings.” “Shy? Who’s being shy?” Marlina looked at Freddie. “Okay,” Freddie continued, “but can you blame me? What would Dace think?” “Are you going to live the rest of your life worrying about what your friends think?” “Well … no. That’s no way to live.” “Then come on,” Marlina said, grabbing Freddie’s hand, “let’s go get breakfast … boyfriend.” “Now wait a minute … I didn’t agree … where are we going?” Dace and Jerry had breakfast at a local bagel shop. The two watched ESPN on the overhead monitor in silence. Jerry had a busy day planned. He was going to show Dace where he worked, and then the two were going to catch an afternoon Mets-Cubs games at Shea Stadium. “We should make it on time,” Jerry commented while sipping on his coffee. “Jerry, don’t you think all this is a little strange?” “You being here, you mean? Oh yeah – It’s odd … and it’s troubling you, isn’t it?” Dace nodded. “Well,” Jerry continued, “you can’t look a gift horse in the mouth.” “I know, it’s just … I get the feeling this Realtor guy sent me up here for a reason. I just can’t put my finger on it.” “Well, let’s think about this, shall we? Is there anything going on at home right now that maybe you should be there for?” “Not really.” “You’re sure? How are you getting along with your friends? Do you hang out with people on the weekends?” “Friends … it’s funny you mention that, because I really like this girl …” “Uh, huh.” “… and I caught her kissing my best friend a few weeks back.” “Wow. Did you ask your friend about that?” “Are you kidding? No! I haven’t talked to him since!” Jerry laughed. “Well, maybe you should.” “And why’s that? They were kissing!” “Maybe,” Jerry answered, “she kissed him.” Dace leaned back in his seat. “Oh.”
Freddie and Marlina left Denny’s after eating breakfast. They both had a great time, but Freddie still wasn’t buying Marlina’s boyfriend/girlfriend argument. “Look – I can’t do that to Dace, okay?” “He’ll understand, Freddie! Why do you have to be such a jerk?” Freddie chuckled. “I think I’d be a jerk if I agreed to this.” “You are infuriating, Freddie Mcgee!” “Wait a minute – don’t you like Dace, too?” “Yeah. So?” “Well, then – why don’t you go after him? I’m sure he’ll be much more receptive to your forwardness.” “Because you told me you liked me!” “So what? He likes you more … and he’s better for you. And I really don’t care. Really. I don’t.” “Are you sure?” asked Marlina. Freddie thought for a moment and answered, “Yes. I’m sure.” “Well, all right. Just remember – you asked for this.” “Fine. Fine. Anything to have my friend back.” “Are you gay, Freddie?” “No! I just….” “Likely story.” “Now wait a minute!” The Mets won that day, 3-0, behind a complete game shut-out by Steve Traschel. “About time ‘Trash’el won a game,” muttered Jerry as they walked to the number 7 train platform. “Hey, at least they won, Jerry.” “Yeah … you know, I was thinking about how you got the plane ticket … and it reminded me of something.” “Yeah?” “I think you might find this interesting,” Jerry continued. “When I was younger, up at college, I was offered a lot of money to go to Spain for a year.” “Really?” “It was strange – the whole thing would’ve been paid for with my scholarship money. I would’ve gotten credits towards my major … housing would’ve been taken care of….” “Wow.” “Well, I was doing well in school. I was head of my class at the time. Still, the offer seemed suspicious, and I turned it down.” “Why?” asked Dace. “You could’ve left the country for a year … did a little travelling.” “Yeah, but the whole thing seemed fishy, somehow. I mean, I didn’t apply for that opportunity, you know? Colleges never give you anything without asking first.” “So, what happened?” “I didn’t go … but a friend of mine did. He did great over in Spain … as a matter of fact, he never came back.” “Really.” “Yeah. He lives in Latvia now, I believe. He works for their government.” “Do you think that could’ve been you?” Jerry smiled and said, “Kid, life gives you many choices. If you sit around pondering what could’ve been, you’ll never act on what’s in front of you.” The train arrived at the platform. “You know what,” Jerry said, “I know this great Puerto Rican restaurant near here. Screw the train – let’s go eat.” “Okay,” Dace answered. The next day, Jerry dropped Dace off at the airport. Dace figured he wouldn’t be seeing Jerry again for a long time, but he was glad to have this weekend. Hugs were exchanged, and Dace was off to catch his flight. As Dace sat on the plane, staring out the window, he wondered again about the plane ticket, and the man who’d given him the ticket. The Realtor. His presence was unexplainable. “Kid, you think too much.” Dace turned his head and nearly jumped out of his skin. “The Realtor! What are you doing here?” “Don’t worry – I won’t be here for long. I’ve got another flight to catch,” answered the Realtor. “But….” “Hold on, Dace. Hey, Stewardess! Can you get me a water before I leave?” “Sure thing, Mr. Realtor!” answered one of the Flight Attendants. She gave the Realtor a wink before running off to get a water bottle. Turning back to Dace, the Realtor said, “The Attendants love me – if they see me, they figure their plane won’t crash. “Anyway, I get the feeling you’re still not sure about all this.” Dace sighed. “Yeah – this is too good to be true.” “It usually is, Dace – but not in this case. What you see is what you get.” “But, why would you do this? You must have some purpose.” “Maybe,” answered the Realtor, “I like seeing people happy.” Dace thought about that for a moment. Could it be that the Realtor was an altruistic guy? “How do I know you haven’t been trying to manipulate me?” “Manipulate? Ha! Dace, I don’t know the meaning of the word! “Listen to me, Dace: I’m here to help people out. You know, one time, I tried to help your friend Jerry out, but he was suspicious, too.” “At college?” “Ah. He told you about that.” “That was you?” “Of course that was me! Going abroad would’ve been good for him – but he didn’t listen. He had to do things his way. But that’s all right, because I’ve got you to help, now.” Dace was alarmed. “What do you mean? How are you helping me?” “By getting you to New York, silly! Don’t read too deeply into this, Dace. I just like to help people out. Look, I’ve got to go. See you around, Dace!” The Realtor stood up, with a water bottle in hand. “Wait! I don’t want your help.” The Realtor stopped and said, “Really?” Dace stood up. "Yes. Really.” The Realtor stared at Dace for a moment, and then said, “Well, alright. If you change your mind, let me know.” “I won’t.” “You don’t know that, kid. You don’t know that.”
Marlina sat in church with her parents, frustrated over Dace. First, Dace ignores his best friends for more than a month, and then he up and leaves for New York and doesn’t tell anybody. She was beginning to wonder about Freddie’s advice, and whether or not she should bother with either Dace or Freddie.
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Chapter 5: Resolutions and foreshadowing “Dace!” Freddie Mcgee yelled across the hallway. “Hi, Freddie.” “Hey, listen, um … I know we haven’t talked for awhile. I’m sorry about … you know, what happened….” “What happened?” asked Dace. “Well, you know … uh….” “That you kissed Marlina a few weeks back?” “Well, we kissed … I didn’t just kiss her….” “Okay. Whew! Good.” “I mean, not that it matters. We’re not going out or anything. It was a mistake, really.” “So, you guys aren’t dating or anything?” “No! Of course not! I couldn’t date her – she has ugly teeth.” “No, she doesn’t!” Dace responded. “Well, I guess that’s what prevents me from dating her, and not you.” Dace realized that Jerry was right – he should’ve talked to Freddie and Marlina about his feelings sooner. Dace felt like he had a second chance –today would be a great opportunity to ask Marlina to the Prom. He just wasn’t sure if he had the courage to ask her, especially after having ignored her since the end of March.
“Well, Marlina, sounds like whoever was here Friday gave you some bad advice,” Regina Givens said. “Really, Regina?” “Sure! People’s feelings do matter. You just wait for the boy you like to ask you out – there’s no need for you to be so forward at your age.” “Yeah, but isn’t that a little 1950’s?” asked Marlina, “ I mean, aren’t we liberated?” “Certain actions still carry certain stereotypes … adults are better equipped to handle that. Marlina, you need play by the traditional rules of dating for now – if only to know what it’s like. It won’t stunt your growth, okay?” “Okay, Ms. Givens. I’ll give it a shot.” Dace caught up with Marlina in the lunchroom. “Mind if I cut in line?” asked Dace. “Who are you?” asked Marlina. “Come on. I know it’s been awhile since we’ve spoken, and I’m sorry.” “Alright.” Marlina and Dace sat down for lunch. The two talked about third period for a few minutes. Finally, Marlina made the first move. “So, how was New York?” Marlina asked. “New York? Oh, it was fine. How did you know….” “Your mother told me. You usually go out of town on the weekends and don’t tell anybody, Dace?” “Well, I usually don’t go anywhere. You called my mother?” “Yes. I was worried.” “You were?” Dace asked. “Oh my god! You hadn’t spoken to me for weeks! I didn’t know what was going on! Are you dense?” Marlina shot back. “Uh … no! I’m not….” “Is it because I kissed Freddie? Is that it?” “Well….” “Because you have no right to judge me, Dace! Do you understand me? No right!” “I’m not … who’s judging?” “Obviously you! You didn’t talk to me for over a month!” “I’m sorry,” said Dace. The apology deflated Marlina’s anger. After a moment, she said, “Okay. I forgive you.” “We’ve got a lot of catching up to do.” “Yeah, we do.” “You know, the Prom would be a great place to do that – we could talk, hang out, uh, maybe dance….” “Are you asking me to the Prom, Dace?” Dace blushed and answered, “Yes.” “You’re cute, Dace. Of course I’ll go with you to the Prom. I was wondering if you’d ever ask.” “Really?” “You shouldn’t be afraid to ask a girl out, you know. We might start to think you’re gay.” “Well, you don’t have to worry about that.” Dace began to eat his lunch. Marlina looked at him and started laughing. Dace looked up from his mashed potatoes, and he chuckled, too. “So, Dace: how are we going to get there?” Dace hadn’t thought about that. Freddie and Dace walked home from school that day. “So, you finally asked her out. Good for you!” Freddie said. “I’m glad you don’t mind.” “No! Of course not. Reminds me of that dream I had.” “How so?” “Sometimes, we get attached to the way things are, and we aren’t willing to let go. Our lives may be turned upside down – but in the end, maintaining things don’t matter. It’s the experience we walk away with – not the objects around us. So, I can walk away from this knowing I’ve had an experience, and that there are other women out there for me. Besides, I think Marlina really likes you – I think she was just tired of waiting for you to say something.” “Yeah – I almost screwed that up!” “So,” asked Freddie, “have you had a dream yet? I know you were pretty upset about that before.” “I’ve remembered images – not full dreams – but I’m not anxious about it anymore. I think it’s going to happen real soon.” “It’s probably like when you go to the bathroom, and you’re real tense, and nothing comes out….” “That’s disgusting, Freddie.” “But it’s still true!” “You’re comparing my dreams to taking a crap, Freddie.” “Now, I never said ‘taking a crap’, did I? I said going to the bathroom and being tense.” “Whatever, Freddie.” The two friends caught up on old times, until they reached Dace’s apartment complex. The Realtor sat in his car, which was in the parking lot of Dace’s apartment complex. He saw Dace and Freddie say good-bye to each other, and Dace go into his mother’s apartment. He watched, and pondered the situation. “I underestimated you, Dace,” the Realtor muttered to himself, “but it doesn’t matter. You’ll never achieve your full potential – not while I’m around.”
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