host dreamer 110

8/14/2019 Host Dreamer 110

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Host Dreamer

Copyright 2009 Helen Gardner

Amber dreamed. She was standing at the sink, rinsing dishes and

placing them in the dishwasher. The sink, and for that matter, the

kitchen, were not her own. She hated these dreams in which she was

someone other than herself. In this particular dream, she was someone

named Daisy,

Seated at a small oak table behind Daisy were a man and a young girl.

Amber knew, as part of the dream, that the man, slender, blond, and

younger than the woman, was the womans lover, Gary. The girl, about

Amys age, was the womans daughter, Julia.

Daisy, honey, are you almost done? Ill get you another cup ofcoffee, Gary said.

You are so sweet, Daisy said, without turning around.

With the all-seeing gaze of the dreamer, Amber watched as the man got

up, grinning at the girl. On his way to the coffee pot, which was

located on the counter near Daisy, he had to pass Julia. Reaching

down, he cupped one of her breasts in his hand. She looked up at him,

making a silent kissing motion with her darkly painted lips.

Gary, dont put so much milk in it this time, Daisy ordered, without

turning around.

Ok, he said. Coming up behind her, he picked up the carafe with onehand and caressed the older womans ample behind with the other.

Gary! Daisy said sharply. He knew she did not like being touched

intimately in front of Julia.

Gary winked at Julia, who rolled her eyes.

Angry with both of the younger people, Amber awoke suddenly. She

couldnt help identifying with Daisy, whose thoughts and emotions she

had shared, however briefly.

Fuming, Amber slipped her feet into soft, warm slippers. That Gary was

a real bozo, cheating on the woman with her own daughter. Amber shookher head, marveling that the dream had seemed so real. She was still

angry at two people who didnt even exist outside her dream. She

sighed. She would never get back to sleep now. Glancing at her watch

she saw that it was nearly time to get up anyway.

She was not looking forward to the day that lay ahead.

She still had some grocery shopping to do before preparing the homemade

lasagna that her son, Jason, had requested that she serve for dinner


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that evening for his new girlfriend. Amber knew better than to get

excited about meeting a girl that Jason brought home. During the past

year or so, there had been a long succession of special girlfriends

that Jason had dragged home for her to meet. Very few of them ever

made return appearances.

At the grocery store Amber noticed the stalker again. He wasnt really

a stalker, at least she hoped he wasnt. He was just someone she ran

into quite frequently. Too frequently, she thought. He was a stall or

two over in the produce section, so she got a really good look at him

while he hefted cantaloupes, gazing at them judiciously. He was tall,

just a hint more than slim, and too ordinary in a brown haired, brown-

eyed, tanned sort of way to be called handsome.

Deciding on a cantaloupe that looked like the rest of them to her, he

tossed it into his cart, saw her looking at him, and smiled briefly.

She smiled back, just as briefly, and turned her cart down an aisle

away from him. Shrugging, she went on with her shopping, once more

preoccupied with the ingredients for the dinner she would soon prepare

for her son and his newest romance.

On the way home, she wondered if Amy would volunteer to help with the

meal. She hadnt asked her seventeen year old daughter to help with

Jasons bring my girl home to meet my mom meals since Rachel, a very

pretty but rather slutty looking girl who had disparaged the meal she

and Amy had worked so hard to prepare.

The meal was all but ready; the salad tossed, the table set, the

lasagna fresh out of the oven, the garlic bread toasted and warm before

Amy came banging into the kitchen.

Glad you could make it, Amber told her with just a shade of sarcasm

in her tone.

Me too, Amy said, the sarcasm lost on her. They should be here by

now.

As if on cue, the door in the living room opened, then slammed shut

again. Amber hastily untied the brown apron she always wore when she

cooked. Hanging it on a hook on the inside of the pantry door with one

hand, she smoothed her short blonde curls with the other.

Hey, Mom, I want you to meet the girl I love, madly, passionately,

deeply. Jason called.

Amber heard smothered laughter as she followed Amy into the living

room. Jason was kissing a tall girl with reddish brown hair. At thesame moment that Amy said Hi, Julia, the girl turned, and Amber saw

her face. She instantly recognized her as the girl who had so recently

been part of her dream.

Amber was thunderstruck. The resemblance was uncanny; the same hair,

the same narrow brown eyes, the bored, sulky expression. The girl was

even wearing the same low-cut tee.

Mom, Jason said. Amber became aware that she had stared too long at


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the girl. Recovering, she welcomed Julia to her home, declaring that

she was glad at last to meet the girl Jason had been raving about.

But she could not let it go at that. I believe we have met, she said

to Julia when they were seated at the table.

No, we havent, Julia replied, sounding positive.

Isnt your mothers name Daisy? Amber asked, watching her.

Sure. I guess Jason told you that.

Jasons brow wrinkled into a frown of concentration. I dont remember

doing that, he said.

Julia punched him, clearly irritated. Oh, Jason. You must have done.

You or Amy.

Amy shrugged. I dont remember, she said, tackling the huge chunk of

lasagna on her plate.

Then, of course, theres your Theres Gary, Amber said.

Julia turned her head away from Jason to look at Amber. Yeah. Gary

Stoner. My moms boyfriend. Amber noted the wariness that had crept

into the girls eyes. So youve met him, too?

In a manner of speaking, yes. Amber said.

The young people looked at each other uncomfortably, and then at Amber,

their expressions questioning.

Are you still in school? Amber asked Julia, not caring, but needing

to change the subject.

I quit. I work at Kellys Pharmacy, in checkout. Julia said sullenly.

The rest of the meal was taken up with strained small talk, dotted with

uncomfortable silences. Amber was relieved afterwards when Amy

invited Julia up to her room to hang out.

Amber began clearing the table. Jason picked up some dirty dishes and

followed her into the kitchen. Mom, whats gotten into you? You

treated Julia like shit.

Language, Jason. Amber said. She did not know how to tell him the

truth.

Where did you see Julia before? he demanded.

At her moms house, Amber replied.

When were you ever at her Moms house?

Jason, listen. Then she told him everything she had seen and heard;

Gary feeling Julias breast, Julia seeming to like it, taking his

advances for granted, Daisys unawareness.


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Jason was incredulous. Mom, how could you have seen all that? What

were you doing there in Julias house?

Amber sighed deeply. I...er, dreamed it, Jason.

Jason slapped a hand to his forehead, half turning around. When he

turned back to look at her again he wore an expression of pure disgust.

Mom, you treated my girlfriend that way over a dream? I dont believe

this?

Jason, I cant help what I dream. You just cant get mixed up with a

girl like that.

A girl like what? A girl that happens to resemble some little ho you

dreamed about? Mom, this is crazy. Julia isnt like that.

I know what I saw.

You know what you dreamed. Are you even listening to yourself? You

cant seriously believe all that stuff just because you dreamed it.

Then how do you think I knew Garys and Daisys names? You know you

never told me.

Amy must have done. She said she couldnt remember.

I can describe that kitchen to you, Jason. The walls were beige, with

a blue border. The table Gary and Julia sat at was glass-topped with a

blue vase in the center.

He stared at her. I dont know where youre getting all this, but it

couldnt have been from a dream. You need to tell me where you really

got all this information. Her sons handsome young face twisted with

rage.

Dont accuse me of lying, Jason, she said sharply.

Then stop lying! He turned suddenly and stalked out of the kitchen.

She heard him stumping up the stairs. In a few moments she heard the

clatter of more than one set of feet on the stairs. Back later, Mom,

Amy called. The front door slammed.

Angry and feeling a little sorry for herself, Amber set to cleaning up

the remains of the meal. What a disaster her carefully put together

meal turned out to be. Perhaps she shouldnt have told Jason about her

dream. He didnt believe her anyway, and now there were hard feelings

between them. She was certain that Julia would fuel the flames ofJasons anger.

She piled dishes into the dishwasher just any old way, something she

would have chided Amy for doing. What had she been thinking? She

could hardly believe the dream herself. Yet it was an undeniable fact

that the Julia who was Jasons girlfriend was the same Julia that was

Daisys daughter in her dream. If that much of the dream was true,

then why not the rest of it? Wouldnt it have been wrong for her not

to warn her son about the girl.?


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Worn out from the emotional strain, Amber sat down in the living room

and flicked through the channels , trying to find something to watch.

As soon as she settled on a movie that she had seen before but liked,

she fell asleep. She was awakened by the opening of the door.

Amy?

Yeah, Mom, its me. You still up?

I just woke up. I was more tired than I thought. Wheres Jason?

He and Julia are in a motel. Theyre going looking for an apartment

tomorrow.

What? Is Jason really that angry. I need to talk to him tomorrow.

Probably wont do any good. He and Julia decided that they cant see

each other as much if he is staying here. And her mom is so grumpy

Jason doesnt go there much. So hes getting his own apartment. Amy

sat down across from her mother, staring at the Tv. Ive seen thismovie.

Amy, did your brother tell you about my dream?

Aw, Mom. Dont go into that dream stuff with me.

Why are you both so angry about that dream? I cant control what I

dream. I never wanted to know all this.

Mom, I know you read my diary. Amy looked at her accusingly.

Your diary? Amber said, bewildered. Honey, you know I dont invade

your privacy.

Right. You just happened to know what I wrote in my diary about Julia

and that creep, Gary.

I did not read your diary. How did you find out about those two?

Mom. Amy cocked her head to one side, giving her mother one of those

how can you be so dumb looks that Amber hated. Julia told me, of

course. Were friends. She tells me everything.

Amy, did you tell your brother this? He has a right to know.

No, I didnt tell him. Like I said, Julia is my friend.

But Jason is your brother.

Amy rolled her eyes in imitation of Julia. Amber itched to slap her.

Its all over between her and Gary anyway.

Since when? That dream was last night.

Mom, will you stop with the dream thing. Its just weird.


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A lot of things are weird. That doesnt mean they dont happen.

Whatever. I want my diary back.

I dont have your diary.

Yes, you do.

Amy, listen to yourself. Youre calling your mother a liar.

Well, if my diary is suddenly gone, and you suddenly know the stuff

thats in it, then I think its reasonable for me to say you have it.

Reasonable or not, I do not have your diary. I think you could at

least give me the benefit of the doubt.

Whatever. Julia said, repeating herself. Im going to bed.

The next morning Amber ran household errands in a foul mood. Jason hadnot answered any of her calls to his cell. She couldnt believe that

he had moved out of her house because of that little twit, Julia.

When she saw the stalker again on the parking lot of Crossings Mall,

Amber threw her purchases into the trunk of her car, slammed down the

lid and stalked over to the red Mazda he drove. She waited for a

moment while he piled plastic shopping bags into the back seat. He

almost bumped into her as he straightened up.

Why are you following me? Amber demanded.

He looked at her quizzically. What makes you think Im following you?

Oh, come on, she said impatiently. Youve been right behind me

every step I have taken for the past few days. Ive seen you.

Of course you have. Unexpectedly, he smiled. The smile was

transforming. He radiated charm from the crinkles at the corners of

his eyes to the dimples at each side of the wide mouth that invited her

to smile with him. I was just waiting for the right moment to, ah,

approach you.

Unwillingly, she felt her own lips curve into an answering smile. She

suppressed it. Suppose you consider this the right moment and answer

my question. Who are you and why are you following me?

Mrs. Martin, my name is Kevin Plant. I need to discuss something withyou, but it is too complicated to explain while standing here. Why

dont I buy you a cup of coffee? He gestured towards the caf a

couple of doors down.

I dont want coffee, I want answers, she said bluntly.

The dark eyes gazed at her for a moment, their owner assessing her

determination. Does the term host dreaming mean anything to you?

he asked.


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She stared at him blankly. She could feel the color drain from her

face. No, she said faintly. What did this stranger know about her

dreams? Nothing. There was no way he could know. The term he had

used was unfamiliar to her, but it seemed to fit. I never heard of

host dreaming, she said firmly.

Ah, but you know well enough what I am talking about. He made a

gesture with his arm, indicating the caf. Come. We need to talk.

You look as though you could use that coffee.

I damn well could, she thought, and fell into step beside him.

The coffee, when it came, was as dark as his eyes. She poured a lot of

cream into it and stirred. After taking a sip, she looked at him

squarely in the eyes. What is this dreaming you mentioned.

He smiled at her again. This time Ambers lips remained firmly in

place. We call it host dreaming. Its what happens when one person

dreams the waking reality of another person.

Amber sipped again. The coffee was good. What brought you to me with

this? You cant know my dreams. Or could he? Amber wasnt certain

of anything any more.

The Watkins thing, he said easily.

She was thunderstruck. She had told no one about that. How could you

know about that? A horrifying thought occurred to her. Dont tell

me that Watkins sent you to spy on me?

In fact, no. His gaze remained riveted on her face. Watkins put

the whole incident on My Space, complete with a photo of you.

Oh, no. He didnt! Now the whole world will think Im a nut case.

I doubt the whole world bothers with Henry Watkins My Space. He

smiled that smile again, and she couldnt help warming to him.

I tried to do the right thing by returning his wallet to him. I saw

the thief toss it away. So then Watkins wanted to blame me for the

money and credit cards that were stolen. Her face clouded at the

memory of that painful scene. I couldnt talk about it, not even to

Amy. Now, Im glad I didnt.

Plant raised his eyebrows. Amy?

She was glad he didnt know every thing about her life. My daughter,she explained. Shes seventeen. You know how they are at that age.

Everything I do seems to embarrass her. I believe she sees all my

faults through a magnifying glass.

So your dreams and the problems that arise from them embarrass her?

Amber snorted. Most definitely. The bad part is that Amy doesnt

even believe that the things that happen come from my dreams.


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Dont be so hard on her. Most people find host dreaming difficult to

believe, perhaps because they havent experienced it.

You know, I dont remember hearing the term before. I read about

lucid dreaming, where you influence things that happen in your dreams.

But my dreams are not like that. I have no control over what happens

in them.

Kevin nodded. The term host dreaming is fairly recent. Some people

have found that the events they dream about are actual events that

occur in real life, often many miles away from them. The people that

were strangers to them in their dreams often turn out to be real people

who are totally unaware of the person who dreams about them.

Amber stared at him, fascinated. Daisy, the woman I have been

dreaming about recently, lives in the next county. But what is so

weird about it is that my son and my daughter have recently become

acquainted with Daisy and her family.

That complicates things for you then, he said seriously. Do you see

Daisy socially?

No. I dont believe I have ever met her in real life. But my son

isnt speaking to me because of Daisys daughter. She told him about

the dream sequence in which she observed Gary fondling Julia quite

literally behind Daisys back, and about the disastrous dinner at which

Amber had met Julia.

He listened attentively. Perhaps it was a mistake for you to tell

your son about your dream.

Why shouldnt I? My children are involved with Julia. My son thinks

he is in love with her.

I see. He drank the last of his coffee and signaled the waitress to

bring more. When he turned his attention back to her, Amber saw that

his face was troubled. You know, Amber, the first rule about host

dreaming is Never make contact with the dream host, in this case,

Daisy.

What? You follow me around for days and the first thing you do is

quote rules to me? Who do you think you are? she flared.

I shouldnt tell you this, Amber, but I have been sent by the

Association to be your guide. Thats who I am.

My guide? I dont need a guide. And whats this about the

Association? I never joined any group like that.

You dont have to join. The fact that your dreams are host dreams

automatically makes you a member.

I am not a member of any such association, she denied flatly. And I

did not ask for a guide.

I know you didnt. He smiled. Come on, Amber, doesnt it make you

feel better to be able to talk to someone about this? Someone who


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understands what you are going through?

She glared at him, but unwillingly she had to admit to herself that it

was a relief not to be treated like a fool because of her dreams.

So what is this association? Am I expected to come to meetings and

say Hi, my name is Amber, and I am a host dreamer? she said, her

words dripping sarcasm.

Kevin laughed. Nope. We dont have meetings like that. In fact, it

will be a while before you meet other host dreamers. Im here to help

you in any way I can. Being a host dreamer myself, I know how

difficult things can get.

Really? What sort of people do you dream about?

All sorts of people, actually. All of them so far have been male.

Thats another thing about host dreaming. The host is almost always

the same sex as the dreamer.

Did you ever meet any of them in real life.?

He made a face. At one time, I was dreaming I was this doctor. He

was a surgeon, no less. He used to carry this little flask around with

him. Just before he went into surgery, he would pop a pill and take a

drink of whiskey from the flask.

Oh my God. Did you report him.

No. I didnt even know his name. Besides, the third rule of host

dreaming is never interfere in the life of the host. Anyway, no one

would have believed me.

Do you still dream about him?

I started having a problem with my foot. Nothing serious, a heel spur

that was giving me fits. My doctor sent me to an orthopedic

specialist. I limped into the doctors office all set to go through

surgery or whatever it took to get relief from the pain. The surgeon

comes in, you know, the way they do, introduced himself and held out

his hand. I looked at him, got up, and almost ran from the examination

room in spite of the heel spur.

It was your surgeon with the flask, Amber guessed, laughing.

Yes, it was. I havent dreamed about him since.

At the end of the day, Jason had still not returned any of her many

phone calls. When she asked Amy to get him to call her, Amy said

Mom, Ive already tried that. Jason told me to, uh, buzz off.

When Amber went to bed, it was not Jason, but Kevin, her stalker turned

confidant, that she thought about. It had been such a relief to talk

to someone who didnt think she was losing her mind. She thought about

the things he had told her about host dreaming. She wondered how many


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other people had such dreams. She fell asleep thinking about the

questions she would ask Kevin when she saw him again.

Amber dreamed. Not only was she Daisy again, but she was Daisy making

love with Gary. Amber gagged mentally, but felt her Daisy body

responding enthusiastically to his intimate caresses. When he climbed

on top of Daisy, Amber screamed mentally Get off me, you nasty,

sneaking, cheating bastard, but Daisy wrapped her legs around him,

moaning as he entered her. Amber screamed aloud. The sound of her own

voice helped her to force herself to wakefulness.

Trembling, she got up and took a shower, although she knew that it was

not her body that Gary had penetrated. The shower lessened the tension

somewhat. Still, it was some time before she could sleep again.

She slept dream free the rest of the night and into the morning. By

the time she got up Amy had already left for school. She had left a

note on the refrigerator saying that she would probably stop at Jasons

before coming home.

Amber picked up the phone and dialed the number Kevin had given her.Whats wrong, Amber? he asked. They had progressed to a first name

basis during their long talk the day before.

I need to talk to you. Are you still my guide? she said.

Always. The coffee shop ok, or do you want breakfast?

Amber shuddered. No breakfast.

The coffee shop it is , then. Say, half an hour?

She agreed. Arriving at the coffee shop before him, she ordered coffee

and was sipping it when he slid into the booth across from her.

You look terrible, he said.

Thank you, she retorted. She knew that her eyes were red and her

skin blotchy. She burst into angry tears every time she thought about

the dream of the night before. Is there some way I can stop having

these horrible dreams?

Not really. Host dreamers have no control over these dreams, nor over

the host. What did you dream, Amber? he asked quietly.

Bluntly, through angry tears, she told him about the lovemaking between

Daisy and Gary, and her own unwilling participation. I cant go

through that again. Its like a form of rape. Daisy might have beenwilling, but I wasnt.

Im sorry you had to experience that, Kevin said, and looked as if he

really was. You are lucky you awoke when you did. The screaming

helped, because you made a sound. Some host dreamers find it very

difficult to force themselves awake, even during a traumatic dream

scene. The tie between host and dreamer is very strong during the

dream.


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I know. I dont even like Daisy, but I empathsize with her. Ive

decided something. Im going to tell Daisy about Gary and Julia. Ive

already arranged to meet her later this afternoon.

Georgia, you know thats the wrong thing to do.

She shook her head in disagreement. This has got to stop. I dont

care about your stupid rules.

Theyre not my rules. I didnt make them up just to make your life

miserable. He smiled, teasingly, but Amber responded with a sour

look. Kevin sighed. There is a reason for the rules. Making contact

with the host almost always starts a chain of events that the dreamer

can not control. The consequences are usually bad, sometimes tragic.

You cant talk me out of this, and you cant stop me. Amber knew

that he could not fail to read the determination in her face.

Then Im coming with you.

She shook her head. No. It will be hard enough to talk to Daisyabout all of this alone. She would resent your being there to hear me

tell her that her daughter and her live-in boyfriend are lovers.

Amber had been a little surprised when Daisy had suggested that they

meet at Daisys house. She had refused, making the appointment for

another coffee shop across town. She would not take the chance of

seeing Gary at Daisys house.

In person, Daisy was an older, heavier version of Julia. She was

dressed in a low cut black top that showed ample breasts, and a short

skirt that emphasized the even more ample hips. They went through the

How are yous and the my kid knows your kid routines before Daisy

said, rather brusquely What is it that you want to talk to me about?

Im kinda busy today.

As charming as her daughter, Amber thought. Aloud, she said All

right, Mrs. Harris, Ill get right to the point, then. Are you aware

that your daughter and your boyfriend are having an affair?

For a moment, Amber thought that the other woman would simply explode.

Daisys already slightly puffy cheeks pouched out and her eyes popped.

Why, you little bitch. What makes you think THATS A LIE! Who told

you such a thing?

I cant tell you how I know. I just know. If you would just open

your eyes to whats going on around you, youd know, too.

But Daisy was collecting her purse, her sunglasses, her keys. She

stood up, the chairs at the small table making a loud clatter as she

shoved them aside. Bending over the still seated Amber, Daisy hissed,

eyes blazing I know where you got this. Julia did this. She put

crazy ideas into your weirdo daughters head. Well, youd just better

shut up. I wont have talk like that about my Gary. He would never

cheat on me. Never.


12/22

As Daisy switched her way out of the coffee shop, Amber thought Your

Gary? What about your daughter?

The following day, Amber and Kevin met again at the mall coffee shop.

This was becoming a habit. Well, so what? At least she had a friend

now, one who was willing to accept her as she was, weird dreams and all.

I still dont think you should have met with Daisy, Kevin said over

their second cup of coffee. Amber had just finished telling him how

Daisy had reacted to the news about the affair between Julia and Gary.

I know. Never make contact with the dream host. What is the second

rule? she asked, curious.

The one you didnt break today. Never tell the host your dreams. He

smiled wryly at her.

I didnt break it, but only because I knew Daisy would never have

believed a dream. She would have ridiculed it.

Sounds like she ridiculed the idea of an affair between Julia andGary, anyway.

Amber shook her head. I saw something in her face. The reason Daisy

was so mad is because she was afraid it might be true. She just didnt

want to believe it.

So you think she may be more watchful now? That might not be a good

thing.

It will be good for me if she finds out and gives Gary what he

deserves. So long as Gary is in her life, there is the chance that

that whole ugly bedroom scene will be repeated, Amber said.

Hmmm. You dont have something against sex per se, do you? His

eyebrows arched quizzically.

Amber was taken aback. Me? Of course not. Sex is fun. I just like

choosing my own bed partners. And Gary is a slime ball.

Thats a relief, he smiled. He reached over and covered her hand

with his. I hope, Amber, that whatever comes out of all this will be

good for you.

That evening, Amy said Mom, I found my diary. Im sorry I thought you

took it.

Amber looked up from the book she was reading, Dust. She had read allthe previous Richard Jury mysteries by Martha Grimes. Im so glad you

found it. Where was it.?

Amy looked uncomfortable. Aw, Julia had it.

Julia? How did she come to have it?

It was that evening I took her up to my room. She says she picked it

up by mistake.


13/22

And you believe her?

Well, sure. I guess. She says that stuff between her and Gary is all

over now. She made me promise not to tell Jason.

I dont think I would have made that promise. Jason is your brother.

I know, Mom. I do feel a little weird about it. I wouldnt have

promised her if she hadnt said it was over. So, Mom, since you didnt

get it from my diary, how did you find out what was going on?

I dreamed it, Amber said.

Aw, Mom.

Amber looked hard at her daughter. Do you think, Amy, that you could

extend me the same courtesy you gave Julia, and simply believe me.?

Amy stared at her, flushing. Well, yeah. Sure, Mom.

The words sounded good, but Amber was far from certain that her

daughter meant them.

Two nights later, Amber dreamed another sex scene involving Gary, but

it was not the one she had feared. She was, as usual, Daisy, but Daisy

was alone in her bed. Daisy was wide awake, wondering if she had been

a fool, pouring out the perfectly good glass of whiskey Julia had

brought her as she sometimes did. She had been lying awake, listening

for the sound of Garys footsteps for nearly an hour.

When she heard the sound of stealthy footsteps in the hallway, Daisy

allowed her jaw to drop a little, forcing herself to breathe evenly,

feigning sleep. The bedroom doorknob turned. She raised one eyelid

just enough to see Julia crack the door a bit, watch her mother for a

moment, then shut the door again, softly.

Daisy waited for several minutes. Getting up, she slid her feet into

soft soled, flat heeled slippers. She took a long time opening her

bedroom door, carefully turning the knob a little at a time. There was

no one in the hallway. Noiselessly, she made her way down the hall,

past the hall bathroom, the linen closet, and on down to Julias room.

This time, there was no fooling around with the knob. She grabbed it,

gave it a twist, and jerked open the door.

They were both nude. Julia was astride Gary. They were so involved in

their lovemaking that neither had heard the door.

A low growl welled up in Daisys throat. You little bitch. Youve

been drugging my whiskey so you can have my man.

Grabbing Julia by the hair, she pulled her off Gary. Julia screamed,

punching wildly in an effort to free herself from the painful grasp.

One of the blows landed. Daisy yelped and started slapping her

daughter with her free hand.

Stop! Stop, Julia screamed.


14/22

Springing from the bed, Gary pulled both Daisys arms loose and pinned

them ungently behind her back. Let go of me you two-timeing bastard!

Daisy yelled.

Gary gave her captive arms a vicious twist upward before he let her go.

Daisy stood there, glaring at the two of them. Both she and Julia were

crying. Get out! Get out of my house, both of you! Daisy ordered.

Amber struggled, trying to force herself awake and out of the dream.

Come on, Gary. Lets go. Julia sobbed.

Gary was putting his arms around Julia when Amber woke up, trembling.

She reached for her cell phone. Punching the speed dial number to

Jasons cell, she prayed that he would answer. She hadnt talked to

her son since the evening Julia had come to dinner. No answer.

Amber knocked lightly at Amys bedroom door. Amy. Are you awake?

I am now. Amy was sitting up in bed, rubbing sleep from her eyes.

Amy, I need you to call your brother. Hes not taking my calls.

At three in the morning? Amy snorted. Thats a sirprise.

I cant help it. Daisy just caught Gary in bed with Julia. She

couldnt resist adding So much for it being all over with between

them.

Did you have another dream? Ive been reading about dreams on the

internet. They call them prophetic dreams. Its when what you dream

about comes true. Youre psychic, Mom. Did this unflappable daughter

of hers sound just a teensy bit awed? Amber knew that her dreams were

not prophetic dreams, because the events in her dreams occurred in real

time, but now was not the time for nit-picking.

Honey, Im glad that youre taking an interest. She gave Amy a quick

hug. Now, call Jason. Daisy kicked Julia and Gary out of the house.

Do you think Julia will go to Jasons apartment?

Soap opera drama. Well find out. Amy picked up her cell phone

gleefully.

Amber left her daughters bedroom and dialed Kevin. He had told her to

call him if something important happened in her dreams, no matter what

the hour.

He sounded so sleepy she was immediately sorry she had called, and told

him so. No, no. Its all right, he assured her. What has

happened?

He listened while Amber related her dream. You were right. Daisy

started watching them, he said. Do you think the drink really was

drugged?

I wouldnt put it past Julia or Gary, either. They would feel safer


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with Daisy knocked out. I wondered how they managed, both of them

living in the same house with Daisy. She strikes me as being naturally

nosy. Amber frowned as Amy came into the hall and walked up to her.

Mom, Jason says come over.

Come over? Amber repeated blankly. He isnt even talking to me.

Amy had discarded her pajamas and was pulling on a pair of jeans.

Theyre both there, Mom. Julia and Gary. I think they told Jason.

He sounds really upset.

Still on the phone with Kevin, Amber told him about this new

development.

Thats finding out the hard way. That poor kid. Do you want me to go

with you?

Amber considered for a moment. Thanks, but no, Kevin. Jason hasnt

even been talking to me, and things will be pretty strained, at best.

Ill call you as soon as I find out whats going on.

Kevin didnt sound happy about her refusal of his help, but Amber

couldnt bring a stranger with her to deal with a family crisis, not

with Jason.

Though she obeyed all traffic signals, Amber arrived at the apartment

complex in record time. Amy had had her eyes closed and her fists

clenched for the last couple of minutes of the ride. Have we landed?

she breathed.

Were here. Amber said tersely. She didnt mean to be short with her

daughter, but she was worried, not knowing what to expect.

Jason sat on the sofa, staring straight ahead of him, his jaw tightly

clenched. Julia sat staring at the tv and smoking. Gary stood beside

the chair she sat in, also smoking.

No one spoke. Amy went over and sat beside her brother. You ok,

Jason?

Yeah. He didnt appear to be ok; he looked miserable. Suddenly, he

looked entreatingly at his mother. Mom, they say I have to leave my

apartment. Can they do that?

Amber wanted to run over and give him a reassuring hug, but she knew he

would be horribly embarrassed if she did that. She glanced at Julia,

who glared at her. Did you sign the lease? Amber asked Jason.

Nah. I dont have any credit established yet. Julia signed.

Is your name on the lease at all? Amber asked, thinking that all

Jason had needed to do was ask his mom to sign the lease.

No. Just Julias. He wasnt looking at Julia.

Amber looked questioningly at Julia, but Julia just shrugged and rolled


16/22

her eyes.

I paid for the apartment, Jason volunteered. First and last months

rent, plus damage deposit. It came from my college fund. He would be

starting college in less than a month.

Did you pay by check, or with cash, Amber asked, keeping her voice

even.

Cash. Julia finally spoke. And I paid for it. This is my

apartment.

I gave you the cash, Jason said, his voice tight with anger. It was

my money.

It was mine after you gave it to me, Julia said smugly.

Im afraid shes right, Jason, Amber said. Apparently, theres no

proof that the apartment was meant to be yours.

Let her have the stupid apartment, Jason, Amy said. Then she turnedto her friend. Julia, I cant believe youre doing this to him.

We dont have a place to go, Julia said to Amy. Jason can always go

home to his moms.

Its probably best if you come home with us, Jason, Amber said. You

can talk with an attorney tomorrow if you want.

Amy got up. Come on, Jason. We can worry about all this later. Ive

got school tomorrow.

Jason stood up, gazing around him in a way that suggested that he was

being kicked out of paradise.

You can pack up tomorrow, Julia told Jason. No ones going to

bother your stuff.

Mrs. Martin. Belatedly, Gary proffered a hand to Amber. She ignored

it. She had no intention of touching this slime ball. Ever. He let

the arm fall to his side. Sorry to have to meet you under these

circumstances, he muttered.

We shouldnt have met at all, Amber retorted. The rest of them

looked at her strangely. They had no idea what she was feeling. She

had made love with this man, albeit not with her own body. He knew

nothing about her body, but she knew what it felt like to have him on

top of her, making love to her. Ambers cheeks burned. She turned andstrode out of the apartment.

Amber hung around the house most of the next day trying to get Jason to

talk to her, but he remained in his room with the Do Not Disturb sign

hanging from the doorknob. Amy went to a friends house after school

to spend the night, so dinner promised to be a solitary affair. Amber

had pizza delivered in case Jason decided to join her. He didnt.

Amber was not even positive he was still in his room. He could have

gone out without her being aware of it.


17/22

Kevin called and they spent a long time going over the events of the

day before. It occurred to Amber that their conversations nearly

always centered around her experiences.

Kevin, whats going on in your life? she asked.

Not very much at the moment.

Why is it that we never discuss what is happening in your life? I

dont mean to monopolise our conversations.

He laughed, that rich, hearty laughter that she liked so well.

Youre the star of this show, Amber. Im your guide, remember?

I remember. It still seems unfair that we stay focused on my life all

the time. By the way, when do I get to meet other host dreamers?

Sometimes she wondered if there really were others.

His voice turned serious. I dont know, Amber. We dont often meet

as a group. Usually, we work in pairs, most often with one personbeing guide to the other. Why? Are you bored with my company already?

It was Ambers turn to laugh. Of course not. It just seems odd that

you are the only person in this Association thing that Ive met so far.

There was a slight pause at the other end of the line. Come over for

a bit. Im getting ready to watch Sookie Stackhouse. You know, the tv

series, Trueblood. Vampires, sex, mayhem. See, my lifes not boring,

after all.

Hmmm, Amber said, stifling a snigger. Then, surprising herself as

well as Kevin, she accepted. He gave her directions to his apartment,

and before she knew it, she was knocking at his door.

Kevin made popcorn, huge bowls of it. They sat together on an ugly but

very comfortable sofa.

Is it terribly gory? she worried. Because I dont know if I can eat

popcorn if it is.

Really? My guess would be that you are not the squemish type.

Having spent the last few years with two teenagers, I think I can

probably handle it.

They watched two of the episodes of the series and were well into a

third when Amber made use of one of the huge throw pillows at the endof the sofa. Do you mind? she murmured. Just going to close my

eyes for a second. She never heard his reply because she was asleep

as soon as her head hit the pillow.

She was Daisy again. Daisy was rummaging through her bedroom closet.

She was so agitated that she kept dropping the objects that she picked

up, leaving them to lie helter-skelter where ever they landed.

Presently, she managed to pull down one of several shoe boxes from the

top shelf. She carried the box to the bed, tripping over some of the


18/22

things on the floor. Sitting down on the bed, she lifted the lid from

the box. Reaching inside, she pulled out a wicked looking gun.

Amber knew next to nothing about guns, but she was afraid when Daisy

checked to see that the gun was loaded.

Cheating son of a bitch, Daisy muttered. Well see how you like a

taste of this, Gary. At the doorway she paused, looking back into the

bedroom.

Someone was shaking her, calling her name. No, not her name, but

Amber! Wake up.

She was so completely immersed in the dream that it took some time for

Amber to shake off the emotions of betrayal and rage that Daisy had

been feeling. For a moment she stared wildly at Kevin as he bent over

her, looking concerned.

Ive got to go! She exclaimed. Daisy has a gun. Shes going after

Gary.

Before she had finished speaking, Kevin began handing her her purse and

keys. Amber did not object as he clamored down the steps with her.

She started for her car, but Kevin placed a hand on her shoulder.

Well take mine. Its faster.

What happened to your rules? she asked as they sped out of the

driveway. No interference and all that crap.

Its not crap, Amber, he said calmly, keeping his eyes on the road.

There are some very good reasons for the rules. But we are human

beings, not automatons slavishly obeying the rules at all costs.

Thank you, she said tartly. Because this is one time I will

definitely break the damn rules.

Amber, where was Daisy going?

To shoot Gary. Oh. To Jasons apartment. Thats why Im so worried.

What if Jason went there to pick up some of his things?

At this time of night? The digital clock on the dash read 2:30.

I just have a bad feeling. If Daisy is going to try to hurt Gary, we

have got to try to stop her, even if he is a sorry excuse for a human

being.

We could dial 911, Kevin said.

And say what? Ive had a dream. Please rush over to my sons

apartment so you can stop his girlfriends lover from getting shot by

her mother?

Good point. Lets just get there, he said.

Amber said nothing more. She could tell Kevin was really worried, more

so than she would have thought. With Kevin there was always this


19/22

feeling that there was something more than what he actually said.

The trip along the dark sreets seemed interminable. At last they drew

up at the apartment complex. Theres Daisys car, Amber shouted as

they ran towards Jasons building. Not waiting for the elevator, they

rushed up the two flights of stairs. The crack of the revolver sounded

just as they reached the door. Without knocking, Kevin flung the door

open.

Oh my god, Amber breathed. The figure almost completely covered

with a flowered comforter was familiar, but it was not Gary. Jason!

Amber screamed. Oh my God. Its Jason. With trembling fingers she

dialed 911.

You little whore! Daisy screamed at Julia, who watched, looking

horrified, as the red stain grew on the comforter.

Bitch! Daisy sreamed again. You took my man away and now youre

cheating on him? Daisy took aim at her daughter. Kevin tackled

Daisy. They wrestled on the floor, with Kevin holding Daisys arm,

keeping the gun pointed away from Julia.

Daisy managed to kick him in the groin. The gun went off, the bullet

shattering the glass in a framed picture on the wall. Kevin got up,

holding the gun.

All this Kevin related to Amber later. Vaguely, she heard the yelling

and the sound of the gun going off, but her attention was all on Jason.

Pulling back the covers, she saw that he had been shot in the back. He

was unconscious, but breathing. There was an enormous amount of blood.

Amber ran into the adjoining bathroom and fetched a clean white towell.

She held the towell firmly against the wound, trying to staunch the

flow of blood.

Jason, Jason, Julia moaned. Oh, God. Is he dead?

Amber lifted her gaze from the bloodied form to Julias eyes. My son

is alive, no thanks to you, she said. She understood Daisys rage

against this young woman. Amber wanted desperately to slap the pretty

young face.

Wheres Gary? Kevin asked.

He got called in to work, the girl said sullenly.

Slut! It was Daisy who did the slapping. Still holding the gun,

Kevin pulled the distraught woman away from her daughter.

There was a noise in the hallway. The paramedics had arrived. They

must have been closeby.

Three days later, Kevin and Amber went to see Jason in the hospital.

He was recovering nicely from his wound, though it had been touch and

go at first.

Amy was sitting on the bed beside Jason. Amber was glad to see them

laughing together. Hey, you two. Amber patted Amys shoulder, bent


20/22

down and kissed Jasons cheek. How are you feeling, she asked her

son.

Ive felt better. Jason looked at Kevin with interest. Whos he?

Amber glanced back at Kevin. I introduced you to Kevin yesterday, but

you were still pretty groggy. This is my friend, Kevin Plant.

Jason waved a feeble hand. Hi, Kevin,

Glad to see youre feeling better, Jason. Your mom was pretty

worried.

Yeah, she worries a lot, Jason said sleepily. Mom, have you seen

Julia?

No, but I talked to her earlier. Amber hesitated. There was no easy

way to deliver the news. She called me to tell me that she and Gary

were married today. She said to tell you that she hopes you find

someone else, real soon.

Jasons eyes had widened and then closed. He said nothing.

Julia married that creep? Amy exclaimed. She didnt even tell me.

Why so soon? Why now, with all this stuff going on with her mom?

The fact that although Julia is eighteen now, she was under age when

her affair with Gary started may have something to do with it. She may

be trying to keep Gary out of trouble.

Jason opened his eyes again. What are they going to do about Daisy?

he asked.

I dont know, Jason, Amber said. I think they are charging her with

malicious wounding instead of attempted murder since it was not you

that she intended to shoot. Shes swearing she only meant to scare

Gary, not kill him.

Well, she scared me, Amy said. I would never have believed she

could do something like that. Will she go to prison?

Its hard to say. Shes out on bail now. She has no priors, so she

may only get probation. Personally, I dont care as long as she stays

away from my children.

Mom! Jason and Amy exclaimed in unison.

They all laughed. Shorly afterward, two of Jasons friends dropped by,so Amber and Kevin stepped out into the corridor on their way to find

some coffee.

I hope I dont dream about Daisy any more, especially if she goes to

prison, Amber said.

You might not, Kevin said. Most of the time, when a particular

issue in the hosts life has been resolved, the dreamer stops dreaming

about her, or him.


21/22

If the issue was Daisys affair with Gary, then it certainly appears

to be over. She hates him, now.

Amber suddenly stopped walking. Kevin stopped, too.

Amber, whats wrong?

That room we just passed. Thats Alma. The dream I had last night.

Her brother-in-law pushed her down the stairs. Im going in there.

She turned around.

Amber, no.

Im just going to make sure its her. I thought that the fall had

killed her.

Amber, come back here. Dont get involved, Kevin groaned. First

Rule!

Im just going to take a peek. She walked inside the room.

Kevin hurried to catch up.


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host dreamer 110

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