"If we're leaving for any amount of time, we need to tell Miss Hima", I said, wrapping the blanket under my arms and around my ribs. I stepped back into the bathroom and slid my hoodie back on. I walked back out and both boys were sitting on the bed, waiting patiently. They both rose to their feet when I re-entered the room. Why were they being so formal? They're both so weird. I tossed the blanket past them on the bed. I still had questions. I looked them both in the eyes, unrelenting. I hoped I looked as stern as I felt. I also hoped they were looking at me through their second level consciousness eyesight. I folded my arms and laid in hard with the questioning.
"So, how do we get there? How long will we be gone? Is there an entrance to your world that's human-side that doesn't require a consciousness shift? What do we do about nightmares we encounter along the way? Do I need to bring anything? Do we have a backup plan if the elders can't help, or won't help?", the questions flew out of my mouth at a mile a minute. The boys looked at each other and back at me.
"I think we should take you to my tribal elder first, he's a little more understanding than Gray's...", Chase suggested. Gray didn't look a bit offended, so it must be true.
"He currently resides in the dreamworld on the base of Fuji", Chase followed up quickly. That's only a few hours away by train. We could do that. The only problem was my job. I'd have to call in. Which would be hard without a phone. I groaned and threw myself onto the bed. Gray sat on the corner, but Chase laid down next to me. He poked my cheek until I looked at him.
"What's the holdup with this plan all of a sudden?", Chase asked. I rolled onto my side to face him, and lifted my head with my hand.
"My job. I'm supposed to close tonight. I can't call off though, seeing as I don't have a phone", I said, pondering how much money I would need for a new one. Chase looked over his shoulder at Gray. Gray left to the living room, quickly returning. He handed me a rectangular white box. It was heavy. I looked between the two of them, sat up to open the box, and slid the cover off; exposing the new phone. I looked back and forth between them both again, suspicious. They both looked nervous. Chase probably told Gray about the rent situation and how I reacted. They were both fidgeting.
"Wow, I... Thank you", I managed to get out. I was absolutely dumbfounded. They both relaxed their posture and both sighed in relief. Was I that terrifying when I was mad? I chuckled to myself.
"Well, after you brought it up earlier, we both couldn't stop thinking about how true it was. Your entire social timeline was taken from you. We thought it would mean a lot to you to have some of it back", Chase said, patting my shoulder. I nodded and held the box to my chest. It was one of the sweetest things anyone had done for me, ever.
"I guess I should call off. Something tells me this hike is going to be an all day project. Thanks again, guys", I said. I leaned in and kissed Chase's cheek. He looked so bewildered. I looked up at Gray and saw him blush for the first time ever. I stood up and gave him a quick peck too. His hand flew to his cheek and held where my lips had brushed. I turned and walked out into the living room to figure out how my phone worked. The boys looked at each other in shock.
. . . . . . . .
I packed an extra change of clothes, a few water bottles, a heavy jacket and boots, and multitudes of energy snacks and drinks. I had a feeling this one day trip wasn't going to be just one day. I zipped the backpack closed. I had my wallet, my apartment keys, my new phone, and a pocket knife and compass all on my person in my front pockets of my raincoat. I turned and threw the backpack over my shoulder. I walked put of the bedroom into the living room. The boys were all packed and ready too, sitting patiently on the couch watching TV. I paused at the balcony door. I was eyeing some rope I used to tie my plants to sticks to keep them upright. it couldn't hurt to bring it with. I stepped onto the balcony and swiped it.
"Hey guys....?", I said only loud enough for them to hear.
"Yeah, what's wrong?", Chase asked, turning around. He looked at my back, then up past my head. Gray turned slowly around as well. We all met eyes with the smallest nightmare we had ever seen. It was shaped like a bat, hanging upside down off the bottom of my upstairs neighbors balcony. I had almost missed it but it stuck out against the light gray sky. Both boys were tense, I could feel it. I didn't blink while slowly backing away, retreating inside. I slid the door closed, still on my hands and knees. I sat on my butt and continued to stare at it. It wasn't blinking or moving either. As Gray and Chase moved to check on me, it stretched it's wings and flew away.
"Do you think... it was spying? Don't nightmares usually come out at night?", I asked. The boys both nodded as I looked between them.
"Definitely doing reconnaissance work", Gray agreed. I stood up with their help. I handed the rope to Chase. He stuffed it in the top of his backpack. I dusted myself off. This was going to be a long trip. We stopped at Miss Hima's door on the way out. I knocked lightly. A few seconds passed, and the door creaked open.
"Hello, Jasmine", she greeted me. I bowed and smiled at her. Her expression softened when she saw the boys. She poked her head out from behind the door.
"We're going to be gone for the day, possibly this evening depending on how long this hike takes. Please take care", I bowed quickly and the boys followed suit. She reached out of her door and patted the back of my hand. She was always so nice to me. We said the rest of our goodbyes and headed down the stairs. We walked over the cobble bridge and I couldn't help but stop and stare at the small stream below. It's funny how time changes people and places. I shook the thought out of my head and continued on. we made it to the train station in decent time; less than a forty minute walk. We embarked, all sitting next to each other. I was stuck in the middle.
As the train started to pick up speed, I felt my head start to grow heavy. I tried my hardest to keep my eyes open. Chase looked over at me from the aisle side seat. He gently patted my thigh and motioned with his fingers to lay my head on his shoulder. Gray grabbed my hand from the window seat, giving it a gentle squeeze. Rain started pouring down the window and lightning flashed across the sky, like skeletal fingers through sand. I let my head rest on Chase's shoulder. He put his cheek on the top of my head. Gray leaned over and put his head on my shoulder, making a point to sigh. His long black braid trailed down the front of his white jacket like a stain. I'm sure we looked like quite the company. The boys were probably so tired. They deserved a nap. It took a matter of only minutes before I succumbed to sleep as well. The train ride was going to be our only rest for a while to come.