Chapter 7
Dreams. They used to be a safe, calm, and restful place for Lauren. Now, they were filled with activity. Lauren couldn't tell if she was awake or asleep. She was in a labyrinth trying to find her way out. She kept finding dead ends. Finally, she decided to stand still, think about where she wanted to be, and teleport there. In her dreams, it worked. She teleported to the center of the labyrinth. Evandalyn was waiting for her. "Why are you not sleeping? What are you looking for?"
"I don't know. I am awake in my dream."
"What are you looking for? Who are you looking for?"
"My grandmother." When Lauren said that her grandmother appeared. "Hello, my legacy."
"Grandma." They hugged. "You and your locket have been on my mind, and I think it's what is keeping me awake. Please tell me what you have in it."
"Love, my dear. It's full of love. The strongest magic ever. Love is the power that will balance you and stop these silly attacks you are getting when you are around too much magic or strange magic. Take in the love from the locket and you will have instant control."
"How do I take it in?"
"Think it into your heart and it will be yours forever. Hold it in your hands and open your heart to the love of your legacy." She followed directions and as she allowed her body to become pliable, power washed over her. She glowed from head to toe. She floated and she felt warm all over. "Now, sleep my dear child, and know you are loved." Lauren laid back down. It was what she pictured in her mind as a bed surrounded by flowers in full bloom and glowing words.
Beatrice turned to Evandalyn and gave her a huge hug. She missed her so much. "I love you so much. I wish you could stay." Evandalyn began to cry.
"I'm always with you. I'm tied to your heart. How are you handling your illness?"
"It's tiring but I am here. It's not like I can go anywhere. I wish my family would forgive me and come check on me or let me come home to heal. This world needs both of us to be healthy and strong. Imagination is not being used as much as it used to be. The focus on reading books that are so serious all the time is killing imagination. Children don't read as much, parents don't read to their children, and schools worry too much about testing. The magic is becoming so dark with all the violence and gore. People are making more dark creatures daily. I'm trying to hold the scary back. It's weakening me easily these days."
"I'm so sorry I can't help. I just hope the love I have given Lauren helps her get strong quicker. She is the key to correcting the problem and healing you." One more big hug and Grandma Beatrice disappeared.
"I pray that you are right, Beatrice." Evandalyn thought as she held Lauren and went to sleep.
Lauren woke up in a room full of people. She had never slept surrounded by so many people that supported and cared about her. Then she looked at herself. She was glowing. Shining like a lightbulb. Her next thoughts brought back the dream. She took in the love from her grandmother and now she glowed. She glowed with power and a new understanding of the importance of being the Keeper of the Keys of Imagination.
"Good morning." Evandalyn greeted. "Thank you for allowing me to see Beatrice again. You are a wonderful link."
Lauren's glow finally dimmed and everyone else began to wake. They all went to their rooms and got dressed for school. Edmon brought breakfast to Evandalyn and Lauren. Demeartal brought Lauren her uniform.
"I'm glad. I feel different. I feel like I have received years of experience overnight. It's like I sat with my grandmother, and she groomed me and honed my skills. She is in me, and I am ready to practice and use what she gave me." Lauren declared.
"After classes today, we will discover how much she has boosted you. Don't tell your teachers. Let's surprise them."