“Girls. It’s time to wake up.” I woke to the sound of Skylar’s mom's voice. I sat up slowly, blinking. Skylar sat up beside me. We had fallen asleep in her bed together. “Sorry to wake you,” her mom says, “It’s just that it’s already 12:30.”
“12:30?” Skylar and I echo. Her mom nods. Skylar and I both get up. We make ourselves some toast for our late breakfast as Skylar explains our middle of the night discussion.
“I was going to text Heather today. Ask about setting up an appointment. What do you think? Skylar asks her mom.
“I think that’s a very good idea,” Her mom agrees. I sigh. I was sort of wishing her mom would come up with a reason why we shouldn’t go to a doctor. It’s not that I don’t trust Heather, I just don’t think we should let more people in on this. I was already mad at myself that I had endangered Skylar and her mom. They were committing a federal crime by keeping me safe while the police were looking for me. Despite that I felt like this whole thing was going to be dangerous. I didn’t want to endanger more people.
After Skylar calls Heather we decide to meet in the park. Skylar and I walk there and meet Heather. Then we all walk along a trail and Skylar and I catch Heather up on everything.
“Wow,” she says when we finish telling her everything. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
Skylar looks at me. She had wanted to tell Heather for a long time, but I had refused. “I didn’t want to get you involved in this. The police think I’ve committed this crime. It’s literally illegal to be helping me.” I didn’t mention the part about how I had a feeling this would be more dangerous than just the law.
Heather nods her head, “I guess that is a pretty good reason, but why tell me now?”
“Because we need your help,” Skylar informs her, “Or rather, your parents help.” Heather cocks her head, waiting for one of us to explain further. “You know those dreams Robin’s been having?”
“Yes.”
“We don’t think they’re normal dreams and we were hoping your parents could help us figure out more.”
“Hmmm…” Heather thinks it over. “It might be something they can help you with. How about Monday after school?”
“That should work!” Skylar seems pleased that we might have a clue to my mystery.“Great! I’ll meet you at the hospital.” Heather smiles. I smile back and Skyla does too. We split ways with Heather and head back to Skyler's house.
“What was wrong back there?” Skylar asks me as we walk.
“What do you mean?”
“You were so quiet.”
“I don’t know.” She gives me a look and I back down. “Fine. I don’t think it’s a good idea going to Heather's parents.”
“They don’t mind trying to help you. They’ll understand that you didn’t actually murder anyone.”
“I know, but it’s not just that.”
“Then what is it?”
“I have a feeling that this whole thing is going to be really dangerous.”
“I get that feeling too sometimes,” She admits, “But I think if we ask for help it could end up being less dangerous.” I think about that for a minute.
“I guess that might be true,” I say finally. Skylar smiles, and then we walk back the rest of the way in silence.
When we get back Skylar opens the door and calls, “Mom we’re home!”
Her mom comes walking down the stairs. “How’d it go.”
“Heather says her parents shouldn’t be busy after school on Monday. We can go to the hospital then.”
“That’s great!” She says, then notices me. “Is that not great Robin?”
“Well,” I respond carefully, “It has the potential to be a good thing.”
“But…” She pressed
“But, it could also be a bad thing.” We all sit on the couch in the middle of the living room.
“Ronin’s afraid of putting others in danger,” Skylar explains to her mom.
“I see,” Her mom nods in understanding. “I really don’t think you have anything to worry about Robin.”
“Maybe not,” I agree, although I didn’t really believe that.
“Anyway,” her mom continues, “I have some great news Skylar!”
“What?” She asks.
“Your dad called. He says he’s coming home tomorrow. We can pick him up from the airport together!”
“Really?” Skylar asks, beaming with joy. “Tomorrow? That soon? I can’t believe it! This is great! Robin, I can’t wait for you to meet him!”
“I can’t wait to meet him.” I smile. Then Skylar drags me up to her room. We spent the rest of the day looking through old family photos of Skylar and her dad. We had fun and Skylar was so overjoyed that her father would be coming home. I was happy for her too and I was truly excited to meet him.
Skylar was so bubbly and energetic that night she didn’t calm down until much later in the night. I was exhausted on the other hand. I hadn’t slept well last night due to my dream. “I can’t wait!” Skylar squealed.
“Ugh,” I sighed and pulled a pillow over my head, teasing Skylar.
“It’s going to be great!” She ignores me.
I sit up and put the pillow on my lap. “So where’s he coming back from anyway?”
“Work trip,” she replies, “He’s been gone for a month.”
“Wow. That must be hard.”
“Sometimes,” She admits, “Although he goes on work trips so often. I guess I’ve just gotten used to it.”
“I couldn’t have imagined life without my parents until this school year started.”
“Well. I have Mom. It’s not like both my parents are gone like yours. And I know Dad will always come back. I think the hard part for you must be…” she trailed off.
“Not knowing if I’m ever going to see them again,” I finished for her.
“Yeah. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought this up.”
“No, no. It’s okay. I need to accept that this is real.” I yawn.
“You’re tired. I’m sorry. I should have let you sleep.”
I smile, “Don’t worry. I always have fun with you.” We smile at each other. Skylar turns off the light and I immediately fall asleep.
I heard her toss and turn restlessly in the middle of the night, but then she murmured, “Dad!” I smiled to myself and drifted off again. When I awoke Skylar was already up and about. “Good morning Robin!” she says cheerfully when I open my eyes.
“How long have you been awake?” I ask groggily.
“Only about two hours.”
“Oh, only two hours,” I mumble sarcastically, sitting up.
“Come on, I made breakfast.” Before I can protest, she grabs my wrist and pulls me down the stairs. We stop in the kitchen and I stand, shocked, in the middle of the room, staring at the kitchen table. It was decorated with an assortment of delicious foods. Eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, waffles, french toast, strawberries, blackberries, razzberries, pineapple, watermelon, scones, pastry, and tarts.
“Did you do all this?” I asked Skylar, dumbfounded.
“Of course, silly,” She laughs at my shocked expression, which I’m sure was absolutely ridiculous.
“She bakes when she’s excited,” Skylar's mom explains as she pulls a german pancake from the oven.
“How are we going to eat all this?”
“Well, Mark will help after we pick him up,” Skylar’s mom said.
“When are we going to do that?”
“We’re leaving in about an hour. Before we go though, we should eat.”
“Yes!” I agree, “This looks great, and I’m starving.”