Dreamscape by Christie Rich Read Free Book Online Page B

fire and an image flickers in
the flames. It looks like a park, but the scene is dark and hard to make out.
My feet move closer, even though I know I’m stupid for doing so.
    As I step nearer, I’m able to make out other things. A
picnic table takes shape, as does a streetlight down the way. The heat from the
flames calls to me, beckoning me into its embrace. It’s like a drumbeat in my
head. Come to me, come to me, come to me .
    Part of my brain screams at me to turn around and jet back
to my room, but that part is overshadowed by my curiosity, this strange
compulsion I feel to take that first step through the flames. For some reason
I’m no longer afraid of the fire, and I should be. What the heck’s wrong with me?
    My muscles bunch as I anticipate moving through the
flickering wall. Maybe that’s my way out of here? Maybe it’s like that science
fiction show on TV where the characters move from world to world through gates
made of water. I scrunch up my nose and bring my fingers closer to the flames.
Just before the heat becomes too much, the flames part around my hand as if
they will obey me. The heat clings to my skin, but it doesn’t burn exactly.
    My body vibrates with excitement. Could it be this simple?
Could I really leave? I glance over my shoulder, considering the money on the
bed. It would take me a long time to blow through that much cash.
    This is my chance. If I don’t take it, I might not ever be
left alone again.
    Not allowing myself to think about it further, I rush back
into the room and grab as much money as I can fit into my jeans. I even stuff
some into my bra.
    When I’m done, I rush back into Seth’s room. The wall of
flames dances and pops as I approach. I’m so stupid for trying this, but it’s
my only shot.
    The park scene is still visible, somehow familiar. It kind
of looks like a park two blocks from Justine’s place. My gut clenches while my
heartbeat pounds in my throat and roars in my ears.
    Not sure what to expect, I thrust my fist through the
barrier. Dizziness clamps onto my brain as my body hurtles through the barrier.
I land on my hands and knees, skidding forward on the fresh-cut grass moist
with morning dew.
    A smile overtakes me.
    I’m alive. I’m through.
    Dawn is just around the corner. The breeze brings the
earthy scent of bread baking. My throat tightens when I see Fred’s corner
bakery. Oddly, I’m not hungry.
    Not a soul lingers in the park or on the street I’ve walked
every day for over a year.
    Seth’s a liar. Justine’s place is two blocks from here.
    When I glance behind me, his room flickers in and out of
view. My mind can’t quite comprehend what I’m seeing, but it doesn’t matter. I
need to hurry. He said he’d be gone a few hours. It’s been at least that long.
    I can’t go back to Justine’s, so I head for the market. I
need to find out what day it is. If he hasn’t had me too long, I might still be
able to score a pad near the college.
    Keeping to the shadows, I edge toward Forest Street,
putting my back to the chaos of the past few days, or however long I’ve been
with Seth.
    My stomach tumbles to my toes at the mere thought of his
reaction when he figures out I’m gone. He’ll try to find me again, but I plan
to be on a bus or train.
    I think I’ll head to Texas. I’ve always wanted to live near
water warm enough to enjoy. Man, I hope it’s not Sunday. Nothing happens in
Provo on Sunday.
    Voices cut through my thoughts, making me stop short. I
plaster myself against the nearest tree and strain to hear the rest of the
conversation.
    The bus stop is ahead of me, and I really don’t want to
take a detour. If they are really into their conversation, they may not notice
me when I walk by. Just in case, I stay in the tree line.
    I inch nearer to the group, keeping as low as I can.
    One deep voice in particular raises my hackles. Panic
rushes through me. I can’t let him see me. He’ll drag me back.

    Something is wrong here.