Chapter 66
Ebony
~Dreamland~–
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As I walk through the familiar forest, I make my way to the lake where I know Skylar is waiting on me. It’s strange to be in a teen body in these dreams but it’s all worth it just to see and talk to him more. When I wake up, I remember all my time with him. Maybe I can just learn more about what’s going on with him! If this is him and not just a dream.
As I spot him, I smile. “Skylar!” I call out and make my way over to him. As I get closer to him, I know something is very wrong. “Sky?” I sit down next to him and place a hand on his shoulder. It’s so weird to see the handsome version of him acting like this.
Skylar is sitting with his knees close to his chest and his hazel eyes so very blank. He jumps when I touch his shoulder but doesn’t push it off. “Oh… it’s you, Ebony.” He sighs softly. “It’s been a while… these fantasies are my only out.” He mutters and looks out at the lake. “Away from them… ‘her‘ especially…”
I frown and tilt my head. What is he talking about? Is this about where he is now? Can I get some sort of clue out of him?! “Do you want to talk about it?” I ask, “It might get something off your chest! If you want, I can tell you about my problems too.”
Skylar looks over at me and hesitates for a moment. Please, give me a clue! He then lets out a sigh and nods. “Fine… it’s just… hard to deal with things in my pack.” He sets his forehead on one of his knees. “Having an evil little sister is the worst.”
“An evil little sister?” I echo and watch him. “What do you mean? I don’t have any siblings but… isn’t it normal for them not to always get along? Or to have favorites even if you shouldn’t?” I want to know more about his situation. I want him back home!
Skylar scoffs and shakes his head. “Ha… if only it was that simple. It’s never fair with her and she has it out for me too.” He closes his eyes and chuckles bitterly. “Everyone is on her side and I always get punished for everything she does. It’s like… everyone’s enchanted by her.”
“Enchanted?” I echo and hesitate. I’m not sure what he means. “What does she do exactly? And why are you getting punished? If she’s doing something bad, then she should be told right from wrong!”
Skylar chuckles again and shakes his head. “Everyone sees Gracie as an angel. But how can an angel have eyes the color of blood?” He sighs. “I get blamed whether it’s for breaking a plate, drawing or painting on a wall, sending a note, saying bad words… causing someone to bleed or cry… and I get taken to the punishment room.”
That haunted look in his eyes scares me. Skylar has been getting new scars every time I see him but I never point it out… not after the first time anyway. “What… do they do to you, Sky?” I take his hand. “Please… Sky, please tell me.” My voice trembles. I don’t know if I want to know to be honest but any little thing helps.
Skylar falls quiet for a moment. I nearly take back what I say but he suddenly pulls away from me and turns his back to me. A moment later, he’s taking off his shirt which makes me blush for some reason… but then it all stops.
Scars everywhere. Crisscrossing all over his back are so many scars. Some look fresh and others look old. One even looks like it’s still bleeding but when I reach out to touch it, I don’t feel any wetness. I see some on his arms, on the back of his neck… how many more does he have?
I make him turn to face me and I gasp. Even more are on his chest and stomach. Tears come to my eyes and Skylar reaches out rubbing my cheek. “… Don’t cry, Ebony.” He murmurs. “I didn’t mean to upset you… I’m sorry.”
I shake my head and pull him into a big hug. “No, Sky… don’t apologize. You didn’t do this. You’re not at fault! The mean people who are beating you are.” I say firmly. “I hate this is happening to you… I just want you to come home and be loved!”
Skylar’s body shakes as he lets out a laugh. “Loyed? Is that even a thing? I’ve never felt loved with those people… I’ve never belonged even before Gracie came into the picture.” He clenches his fists. “I hate her… I hate her so much… is that bad of ine?” He falters a bit as if he sees himself as someone so
terrible.
I shake my head. “She’s the cause of your pain and suffering. You’re not a bad person!” I say firmly. “What are their names? The two who are her parents?” I ask. Every time I ask something like this the dream ends. This time is no different.
1/2
13:13 Tue, 15 Jul GO
Chapter 66
The world around us starts to fade away and I watch as my friend shrinks into the form of a young boy. “They… tiart… lia…” he tries to say but I can’t make it all out. Skylar’s sad eyes are the last thing I see before I wake up.
As I open my eyes, mom is standing over me with a worried look. “You’re finally awake! You started crying in your sleep. L.” Itune her out as I sit up don’t feel any closer to finding Skylar. I did get a name… Gracie. Is that a nickname? Who knows.
As I watch my mom, I wish she would just remember what happened that night. If she did then Skylar would already be home and he wouldn’t have to suffer anymore! Feeling resentment, I get out of bed and ignore her as I pick out my clothes.
Mom sighs behind me. “I’m sorry for being worried about you.” She mutters before cheering back up. “Hurry up and come on downstairs! Peter is making you something special!” She says cheerfully before leaving the room.
I close my eyes and sigh. Mom is so happy with Peter but I don’t think any of it is real. Peter is nice and all but I will never see him as my dad. He acts ike a loving mate yet also doesn’t at the same time.
The night we left Crimson Moon was very tense though mom was oblivious at the time. Mom used to hate Peter as well… so her missing memories messed up so many things. It’s not right to blame her but some days I find it hard not to.
After I get dressed in a simple shirt and a pair of shorts, I make my way downstairs and spot the two of them talking happily. Once again, I can’t help but feel that Peter is thinking of someone else when he has that loving look. When he spots me, his gaze turns real instead of fake. At least he likes me.
“Good morning! You should have dressed up today!” Peter says then pauses when I stare at him. “Don’t tell me you forgot! Today’s your birthday, little one! I even made all your favorites. Your mother made the cake though.” He chuckles.
That’s right… it’s my birthday today. I’m turning ten years old today. It’s been nearly three years since Skylar was taken away from me. As I’m led to the table, I watch as a plate of my favorite waffles is set in front of me. “What are you going to wish for this year?” Mom asks me in an excited tone.
What do I want? I think this is obvious. I want my best friend back… I want Skylar back home. I don’t have an appetite but I force myself to eat even as it tastes like sand. As the two adults chat happily together, all I can think about is Skylar suffering and being punished,
‘Where are you, Sky? When are you coming home?‘ I silently ask as my heart aches. It feels as if my soul is crying for him. All I want is to see him again outside of the dream world. That’s not selfish… right?
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