The Dream Guy

[Losty]

I know by this title that this sounds like the most mushy book ever written HOWEVER it is in the POV of a rather well-grounded citizen so NO JUDGING PLEASE!

Here's a brief plot outline:
Angela (fondly known as Angel) is a simple 14-going-on-15 year old girl. She has twin sisters, living with her Mum and her Stepdad.
It all changes when they take a vacation to America. New York City to be exact.
When she meet's Him.

Enjoy!

[Losty]

Chapter 1: Holiday

This Monday morning at breakfast Mum broke the news.

"Guess what, kids? We're going to New York!"

Yep. That's right. New York City. America.
So, naturally, I jumped up and down, squealing in joy, like any fourteen year old girl would.
"For the whole summer?" yelled my little sister Sara, who was just settling down at the dining table.

My Mum nodded, and was just about to say more when Saras twin, Lola, walked into the room, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She was totally oblivious to what was going on.
Sara got up and put her arm aroud Lola.
"We're going on holiday!"
Lola, who was a little slow and seemed to be totally dim that morning, went:
"What?"
I rolled my eyes, and went back to my cereal, thinking about New York, while my Mum and sister explained it to Lola.
"We are going on holday for the summer, girls, but we're leaving next week."

I froze with a frown on my face. I pulled my light brown hair into a braid, it's only decent style. It was only Mid-June, and school didn't end for another month.
"Why?"
"Well, because, my book got published a few months ago, remember?"
We nodded, it had been a really big deal.
"Well, it's recently been sent to New York for publication, and I have to go over there to a few meetings, to see what's going on."
"Well then why take us?" asked Sara, who, as usual, had droplets of milk all over her seven year old face.
"Because I thought it'd be nice to have a holiday abroad for once, instead of packing it down to Cornwall twice a year to stay with your Grandmother."
We nodded. Cornwall was beautiful, but we were all too used to the place. Central London, where we lived, was all too different to the countryside where my Grandma lives, so the contrast was kinda strange to us. City to city for a change would be great, especially if it was the best city in the World.

But I didn't understand.
Why go in the middle of June, when I could stay until school ended, and then go out and stay for summer?
When the twins had gone to get changed, I asked Mum.
"Why do you want us to go so early? We could easily stay here, I'll take care of..."
"And who would pay the rent? How would you get to New York after school ended? Out of your pocket money? I can't post-pone these meetings, Angel, not until after school, it's too long. I would have if I could.
"I'm sorry love, but you're gonna have to say your goodbyes, because we're leaving on Thursday."
I almost spat out my gum.
"This Thursday?"
Mum nodded, looking sheepish. I gulped.
"OK."
I turned to go out of the room, but then another thing occured to me: What about Mum's boyfriend?
"Is Pete coming?"
Mum shrugged,
"He doesn't even know yet. I'm telling him today at work."

Pete is my Mum's boyfriend. They've been together since I was four, and it had been a whole debate for me why Pete hadn't popped the question. He must be like me. No ties, no commitment, and you can't get hurt. Even though, ten years together and two daughters would fall under the category of commitment.

Even so, Mum didn't look like she was looking forward to telling Pete. I gave her a sympathetic look, but then I heard the light footsteps of my sisters sounding on the stairs.
They appeared at the bottom, in their matching school uniforms and bunches.
"Come on Angela, we're going to be late for school!"
I scowled at them, they know I hate getting called Angela.
I picked up my bag and followed then out of the front door.
"Come on then. Bye Mum!"
I gave my Mum a good-luck wink, then closed the door behind me.

----

"Wow?! New York? As in THE New York?"

I nodded, answering the same question for what felt like the millionth time that day. I didn't really feel like answering it to my best friend aswell.
"Yep, but i'm leaving this week."
"That's good, dumbo! You'll miss a whole month of school!"
"Won't you miss me?"

I fluttered my eyelashes in a sad puppy-dog face.
My best mate, May, covered her eyes with her hands.

"Nooooooo...not puppy face!"
"Mwahahahaha..."
I pretended to laugh maniacally, all at the same time keeping my face straight.
I wrestled with her until she gave up.
She let me let go of her wrists and she gave me a big bear hug.
"I will miss you."
We then had to stop hugging as out Science teacher came in and started the lesson.
I could swear I could see May wipe a tear from her eye.
I knew why. I wouldn't see her for months.
I'd miss her too.

[Losty]

Chapter 2: Plane Ride

"Flight B175 is boarding now at Gate 9, I repeat, Flight B175 is now boarding."
"Mummy, come on!"

We were at the airport.
Me, Mum, Sara and Lola. Pete was a no-go. It was horrible.
He and Mum had a fight. It was more of an argument, but it still was horrible.
The day Mum told us about America, Pete came home and shouted at Mum, telling her to stay home in London, or it's the end between them.
I couldn't help but notice that Pete was very drunk, he's made the same threat several times over, and they're still together.
They always stay together.

I think I'd better explain about my Dad. He died before I was born.
The twins are only my half- sisters, they're Pete's kids.

My Mum and Dad got together twenty years ago, they concieved my older sister, Sandra, and then me, eight years later. My Dad dies whilst my Mum was pregnant with me, so I never knew him.
When I was six Mum and Pete concieved Lola and Sara.
As we walked into the plane, and got into our seats, Mum and the twins in one row, me squashed between two strangers in another, my phone beeped saying I had recieved a text.
It was from May:

Will miss you, have a great time,
Luv from,
May,
xxxxxxxxxxx

I was just about to reply when the sign flashed to turn off out mobile phones and to buckle out seat belts.
I did so, and smiled at the person who was to my left, in the aisle seat.
He was in his late forties, large, looked alone and not happy what I was sitting next to him.
Before he blew a fuse, I turned my attention to the other person I was sitting next to, the one with the window seat.
It was another guy, a lot younger, maybe in his late teens or early twenties. He was wearing dark sunglasses, black sweatshirt and dark blue skinny jeans and black converses. He had longish blond hair and instead of staring out of the window, he was staring right in front of him, with a blank look on his face.

I smiled at him, just to be polite. He didn't return it however, and kept staring.
Then I noticed the walking cane in his right hand.
He was blind.
A wave of guilt washed over me as I said,
"Hi."
"Hi yourself."

He had an American accent, it must be his return trip.
We took off, I could hear the twins squealing in front of me.
We initiated conversation, and he introduced himself as Bill, he was nineteen going on twenty, and he was returning to his home in Queens wher he had a converted home for his disability. He was returning from London, visiting relatives. He was blinded when he was fifteen in a Science accident at his high school, when acid was splashed into his eyes by another kid. I listened, but ultimately I didn't think he was the best guy for chatting.
I thought i'd better get some sleep, as I didn't know what time it would be when we landed, so I couldn't be too careful.

I lowered my seat down as most people were doing around me.
I unfolded the waterproof bed cover (why is it waterproof?) from the net bag attatched to Mum's chair.
I grabbed my hand luggage and went into the toilet to change.

----

It's wierd trying to sleep on a plane. I've been on a plane before, but only to Cornwall and that was only for forty five minutes or so. I've never actually SLEPT in one before.

I was squeezed in between two virtual strangers, hearing a whole plane of people snoring.
Grumps to my left had plugs in his ears, and those patches on his nostrils to stop him snoring. Bill had taken his sunglasses off to reveal his blank grey eyes. They had both drifted off ages ago. Fast asleep. So had Mum and the twins.

I'm so tired. I did sleep before we left for Heathrow, but the whole "Going to America" thing was pretty tiring.
So sleepy.
Must sleep.
But i'm so excited about NYC.
Sleep.
Can't wait.
So sleep.
It's gonna be great.
Sle....

[Losty]

Plane Ride

"Flight B175 is boarding now at Gate 9, I repeat, Flight B175 is now boarding."
"Mummy, come on!"

We were at the airport.
Me, Mum, Sara and Lola. Pete was a no-go. It was horrible.
He and Mum had a fight. It was more of an argument, but it still was horrible.
The day Mum told us about America, Pete came home and shouted at Mum, telling her to stay home in London, or it's the end between them.
I couldn't help but notice that Pete was very drunk, he's made the same threat several times over, and they're still together.
They always stay together.

I think I'd better explain about my Dad. He died before I was born.
The twins are only my half- sisters, they're Pete's kids.

My Mum and Dad got together twenty years ago, they concieved my older sister, Sandra, and then me, eight years later. My Dad dies whilst my Mum was pregnant with me, so I never knew him.
When I was six Mum and Pete concieved Lola and Sara.
As we walked into the plane, and got into our seats, Mum and the twins in one row, me squashed between two strangers in another, my phone beeped saying I had recieved a text.
It was from May:

Will miss you, have a great time,
Luv from,
May,
xxxxxxxxxxx

I was just about to reply when the sign flashed to turn off out mobile phones and to buckle out seat belts.
I did so, and smiled at the person who was to my left, in the aisle seat.
He was in his late forties, large, looked alone and not happy what I was sitting next to him.
Before he blew a fuse, I turned my attention to the other person I was sitting next to, the one with the window seat.
It was another guy, a lot younger, maybe in his late teens or early twenties. He was wearing dark sunglasses, black sweatshirt and dark blue skinny jeans and black converses. He had longish blond hair and instead of staring out of the window, he was staring right in front of him, with a blank look on his face.

I smiled at him, just to be polite. He didn't return it however, and kept staring.
Then I noticed the walking cane in his right hand.
He was blind.
A wave of guilt washed over me as I said,
"Hi."
"Hi yourself."

He had an American accent, it must be his return trip.
We took off, I could hear the twins squealing in front of me.
We initiated conversation, and he introduced himself as Bill, he was nineteen going on twenty, and he was returning to his home in Queens wher he had a converted home for his disability. He was returning from London, visiting relatives. He was blinded when he was fifteen in a Science accident at his high school, when acid was splashed into his eyes by another kid. I listened, but ultimately I didn't think he was the best guy for chatting.
I thought i'd better get some sleep, as I didn't know what time it would be when we landed, so I couldn't be too careful.

I lowered my seat down as most people were doing around me.
I unfolded the waterproof bed cover (why is it waterproof?) from the net bag attatched to Mum's chair.
I grabbed my hand luggage and went into the toilet to change.

----

It's wierd trying to sleep on a plane. I've been on a plane before, but only to Cornwall and that was only for forty five minutes or so. I've never actually SLEPT in one before.

I was squeezed in between two virtual strangers, hearing a whole plane of people snoring.
Grumps to my left had plugs in his ears, and those patches on his nostrils to stop him snoring. Bill had taken his sunglasses off to reveal his blank grey eyes. They had both drifted off ages ago. Fast asleep. So had Mum and the twins.

I'm so tired. I did sleep before we left for Heathrow, but the whole "Going to America" thing was pretty tiring.
So sleepy.
Must sleep.
But i'm so excited about NYC.
Sleep.
Can't wait.
So sleep.
It's gonna be great.
Sle....

[Losty]

Chapter 3: The Dream

I had a strange dream that night.
I'd never had it before. And i'd never forget it.
It was a boy. I was never one to pine away after a boy, but somehow this felt different. I had never seen him before in my life.
He was tall, like one of those people who look older then they are. Silver blonde hair, short. Thin.

First of all I saw him with his back to me. Then he turned, and I saw his eyes.
Gorgeous, gorgeous dark blue eyes. The darkest blue I had ever seen. Indigo, even.
He had a handsome face, but it was the eyes that really caught me.
He was only a few feet from me, but in my dream, I yearned to be closer.
He was wearing a plain white T-Shirt, and black jeans.
We were both standing in a field, flowers blooming, lilies bursting around. The place was not unlike the one in my back garden, back in London.
He was just standing there, motionless, staring at me.
I tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come.

Then, with a great deal of effort, I stepped forward, my arm hovering where I reached for him.
Then, for the first time, emotion flickered in his eyes.
He smiled, and my heart leapt.
Then, with one flicker on his eyelid, he winked.

And then I woke up.

[Losty]

Chapter 4: Landing

"Wake up, Angela, wake up!"
"Wha...?"

Lola was shaking me awake. I blinked, wondering where I was and wondering why I wasn't back in that field with the boy.
I lay back again, closing my eyes and wanting with every fibre of my being to be back in the dream, with him again.

"Wake up! Get up!"
"Lola, where's Mum?"
"Mummy and Sara are having breakfast."
Lola indicated with a wave of her hand at Mum and Sara, who were in their respective seats, tucking in to toast and jam.
"Go and have breakfast, Lola, i'm up."
I pulled my seat up and stretched.
Grump had moved over to a woman who could only be his wife.

Bill was also up, he was using his cane to guide him to the serving stand, where a hostess was serving him a generous amount of bacon with his eggs.
"Morning honey," Mum greeted, "you better get dressed, we're landing in an hour."
I wasn't really listening.
"OK."
I got up, went into the loo and changed into another set of clothes. I yawned.
That dream...it was so strange.
Who was that boy? I have no clue.
I've never seen him before, trust me, I would have remembered.
I'm quite superstitious, so I can only believe that I will see him again, some time in the future.
God, I can't wait.
I sighed, and left the toilet. For now, I thought as I gatehred my things, I'll just have to wait, and enjoy my holiday in the meantime.
As I settled back down in my seat, Mum and the Twins were coming back from taking their empty plates.

"Don't you want anything to eat, Angel?" asked my Mum, "They have fresh croissants."
I shook my head, "I'll have something at Sandy's."
Sandy was my sister, she's twenty- two and she lives in New York, with her boyfriend, and that's where we'll be staying.
Mum shrugged.

"If you're sure. But they have some lovely spreads."
I nodded.
"How long?"
Mum checked her watch.
"Forty minutes."
I nodded again and leant across Bill to see out of the window.
"Woah!"
It was America! Well, techniquely New Jersey but it was still America!
Then it hit me.
In forty minutes, I will be stepping out of this plane and into New York.
Woah.
A rush of exitement swept through me.
"Fantastic, isn't it?" said Bill wistfully.
"Yeah, brilliant."

Bill, now wearing his sunglasses again, smiled at me. Poor guy.
I sat back, willing the minutes to pass.
I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew I was was being shaken away, by Sara this time.
"We're landing, we're landing, wake up!"
"What?!"
I leapt up, and sure enough the sign was flashing to fasten seatbelts.
"Sara, sit down!" I said loudly, strapping myself up and then helping Bill, who was having trouble with his seatbelt.
"Thank you," he said, turning bright red.
It took minutes to realise that my heart was pounding.

As I felt the plane slowly descend, I saw the Twins raise their arms and squeal, like this was a theme-park. I was going to laugh, but I found myself screaming. I was terrified of heights, and I hated falling. It FELT as if I was falling.
Suddenly I felt something warm on my hand. It was Bill, holding my hand reassuringly.
"It'll be OK. Take a deep breath."
"OK. Thanks."

I would've thought i'd be used to it by now, but i'd never been this high up in a plane before, landing in Cornwall and London was just a quick touchdown, not this really long landing.
Then, as soon as it began, we hit solid ground and rolled to a stop.
"Touch-down!" yelled the Twin's in delight.
I grabbed my hand luggage, saying my goodbyes to Bill, and lead the way to the door of the plane.
The Twins were jogging to keep up with me, their matching Barbie bags swinging against their legs.
I was patient, I just didn't want to wait any longer then was neccessary.
Finally, FINALLY, we got to the door, and I burst out, scrambling down the metal steps and keeping my gaze on the ground.
I heard the Twins and some of the other passengers gasp in awe.
Finally I looked up from the ground and gazed at my surroundings.
"Oh my...woah!"

It was so much more real than on TV. It was amazing.
So similar to London but oh so different.
We went into the immense airport.
I didn't take enough time to take in the surroundings, as I was desperate to get our luggage. I felt an incredible urge to see my sister, Sandy.
We have a special bond, me and Sandy.

She's my full, biological sister, we have the same father, unlike the Twins and I.
She was eight years old when I was born, so that makes her twenty two now. I miss her so much, I haven't seen her in a whole year and a half, as we went to Pennsylvania where Sandy lived then, to see her college graduation ceremony.

I never went to New York. Plus, I was twelve then, and wouldn't have cared either way.
We saw Bill get greeted by a girl, who seemed a lot older then him. His sister, I know, as Bill had described her to me in detail.
We looked around, where was Sandy.
As most of the other passengers got greeted by their loved ones, we were starting to think that Sandy hadn't showed. Then....
"Mum!"
We turned, and there was Sandy!
She came up to us, throwing her arms around Mum, who dropped her bags and held her tightly.
"Sandy!"
There was Lola and Sara, rushing around Mum and Sandy. I stood there like a spare part.
Sandy looked up at me, and moved away from Mum and the girls toward me.
"That is not my baby sister!"
"Sandy."

I stood there like a fool, feeling happy tears well up in my eyes as I felt overwhelming love and admiration toward my big sister.
As we met, I realised she was at least a foot taller then when I had last seen her, as I only came up to her shoulders.
She held me tightly, her chin just resting on my head.
"I missed you buddy."
I breathed her in, that faint smell of vanilla.
My sister, Sandy.

[Losty]

Chapter 5: Sandy and Lewis

"So how are you, Angela? It's been a long time, I'm sorry I haven't wrote in a while, but things have been pretty hyper lately."
"That's fine."
"So how are you?"
"I'm good, I guess."
"That's great."

We were in Sandy's blue VW, cruising through the streets of New York City. The Sun had just risen, and the town was just waking up; shops were being opened and some early risers were buying their morning cups of coffee.

Mum was in the passenger seat with Sandy driving, Lola, Sara and I were squashed in the back. Sara was miffed at being in the middle. I was staring out of the window.

I could barely answer Sandy's small-talk questions, but one brought me back to earth,
"So, Angela, you got a boyfriend yet?"
"Huh?"
"A boyfriend?"
"Oh, uh...no. No, there's no one."
"Shame, you know, being in love is a gift..."

And yada-yada-yada. I'd never been in love. And i'm not sure I want to be.
Luckily, the Twins cut across, so I wouldn't have to reply.
"It feels wierd being on the wrong side of the road. It feels like we're going to crash," Lola said.
"No worries, Lo, we won't crash. Not while i'm behind the wheel."
Mum, (not to mention the Twins) didn't seem to believe this for one second, She sniffed as she saw Sandy's bare finger.
"I see Lewis hasn't popped the question yet. I just don't think he's the right one for you, Sandra darling, I mean, he's a P.E. teacher..."
"Mum, don't worry, Lewis isn't like....that. We're just waiting to get married when we feel the time is right."

Mum still didn't look happy.
Suddenly the atmosphere was uncomfortable. The Twins helped put by asking another question,
"Is it true that Americans can't do ANYTHING without LOADS of coffee in the morning?" asked Sara. Sandy laughed.
"Yes, love. I don't know how I can stand Lewis in the morning. He should be up by now, you guys can meet him!"

Mum sat up a little straighter then.
As we came to the last house in the street, Sandy slowed the car and eased it into the garage, which was elaboratly painted with the Union Jack. As I saw it, I cringed and shrank back into my seat, the Twins giggling.
As Sandy switched the engine off, the front door of the house opened and a young man stepped out. He was tall, had longish black hair and was dressed in a casual black sweater and black sports trousers. He beamed at the sight of Sandy.
At seeing the man at the door, Sandy jumped out of the car and ran to greet him.

"Loo-Loo!"
I heard the Twins snort to themselved in amusement.
"Loo-Loo?"

We all got out of the car, Mum quickly smoothing down her clothes before introducing herself to Lewis. He kissed Mum's hand and winked at me. I felt myself cringe again. The Twins giggled even more loudly as Lewis got down on his knees.
"Well hello there. Who might you be?" He had a deep accent, with a Southern twang.
After making a fuss of the girls, Lewis ushured Mum and the Twins inside, leaving Sandy and I to get the luggage from the car.
"Angela?"
"It's Angel now, but yeah?"
"Is everything alright? I mean, as soon as I saw you you looked really....I don't know. Distant. Like your mind was somewhere else."
"Really? All i've been thinking about is this trip. Seriously, I'm fine."
Sandy didn't look like she believed this for one second.
"Well, if you're sure. I just want to let you know that if you want to talk about anything, ANYTHING, you come and talk to me."
"Thanks, Sandy, but i'm fine, honest."

She still didn't look like she believed me, but she smiled and picked up the luggage again and walked into the house after Mum, the girls and Lewis.
As I followed, I started to think: Am I fine?
I mean, a lot of things have been playing on my mind lately. Like there's the fact that i'll be going into GCSE's in September, my mothers' relationship is crumbling, my sisters have serious social issues.

And that boy. The one from my dream.
It's not like i'm CONSTANTLY thinking about him; I don't even know what I feel for the guy. Anyway, whatever I feel for him, we can't meet. It's impossible, he's just a fragment of a hot guy in my imagination. But his face is there, lingering in the corners of my mind.

As we made out way into the hall to the stairs, Sandy set the bags down and said,
"Just leave them there for now, I'll get Lewis to take them up to your rooms later."
She chuckled and winked, then went into the living room where Mum, the girls and Lewis were perched uncomfortably in the edge of the sofa.
"Okay," Sandy clapped her hands together, "who's ready for a tour of New York?"
Before any of us could do anything, Mum stood up and yawned.
"I'm just so tired, Sandy sweetie. You know I suffer from jetlag in I have to go on a plane overnight, I think i'm just gonna have to rest for a while."

The Twins groaned.
"Ohhhhhh..."
"That's not fair."
"That's OK," Sandy said, "We can go later, I think it would be best if we all took a rest. It's still pretty early in the morning anyway, and a little rest would do you good."
The Twins groaned even more. I wasn't too happy about that either. I've been waiting all my life to see NYC in the flesh (or, er, something like that) and now that i'm finally here i'm not gonna wait another few hours to see it all. Stuff that.

So as soon as we all went upstairs settled in our rooms (and me in my box-room), I dumped my stuff on the floor, took out my camera and waited for everyone to go to sleep, then waited to hear Sandy settled downstairs, then I crept downstairs quietly, quietly opened the door and closed it behind me with relish.

[Losty]

That's it for now! Some more later!

[Losty]

Chapter 6: Gary

It wasn't long before, unfortunately, I came to trouble.
I had just entered the city again, and it was beautiful. I was snapping pictures like the best of them. I passed an alleyway absentmindedly.

Suddenly, I heard a yell for help. I froze and quickly ran back to the alleyway, where an elderly lady in an expensive looking jacket and a long skirt was being mugged by two huge guys.
I looked around quickly, seeing if anyone else had noticed.
Nobody. All the tons of people pounding the streets of NYC completely ignored this poor woman getting hurt.
What did I do?
Well, I wasn't just gonna leave it, was I?
I ran at the two guys. One was going to grab the woman's handbag, the other was holding the woman from behind.
The elderly lady was fighting with the first guy for her bag, even though he was the toughest looking of the two.
I took a chance and jumped on the second guy, the one who was holding her (and doing a terrible job).
"Hey!"
"Leave her alone!"

In a yell of shock, as he hadn't seen me coming, the guy jumped back, releasing his grip on the woman, and slamming me back on the wall of a nearby building.
I fell to the ground, doing some quick thinking and swung my leg to trip the guy over before he could harm the woman again.
"Run!"
The lady, who had fought off the guy who was wrestling with her for her Louis Vuitton bag, looked at me with confusion and alarm.
"Run! Run away!"
She didn't have to be told again. She fled.

I quickly got to me feet, hoping I could do the same, but before I could take a step the less tough of the guys grabbed my wrist and twisted it, so I couldn't move.
They both came at me, trapping me into a corner, my desperate screams for help were the last thing I heard.

# # #

"Wake up! Are you OK?"
I opened my eyes, immediatly feeling pain in my head.
"Owwww."
"Yeah, I took a look at that. You should be fine."
"Huh?"

I felt more pain on my back, probably from that smashing on the wall. My stomach, ugh....
Before I could take a look at the person who had saved me, I turned over and puked all over the place. The stranger held my hair back as last night's dinner appeared before my eyes. Spitting out the sour taste in my mouth, I turned to the stranger. And screamed, because of the size of him. He looked JUST like one of those two thugs that had beaten me up.

"Hey! Calm down! I'm here to help!"
"Who are you?"

The guy smiled, and helped up from the ground. I quickly dusted myself down, taking him in.
The one thing that made me think I was in danger was his size. He was HUGE. Not fat, just muscley.

He was a classic tall, dark and handsome and probably loaded, judging by the clothes he was wearing. He was African-American with a wild afro of dark hair, kind brown eyes and a warm smile. He seemed a year or two older than me.

The guy held his hand out,
"I'm Gary."
I took his hand and shook it.
"I'm Angela, call me Angel."
"You're British."
"Er...."
"Sorry! I know that was obvious."

We came out of the alleyway, me spitting into a nearby bin, to get the puke taste out of my mouth.
"So, where are you staying? I've never met you."
"Well, i'm staying with my older sister and her boyfriend, they live just down that way."

I pointed down Sandy's street. Gary's eyes lit up.
"Oh, so you're Coach Charlesman's sister-in-law?"
"Coach Charlesman? Oh, so Lewis teaches at your school?"
"P.E. My favourite class."
As if I didn't know.
"Um, so shouldn't you be in school?"
"Day off. Teachers day today."
I was beginning to like this guy.
"Shouldn't YOU be in school?"
"Long story, another time."
Something I said made something tick.
"The time?! Oh my God, I completely forgot! What's the time?"
Gary looked at his expensive watch.
"It's only nine-fifteen. What's the rush?"

I relaxed.
"Nothing. It's OK. I just have to be home by noon, that's all."
"OK, so why not come for a soda or something? I'm meeting my friends at Starbucks."
"Sure, why not?"
We went down a block and crossed to the other pavement where a Starbucks was almost heaving with customers.
We went inside, sitting down at two slide-in sofas either side of a table.
Gary was opposite me, his smile big and warm and friendly. He checked his watch again.
"My friends should be here in a few minutes."

There wasn't silence for a second. Gary wouldn't tolerate awkward pauses, so he just kept on talking. Really curious about England.
Suddenly his phone rang.
"Hey Zach....sure....yeah, see you in a minute."
He closed his phone and slipped it back into his jean pocket.
"That was my friend Zach, he and my other friend Lucas are running late. Traffic. They'll be here soon."
"That's fine. I'm just going to the Ladies room quickly. Be right back."

I grabbed my backpack and headed to the loo's in the back of the shop, where I reapplied my lip-gloss, and body spray and checked my hair. Unfortunately there was a tiny speck of puke on the hem of my shirt, but after a dousing of water you could hardly notice it. After all, if i'm meeting two new guys, I needed to make a good first impression. I did one last check-up, checked my breath and I made my way out of the loo. As I went to the till where I would turn and get to the table, I smiled, then went round the corner.

And froze.
And almost screamed.
Because one of the boys at the table was Him.
That boy from my dream.
The guy with the eyes.
Dear God.

[Losty]

Chapter 7: Lucas Olsen

Jesus Christ.
Oh my God.
Help.

I'm in the Ladies at the Starbucks, and have been for a few minutes now.
What the heck is going on? Is this one of those secret camera shows?
That boy....I must have been imagining things. I've been thinking too much about that dream, i'm seeing things.
That's probably it.

"Angel? Are you OK?"
I heard Gary's voice echo through the toilet window.
"Yeah, i'm OK."
"You sure? You need anything?"

I was just about to answer when another voice cut across, male, a think Texan accent.
"Gary, man, you don't ask a lady in a bathroom if she needs anything, trust me."
The guy laughed at his own joke.
"I'm fine, Gary. I'm coming."

I took a deep breath, stepped out of the cubicle and checked myself in the mirror again. I was just walking out of the door when I heard the Texan guy speak again,
"So this is the English chick you told us about? Is she hot?"

I took several deep breaths as I walked out of the Starbucks, veering out to the back. Just before I joined Gary and his friends, I took one more deep breath,

'It's not him,' I thought, ' It can't be him.'
But I was wrong.
As I turned round to the back of the shop, I saw Gary and his friend and....Him?
It WAS him!

It was an incredible moment. Our eyes sort of locked together (and his eyes were as beautiful as I remembered), my heart sort of seized.
And my legs gave way.
That part was embarrassing.
Gary caught me just before I hit the ground.
"Hey! Are you OK? What happened?"
"Yeah, i'm fine. Thanks."

What was that croaky rasp coming out of my mouth? Gary helped me up.
Talk about making a good first impression. I can't even hold myself up, and then i've lost my voice.
"Are you sure? It might be that bump on your head, or jetlag...."
"I'm really fine, Gary." My voice is back! I stood up, knowing that Gary didn't believe a word I said judging by the look on his face.
"Well, OK."

Gary stepped away from me and went back to his friends, me following. He waved at the mysterious guy from the dream,
"Angel, this is Lucas Olsen."
I got tongue-tied.
"Ner...um...h-hi," I said quietly, turning bright red.
At the sight of me blushing, Lucas (what a PERFECT name!) went a little pink in embarrassment, folded his arms and looked away.
"Hey."

His voice was smooth, deep and the kind of voice you could listen to all day.
The other guy was much friendlier.
"And, um, Angel this is my other friend, Zach Kennedy."
Now this guy was hot. The Texan guy. Tall, strong looking with a set jaw and floppy dark brown hair. He was a shoo-in for Josh Henderson or Patrick Duffy from the Dallas days. He was probably from Dallas too, with that husky Texan accent.

He rushed forward, grabbing my right hand with both of his and squeezing tightly.
"Hey, Angel," he said, adding my name with a huskier tone than before, "cute name."
I suddenly had the overwhelming urge to giggle (that's the kind of vibe you get). Gary looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him up.
Fortunately, unlike with Lucas, I didn't get tongue tied with Zach.
"Hey there."
"Hey." Zach said again, looking deeply into my eyes (his were a deep hazel). He smoothly let go of my hand, pouting at me Jesse Metcalfe-like. I wanted to laugh, this was too much. Zach turned to Gary,

"Shall we go into the Parlour, G? We don't want our lady friend getting cold."
Gary still looked embarrassed as hell.
"Yes," he began, "you guys go ahead."
They did so, Lucas waited until Zach had gone and then callen him until he went. Lucas stepped forward, burying his hands into his pockets. I caught his eye, him looking back briefly before looking away, a trace of guilt in those amazing eyes.
I had to admit, my hearts sank, disappointed as my gaze followed him.
Steady there, Angel.
Gary jumped in straight away,
"I'm so sorry!"
"It's fine!" I said, laughing, "is he always like that?"
"Which one?!"
"BOTH of them!" I laughed.
"Well, being truthful," Gary began, "Zach is ALWAYS like that with girls, always. People in the street, his girlfriends, his ex's.....his mother....."
I laughed again. Gary continued.

"And Lucas? Well, he's just gotten out of a bad relationship, I think he's still a bit heartbroken over it."
"Oh no, what happened?"
"He got cheated on."
I gasped, "That's horrible!"
Gary nodded, genuine hate in his eyes as he discussed it,
"I never trusted the girl that did it to him; She was like the school bike- everyone's had a ride."
"A ride?" I was shocked, "How old is Lucas exactly?"
"No! Jeez, the guys only fifteen. It's just, he really liked her, that's all."
I nodded. I was thrilled at the knowledge that Lucas was single, just hurt for the knowldge of why.
"Poor Lucas."
"Yeah, so, he must be kinda shy around pretty girls, he doesn't want to fall again, not until he's gotten over it."
"I get it, I just feel sorry for him, that's all."
Gary smiled that warm smile, and Zach called from the shop across the road.
"Are you two gonna chat all day or are we gonna get some ice cream?!"

I laughed, and Gary and I made our way to the ice cream parlour across the road. We went into the parlour, Lucas and Zach sitting at a table near to the serving till. They were sitting opposite each other so Gary made a point by sitting next to Lucas so I wouldn't make him uncomfortable. Zach smiled his mouth of shining white teeth at me as I slid into the bench next to him.
We all chatted for ages, Lucas with brief answers when aimed by me.

I found out that Zach was a trainee underwear model for Calvin Klien (who would have guessed?) but what he really wanted to be was a lawyer.
"Like Tom Cruise in A Few Good Men," he said, "you seen it?"
"Yeah, with Demi Moore, right?"
And then the conversation went on to Ashton Kutcher and Punk'd.
"I LOVE that one that he did on Macy Gray." Gary began, but Lucas jumped up,
"I think we should get some ice cream." he said.
I looked at him, puzzled as he seemed the most polite of the three of them, Gary is the friendliest, Zach is the most confident.
"What flavour?" Lucas asked Gary. He looked completely dumbfounded.
"Um...vanilla?" he said, confused.
"Zach?" Lucas asked quickly. Zach looked confused too. It was clear that Lucas didn't usually act like this.
"Chocolate, thanks."
Lucas set off to the car, but as an afterthought came back to me.
"Flavour?" he said like his mouth couldn't work fast enough. He wouldn't look me in the eye.
"Mint, thanks."

Lucas practically sprinted to the till, spoke a hundred miles an hour to the woman behind it and ran to the serving stand, his eyes avoiding me and the other guys.
Gary and Zach looked at each other and then at me, with shocked faces.
"You," Zach said, "it's you."
Gary exhaled loudly, "He must like you."
I couldn't help but blush, and then go on in a high pitched voice:
"Me? What? No way! He doesn't even know me!"
Zach's eyebrows went way up at that, an amused smile on his lips.
"I like Kiera Knightly but I don't know her." he said. Good point, but I ignored it, along with Gary.
Gary looked more shocked than anything, his mouth a small 'O' amd his eyebrows disappearing up his head.

I was cringing, no double cringing, no, TRIPLE! 'Uh oh, Pleeeeaasse change the subject,' I thought. Gary must have sensed my embarrassment as he spoke as if nothing had happened.
"So yeah, that Punk'd episode with Macy Gray..." he began. Lucas suddenly came back to the table, sitting down with his bowl of mint icecream, giving me mine but getting Gary and Zach's mixed up. Gary and Zach exchanged confused looks then swapped bowls.
"Uh, dude?" Zach asked, "Are you OK?"
Lucas shrugged, not meeting Zach's gaze.
"Yeah."

Suddenly, I had an overwhelming urge to scream. I really needed to freak out. Looking at Lucas, wondering if this was true. I actually had a dream about him. Or did I?
I peered at Lucas closely, him not paying the slightest bit of attention to me. Was it just some guy who looked like someone I dreamed about?

It had to be someone else. Just some boy I didn't pay any attention to that was summoned back in my head whilst I was asleep. This is just not possible.
When Lucas finally looked at me, and I saw his eyes. And they were exactly the same as the dream-guys'.

My heart flipped over and then seemed to seize with an unfamiliar feeling and then I had a strange urge to cry, I felt so happy.
It went on like that for a few seconds, then Gary coughed and I realised that I was staring at Lucas- and grinning at him like an idiot.

Now they were giving ME strange looks. I blushed deeply, apparently having joined the dork parade. Absentmindedly, Gary looked at his watch, and then jumped up,

"It's noon!"
Ice gripped my heart, "Seriously?!"
Gary nodded, "Ten past. You better get going."
"Oh my God."
I also jumped up, grabbing my back pack.
"Bye Zach."
He winked at me, "See ya, sweet cheeks."
"Bye Gary."
Before I could move, Gary enveloped me in a tight hug.
"It was great meeting you, Angel."
I smiled at him, then hearing Lucas speak,
"We'll be seeing you."

Tearing my eyes away, Gary pressed a scrap of paper into my hand.
"Our emails, bye."
I stuffed the paper in my pocket and ran.

[Losty]

Chapter 8: Love is a Verb

I ran like the wind. Across the road, down two blocks, past the alleyway where I was beat up. My head throbbed, wind blowing my brown hair back.

Forcing my way through the crowds, I realised that my heart was racing and felt like it was being tickled with a feather duster. Pleasant, but strange.
I stopped, bending over and panting. I had to get back.
Now.

More running. I ran past a bookies where a rugby game was being shown, and the commentator was talking about one of the players' girlfriends in the stands. Finally, FINALLY, I got to Sandy's street, sprinting past the countless apartments all the way to the eye catching garage with the Union Jack. The car was still out of the driveway.

I caught my breath, as I didn't want to 'wake up' out of breath. I quickly slipped through the front door, closing my eyes tightly, waiting for my mothers screaming. But it never came.

Stunned, I ran upstairs and past Mum's