A Dreadful Dream

By Jessica West

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joyful Books Press
• Release date: May 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9781734936360

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Why did Mom have to die? Joshua threw himself on his bed. He glanced around his bare room. His baseball trophies had once lined the top of his desk, but his dad packed them away. The bat and mitt that had hung by his bed had been thrown into a box. Baseball posters and pictures had been taken down and replaced with a new coat of paint. Even his favorite baseball card collection had disappeared. Besides a few pair of socks, jeans, t-shirts, and his mom's picture, his thirteen years' worth of stuff had disappeared. I hate my life.

Joshua Peter Wilson! His dad grabbed a picture frame off Joshua's desk. I demand my son back.

Seriously? I'm right in front of you. Joshua rolled over on his bed and grabbed his pillow.

You're not my son.

The truth is out. Joshua buried his face in his baseball pillow. I knew you weren't my dad.

We share the same DNA, but you're not the boy I raised. George set the picture in an opened box and eyed his son.

‘Cause you didn't raise me. I don't remember you teaching me how to throw a baseball. Joshua pounded his fist on his pillow. You never went to a game.

Someone had to make money to buy your cleats and everything else your heart craved. Dad drew in a sharp breath as he tossed a pair of holey jeans into a box.

Cleats? Come on, Dad. I coulda bought my own. Joshua sat up in bed and sprawled his legs out. Your trips weren't business related. I heard you and Mom's screaming matches. Believe what you wish. I don't have time for this." George stepped out of the room.

You never have time. I wish Mom were here and not you. Joshua slapped the top of his blanket so hard a puff of dust floated into the air. His dad turned around and stormed into the room.

Life stinks, better learn that now before disappointment consumes you later. Dad kicked an empty box across the room. I need a new beginning. This house is full of painful memories. Give our new life a try.

I don't need a new life; my old life is fine. Joshua struck his mattress again. Especially one with Puffy, Fluffy, and Huffy in it.

Those aren't their names. Pamela, Fred, and Hillary are wonderful children. Dad turned to the corner of the bed.

I don't want siblings or a new mother. Joshua ran his hands through his light brown hair. If you loved Mom, how can you remarry a year after she died?

It's complicated. Dad shrugged his shoulders.

That's an excuse adults use when they don't know what to say.

Look, I'm grieving too. You didn't just lose a mother; I lost my partner. I'm trying to figure out how to live life without her. I feel like someone punched me in the stomach, and that hurt won't go away. My tears flow like the rainstorm we had last year, but I'm trying to hold it together for you.

Whatever. Joshua rubbed his hands over his face.

He studied his room. His feet rubbed the wall where baseball posters used to hang. His once tie-dyed walls had screamed of adventure and memories. His mom had helped him splatter paint on those walls. Joshua's mind drifted back to their tickle fights and puppet shows. He stared at the empty room. His dad had tossed his belongings into five moving crates. Boxes had been stacked several feet high by the window.

You can take your video games and baseball equipment anywhere. George tapped Josh on the leg. "Our new life needs to work.

I was happy with my life. You didn't even ask my opinion about marriage.

Didn't know I had to. He itched his bearded face. I'm the man of the house.

And I'm your son. I matter too. He kicked his legs on the wall. Your decisions affect my life. I didn't ask for a new mom. She's a stranger that I never want to see again.

Joshua, life isn't fair, but we move on. We can't mourn our whole lives. Your mother wouldn't have wanted that. George sat on the edge of the bed and patted Joshua on the leg.

Do you know what Mom wanted? I can count on my hands the times you've been home since her sickness. Joshua jumped out of bed and walked to the window. Mom's body shook like an earthquake, and her hair collected on the floor as it fell out. In the end, she was all skin and bones. Her clothes were baggy and hanging off of her. She needed your love, but you didn't care.

I couldn't see your mother like that. Call me a wuss if you want, but her deterioration hurt me. Work made the reality distant. I'm a coward.

Unbelievable. You have an excuse for everything. Joshua nodded his head at someone outside. Do you have a heart? I'm surprised you showed up at the funeral.

Joshua, I'm not the bad guy. Life threw us curveballs. We all grieve differently. Dad grabbed a pillow and squeezed it.

That's not a good enough answer. Joshua folded his arms over his chest and leaned his forehead on the windowsill as he glanced at the neighbors. I'm staying with Grandma. You live your fake, happy life without me.

Dad stood to his feet and walked to the door. This conversation is over. I'm the parent, and what I say goes.

You have to control everything. Josh crossed his arms and towered over his father as his dad crouched over to pick up a box.

We're leaving in four hours--with or without your stuff. Dad trudged to the door, stormed out of the room, and slammed the door shut behind him.

My life is over. Joshua fell onto the bed and closed his eyes.

Joshua tapped his bat on the dirt. He sat hunched over on his front steps. The spotty clouds and hidden sun reflected his mood. He looked past the big oak tree that grew next to the road, to the houses that lined the cul-de-sac. The homes crowded each other so much his neighbors could toss items back and forth to each other while sitting on their porches.

I can't believe I'm moving. My whole life is here.

Christina threw a baseball in the air and caught it. We've always been a duo. How can I face Sam without you? And how will our team win games if you aren't playing?

Sam's a big bully, but I don't think he'll mess with you. Remember when we creamed him with shaving cream in the cafeteria?

That was epic. Christina held her head back laughing. Two days of detention was worth it.

Sam was so ticked off! He had polka dots for days. I didn't know he was allergic to shaving cream. Joshua stood up and pretended to hit a ball. I remember it like it was yesterday. I came up with a killer plan to teach Sam a lesson.

It was last month, Christina said. And we came up with the plan together.

Joshua cleared his throat and eyed his friend. Do you want to tell the story?

No, you go right ahead. Giggles sounded out of her mouth.

Sam had just stolen a kid's lunch box, so we caught him off guard. We dropped to our hands and knees and crawled across the cafeteria floor with cans of shaving cream in hand.

My knees still hurt. She touched her knee.

Joshua shot her a glance. Then we jumped up behind him and sprayed the shaving cream all over his face.

Christina fell on the floor laughing. I will never forget his face. I should have had a camera.

Only, his anger turned to tears as whelps popped on his face. Josh patted his cheeks. We almost escaped the cafeteria, until Principal Buzz captured us. It was innocent fun.

Welts not whelps. Christina grinned.

Whatever. You know what I mean. Josh rolled his eyes. It was awesome.

Unless you were Sam. He's been trying to get even for weeks. When you leave, I won't have a sidekick.

Joshua ground his feet on the dirt. I'll miss school.

Did I hear you right? You'll miss school. Christina's mouth dropped to her chest, and her ball fell to the grass.

We dominated eighth grade. With three months left of school, I'm the new kid. His shoulders drooped, and his face sagged. My plans for high school are ruined.

I'll miss you, man. Christina popped him on the arm. I've known you my whole life. Why do you have to move?

Love, I guess. Joshua clutched his fists at his side. My mom was stolen from me. Life is hard without her. I miss her snuggles and encouragement. She always knew the right words to say. He closed his eyes as his mother's bright eyes and blonde hair filled his mind.

I couldn't imagine life without my mom. She's my best friend. Christina plopped down on the step next to Joshua as she rolled her ball between her hands My dad is awesome too.

My dad isn't awesome. He's a joke. Joshua shrugged his shoulders. I'd give anything for a different life. A life without a step-mom, step-siblings, and my dad.

It's not fair. Are parents here to make our lives miserable? Christina patted Joshua on the arm. Eighth grade won't be the same without you.

I'll never find a group of friends like you guys. I'm doomed in high school. He touched the scar on his arm. He had earned it during a championship game, sliding into home plate.

You think your dad will let you go to camp this year? Christina ran her hand through her ponytail. Our title's up for grabs this year. We can't let anyone take it.

Our spot in the camper hall of fame?

Yes. Christina pounded her fist in her hand. I'll die if Sam's face gets plastered on the wall.

Sam has a crush on you. That's why he's so mean. A smile spread across Joshua's face.

Gross. Christina stuck her finger in her mouth and gagged. We're almost in high school. You don't show affection by beating someone up.

Sam's not a normal kid. He's seven trapped in a fourteen-year-old's body. Joshua peered up at his best friend and frowned. It's kind of good I'm leaving.

Why?

I won't be around to see your change. Joshua rubbed his sweaty face.

What change? Christina lowered her eyebrows.

You're a girl. One day you'll act like it. Joshua threw a piece of grass at her. No more hanging out with the guys. Instead of baseball and pranks, it'll be make-up and girly stuff. Tina Simpson will be your new best friend.

Tina Simpson? No way! I have three older brothers. This is me. Christina hit Joshua on the arm. My hook still punches more power than yours, and that won't change.

He grabbed his arm. Perfume and skirts won't taint my image of you.

Christina batted her eyes. What about Sarah Marshall? She's a girl. You've liked her since kindergarten.

I like girls, but I don't want to lose my best friend because of it. He slapped his hand on the concrete porch.

Joshua tilted his head toward his best friend. Christina wore her brothers' old overalls and cleats. Her family didn't have much money, so she wore whatever clothes could be handed down. She had pulled her auburn hair into a loose ponytail. Her eyes matched the sky's hue. Tiny freckles danced on her cheeks.

You think our walkie-talkies will work when I move?

How about a cell phone? Walkie-talkies won't work four states apart. She jumped to her feet and plucked her ball off the grass. I can't believe you're moving to a new time zone. The East Coast is something we hear about in geography.

More like something we would hear if we were listening. Joshua pulled a piece of candy out of his sock. Mr. Fletcher's monotone voice puts me to sleep.

You can't eat that unknown object. It's been in your sock, how long?

An hour tops. I don't have any pockets. Joshua unwrapped the candy and threw it in his mouth. Don't hate, just because you didn't think of it first.

I'm not eating anything that came out of your sock. She tossed the ball to him, and he caught it with one hand. Will you forget me? It's hard to forget your best friend."

My thoughts exactly. Christina placed her hands on her hips.

My dad doesn't care about anything right now but his new wife. He threw the ball back to Christina as she rolled it on the grass. At the wedding, Puffy and Fluffy treated me like a bum. I can't deal with that every day.

She rubbed her forehead with her palm. You shouldn't have to. Maybe they've had a big attitude adjustment.

I doubt it. Rich kids make me sick.

You'll survive. She patted him on the arm.

Barely. Josh twisted his fingers together. School will be hard. I can't form a bond overnight. I won't survive in middle school.

You're the most popular kid in school. Christina rubbed her dry lips.