Dream Realm

By Kimberly Mays

Three nights in a row, now; the same strange dreams. At least I thought they were at the time. Unnatural creatures in the woods, a spirit who lives in the lake and the really odd blending of dreams with reality. I think I'm losing my mind...

* * *

Living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, AvaLynn has

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mays Realm Escapes LLC
• Release date: Aug 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9781735796802

Kimberly Mays

Kimberly Mays lives in Washington State with her husband Larry (who not only encourages her to chase her dreams but helps her fulfill them), along with their two dogs, three cats and two cockatoos. She enjoys spending time with her large family, which includes seven children, ten grandchildren and her awe-inspiring mother. In addition to being an author, Kimberly is a health care aid and a psychic medium. She also enjoys artistry and wood burning.

Book preview

Prologue

Ithought today would be different. That I could be brave and pretend to have a life. I wanted to be like other thirty-something-year-old adults and have fun, so…

For the first time in forever, I decided to go out for a night of fun and dancing. Tannah was supposed to meet me for a real girl's night out, but canceled at the last minute because she didn’t feel well. I haven't been to a bar alone in nine years, but decided to go anyway. So, instead of hanging out with my best friend, I felt as if I were being watched as I ordered my first drink at the bar. Turning, I found a tall, dark-eyed man, dressed in a black trench and looking as out of place as a polar bear on a beach, staring intently in my direction.

The city of Clarity is not known for guardian angels. It's known for gangs, drugs and other things that terrify me. But I came for the big nightclub it provided, despite my fears. As I said, tonight I wanted to be brave. That might have been a mistake.

What the hell? This man was still staring me down.

The bartender slapped my change on the bar and slid a Malibu rum and orange juice toward me, causing me to turn toward him. That’s when I decided to go. Leaving a tip and my drink on the bar, I hastily walked away, only to find the same man now shouldering his way through the crowd, his eyes still on me.

Behind him walked a shorter man, stockier in build and also dressed out of context for the venue. An angry frown marred his features as he glared in my direction.

The music, which would normally put me in a dancing mood, now bombarded my nerves with a thumping beat as I moved farther away. Reaching a hallway that led to the kitchen and the emergency exit, I cast a swift glance behind me.

Yes, he was still stalking me, his short, angry friend close behind. Panic welled up; my breaths came in ragged gasps as I lunged toward the alarmed door with the emergency exit sign overhead.

My car was two blocks away.

Could I make it?

What the hell do they want? Why did I even go out? Those questions raced through my mind as I ducked away from a waitress who carried a tray laden with burger baskets out of the kitchen.

The two men were forced to allow the waitress through, but continued walking toward me the moment she passed them by.

With my heart beating triple time in my chest, I hastened my steps toward the emergency exit. The door was alarmed—surely that would stop my pursuers in their tracks and bring nightclub security to my rescue.

Hitting the door like a terrified gazelle, I flung it out before me. It slammed the outside wall of the building with a loud crunch of metal against brick.

That alone should have brought someone running.

The alarm didn’t sound—and nobody paid attention.

Great. I’d chosen a bar that wasn’t up to code by anyone’s standards.

That meant I was on my own and now running down a lightless alley, hoping I’d remember exactly where I’d parked my car.

Faintly I heard him calling out to me. Hey, miss, you dropped something! Yeah, right. Like I was going to fall for that. I was born at night, but not last night.

Still running, I tried to make it to my car. I hid behind an old shed long enough to catch my breath, but could hear them arguing between themselves; they were still after me. I've never been chased, not by strangers anyhow. What could they want?

I counted to three, took a deep breath and then ran again. Finally, I made it to my car. The keys, oh shit, where are my keys?

Reaching inside my jacket pocket I felt two things, my keys and my pepper spray. Their footsteps were rapidly approaching, sounding heavier the closer they got. I took out the pepper spray and popped off the lid.

Whirling around to face them, I screamed, Stop, what the hell do you want?

Chapter One

AvaLynn

My adrenaline was pumping; I was shaking and scared. They put their hands in the air. We didn't mean to scare you, the tall one said as he struggled to catch his breath.

Then why would you chase me? I demanded.

My name is Luke and I saw you in the club. You dropped this. He pulled out a small black wallet, the tiny one where I kept my ID and credit cards when I didn't want to carry my purse.

Oh, hell.

He handed it to me. Wow, I felt like an idiot. Why didn't you just call for me? He looked perplexed.

Uh, well, I did, a couple of times in the club and then again as we were trying to catch up with you.

I never heard you in the club, I asserted. I don’t believe you. Then he pointed out the same thing that had just occurred to me—the noise in the club would have easily drowned out his voice.

Putting away my pepper spray, I pulled the phone out of my back pocket. Feeling the need to shed some light on this situation, I turned on the flashlight. Taking a good look at the men in front of me in a new light made me pause.

I figured you would slow down, but you run so fast. As I said, my name is Luke, and this is my friend Keanne. He thought if he came with me you wouldn't get scared of a strange man trying to follow you. I can see he was wrong. He gave Keanne a reproachful look, who shrugged apologetically.

Luke

Looking at this beautiful woman, I realized that we'd absolutely scared the hell out of her. She had long, thick, wavy-brown hair the color of espresso. Her bright green eyes blazed at me from her five-five frame. She wasn't stick thin but not overweight either. In fact, she was perfect. I wondered if she knew just how stunning she was?

My name is AvaLynn Arden. Sorry I ran so fast. I don't get out much. People chasing me for any reason scares me.

AvaLynn

I started to wonder if they only looked mean because I was terrified, and it was dark. After all, they don't look so scary now, in the light.

Luke's eyes were hazel, the kind of eyes you could get lost in. His short brown hair was just long enough on top to give it style.

Maybe it was the trench coat he wore that made him look mysterious, but his smile showed perfect teeth. Well, not scary at all, I thought, feeling the tension drain out of me.

His friend Keanne's hair was also short, but blond. He had blue eyes and a kind smile.

I pulled my keys out of my pocket, a universal sign for I have to go. Luke handed me a card and said, AvaLynn, if you ever need anything just call or text. I will always answer.

I took the card and read it. On the plain card in a simple font were his name, phone number, email and home address.

Well, thank you Mr. Luke Winslow, I said with a smile, then got in my little silver Pontiac, waved and left. I wondered who is that guy? Absentmindedly, I drove home in a daze, such that when I turned onto the winding road that lead to my driveway, I realized I didn’t remember the drive home at all. The only thing I could think of was Luke.

Does he have a family? Does he have a dog? My dog is a beautiful chocolate Labrador that I named Edward, who I knew would be waiting for me just inside the door.

I pulled into the driveway of the four-bedroom lake house, which I inherited from my grandmother a few years ago. She was all I had left of family after my parents died. They'd gone to Hawaii together for a vacation. Having never been on a plane before, it was new for them. The flight there and back was fine. They'd enjoyed their vacation.

On the way home from the airport, there was an accident. The brakes went out on one of the vehicles on the freeway. The driver ran his car into the one in front of him, and it caused a chain reaction. In the end four cars and a semi-tractor trailer were totaled. There were only four who survived out of ten people. It always made me sad that my parents weren't on the list of survivors.

Not that I wished harm on others, but if I could have switched the names on the list of survivors to theirs, I would have.

I opened the door and found Edward, as expected, wagging his tail and looking happy to see me. I petted his head affectionately. I needed to check in with Tannah, my best friend for fifteen years now. We met in high school. Tannah's my favorite person. She doesn't judge me, was always there when I needed her and as good as Edward, maybe better, since she could carry an actual conversation with me.

I dropped my keys onto the small table next to the home phone. Yes, I still have a land line; there's no cell service in the woods where I live. Checking my voicemail, there was one new message.

Hey Ava, it's me. Just wanted to see how your big night out was. Call me back, I'll be awake.

She answered on the second ring. Hello, tell me everything. You’re home earlier than I expected. What was your night out like? I'm so sorry I was sick; I'm feeling a bit better now.

Truly, thank you. Next time, I'll wait for you. But I'm glad you feel better. Responding with sarcasm followed by sincerity, I knew she’d pick up on my mood.

Oh no, what happened? she asked curiously.

Well, I was chased by two men, and pulled out my pepper spray for the first time ever. Turns out I can still run really fast, just like when I ran track in high school. But truly they were only chasing me because I dropped the black wallet you gave me. I reflected before continuing.

They were trying to do a good deed, and I acted like a crazed lunatic. I drove home and here I am. But one of the guys was gorgeous and gave me his card. He told me to call anytime.

Wow. Really? Okay, are you going to call?

I'm going to take some time to think on it. Right now, I am so tired. Nothing good can come from going to a bar. Especially in Clarity, what was I thinking? Obviously without much clarity. My sarcasm had returned. Tannah chuckled.

Ava, you have to go more than once before deciding that.

Maybe we can test that theory another time my friend, I informed her.

Okay, we can talk more tomorrow. I love you, goodnight.

Goodnight, Tannah, I love you, too.

Going upstairs to the bedroom, I changed into my pajamas. When I climbed into bed and turned out the light, Edward cuddled against my legs and we went to sleep.

I was at Offut Lake and walking along the shore. I thought I heard a woman calling my name. The sound was faint, like leaves rustling in the wind or a bubbling brook in a dense forest.

Ava. Then a moment later, I heard her again. Ava. Stopping in my tracks, I listened intently, but there was nothing.

I started walking again, wishing I had brought Edward along. I don't even remember how I got down here. This is weird.

It was dark, probably around midnight if I were to guess. I loved this lake, having spent all my childhood summers here with my grandparents. Once I was older, my parents and I moved in here to help them. Suddenly I heard the voice again.

"AvaLynn."

Am I just so tired that I'm hearing things? I started walking back to the house, wondering how I got so far out.

AvaLynn. I heard her again, louder this time, as if someone were standing behind me. I whirled quickly and looked around.

There were orbs, beautiful white orbs. If I were in another state, I would chalk it up to fireflies and a great imagination. But this is Washington State and there are no fireflies here. At least not in this area.

White orbs lighting up the night, floating in the air, hovering over the water in the shape of a woman. It was beautiful. She was beautiful.

I replied, Yes, I'm AvaLynn.

The orbs scattered and dropped back into the water, casting an eerie glow as they descended before going completely dark. I closed my eyes and when I opened them, I was in my bed with Edward still cuddled up against me.

I couldn't believe it had just been a dream and decided to check out the property by the lake. But first things first; coffee, shower, clothes, teeth.

When I was ready for the day, I decided to go where I'd been in my dream. I hadn't called Tannah yet. Normally I called her about every dream because I have so many. We've found that I have many more dreams than she does. Yet when she does dream, they are impressive. Mine are very vivid and detailed.

I brought Edward with me on a leash. I usually let him roam free since he's trained to come to me on command but today, I don't want him to mess up anything I might see.

Three landings and about forty steps later, we finally reached the well-worn trail leading toward the forest and the lake. The moment we set foot on the ground, Edward stopped midstride and began to bark. I looked around but didn't see anything amiss.

Edward, come. Obediently, he moved to my right side, eyes and ears focused intently on our surroundings. Fifteen steps farther he stopped and barked three times as he held his position.

I took Edward to training three times a week for six months and we practiced every day. Training works. Three barks meant something was different than usual. Edward and I do this walk daily. He would know if something was off.

We didn't go as far as I had in my dream, but when I looked around, I saw footprints; well, more like sock prints. No shoes but not bare feet, either. Okay, definitely sock prints. I remember going to bed with socks and that they were white.

I didn't wake up with socks, but I can explain that. Edward, come, I said quietly as we began to walk again. I kick off my socks when I sleep, so they are probably in the bed.

We continued along the shore a ways and then something caught my eye just as Edward began to bark. Four quick barks; he sees something, too.

Taking a closer look on the shore, I investigated. One white sock, dirty on the bottom. It’s one of my socks, but where is its mate? How did it get here? Was I here last night?

It had to be a dream because I woke up in my bed. I don't sleepwalk, so that can't be it. Putting the sock in my pocket, I turned around, unable to walk in this direction anymore; it gave me chills. Doing a complete about-face Edward and I headed home, walking faster than usual; Edward enjoyed the quicker pace. When we reached the top of the stairs, I thought to myself, I probably don't need the gym today, but if I don't go, Tannah will think it's odd.

Walking into the house, I removed Edward's leash and went straight to my bedroom, Edward, quickly on my heels. Pulling back the sheets and blankets, suspecting what I would find, and there it was; one dirty white sock. Okay, so if this is the sock that matches the one in my pocket, then that means somehow, I was down there. Could it have been real and not a dream?

Maybe this time I shouldn't tell Tannah about the dream last night. No, I wouldn't want her to think I'm crazy. After feeding Edward, I grabbed my gym bag and purse and headed out the door.

When I arrived at the gym I went straight to the treadmills. Tannah was already there, so I took the one next to her.

Hello, Tannah. I looked at her and smiled.

Hey, Ava, did you sleep well?

Yep, slept great, no dreams at all, I said with a bit too much emphasis. I never said I was a good liar, I thought to myself.

Well that's good, I know you don't have dreamless sleep that often.

No, I don't, I replied, thinking, you have no idea my friend.

Cayden I'm so glad to see you. I hugged my dear friend, whom I hadn't seen or talked to all weekend. Cayden and I have been friends for nine years. He was friend-zoned in the first week. We got along so well, I could never risk losing him, so I refused to let any romantic feelings develop, and friends we stayed.

He's handsome, though, with sandy-blond hair and blue eyes. He stood about five-feet eight-inches tall. His voice is so soothing, it's one of my favorite things about him.

Cayden looked at me and smiled before saying, "I have to tell you, one of your paintings sold today. A guy named Luke Winslow came in first thing this morning and bought Enchanted. He said to give his business card to the artist, so here you are." Cayden handed me a business card. It looked familiar.

That's wonderful, I said with a smile. Then it hit me. Did he pay full price?

Cayden smiled and said, Yes, he didn't even try to negotiate. Just paid the full three thousand in cash.

You know, Cayden, I don't like keeping this much cash in the gallery. I think I'll run it to the bank. I went to the cash register and counted out the money. I'll be back soon.

Cayden

She is beautiful and sweet and perfect. Although she probably isn't perfect, that's the way I see her. She doesn't see me, not like I see her. She thinks of me as a friend, but I've been in love with her since day one.

She has a power over me, and she doesn't even know it. I've watched while she dated others. She’s even had a couple of relationships.

I pretended it wasn't killing me. Deep down I just want her to be happy. If it were me she was happy with, that would be even better. The gallery door opened. It was Tannah. Yes, she was beautiful too, but she's not AvaLynn.

Hey, Tannah, what’s up with you?

She smiled and said, I'm on lunch. I just came to see if Ava wanted to join me.

"She just left. I’m surprised you didn’t pass her on the way in. Anyway, Ava went to the bank. Enchanted sold for full price." Tannah smiled again; she does have a pretty smile.

I'm so glad; that one was only up for a month. It’s a beautiful waterfall scene.

Yes, it is. She didn't seem so excited though. Well she was, until I told her about the buyer.

Who's the buyer?

Someone named Luke Winslow.

Oh my God, she didn't tell you. He chased her, scared the hell out of her. In the end he was just trying to return her wallet.

Who chases a girl though, come on. Good intentions aside, that had to be scary for Ava. I am too protective of her, I know. I can't help it, I thought to myself.

Yeah, but once she talked to him and his friend and got a look at them in the light, she was fine.

There were two of them?

Yeah, him and his friend, I think his name was Keanne.

She was lucky they were good guys; that could have been a tragedy. Just then the gallery door opened and Ava walked in.

AvaLynn

As I entered the gallery, Cayden's expression screamed, so we're keeping secrets now. I don't have to tell everything. I wondered what these two were talking about in my absence.

So, what nefarious activities are you two conjuring up? I said, letting them know I could tell they’d been talking about me.

Tannah looked at me innocently and said, I was on lunch and I thought maybe you'd like to go eat.

Sorry, Tannah, I can't. I haven't been here very long today.

She smiled and said, "Cayden said Enchanted sold. Who bought it?"

I knew she was playing dumb to get a reaction out of me. The buyer was Luke Winslow.

That name sounds familiar, wasn't he the guy at the bar?

Yes, that's him, I replied. I haven't done my courtesy call yet to thank him, but I will soon.

Tannah smiled sweetly. You should do it now. I smiled back twice as sweetly.

No thank you, I'll call when I'm ready. You should go on to lunch, Tannah, I suggested, ready for this topic to be over.

Okay, but this conversation will continue later.

Sounds good, have a great day my friend. With that, she was out the gallery door. Cayden looked at me and lifted an eyebrow.

Cayden and I don't keep secrets. Years of friendship builds a trust. A tell-each-other-everything trust. So, I proceeded to tell him everything that'd happened. Everything except the dream. I've decided it was just a dream, although I'm a bit confused. But that's still my conclusion.

Cayden

Here she is talking about another guy. A guy who just bought Enchanted for three thousand dollars like it was nothing, just change found in a couch. Oh, he's so mysterious, oh, he's so distinguished, wow he was gorgeous, too.

Of course, he was. Part of being her best guy friend is listening to her about the men who come in and out of her life. Not showing that it bothers me requires what I like to call look control; suppressing how I really feel because I just want my friend to be happy.

The truth is it kills me some each time a new guy comes into