A Dream For Always

By J.M. Wiseman

Dannette became a successful young author, writing a novel inspired by her dreams. Now a few years later, she is losing that career as well as herself, searching to recapture that same inspiration. Then she stumbles upon a new discovery—a way to explore and live out her dreams in vivid, lucid detail. As she begins to manipulate and take complete control over her mind and imagination, she will soon learn what happens when living your dreams turns them into nightmares.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781645314325

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A Dream

for Always

J.M. Wiseman

Copyright © 2019 J.M. Wiseman

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2019

ISBN 978-1-64531-431-8 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64531-432-5 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

For Priscilla

Either one does not dream at all, or one dreams in an interesting manner. One must learn to be awake in the same fashion.

—Friedrich Nietzsche

Prologue

Opening day

Dannette Bowers sat in the back of the limousine on her way to her first movie premiere. It wouldn’t be a very long trip, so there was little time to calm her thoughts. Never in her life had she felt such excitement and fear working together in her mind. To reach this achievement at such a young age had already gotten her the label of child prodigy, and now she was en route to the event that would be the pinnacle of that achievement. Yet she could not stop rubbing her hands together, and now her feet joined in by tapping uncontrollably on the floor mat of the limousine.

Are you traveling alone this afternoon, Ms. Bowers? the driver asked her. His name was Francisco, and Dannette was grateful for the conversation to help distract her from her thoughts.

I am, yes, she answered, staring down at her hands. My boyfriend is going to meet me there with my mother since I had some last minute promotional things to do first.

It’s definitely a good thing to have family there to share your big day with, Francisco said. I’m sure they’re both very proud of you.

They are, she responded. However, she wondered about her boyfriend Vance. She knew he was certainly proud of her, but she wasn’t exactly sure how he was handling all this newfound attention on her. They were from a small town with the associated mentality, and that did nothing to prepare them for what was happening or how quickly things were changing for them. The truth was, she didn’t think Vance was happy about this situation at all.

Are you more nervous or excited? Francisco asked.

A lot of both actually, she replied with a stifled laugh. I just hope everyone likes it.

I’m sure they will. Either way, that’s still quite an accomplishment for someone your age. Nineteen years old, and you’ve already had your first book made into a movie. I wish I had half your talent.

Dani chuckled slightly. She was grateful for the conversation and distraction from her own thoughts. I’ve heard talent can be a blessing and a curse.

That could be, Francisco agreed.

I have a hard time being in front of cameras.

The reclusive writer type, Francisco commented. I haven’t read it yet, but a friend of mine says it was excellent. He couldn’t believe how young you are.

This time a genuine smile spread over Dannette’s face before she spoke. My father was always very encouraging and supportive of my writing.

He must be very proud of you.

He passed away from cancer about a year ago.

My apologies, Ms. Bowers, Francisco said in an apologetic tone. I’m sure he’s still very proud of you wherever he is now.

I’d like to think so, she said as she reached up and gently held the locket her father had given her that hung from a necklace around her neck. It was the closest thing to a good luck charm she had. Dani let her mind drift again as she recalled the face of her father as he slowly died before her eyes, and the many nightmares that had followed.

Since this is your day, let’s keep up your spirits, Ms. Bowers.

You can call me Dani. Her father had often called her that for short, and over the years, it had come to be what everyone in her life called her.

Alright, Dani, why don’t you tell me what this novel of yours is about?

Dani thought a moment for the best way to sum up the plot of her novel. It’s just a standard story of teenagers with special powers set in a dystopian futuristic society. From there, it’s just your basic formula. They unite to try and overthrow the corrupt powers that be and bring peace and prosperity back and blah, blah.

Francisco tried to stifle a laugh. It sounds very intriguing.

You’ll just have to read the book and find out, Dani said with a smirk.

Or I could just watch the movie, Francisco shot back with his own.

Touché, said Dani.

May I ask where your inspiration came from?

It mostly came from a dream I had, she answered.

You must have a vivid imagination. I wish I could pick your brain some more, but we’re arriving at your destination.

Dani felt a resurgence of fear as she looked out the window. She could see a mass of people gathering towards the theater for the big premiere. She was thankful no one usually cared much about the writers and hoped she could slip through relatively unnoticed before meeting up with Vance and her mother.

You ready? Francisco asked.

As I’ll ever be, she answered. She took out her compact mirror for a quick check up. Her brunette hair fell on her exposed shoulders in the fitted black gown she wore. She thought she looked pretty, but knew she was going to be outshined by all the beautiful starlets of Hollywood.

You’ll be fine, Francisco assured her. Just try to enjoy yourself. You know, it’s times like this that’ll be your fondest memories once you’re old like me.

You’re only as old as you feel, she responded.

This made Francisco laugh out loud. Touché, Dani.

The moment of truth had finally arrived along with the limousine; a culmination of all the hard and dedicated work she had put into her book. She could only hope that she didn’t slip and fall or pull some other embarrassing move on her way to the theater that would assuredly be caught on camera.

There’s nothing like the potential for national embarrassment to add to the already mounting pressure I feel, she thought to herself.

Francisco pulled the limousine past the crowd of people to the area cordoned off for celebrities and staff involved with the film. She looked down at her phone and texted her agent Tomas to let him know she was pulling up. She had asked him to go with Vance and her mother to ensure they were able to get inside the theater without any problems. He was an older, attractive man now in charge of Dani’s career, and that meant they had been spending a lot of time together recently. It was obvious to Dani that Vance was somewhat jealous of their relationship, and it was understandable, but she loved Vance with all her heart. They had grown up together to become high school sweethearts. The fact that they had been together before all of this excitement happened meant a lot to her, and she had no intentions of doing this without Vance by her side. She only hoped he knew just how much she loved him and wanted him to be on this journey with her. It just wouldn’t be the same without him.

The limo began to slow as Francisco pulled to a stop. Once in park, he got out and opened the door for Dani.

Have a wonderful premiere and good luck, Dani, he told her.

Thank you, Francisco, she said warmly and was instantly blinded by the flash of cameras along with a cacophony of indistinct voices all talking at once. She tried to allow her senses a moment to adjust from the quiet and comforting calm of the limo to whatever was now in front of her.

Just follow the red carpet road.

She took a deep breath and began quickly walking with her head lowered. She was really hoping she could make it most of the way through without speaking to anyone. She just wanted to get through it as quickly as possible and find Vance and her mother. She heard the screams but couldn’t make out anything specific. She looked along the long line of metal railings that kept the fans from rushing the walkway but couldn’t quite see the end. This did little to ease her nervous feeling, so she quickened her pace as she briefly looked up to see a tall attractive woman accompanied by a cameraman and instantly regretted making eye contact with her. They were coming straight for her.

So much for making it through without having to talk to a camera.

And here she is, the woman spoke into the camera. Child prodigy and author of the book, Dannette Bowers. Ms. Bowers, do you have a second to talk with us?

Dani forced a smile and nodded her head.

This must be quite an experience for you to be so young and have your first novel already turned into a big-time movie.

It most certainly is, Dani answered.

Can you tell us which of your characters is your personal favorite?

I don’t know, Dani half rolled her eyes up as if pretending to think up the answer she had already given on several other occasions. A lot of the fans have told me, Riccardi. They seem to like his ability to manipulate and control the carbon element. I’d have to agree with the fans on that. He’s a central character I always had from the beginning, and I think he was always the driving force within the story. Carbon is a basic element of all living things, which I felt made it a very powerful gift with endless potential. Plus, the fact that he can compress coal enough to make as many diamonds as he wants certainly had its appeal for me as a woman, she laughed along with the reporter. She felt like an actor herself sometimes.

I think all of us can relate in wanting that power, the reporter replied.

It’s about as cliché as it gets, Dani smiled back.

Congratulations again, and we all can’t wait for the sequel.

Thank you, Dani said and continued on her way. She hoped most of the other reporter-slash-journalists, whichever they preferred to be called, were much more interested in the real celebrities than in her.

Dani continued to rush past the noise and lights towards the theater. She wanted nothing more than to have Vance by her side. She wondered how he was handling such an immense and sudden onset of publicity. Having come from such a small town, there was no way he could have prepared for all this unexpected fame, but this had been her dream. She had made it come true, and now here she was on the red carpet—with all the celebrities, glitz, and glamour she could have ever dreamed of. This was her moment to shine as bright or as dim as she wanted.

She walked up to the nearest girl who was literally crying as she held out a hardcover copy of her book with a black Sharpie and nearly fell over the railing trying to hand Dani the book. The sudden volume of cheers exploded as Dani took the book so that she couldn’t make out what any one person was saying. It was as many accolades as she could have ever dreamed for. She quickly signed the book and reached for the next thing to sign, which happened to be a small movie poster followed by another full-sized poster. Then it was a paperback copy followed by a photo of herself she wasn’t aware even existed, yet another poster…

…take a picture with you? she heard someone from the crowd yell out.

Of course, Dani smiled and leaned on the rail as a wave of people crowded in for a massive photo bomb.

There were several of these moments before she was able to make it the end of the red-carpeted runway. Alas, there was one last news crew awaiting her.

Ms. Bowers, we’re with F! News. Do you have a quick moment? They didn’t really give her much of a choice as a microphone was thrust into her face. How were you able to come up with this successful idea at such a young age?

Again, she just hit the play button in her brain. I was always into reading and writing, and one day, I had this dream I remembered so vividly that I just wrote down. Now here I am, and honestly, I’m still in a state of shock over the whole thing. I’m very humbled by this experience and all the fans that have made it what it is. For once in my life, I don’t have any words to fully express how I’m feeling, she smiled again and waited for his next question.

And who are you wearing this evening?

A dress, she laughed. She suddenly forgot the name of whoever had designed her dress, not that they would be making her any more dresses after this botched promotional opportunity.

Always the jokes with this one, Tomas suddenly arrived from out of nowhere to save the day. It’s a Vera Wang. Come on, Dannette, it’s about that time.

She smiled back at the microphone. Thank you so much, and thank you all! she looked up one last time and gave her adoring fans a wave before allowing Tomas to lead her towards the theater entrance.

Way to drop that ball, he whispered in her ear as they walked.

I know, she covered her mouth to mask the tiny laugh.

How can a girl forget who she’s wearing? You never cease to amaze me, Dani, he said warmly.

Thanks for saving me back there. I don’t know why I just froze up. Do you think Vera will be mad at me?

It’s not like she needs the extra exposure, he smiled back as he led Dani down the velvet rope path to the large auditorium where the film would be showing. She scanned over the barrage of people in hopes of seeing either Vance or her mother.

There they are, Tomas said, pointing to where her mother and Vance were sitting.

She saw Vance tap her mother on the shoulder and point in their direction. Her smile brightened as she waved to the two most important people in her life. She couldn’t have been happier to be able to share this pinnacle moment of her life with them, and it warmed her heart to see Vance light up at the sight of her. She had every intention of someday marrying him and living out this life happily ever after.

Hey there, princess, Vance said as he wrapped his arms around her and gave her what was perhaps the biggest hug she’d ever received from him. She closed her eyes and lost herself in his embrace, enjoying it as long as she could before he pulled back to look her in the eyes. This is craziness. I can’t believe it.

Me either, she replied and smiled right into those starry eyes of his that always found a way of melting her heart. The way he looked at her was one way she fell in love with him so easily. They were so warm and full of compassion that it made her feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be with him.

Her mother stood up and gave her a huge hug as well. I’m so proud of you, sweetie.

Thanks, Mom, she said as she saw tears begin to swell in her mother’s eyes.

It’s a pleasure to see you again, Tomas said as he gave Mom a hug.

Thank you, Tomas. It’s good to see you too, and thank you again for all you’ve done for Dani, she said, taking out a tissue and dabbing her eyes.

Please, she did most of the work, he looked over at Dani who was clearly blushing. He then turned back to her boyfriend. It’s good to see you again as well, Vance, he reached out to shake his hand.

And you, Vance replied.

Vance’s jealousy and discontent for Tomas was more than apparent. This, however, was no problem for him since he had dealt with many dramatic and fleeting relationships with his clients in the past. Tomas was quite sure he would be out of the picture soon enough. People like Vance could rarely ever handle this level of success from their partners without somehow ruining the relationship.

I’ll be waiting outside after the movie with the rest of the nonimportant people, Tomas said with his sly smile.

Nonsense, you’re important to us, Dani said as she smiled at him. What she didn’t see that Tomas did was the very disapproving scowl her comment brought out of Vance. Tomas was very sure that this relationship was destined to fail, like so many others before it.

Thank you, Tomas said smiling. I’ll see you after the movie.

They said their goodbyes as Dani took her seat in between her mother and Vance. After a formal introduction was given from the director, her moment finally arrived. The lights dimmed, the curtains drew back, and it was lights, camera—

Part I

Reality

1

Four Years Later

—action…knocking…

bang! bang

!

What the hell…? Dannette shot up in her bed still half asleep. Was there a worse sound in the world than the cacophony that pulls one from the soundness of sleep? Not according to her, and now someone was about to feel her wrath. She wiped the sleep from her eyes as she tried to look at the clock and saw that it was almost noon. Then she remembered what today was and knew who was banging on her door: that cheating bastard Tomas.

I’m coming! she screamed as she sprung out of bed and quickly threw on her robe. Let him see the hot mess that she was. She barely got dressed or even left the house these days, and if he had any remarks about it she would tell him where he could shove them.

She finally made it to the door just as the next series of aggressive banging began. She took a deep breath before gently opening the door with a fake smile spread across her face.

Tomas, so nice of you to stop by, she said sarcastically.

I’ve always loved that sarcastic wit of yours, Dani, Tomas said as he moved his way past her and into the house. Now why the hell aren’t you ready to go? Did you take too many sleeping pills again last night?

Of course she had. No, I just couldn’t decide on what to wear yet.

Clearly, he said and looked her up and down.

You know, you can just go—

Tomas cut her off by waving his hand at her. I’m sorry, I’m sorry. It was a bad joke, but we’re running late, and you need to hurry it up. Don’t worry about your hair and makeup. They’ll have someone there to do all that for you. I’ll be waiting in the car.

Give me ten minutes, she replied as he was leaving. She quickly scrambled together the outfit she had planned on wearing today as she again asked herself why she had kept Tomas on as her manager after their breakup. It had proven to be much harder than she initially thought. At the time, she tried to give him the benefit of doubt. She understood the ways of Hollywood well enough by now, and even though this was LA, it was no city for angels. In truth, she would have been more surprised had he not eventually cheated on her, but once the dust had settled on her emotions, she began to reconsider Tomas’s offer to remain her manager. The last stress she wanted to add to her life was finding a new manager, and all things considered, Tomas had been very mature throughout the whole ordeal by staying out of her life except for business matters. However, deep in her heart, Dani knew there was a much more specific reason as to why she wasn’t completely devastated over the situation. She had never truly been in love with Tomas like she was with Vance.

She finished getting dressed and looked over her outfit in the mirror. She wasn’t happy with the long black skirt and matching fitted top, but it was a little late for that now. She let out a long sigh wanting to look anywhere but at her reflection, and so let her eyes shift over to the tiny dollhouse in the corner of her room. It had been her mother’s as a child, and along with help from Dani’s grandmother, it had been made to resemble the actual house her mother had grown up in.

She walked over and looked inside the roofless toy house and down into what was supposed to have looked like her mother’s childhood bedroom. It even had a tiny record player on one side of a miniature bed with a fake fishbowl on the other side. There wasn’t any fake fish in the bowl, but Dani’s mother had had a goldfish at the time named Moby Dick. Grandpa had insisted on the name because of his love of the classic Melville novel as well as the clever bit of irony. It was much against the family’s wishes, but the name stuck because there ended up being Moby the Fourth before the goldfish trend had finally ended for the family.

The only room in the tiny house not resembling an actual room was the main living room. Her mother had designed it to look like an old-fashioned marquis theater with the standard red curtains and chairs that were drawn in with crayon. Dani had always thought the theater room essentially ruined the dollhouse, and even on such a miniature scale, it gave the dollhouse an overall creepy feel to it. Still, it was a beautifully crafted house, and the fact that it was a gift from her mother made the house priceless to Dani.

How come life can’t be as easy as it is for the dolls? Dani asked herself before shaking her head back into focus. She had to get going if she didn’t want to hear a certain someone banging on her door again.

Showtime, she said and left her reflection behind.

2

The Girl Who Cried Wolf

The first few minutes of the car ride was spent in silence that was both awkward and absolute. It was Tomas who finally ended the wordless game between the two of them.

Are you okay, Dani? I’m starting to get really worried about you.

I’m fine, she shot back in a tone that sounded harsher than she had intended. However, she was getting really tired of hearing people ask her that exact same question.

It’s just that when I said I wanted to stay on as your manager, it was because I still cared about you and your career. You just make that much harder to do when you don’t even seem to care about either anymore.

‘What the hell are you talking about?" Dani asked knowing full well what he was talking about.

All you do is pop pills and sleep, trying to find that next inspiration. It’s been over a year now. How’s the sequel coming?

I’m almost there. I’ve got most of it… she paused in frustration, the bulk of the story mapped out, so I just need to fill in the gaps.

This made Tomas scoff while shaking his head. There was no reason Dani could be mad; he was right.

"You’ve been saying