Chapter 6 Chapter 4 Dreamland

It's too dark to be that hot, maybe because it's too hot, it's genius so dark, there's something wrong with one of the two. In the dark, I crouched sweating among bushes rubbed with creosote, an easy cover.It had been fifteen minutes since the car had left the garage without the lights on.The Arcadia door was left open two inches, allowing the air cooler to do its job.I can imagine the wetness, the cool wind blowing through the screen door, and I wish the wind would blow where I am. My stomach growled with hunger, and I tightened the muscles in my belly to suppress the sound.There was silence all around, and even a soft voice would reveal it.

I am hungry. And there was another, stronger need—another hungry belly, safe hidden away in the night, waiting alone in the rough cave that was temporarily our home.A crowded place, volcanic rock jagged its sides.What will happen to him if I don't go back?All the joys of being a mother despite having neither knowledge nor experience of it.The feeling of helplessness scares me, and Jamie is hungry. There is no other house near this house, and I have been waiting here since the sun was hot, and I don't think there are any dogs here either. I stood up slowly, my calves protesting with displeasure, but I was still hunched over, trying to hide under the bushes.The road north along the alluvium was a smooth sandy passage, pale in the starlight, and there was no sound of cars on the road.

I knew what those two monsters—the kind-faced couple who looked to be in their early fifties—would realize when they returned.They'll know exactly what I am, the search will start right away, I need to run far.I really want them to be in town for one night, I think it's Friday.They have preserved our habits so perfectly it's hard to tell the difference, which is why they won in the first place. The fence that surrounded the yard was only waist high, and I turned it over easily and without sound.The yard is gravel though, and I had to walk carefully to keep the weight of my body from moving it.At last I came to the flagstones of the terrace.

The shutters were open, and the starlight illuminated the room, which was empty and motionless.The couple seemed frugal, and I was grateful, which made it harder to hide.Of course, this also left me nowhere to hide, and if I were to hide, it would be too late anyway. I pushed open the screen door gently first, then the glass door, and both doors closed quietly.I carefully put my feet on the tiles, but this is just out of habit, no one is waiting for me here. The cool wind is refreshing, as if you are in heaven. The kitchen was to my left, and I could just make out the gleaming marble cooktop.

I pull the large canvas bag off my shoulders and start working from the refrigerator.The light came on when the door opened, which was a little nervous, but I found the button and pushed it down with my toe.My eyes were pitch black and I couldn't see anything.I don't have time to get used to them, it's all about feel. Milk, cheese slices, leftovers in plastic bowls, I hope it's me watching him cook rice with chicken or something like that, which we'll be having tonight. Juice, a bag of apples, radishes, none of which will go bad in the morning. In a rush to the pantry, I needed something that would last longer.

I could see more clearly when I found something I could carry by heart.Um, chocolate pancakes.I can't wait to open the bag right now, but I grit my teeth and ignore the spasms in my empty stomach. Bags get heavy quickly and these only last us a week, even if we count on eating.I don't like crunching, I like wolfing down, stuffing my oat flower rolls in my pockets. There is one more thing.I hurried to the sink and filled my kettle with water.Then I put my head under the faucet and took a long gulp of tap water straight away.There was a strange noise in my empty stomach as the water flowed into it.

I start to panic after I finish my work, I want to get out of here, the comfort and convenience of modern life is fatal. I kept an eye on my step as I walked out, worried that I would trip over the heavy bag, that's why I didn't see the silhouette of that dark figure on the terrace until my hand reached the door. I heard his soft curse just as the stupid, frightened scream came out of my mouth.I turned and sprinted for the front door, hoping the latch wasn't latched, or at least not so hard to open. Before I could run two steps, a pair of rough and hard hands grabbed my shoulders, leaning on his body and pulling me around violently.Too tall and too powerful to be a woman, the bass proved me right.

If you dare to speak up, you are dead.He threatened roughly, and in horror I felt a thin, sharp blade against the skin of my jaw. I don't understand, I shouldn't be given a choice.Who is this villain?I've never heard of anything that would break the rules.I responded to him in the only way I could. Do it, I said viciously, do it now, I don't want to be a nasty parasite! I waited for the knife to come in, my heart was aching.Every heartbeat calls a name.Jamie, Jamie, Jamie, what are you going to do now? Smart, the man whispered, he didn't sound like he was talking to me, he must be a hunter, and that meant a trap.How do they know?The steel knife disappeared from the side of my throat, replaced by a hand as hard as an anvil.

He gripped me so tightly that I could barely breathe. Where are the rest?he asked, grabbing me tightly. Only myself!I answered hoarsely, I couldn't lead him to Jamie.What will Jamie do if I don't go back?Jamie is hungry! I banged my arm on his stomach hard - it really hurt, it was very strange that his abs were as hard as his iron fist.Muscles like that can only be found in people who have lived a hard life or exercised deliberately, not parasites. My blow didn't even take his breath away.In desperation, I kicked his arch with my heel in desperation.This caught him off guard and shook him a bit.I turned and ran, but he grabbed my bag tightly and dragged me to him, his hands around my neck again.

Too grumpy for a peaceful body predator, eh? He's full of bullshit, I thought aliens were all the same, I guess they still have their own crazy hobbies after all. I twisted my body, bared my teeth and claws, trying to break free from his grasp.My nails dug into his skin, but that only made him grip my throat tighter. I'm going to kill you, you worthless, body-stealing thief, and I'm not kidding. So, let's do it! Suddenly, he gasped, and I wondered if my flailing limbs touched him, and I didn't feel any new injuries. He let go of my arm and grabbed my hair.That's the end for sure, he's going to slit my throat.I stand on my legs, ready for the knife to plunge into my skin.

But the hand on my throat loosened, and his fingers fumbled across the nape of my neck, rough and warm on my skin. impossible.he said softly. Something hit the ground with a thud.He dropped the knife?I tried to think of a way to get it, maybe I could get it when I fell down.The hand around my neck didn't hold me tight enough to keep me from breaking free, and I think I felt where the knife landed. Suddenly he made me spin in a circle, and with a click, the light blurred my vision.I exclaimed, instinctively wanting to turn my back to the light.His hands gripped my hair tightly, and the light shone into my right eye. I can't believe it, he whispered, you're still human. His hands gripped my cheeks, and before I could pull away, his lips kissed mine tightly. I froze for half a second, no one had ever kissed me in my life, not really a kiss.All those years ago, it was just my parents kissing me lightly on the cheek, or on the forehead, something I thought I would never feel.I'm not sure exactly what that feels like though, there's too much panic, too much dread, too much adrenaline. I jerked my knees upright. He gave a breathless breath and I was free.Instead of rushing straight for the front door like he expected, I duck under his arms and jump out the open door.I think I can run faster than him, even with a big bag on my back.I was one step ahead of him, and he was still moaning in pain.I know where I'm going - I won't leave a route he can see in the night.I've never lost food and it's been fine.However, I think the oatmeal roll bars were crushed. wait a minute.he yelled. Shut up, I thought, but I didn't shout. He followed me, chasing after me, I heard his voice getting closer: I am not one of them! Of course, I kept my eyes on the sand and then sprinted at full speed.My dad used to say I could run as fast as a cheetah.Back before Doomsday, I was the fastest runner on the track team and was the state champion. listen to me!Still he shouted at the top of his voice, Lo!I will prove it.Please stop and look at me! impossible.Using the alluvium as my axis, I skim briskly over mesquite bushes. I thought no one else was spared!Please, I need to talk to you! His voice surprised me - it was so close. I'm sorry I kissed you!It's stupid to do that!I just spend way too much time alone! Shut up!I didn't say it out loud, but I knew he heard it.He got closer to me than anyone had ever passed me before, and I made my legs run faster. When he also accelerated, there was a low whining sound between his breaths. The huge thing hit my back and I fell.There was a mouthful of mud in my mouth, and I was crushed by something so heavy that I could barely breathe. Wait a minute.he said angrily. He rolled over so I rolled in a circle onto him.He sat on my chest, clamping his legs around my arms.He crushed my food and I growled, trying to wriggle out from under him. Look, look, look!he said.He took a small cylinder out of the back pocket of his trousers, and twisted off the top, from which a beam of light shot out. He pointed the flashlight at his face. The light made his skin yellow, revealing prominent cheekbones, a long narrow nose in the middle, and a square jaw.His lips stretched into a toothy smile, though I could tell they were full—for a man, his brows and eyelashes were faded from the sun. But that's not what he was going to show me. His eyes, tawny in the light, were crystal clear with a look only human could have, and he let the light swing from side to side. Look!Look!Me too. Let me see your neck.There is a tone of deep suspicion in my words, and I will not allow myself to think that this is just a hoax.I don't understand the point of this affectation, but I'm sure it serves a purpose and there's no hope anymore. His lips twitched: well... that wouldn't actually help.Aren't eyes enough?You know I'm not with them. Why won't you let me see your neck? Because there is a scar there.he admitted. I tried to wriggle out from under him again, but his hands were firmly on my shoulders. I did it myself, he explained, and I think I did a good job, even though it hurt like hell.I don't have pretty hair to cover my neck, and this scar helps me fish in troubled waters. Get off of me! He hesitated, then stood up easily, without using his hands at all.He held out a hand to me, palm up. Please don't run away, and, uh, I hope you don't kick me again. I didn't move, knowing he would still grab me if I tried to escape. who are you?I asked in a low voice. He smiled brightly: My name is Jared?Hao.I haven't spoken to any human beings in over two years, so I'm sure, in your opinion, I must be... kind of crazy.Anyway, please forgive me for that and tell me your name. Melanie.I said softly. Melanie, he repeated, I can't tell you how happy I am to meet you. I clutched my bag tightly and kept my eyes on him as he slowly lowered his hand and reached out to me. And I hold it. I didn't realize I trusted him until I realized my hand was involuntarily on his. He helped me up and didn't let go of my hand when I stood up straight. What's going on now?I asked defensively. Well, we can't stay here long.Would you like to go back into the house with me?I left my bag there, I was in the fridge when you came. I shook my head. He seemed to realize how vulnerable I was, how close I was to breaking down. So, would you like to wait for me here?He asked softly, I'll be very quick, let me get us some more food. us? Do you really think I'll make you disappear?I will follow you even if you tell me not to. I don't want to disappear from him either. I... how could I not completely trust another human being?We are family - all part of an extinct brethren, and I don't have the time.I've got that long to go...Jamie's waiting for me. You are not alone.He realized that, for the first time, he showed an expression of uncertainty. My brother, who is only nine years old, is terribly scared when I'm not around.It would take me half of the night to get back to him, he wouldn't know if I was caught, he was so hungry.As if for emphasis, my stomach growled loudly. Jared's smile is back, bigger than ever: Would it help if I drove you? drive?I repeated. I'm going to make a deal with you, you wait here while I gather more food, and I'll drive you anywhere you want in a jeep that's faster than running - even faster than you be quick. do you have a car Of course you think I got here? My brow furrows at the thought of the six hours it took me to get here. We'll be back with your brother before long, he promised, don't walk away from here, okay? I nod. And please eat something, I don't want your stomach to betray us.He smiled slightly, fine wrinkles formed around his eyes, and the corners of his eyes were also wrinkled.My heart skipped a beat, and I knew I'd be here too if he didn't come back all night. Still holding my hand, he let go of it slowly without taking his eyes off me.He took a step back, then stopped. Please don't kick me.he begged, leaning forward, and took my chin.He kissed me again, and this time, I felt it.His lips were softer than his hands, hot even on a warm desert night.I was so tense that I could barely breathe, and my hand instinctively reached out to him.I stroked his warm cheeks, the unkempt hair on his neck.My fingers brush lightly over a crease in his neck that bulges just below the hairline. I screamed. I woke up sweating profusely, and even before I was fully awake, I kept my fingers on the back of my neck, groping for a short scar left by the implant.I can barely detect this pale pink blemish with my fingernails, and the medicine the therapists are using works great. Jared's poorly restored scars were never a good disguise. I turned on the bedside light and waited for my breath to slow, my veins pumping with adrenaline from such a real dream. A new dream, but essentially the same as many others that have been haunting me for the past few months. No, not a dream, of course a memory. I can still feel Jared's lips kissing mine.My hands reached out involuntarily, searching across the crumpled sheets, looking for things they couldn't find.My heart aches when they give up and hang limp and empty over the edge of the bed. I blinked and squeezed the unwelcome tears from my eyes, not knowing how much more I could put up with something like this.How can anyone be alive in this world while their bodies still hold memories of what should have been?With these emotions so strong, am I no longer able to identify my own feelings? I'm going to be exhausted tomorrow, but I'm not going to sleep at all, and I know it's going to take me hours to unwind.I might as well do my duty and get through it, and maybe it will help to free my mind from things I don't want to think about. I rolled out of bed and stumbled over to an empty desk with nothing but a computer.It took a few seconds for the screen to boot up, and a few more seconds later for me to open my mail program.It wasn't hard to find Hunter's address, I only had a few contacts: Hunter, the therapist, my new boss and his wife, my counselor. With my host Melanie?There was another man with Stryder. I typed these words, not in the mood to say greetings. His name is Jamie?Strayer, he was her brother. For a moment of panic, I marveled at her self-control.All this time, it hadn't even occurred to me that this boy existed—not because he wasn't important to her, but because she was protecting him more than any secret I'd revealed.Does she have a bigger, more important secret than this?So divine that she prevents them from even appearing in my dreams.Is she that powerful?My fingers trembled as I typed the rest of the information. I think he's a teenager now, maybe thirteen.They've been living in a makeshift tent, and I believe right here in Kraft, Arizona?North of the town of Creek.However, that was a few years ago, but you might as well take a map and compare the routes I remembered earlier.As always, if I get more information, I'll let you know. I send it out.As soon as the message was sent, fear surged through my body. Not Jamie! Her voice was so clear in my head, as if I had spoken it aloud myself, that I trembled with terror. Even as I struggled with the horrors I was experiencing, my heart was gripped by the urge to email Hunter again and apologize to her for informing her of my absurd dreams.Tell her I was half asleep and didn't notice the stupid message I was sending. This desire is not my own. I turn off the computer. I hate you.The voice roared in my head. "Then maybe you should go away." I interrupted her.My speaking voice answered her loudly, and then I shuddered. She hasn't spoken to me once since the first moment I got here.There is no doubt that she has grown stronger, just like those dreams. There is no doubt about it, and I plan to visit my counselor tomorrow.Thinking of this, tears of disappointment and shame flowed from my eyes. I went back to bed, put a pillow over my face, and tried not to think about it.