Page 2 of See You in Your Dreams

“Great!” She frowns again at the suitcase I left propped next to my chair. “Speaking of friends, I imagine you’ll need to pick up supplies for school on Monday. Your grandparents sent some money to help cover your expenses. We can go shopping later if you like.”

Shopping’s about the last thing I feel like doing, especially if it means having to continue this conversation. “Thanks, but I’ll figure it out tomorrow.”

Uncertainty flickers over her face, quickly muffled beneath another smile. “Okay. I’ll leave it in your capable hands, then.”

She changes the subject. I mostly tune her out, nodding or shrugging by rote while I examine the eclectic collection of objects. The room isn’t as small as I’d first thought. It’s just crammed full of so many shelves and trinkets that there’s little space left for actual people.

Even so, I have to admit it possesses a cozy, lived-in quality the Ellingtons’ mansion always lacked. Their house had been designed for show. Despite the myriad objects on display, I don’t get the same vibe here.

My gaze catches on a small, lacquered box resting on the coffee table between us. Without thinking, I reach out and trace a finger over the lines on its front. They form the shape of a globe captured within a human eye.

Belatedly, I realize my aunt’s watching me. I jerk my hand back. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. I told you to make yourself at home. I know I’ve got quite the collection, and what good is a shiny bauble if you’re too afraid to ever use it?”

I nod at the box. “What is it?”

She smiles and reaches for it. “A Tarot deck,” she replies as she slides the wooden lid off, unveiling a stack of worn cards. She flips the top one over to reveal a stylized moon. “Each card represents a different aspect of your life. They’re meant to help you work through questions or problems. I can do a reading for you if you like.”

I’m shaking my head before she even finishes speaking, my heartbeat quickening. “Pass.” That’s the absolutelastthing I need to be messing with.

“Suit yourself.” She returns the deck to the box. “But if you’re ever curious, just let me know. I’m not sure what your grandparents told you about my situation, but I’m a practicing psychic.”

Something in my expression must give away my disdain because she raises an eyebrow. “What, you don’t believe in magic?”

The irony of the situation almost makes me laugh.Oh, I believe in magic all right—that’s precisely the problem.

A vision of Harvey’s fear-stricken face flashes before my eyes, and I bolt to my feet, fumbling for my suitcase. “If you don’t mind, I think I’d like to rest. I’m pretty beat.”

Aunt Claudette blinks at me, taking a moment to recover. “Of course. You must be exhausted after your flight. Here, let me show you to your room.”

She starts to stand, and I shake my head. “No, that’s okay. I can find it.”

“Well, if you’re sure…”

She trails off when she sees I’m already halfway up the stairs, my suitcase knocking against the banister with a series of dullthuds.

The upstairs is cramped, with only a tiny landing and two bedrooms. It’s easy to identify which is Aunt Claudette’s thanks to the draped tapestries and cluttered shelves. I step into the other, giving it a once-over.

A twin bed tucked against the wall. A closet empty of anything but hangars. A scarred desk and swivel chair in the corner. Marks on the walls where things had once hung—probably more of the displays so prevalent everywhere else. My aunt must’ve taken them down before I arrived.

I collapse onto my new bed with a sigh and stare at the ceiling, absently counting the tiny holes left over from old decorations. Now that I’m alone, I feel bad for rushing out on my aunt like that. She seems nice enough, even if shehadwashed her hands of me these past five years.

Not that I’m interested in forging a real relationship. I just need to survive this last year of high school. Then, I’ll be free to do whatever I want. To live life on my own terms…even if I’m not sure what those are yet.

My chest constricts at the murky prospect of my future. Sometimes, I wonder if the world would be better off without me in it. Dad and Mom certainly would’ve been. Dad could’ve enjoyed his final days in peace, and Mom…well, she might even still be alive.

That’s what happens when you let anyone get too close: they end up hurt.

Groaning, I roll over and stumble to my suitcase, rummaging around until I find the familiar orange bottle. Thanks to the Ellingtons, I have access to the best prescription-grade sleeping pills on the market—a necessity in my case.

I tap two out into my palm and down them dry before settling back into bed. It’s not long before the familiar heavy drowsiness takes hold, and as I sink down into myself, I pray as I always do for another dreamless night.

two

Dylan

I approach Banton High’swelcoming brick facade with a wide grin and a spring in my step. I’m probably the only kid my ageexcitedfor the first day of school.