Chapter 4: Dreams and Conversations

Smoke enters my nostrils spreading through the senses cutting off my ability to breathe. A glowing color of orange and yellow hues cracks a whip across every corner of the room, before blinding my eyes with its brilliant light.

I am six. The fire spreads rapidly in the house as my eyes long to find my mother. The black, smoke obstructs my view of her as I feel myself being pulled away, carried off rather, as the scene transforms rapidly.

The room has changed now. Surrounding me are ornate pillars-gold laced columns, beautifully sculpted brick walls, and intricate hanging tapestries-exhibiting a rich history left behind from Greece or Macedonia. Marble floors cool my bare feet hardly noticeable by the long gown I am wearing, supporting my off shoulder top, fastened by a silk sash and woven belted cord.

I manage to locate a mirror. Hand carved inlaid with gold and copper engravings, the intricate designs of an artist who used the sea as his muse, I run my fingers through the surface of each ocean sculpture analyzing each inspiration for the piece.

It was then my eyes finally saw the center of the reflective surface. Looking back at me was a young girl. A young woman actually. Beautiful greenish blue eyes, the color the deepest ocean depths, saddened by something that had been troubling her. The dark curls of her hair bounced in unison to the harsh wind blowing from outside through her open window as a voice called out to her.

“Aoide?”

Sandra awoke from her dream.

1:00 a.m. Damn. Obviously, REM was not her best friend. Tossing the covers to the side, she tiptoed downstairs to the kitchen.

Her Aunt Brit found her. Right in the middle of stuffing her face with a package of Oreos, a bag of potato chips, and a glass of milk did it not occur to Sandra how many calories she just consumed?

“Oh no honey,” clucked Aunt Brit. “The nightmares are starting again, aren’t they?” She poured herself a glass of milk to warm up in the microwave.

“It wasn’t too bad this time. At least, it wasn’t all about the fire.”

Britta “Brit” Soledad originated from Portugal and met Lee Shan when they were graduate students at the University of Miami. After a three year courtship, the two finally tied the knot and have been in marital bliss ever since. A year later, after the tragic death of Lee’s sister Linda, the couple became the legal guardians of Sandra raising and loving her as their own daughter. For Brit and Lee, who unfortunately could not be blessed with children, little Cassandra Shan came into their lives forever cementing the trio as a real family.

“I’m sorry you’ve still haven’t dealt with it,” explained Brit. “I wish there was some way you had a sense of closure.”

Sandra dipped the Oreo into her milk. “Me too, Aunt Brit, but I’ve blocked out everything about the accident except for a few bits and pieces. Tell me again what the police report said?”

Brit sighed before taking a sip of her warm milk. “According to the investigation, there was a freak lightning storm that time in Miami when we were all living there. You were six then. Somehow, one of the lightning flashes struck a telephone pole smashing through the window of your house. The initial spark from the wires ignited a massive home fire which trapped Linda inside. Luckily, emergency crews arrived to rescue you but unfortunately your mother never made it out. It was just a bad accident Sandra.”

“Do you remember who pulled me out?”

“Someone from the Miami Fire Department. I think his name was Peter Chadwick. Your Uncle Lee and I thanked him for saving you.”

“Do you remember which fire station he worked at?”

“Station 32 on Lopez Avenue, I think. What is with the twenty questions?”

“I’m sorry Aunt Brit,” she apologized. “I just am trying to find some answers so I can put this issue to rest.”

“I understand Sandra,” said Brit. “But baby all this digging is probably not going to solve all your problems. You may end up with more questions instead of answers.”

“I know but it would give me a sense of purpose.” Observing how depressing this situation was, Sandra finally changed the subject. “Enough about all this talk about death, how are you holding up as Neptune Cove’s HR representative?”

“You tell me,” chuckled Brit. “You know how your park coworkers love to gossip. So am I a friend or foe?”

“Well if I tell you,” joked Sandra. “I’d have to kill you.”

“I’ll take my chances,” replied Brit. “Now spill the beans.”

“You’re in the clear!”

“Woohoo! I’m actually liked at work! Speaking of being liked, I’m getting excellent feedback from your boss Cleito Richards. She seems to be impressed by your work ethic. Good job!”

“What can I say? I’ve being raised by the best parents slash aunt and uncle a girl could ever wish for!”

“Naturally,” smiled Brit. “It helps when you have an amazing daughter slash niece! Oh and I hear you’ve become best buds with Calliope Meyers from work.”

“That’s right,” added Sandra. “And since we’re attending Gregory High as sophomores in a few weeks I’m sure we’ll be hanging out more with each other.”

Placing her warm milk down on the counter, Brit gave Sandra a big bear hug from behind finally finishing off the last actions of her affections with a kiss to the forehead.

“I’m so happy for you honey,” said Brit. “It’s good that you’re adjusting to living in Lemuria. I’m going back to bed. Try to get some sleep, okay?”

“I will. Love you.”

“Love you more.”

Sandra felt a horrible pit fall to her stomach. Then again she shouldn’t eat so late.