Same Old Dream

Sierra was back at the heart of dream woodland. She was nearly done carving the eighty-sixth mark when she heard footsteps behind her.

She turned around and saw Jin standing there. His eyes no longer looked mad.

What a relief.

She took a step closer to Jin and reached out a hand to him as she whispered, "Sorry."

Jin knelt in front of her, held her hand, and touched it on his furry cheek. His beautiful golden brown eyes were gazing through her.

“I could not dream these past two months," Sierra uttered, gently caressing his cheek. "I had been busy and heartbroken. But my mind and my heart are at ease now. I can finally spend time in this place again.

Jin led Sierra near the tree where she was carving and lay down beside it. His head was resting on one of the gigantic roots sprouting out of the ground. Sierra cuddled beside him. He was always so warm and soft.

“Tell me a story,” Jin said in his husky voice.

“These past three years, I'm the only one talking and telling stories," Sierra said while gazing drowsily at the leaves above them. "Let's change that tonight? Tell me what happened these past two months. Why are you so angry with me that you used my classmate to ruin my dream?

“Who broke your heart?” Jin asked, avoiding all her questions. He was really not the talking type.

“He’s my boss," Sierra answered. "He’s a very nice person. He remains good to me even after rejecting my love. He could not reject a good employee. That’s what he said. And I’m glad that he didn’t change towards me.

“I’m also glad that you came, Sierra,” Jin whispered.

“Did you miss me that much?” Sierra asked, gently patting his head.

Jin only nodded and cuddled closer to Sierra, giving her more warmth and comfort.

^##################################^

“Good Morning!” Ella greeted when Sierra sat up from her bed. “You’re smiling so beautifully. That dream again?

“My dream returned to normal. It’s comforting.

“It’s creepy,” Kate said, coming out of the comfort room. “Having the same dream for three years? You should see a doctor.

“I don’t need a doctor,” Sierra said with confidence. “That dog in my dream is my dog. It's Jin. He’s checking up on me from time to time. That’s how loyal he is to me.

“That’s really creepy, Sierra,” Ella said, crossing her arms to rub the chills off her skin. “Your dog is already in heaven.

“I know. That’s why I said he is checking up on me from time to time. He’s my guard and my friend. He will always be. Why will I get scared?

“Creepy,” Kate said, patting Sierra’s shoulder. “Let’s eat.

Sierra rolled her eyes and joined her friends for breakfast.

“What happened to your hand?” Ella asked, finally noticing Sierra’s bandaged knuckles.

“Accident,” Sierra shortly replied. “Not a serious wound,” she quickly added because Kate and Ella were still worrying. “It’s already healing.

“Be careful, Sierra,” Kate frowned at her.

“I will,” Sierra smiled and changed the subject. “Did you talk to Dan?

Kate only nodded with a sad smile.

“Did he…”

“Yes,” Kate sighed. “I got rejected. But he said we can still be friends,” she said with a brighter smile. “You’re right, Sierra. I feel better than yesterday. I finally heard the answer I’m so afraid to hear. It hurts a lot but I can feel it. I will be fine.

“She cried and drink a lot last night, Sierra,” Ella said with a teasing smile.

“Sorry, Kate, I could not console you last night after saying that I will always be with you,” Sierra guiltily said.

“You’re words stayed with me, Sierra. It gave me courage. It still does. And you’re here with me now. That’s all that matters,” Kate said with a sweet smile.

Sierra knew that Kate was a strong person, but she did not expect Kate to be that okay after being rejected just last night.

“Hey, you’re unfair,” Ella glared at Sierra. “Kate told me about your first love.

“My first one-sided love,” Sierra corrected Ella. “But I’m really okay now. Don’t worry about me. Kate is the one who needs us,” she looked at Kate and asked, “Are you really okay? Being friends with Dan will not hurt you? Are you really okay with that?

“I think so,” Kate shrugged her shoulders. “There are things more important than women. That’s what he said.

“What does that mean? He’s gay?” Ella asked and Kate glowered at her.

“He’s serious with his studies," she snapped at Ella then she suddenly blushed.

"Hey, why is your face so red?" Sierra anxiously asked.

"He said he doesn't need a girlfriend but he will be needing an assistant. So, he hired me as his assistant,” Kate blushed further while Sierra and Ella were dumbfounded.

“You agreed to it?” Sierra asked, getting more concerned.

“What are his terms? How much is your salary? Is it bigger than your salary at the department store?” Ella asked, more curious than concerned.

“Hey, do you also want to be his assistant?” Sierra frowned at Ella.

“I’m a varsity player,” Ella reminded Sierra. “I need to focus on my training.

“Oh right. You’ve got yourself a good trainer,” Sierra rolled her eyes as she remembered their bet.

“He’s a great trainer,” Ella defensively explained. “And he’s doing it for free.

“Free?” Sierra loudly asked. “They want to have lunch with us until our graduation day! How can you say that it’s for free?

“He’s a good person, Sierra. The three of them are,” Ella said and she seemed confident with her statement.

Sierra sighed and remembered how good her dream was. She should not let her mood be ruined by Josh and his friends.

“Kate, do you really need to be his assistant?” Sierra focused on her friend but realized that it was still connected to Josh. “You’re working at the department store. What will you do with that?

“She resigned yesterday then we went to a bar and she got herself drunk,” Ella answered. “I asked her why she did that but she was not answering. What she keeps on telling me was how hurt she was when Dan rejected her confession,” Ella glared at Kate and said, “Why did you get drunk last night when you already accepted that assistant job? Was it to prepare your heart from more pain? Isn’t working for him torture to you?

“Getting drunk was for my broken heart,” Kate seriously answered. “Accepting that job was because of money and to satisfy my curiosity. I want to know him better, as a good friend. I’m not hoping for anything anymore. I won’t torture myself.

“I don’t believe you,” Sierra honestly commented.

“Me also,” Ella said. “You still like him.

“Sierra, why are you still working for Mr. Von Summit? He already rejected your feelings. Is staying at that restaurant torture to you?

Sierra sighed and said, “Okay. Work for him if that is what you want. But if we ever see you sad, we will ask you to resign. Is that clear?

“Clear,” Kate smiled and embraced her friends. “I won’t regret this.

“I hope you’re right,” Sierra and Ella chorused.

^##############################################^

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