I wasn't sure what more to do, or what I could do, really. The solution I found couldn't come to me because of the curse, and it was like the remaining campers disappeared from the face of the earth. The rescue workers have combed through the campsite, and it kills me to see Aunt Nora in so much pain.
But then there's the fact that I can now hear Gwendolyn's thoughts, and vice versa. It's crazy — I am now on guard not to think certain thoughts, so she doesn't hear them, because I am not sure how this works. And I have been thinking about her more than trying to come up with a plan, and I feel guilty about that.
Thankfully, I finally got Aunt home to bed. I couldn't leave her side, especially not after what I found out.
I took a cold shower before leaning back in bed. I decided against a shirt, being too lazy to put it on being a major contributor to the decision. My thoughts unconsciously go back to Gwendolyn. I was hopelessly and stupidly smitten by her.
Better get to sleep, I thought, and hope I don't dream about her, because I won't be able to face her if she sees it.
I was having a nightmare — the monsters, the ones Gwendolyn showed me. They were there, chasing me. It's like they were toying with me. I fell, and it ran past me, and something clicked at the moment this wasn't my nightmare. It was Gwen's.
I wake with a start, but the nightmare is still going on in my head. She is still asleep.
"Gwen," I call out. The only thing I hear is her whimpers and cries.
"Gwen, it's okay, it's just a dream," I try to coax but even I didn't believe that. I wasn't sure what to do. I stand up, and suddenly I am standing over her bed, watching. I don't even have time to question if this is a dream or not. I go straight for her and hold her.
"Hey, hey, Gwenny, it's okay. It's just a dream," I coax, rubbing her back as I feel her tear-stained face on my shoulder. She was sniffling. We stay like this — me rubbing her back, and her hiccupping now. That was adorable.
Her walls seemed like they were alive — the vines moving, soon receded, and started flowering.
"How did you get here?" she asked, not lifting her head.
"I honestly don't know. One second I am in my room, the next I am here," I answer. "Are you okay?"
"This is normal. Nothing to worry about," she says, trying to seem nonchalant. But she hadn't let me go from the embrace.
"How long?" I asked, referring to the nightmares, and she understood, because she answered, "it's been so long."
My heart felt pained. "Well then, you are safe. I am here."
"Oh crap," I mumble, pulling away, even when it almost physically hurt to do so.
"What is it?" she asked, looking confused.
"The curse," I replied, and she looked startled.
"Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere? Do you feel funny?" she asked, looking me over.
"I am not sure. I feel okay — is that how I'm supposed to feel?" I asked.