I jolted awake to the shrill ring of my alarm, rubbing sleep from my eyes. Another dream about *him*. It’s always the same guy from that band, and it feels… wrong. Like we’re connected, and I’m cheating on Bryan just by *dreaming*. He’s a good guy, Bryan. Not amazing, but he tries. I’ve told Cassie and Daisy about these dreams, and they think it’s cute. Apparently, they’ve seen him staring at me a few times. Cute for *them*. I mean, he *is* cute, all brooding eyes and messy hair, but I’m taken. I have a boyfriend. A decent one.
I hop out of bed and start getting ready, hoping to look presentable in case I run into him. I’ve been making an effort to look good every day, just in case. It sounds crazy, because I *have* Bryan. But these dreams… they feel like they mean something. I grab my bag and head downstairs, kissing Mom and Dad goodbye before heading out. As I close the door, Even pulls up. I smile and jog over to the passenger seat.
“Hey babe,” he says, leaning in for a kiss.
“Hi,” I reply, returning his smile. He pulls out of the driveway, heading towards school. Dating Even isn’s bad. No relationship is perfect, but I always seem to come second to football. I support him 100%, I really do. But I never put Even second with my singing or dancing. It frustrates me sometimes, but what can I do?
We arrive at school, and he takes my hand. As we enter, I spot him – the boy from my dreams. I smile and mouth “hi.” He waves back, a small smile playing on his lips. We reach Even’s locker, and he starts chatting with his buddies. I say bye and head towards my own locker. Even is popular, of course. Star quarterback. I’m just… Even Jacobs’ girlfriend who follows him around like a lost puppy. I hate that label. He tells me to let it go, but of course he does. If it doesn’t affect *him*, it doesn’t matter. See Cassie and Daisy walking up to me.
“So, new dream today?” Cassie asked, her eyes twinkling. Ever since I told them about the dreams, Cassie has dubbed us the "Dream Girls."
“Yes,” I smile. “This one was more romantic. It took place in a meadow.”
“Ugh, so cute,” Daisy sighs. “I’m waiting for the day you dump meathead and actually *talk* to him.”
I shake my head and shut my locker. As I turn around, I bump into something.
“Crap, I’m sorry! Are you okay?”
I look up and see *him*. My heart starts to pound. His eyes are even better in real life, and I could stare into them forever. His hair is a wavy mess, but he still looks good.
“I uh, umm, I’m okay. I’m sorry, I wasn’t paying attention,” I stammer, forcing a smile. Cassie and Daisy are definitely teasing me from behind.
“Okay good,” he says, a little flustered. “Um, see you around?”
I nod, and he walks off with two other boys.
“Holy shit, that was so cute!” Daisy squeals. My face heats up. I look back to see him staring at me. I was brought out of my staring contest by Even draping his heavy arm over my shoulders. That’s the first time we ever talked.