It's been 3 weeks since the "Incident" as father calls it. My mother and June are the only ones who have come to visit me. I'm not allowed to leave my room. Mother brought me some needle and thread so I started working on a quilt. And last night I had the strangest dream. I was stargazing with a man. He had long black hair and a very nice black suit on. It was weird, because I felt safe with him. He pointed out all the constellations in the sky as we laid in the grass. He whispered sweet words to me as I gazed into his dark brown eyes. I woke up with a longing in my heart, as if he had the other half. I sighed, trying to focus on the school work father is forcing me to do online. But my mind keeps going back to that dream…suddenly someone knocked on my door.
"Come in!" I called as I moved my laptop beside me on the bed. My mother walked in the room, sadness on her face.
"Mio piccolo fiore, your father wishes to speak to you." The way she talked said that whatever he had to say wasn't good. I nodded, getting out of bed and trudged down the stairs and to the sitting room.
"Hello father." I said as I sat down on the couch.
"Acealine, what in the world are you wearing?" He asks as he studies my red sweatshirt and grey yoga pants. I didn't think there was anything wrong with what I was wearing.
"I was in my room, father, no one would have seen me." I explain as I run a hand through my hair. I start weaving the strands into a braid, knowing he wouldn't be pleased with it flowing free.
"Acealine, have you had any strange dreams lately?" Father asked. A strange feeling told me not to tell him about my dream.
"No father, none out of the ordinary." I say, regretting I lied to him.
"Good, report any strange dreams to me immediately. Now go get dressed, you and your mother are going shopping.
I nodded, glad to be able to get out of the house. After my father dismissed me I went upstairs to my room and changed into a black t-shirt and jeans that had rips on the knees. I kept my hair in the braid and walked out, smiling at June as she led me to the car. The ride to the mall was quiet. On the way to the mall I noticed a park, one that wasn't there before. I longed to be able to walk along the paths and smell the flowers. But just as soon as I saw it it was gone. I sighed, a pit in my stomach. After the mall, where I found out my father used it as an excuse for the press to see that we were still going strong, I had a plan. I couldn't spend my life not doing what I wanted.
After my mother and father went to sleep, June helped me sneak out the house, giving me the keys to the car. I drove to the park I saw earlier, the stars and the moon beautiful from the windshield. Once I got to the park I sat on a bench and stared at the stars.
"Are we going for a midnight stroll?" A voice from behind me said. I turned my head and my breath got caught in my throat as I saw the man from my dreams. I was at a loss for words and he laughed, though the sound was strained.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. My name is Xavier." He held his hand out, a smile gracing his face.
"A-ace." I stuttered, still too stunned to say anything else. He smiled and sat beside me.
"Pretty night isn't it?" He said, looking at the sky.
"Y-yeah. Do the stars always shine like this?" I asked, finally finding my words. "Usually yes." He says, another strained laugh escaping his lips. I smile, taking my hood off and looking at him.
"You're Antonio Giordano's daughter right?" He asks. I nod my head and sigh. "Guess I should have known someone would have noticed me." He rubbed the back of his neck, and looked me in my eyes.
"Sorry, I've been a big fan of his for a while and I just happened to notice you." He looked almost shy, or maybe nervous?
"It's fine, I'm used to it. Though I wouldn't tell my father, you may help his ego grow." That got a chuckle out of him and I laughed along with him. We stayed there for hours, talking. By the end of the night I knew almost everything about Xavier. At about 2 AM his phone beeped and he cursed under his breath.
"Everything ok?" I asked, worried."Yea, just my brother asking me when I was going to get home." He explained, typing out a quick text before putting his phone down.
"Maybe we should both go. I wouldn't want to cause a fight between you and your brother." I said, standing up and stretching from the hours of sitting on the bench.
"Before we go, may I get your number so we can stay in touch? I've enjoyed our time here." He said, smiling.
"Of course!" I said, excited to make a new friend. I gave him my number and smiled, walking to the car and driving home. I snuck inside, and once I was safe in my room I texted Xavier, letting him know I got home safely. He texted back that he was glad and I plugged my phone in the charger and pulled the covers over my body. After a few moments I was fast asleep. In my dream me and Xavier were driving, laughing as I changed the radio station to get on his nerves. He took a sharp turn to make me slide away from the radio and I yelped.
"Hey!" I exclaimed as I settled back in my seat. "Wear your seat belt next time." He countered, taking another sharp turn.
"I'm going to hurt you!" I yelled, trying to keep from sliding.
"I'm 2x your size love, you would fail." He said, smiling at me. "I'm going to take your favorite suit and spill coffee on it." I threaten, clicking my seat belt into place.
"You. Wouldn't. Dare." Each word was chopped, knowing I would do it.
"But. I. Would." I say, changing the radio again. The dream faded as I heard my alarm go off beside me, reminding me I had things to get done. But the happiness I felt during that dream was beyond. I sighed, getting up to start my boring day. I checked my phone and noticed a text from Xavier.
Xavier: Good morning Ace. I hope you're doing well today. Me: Good morning to you too. And yes I'm doing well, how about you?"
I smile as he replies and sends him a text back. I could get used to having a friend.