This is a dream I had when I was nine. Everything in this dream I've written pretty much happened word for word and everything that happened outside the dream also. I'm still trying to figure it out up to now, but for now, I've written it down to show all of you. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Love,

Elisha

XXX

PS. Thank you so much MJC4life for making the amazing book cover for my book. Love you Cari boo 😘😘😘

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Goodbye

Bedtime 25th of June 2009.

9 Years old.

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I inhaled and exhaled feeling terribly uncomfortable on the sofa in my living room. I had a feeling it was going to be another sleepless night for me but it was all going to be worth it in the end when my room was finally decorated by my older sister. I thought about all the endless possibilities.

What kind of curtains will I have? What kind of furniture will be put in there? What kind of colours is she going for? Blue, pink, green, yellow...orange...purple...

Sleep...

I opened my eyes about to take a good look at my surroundings, as I had this strange feeling that I wasn't at home...but my eyes immediately landed on him.

He was wearing a red button up shirt with his usual black slacks and loafers. His fedora was nowhere to be seen but his curls hung loosely on his shoulders. The strangest thing to me (and the thing that pointed out to me that it must have been a dream) was the fact that his skin was of a caramel complexion. I had absolutely no problem with the colour of his skin. I was more interested in the fact that the man I had adored for almost eight years was standing before me with a broad smile on his face.

He giggled then got on one knee opening his arms to me.

"Come here sweetheart. Can I get a hug?" He asked softly with a gentle smile.

It was like he knew me and how timid I was even though I felt so close to him. Feeling this closeness like I'd known him for years, I ran and threw myself into his arms sobbing uncontrollably. He stood up with me in his arms rocking from side to side.

"Shh. Its ok, Elisha. I love you." He said softly in my ear.

I buried my face in his shoulder and cried more.

"I love you too Michael! I love you too!" I sobbed.

He kissed my cheek then placed me back on my feet and wiped away my tears with his thumbs.

"Don't cry." He pleaded with a slightly saddened look.

He sighed looking into my eyes once again welling with tears then pulled me into another hug placing a kiss on my forehead this time. I breathed in his scent. Memorable yet...unexplainable although it was sweet smelling and soothing. I never wanted to let go. I knew it was impossible, but I felt like somehow this wasn't a dream. I could feel my hands tightly gripping at his shirt, hoping that he wouldn't just disappear. I could feel his breath on my cheek and even smell its freshness. I could feel each of the kisses he'd placed on my cheek and head and the warmth of his plump lips. I must have been mistaken. It felt like he had been holding me in his arms for hours and yet it still wasn't long enough...especially when I had to let go...

He looked behind him then back at me with saddened eyes. He placed a hand on my cheek. So soft and warm.

"I have to go now, Elisha-"

"No! Don't go!" I cried clinging to him tighter and burying my face into the crook of his neck.

There it was again. I could feel his skin against mine...like it was real...

I thought my dream self was acting rather strange. In reality, I would probably be star struck but very shy. I would never be the kind of person to tackle him in a hug (even though he accepted very willingly to me this time around). I'd never go into hysterics, crying my eyes out like there was no tomorrow and yet, there I was doing the exact opposite.

Why?

He prised my arms away and held me by my shoulders.

"I really have to go," He pressed a finger to my lips before I could start to protest. "BUT," He smiled a toothy smile at my silence and large, hopeful, watery eyes. "I will see you again."

"You promise?" I whispered trying to keep my tears at bay.

"I promise. Come here."

He pulled me in for one last hug until I heard a voice calling my name.

"No, no, no!" I whined taking hold of his large hand as I felt myself being pulled backwards. "Don't let go!"

He pulled me in and kissed my cheek again then whispered an "I love you" in my ear before letting go of my little hands.

More tears were shed as I was being pulled backwards sharply and I shouted "I LOVE YOU TOO!" still reaching out for him.

My eyes shot open but I didn't sit up. There was a pain in my head and my cheeks were wet with tears. I dabbed them away with the sheet that was tightly in my grasp then took my time sitting up.

"Elisha." My mother called from the doorway.

"Yes Mom?" I answered hoarsely.

"I've got something to tell you..."