Page 56 of Diluted Truths

“Why?” It was all so confusing. I didn’t know where I was, I didn’t know how I had gotten here, I didn’t know who I was talking to, but I didn’t want to leave or stop.

“It’s my job. I’ll always answer, I'll always come for you, I’ll always keep you safe.”

I was starting to remember him. I had been here before, maybe we had even had this conversation.

“Can you help me?”

“Of course.”

“Am I next?” I asked. I didn’t elaborate. I don’t know how, but I knew he would understand I was referencing what Griffin and Joey had told me. He knew I was asking if I would go missing next.

“Yes, but it’s different.”

“How?”

“In war, truth is the first casualty. The sinews of war are infinite money. Armed forces abroad are of little value unless there is prudent counsel at home.Silent enim leges inter bella.”

What?

That wasn’t a response, that was… that was completely unhelpful.

“What war? I don’t understand!” I yelled. I couldn’t understand what was happening.

“It’s starting,” he responded. “I hoped none of it was true, and if it was we were safe. I was wrong and I’m so sorry, Jack.”

“What do you mean we were safe? Who even are you?” I cried in response.

“Run, Jack. I need you to run, hard and fast and do not answer. Understand?”

“No! I have no idea what is happening! Where am I? Who are you? How did I get here?” I screamed.

“Run, Jack!” he screamed back.

I’m not sure why, but I did. I ran hard, and fast. I ran until my legs felt like they were going to give out. I ran until it hurt to breathe. I ran until I couldn’t remember why I was running.

I woke up breathing hard.

I must have had another dream. This would make one every night since we were in San Fransisco a week ago.

After Will took me to Sleepy Hollow, we headed home to Eugene the next morning with Sarah. Once again they were calling me Mrs. Bly and I think Sarah nearly died from holding in her comments about that. We had all agreed to take the rest of the week and the weekend to think over what we had discovered while gone. Since I had been home I had been ignoring calls from Fai, Oliver, Sarah and Will.

In truth, the only person I had talked to was Theo.

Being in San Francisco reminded me how much I missed having her close. I knew I could tell her everything with no judgment. She was my person and I hers. I had called to tell her about Griffin and his strange drawings. I told her about Will’s theory about me going missing. I told her about my feelings for Will. She actually screamed for joy about that and then proceeded to tell Violet that I had a crush on her Willey which caused Vi to scream for joy.

I had even told her about my mysterious dreams I had been having but for some reason could not remember. They were occurring every single night, and even when I was napping. Anytime I would try and sleep I would wake up about four hours later wide awake in a panic. I couldn’t remember a single thing from them or even the first minute or so I was awake. It was disorienting. I was so exhausted. I knew I was not functioning well.

I began to stretch from my spot on my couch when I heard the phone ring in the kitchen. I looked at the time. It was about half past four.

Hmm… weird time to be calling.

I made my way into the kitchen wondering who would be calling me at four in the morning. Almost no one had my number, and those who didwould only call at this time for an emergency. While yes I was avoiding everyone in my life, if it was an emergency I had to answer.

“Hello?” I asked after I had picked up the phone.

“Jackie? How did you sleep?” a voice on the other side asked.

“What? Who is this?” I asked, confused and not recognizing the man on the other side of the phone.