Saturday, April 28, 2007

The Dream

I was in a college class, the teacher was Japanese. We were sitting around a table, and John M (my best friend from first grade who is now serving in the Navy) got up to leave a little early. As he stood up and gathered his books, he looked at me and mouthed, “Mandy.” I was in shock. I had to wait for the bell to ring to be able to leave, then run through the halls, out of the building, across to the next campus, a military academy on a wide grassy lawn, backing on a river. I finally caught him in doorway of the foyer. “How did you know? How did you find out?” He looked at me pityingly, “I know how to look around on the internet, it’s not hard.” Sun on the grass. White uniforms. Terror, lasting long after I woke up.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes, I've had dreams (nightmares) similar to that one. In one, I was on a cruise ship, and people suddenly started asking me very pointed questions about a specific story on my blog. I was terrified, and couldn't get away, because we were in the middle of the ocean.

Moi said...

Oh, honey...hope you were able to wrap your arms round yourself and be OK after awhile. It's so scary being open and exposed. You are brave.

Anonymous said...

This sounds like you've been sleep-walking to um, say hospitals, or maybe navy bases.

Check for tongue depressors or sailor hats.

oh, and take two aspirins and call me in the morning.


A. Reader, Esq.

Mandy said...

Thanks :)

I think what terrifies me is the loss of control - that if someone finds out and chooses to tell, I won't be able to do anything about it.

Anonymous said...

I don't care how much Tom Paine begs, I will never reveal your true identity.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I know. And there's really nothing you can do about it other than the usual precautions. That's part of the risk you take.

But, with that knowledge, might as well be the best first-rate fucker around. If some do find out, it's better to be known for being distinguished.


Now, find your best toy, make sure the batteries are new, and call me in the morning if you're still worried. ;)


A. Reader, Esq.

Anonymous said...

military academy, on wide lawns, with a river and white uniforms?
Sounds like a place I know.

Anonymous said...

Reminds me of a recent DC scandal. I think you like the danger though. Risk seems to be a recurrent theme in your writing. I love your stories, by the way.

Mandy said...

It wasn't a place I knew, although, as is often the case in dreams, it was an amalgam of several places I knew.

Anonymous said...

I've figured this out.

In a previous life, you were in love with young Cadet Ben Affleck at Pearl Harbor.

Unbeknownst to him, you were from the wrong side of the island, and at nights, sang at the local cabaret which had a prohibition against dating men in uniform.

Without warning, a Hollywood producer flies into town, and discovers "you" singing one night at the cabaret. He has big plans for you.

Cadet Affleck soon discovers the "truth" as he's checking out with some groceries at the local canteen and peeps a copy of the National Informer.

"it's not me", you say. And then you promptly catch the next flight out to Casablanca and Rick's.


A. Reader, Esq.

Ps: Then the magic 8-ball went blank for the evening. And demanded more quarters.

Anonymous said...

Pps: The Hollywood producer follows you to Casablanca and promises to make you the next Edith Piaf. You don't speak French.


A. Reader, Esq.

TBC (or not) Stupid 8-ball!

Mandy said...

Cher Reader, Je parle en effet français...but I can't sing! I love your version of the dream :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you Mandy.

You know that ever since the public found out that Lassie was a boy, they have believed the worst about Hollywood producers.


A. Reader, Esq. / Producer / Director / Writer / Agent / Conslutant / Consigliere / Virgin Converter / instigator of Wars / Peacemaker / Etc etc etc