All Chapters of Deep Within A Dream: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

I feel silly at my Pastor's home after two days. Neither Tristan nor Mrs. Connors have called, so I tell my pastors I'm ready to return home. They tell me their door is always open for me to stay with them, so if I get home tonight and can't rest, return. They even give me a key. I thank them and then leave. I pull up to my condo, and Jason comes out to greet me."Hey, Jade! I was worried! Where'd you go?""Hey Jason, I was over to my pastor's home.""Everything okay?""Yes. I just overreacted to... nothing. How are you? You just missed me?" I grin."Let's go inside." He says, panning our surroundings.My home feels so peaceful. I left my oil warmer plugged in, so it smells great. I tell Jason to follow me into my bedroom, and then I plop face-first onto my bed. I lie there for a few seconds before rolling onto my back to face him. Jason looks stressed."You alright?" I ask as I sit up."Tristan came to visit me two mornings ago. Were you at his home?""Yes, why?""Did you know he's a

After my vacation, I returned home renewed. Knowing Monique was out of Tristan's life pleased me. She probably was obsessed like Alex and went to his base to see him and got killed. I stop by my office in the evening to check messages, and my floor is covered in letters from the mail slot. I've been requested to attend an executive meeting for The Black Corporation. They're hiring under new ownership, and via Tristan Black's recommendation, I should be hired in any area of design. Gloria Vasala has signed the letters, and upon checking my office voicemails, she's also left two messages. I was hesitant, but I left a message letting her know I was on vacation and to confirm I'll be at the meeting.Now home, I put my phone on speaker to hear my messages. Pastor Gene called looking for me last Sunday, Wednesday, and today. I stick my tongue out at the phone, hang it up, and get into bed. This meeting is on Tuesday, so I get pampered all day on Monday. Once again, I want to be flawless w

"Shhh, listen to the peacefulness," Tristan whispers.We stand enjoying the waves for a few seconds, and then he dives into the water, causing me to scream. He stays underneath forever, it seems, then climbs aboard on the opposite side, laughing."Why'd you scream? What, you thought I couldn't swim?""The ocean isn't an ideal place just to dive into."Pulling me onto his wet body, he starts kissing me. I don't resist, I indulge in his passion. Grinning, he stops, then sits down, saying, "Join me."Now, sitting next to him, we kiss again."What have you done to my mother?" He laughs."I've done nothing to your mother. Sorry, but I think she's gone insane.""She's been insane. She told me you told the police I hurt you.""I never told the police anything. It was the military who arrested me and then questioned my relationship with you. They pretty much insulted me, then sent me home."Gazing into the ocean, he grunts, "Hmmm. Well, don't worry about that. I got that under control. ...So,

Tristan's so used to running women away that he probably assumed I did as Sam had done and left due to his not returning to our suite. He probably lied about taking a morning run, too. I'm convinced he was out screwing someone, took a shortcut through the forest, then pretended he went jogging. He assumed he'd get home before I was awake. I head down to Detroit to meet Detective Johnson. He's tall, with broad shoulders and a stern face."Have a seat, Ms. Warring. You want coffee?""No, thank you, Detective Johnson. I grabbed some on my way down here.""So, how's it going in Deep Woods? The military still on duty?""Honestly, I don't know. I thought they had left last Summer, but I learned they were still there not too long ago.""Interesting."After a few minutes, Pastor Gene's lawyer entered to represent me. Although I don't need a lawyer, having one present is wise. Detective Johnson transitions from casual conversation, saying, "Well, start from the beginning for me."I tell him a

"Jade? Hi, Gloria. Have you spoken to Mr. Black?""No.""Oh? O...Kay... If you do, please tell him we need him in Brazil ASAP.""Okay.""Are you alright, Jade?""Do you talk to his mother, Gloria?""Not outside of business. Why?""Call her, she may know. And if she does, please text me that he got to Brazil safely.""Do you have her personal number?""Yes."I give her the number, and then we get off the phone. Now, sitting in the dark, I'm afraid to move. Soon, my thoughts go to how clammy Tristan's skin felt when I touched him. His spine was protruding out of his back. His moan sounded weird, as if he were breathing through a closed throat. Finally, I force myself to move but refuse to cut on a light. While getting juice out of the refrigerator, I hear a light tapping on my door. Seeing a flicker, I look at my phone, and Gloria has texted: Thanks, he called. My heart's pounding as this tapping continues. Breathless, I looked out the peephole, but no one was there. Then, I see a sha