In The Dreaming: Chapter Thirty Six "The Butterflies Fly Away" (Fantasy Y/A Novel)

-I wrote the following novel nearly two decades ago. In the years between then and now I've honed my craft, and my perception of this world; my thoughts and ideas; have changed dramatically. However, I still enjoy the premise and have decided to do an overhaul of revisions and rewrites, though likely not until sometime next year. (Though I'm sure I'll do a little as I post chapters)

For now I hope you will enjoy a glimpse into my book writing beginnings...

They are the closest of friends though they have never met in waking life.

Prologue-PT1 Prologue-PT2 Chapter 1

Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4

Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7

Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10

Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13

Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16

Chapter 17
Chapter 18 Chapter 19

Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22

Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25

Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28

Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31

Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34

[Chapter 35](

Chapter Thirty Six

They walked over to the animated group and got introductions all around. They talked for a few minutes, then Mike pointed out the obvious.

“Aliyah, you’re the only one that knows where we’re going. Lead the way.”

She headed off with Amy at her side, and minutes later they were standing beside the big boat.

Somebody whistled and said “Wow, this is not a boat, this is an ocean liner.”

“Really!”

“How do we get on, is this illegal?”

Aliyah smiled. “No, not illegal, I was given permission by the owner. There’s a ladder.”

She walked around the boat and there it was, she had worried, just for a second, that he would’ve pulled it up expecting her to get on as she did before. If that was the case the idea that they were “allowed” might have looked suspicious.

She climbed, everyone followed, and she was amazed to find the deck not only lit up but apparently decorated. She walked over to the bar and found a note-with her name on it!

She opened it while everyone stood staring, and read quickly. It told her that he had decorated the boat for her, and that if she were there she should make herself completely at home. He said that everything on there was for her to enjoy, he had even cleared it with the park and park officers in case she decided to have a party and be a bit loud over the next few days!

Amy walked over. “What’s that?”

“A note to me!”

“Seriously? Can I see it?”

She handed it over and watched Amy’s eyes widen in amazement.

“What, you didn’t believe me?”

“No, of course I did, but this is completely awesome!”

Mike and Chris walked over. “What’s going on?” Mike asked.

“The owner of the boat left Aliyah a note that she should make herself at home and that everything is here for her to enjoy, plus we can go ahead and make a lot of noise, they‘re expecting it!”

“How do you know the owner anyway?” Mike asked.

Chris stared at her intently, but she just shook her head and handed him the note. He read through it and stared at her again.

“Maybe I’ll tell you later. For now what I’m thinking is that we put some music on and get this party started!”

Chris accompanied Aliyah over to the sound system. They chose about ten songs apiece.

“That should be a good start. Don’t worry, one of these guys will probably think it’s a riot to play DJ so when the songs are almost gone we’ll ask for volunteers.”

Aliyah laughed. She walked over to the bar, Chris still at her side, his eyes widening.

“Holy shit, they have every liquor known to man!”

“Do you know how to make drinks?”

He looked at her and winked. “Step aside sweetheart.” First he opened one of five mini refrigerators and pulled out ten beers. “Start with a beer and then give me a minute, I’ll give you a heavenly drink. Hey guys!” he called getting the rest of the groups attention. “Here are some beers. If you want a particular drink, just let me know and I’ll make it for you. Tips are appreciated!”

Aliyah shook her head. She wasn’t even sure she was going to drink anything, but if she did she wanted something that would taste good.

“Don’t tell me, you’ve never drank before.”

“Nope.”

“Okay, but you have to try one of these,” he indicated the glasses in front of him.

She shrugged. “Okay, I guess one won’t hurt.”

He grinned and pushed a yellowish drink towards her. She picked it up and tasted it. Wow, this was good! It tasted like coconut and pineapple.

“What is this?”

He laughed again, “It’s called a Pina Colada.”

“This is a Pina Colada?” she stared at it in wonder.

“That’s right.”

“My dad loves these!” She drank it a little too quickly and asked for another.

“Hey speedy, you might want to slow down there!” Mike plopped down in a stool next to where she was standing. “I, however, would definitely like another barkeep, and one for my lady.”

Amy came over grinning. She took her drink and tasted it her eyes widening. “Wow, this is really good, much better than that beer was.”

Aliyah drank half of her second one and wiped the foam off her lip, she thought she was already starting to feel something.

The rest of the crew got served and Chris announced he was retiring. There was a lot of protest.

“Don’t worry, I’ll tell you what you need to mix, then next time you’re at a party you can be a pro.” He headed out to the dance floor. Someone had found the D.J.’s station and turned on the light system. It looked like a professional dance club, or a prom, lights were going back and forth, strobes were coming on and going off, it was spectacular to witness. Aliyah finished her second drink and followed Chris. She was feeling a little giddy. The perfect song was playing, the kind that made your feet tap even if you were just sitting around the house. She began to dance, Chris dancing around her, both of them laughing.

Amy, watching for a moment, drank down her drink, made a second for her and Mike and drank hers down again. The rest of the crew followed suit. Shortly after all ten kids were dancing gaily on a professional lit dance floor on a yacht on the Long Island Sound.

Mrs. Hurnard sat up for a moment with a mother’s intuition. The wine from dinner, however, had taken its toll and she lay back down and slept soundly.

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