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I stood on the edge of the pool, staring into the glittering blue water. My nose tingled from the smell of chlorine as the sounds of splashing, laughter, and running water filled my ears. The tiles on the edge of the pool were cool and wet. My feet made a damp slapping noise as I sloshed along the side of the pool. People rose and fell like the tides in one giant mass. I positioned myself just right. I pushed off the side of the pool, springing off the edge with a burst of energy. He watched, eyes wide with fear. I plummeted down to the waiting water, excitement coursing through my veins. I hit the water with a crack! Then, I woke up.

My eyes snapped open. The image of the pool melted away, leaving me in the present. If only the dream had lasted a few more seconds! It had been so wonderful, so perfect. If only it were real! Then, I remembered him, the look on his face as I dove and changed my mind. I shuddered. The dream flashed before my eyes, this time less pleasant. I got up and glanced at the clock. It read six past five. I had not been asleep very long. I headed downstairs. The savory smells of marinating meat wafted up to me. Mom stood over a large pan, simmering on the burner. She looked up and smiled when she saw me. Then, without a word, she turned back to her cooking. Feeling guilty about the homework I had to do, I turned and sped up the stairs.

I spent most of the evening doing work. I was done by the time mom called me down to dinner. After dinner, I went for a walk. It was a cold, cloudy night, not the most ideal evening for walking, but I needed to be outside. The velvety black sky was swirled with milky clouds. The stars winked dimly at me from behind the clouds. Fog hung close to the ground like tattered rags. Frost crunched under my feet. The grass appeared dark and glassy in the smoky moonlight. As I walked, I could see the trees' leafy crowns burning like fire in the night. I jogged along the sidewalk, concentrating on moving my feet, first right, then left. I took the fastest route to the park as possible. Not many cars came that way, so I wouldn't have to worry. No one was out tonight; it was a good night to go to the park; if you wanted to be alone.

At last, the park came into view, the swings creaking eerily in the night. I dashed across the road and into the park. Once there, I perched myself on a swing and coiled my arm around the chain. Time seemed to freeze as I sat there. I stared into space, looking up at the moon, smoky and full. I kicked the gravel and thought about the dream. Why had I dreamed that in the first place? It made no sense. How could I have been so blissfully happy in the dream? It was not a happy matter at all. I swung my legs. I pumped harder and harder, leaning in, the pulling back out. I began to rise slowly. Soaring away from earth away from my limits and worries. But as soon as my legs kicked the stars, I came plummeting back to earth. Back to the limits and worries of being a human girl. If only I could stay up there. If only I could swirl and twirl through the sky, dancing in the Milky Way. With nothing to pull me back. Nothing to bind me to the Earth. I sighed and continued swinging, lost in thought. I was so immersed in thought that I didn't think about going home. Not until the moon shone through a cloud of vapors and reminded me. Gathering up all my strength, I pushed away from the swing, excitement coursing through me as I rushed towards the ground. And landed on my feet. I ran home, my feet making gritty sounds as I crunched through the gravel.

I sprinted all the way home. Trees, moon, stars, and grass flashed by as I ran. When I got there, I wrenched open the door and darted up to my room. I flopped onto my bed, panting, my clothes damp from the fog. I peeked at the clock. Almost half-past one. I yawned, exhausted. I settled down without bothering to change into pajamas. I pulled the covers up to my chin and teeth chattering, fell asleep.

I woke groggily for school the next day. Yawning, I stumble downstairs for breakfast. Mom was waiting for me. At first she said nothing of it, but as I started to nibble my toast, she spoke up.

"Where were you last night Alexis," she demanded. "We were so worried sweetie!!" I yawned hugely and mumbled to my toast.

"I was at the park, I'm sorry, I guess I just forgot about the time."

"Well I'm glad you're okay." She declared. Then she wondered, "What time did you get back dear?" I yawned again.

"Half past one." I couldn't lie to her. She gasped. I braced myself for an explosion, bur she merely began to lecture me furiously.

"You could have gotten hurt, it's dangerous at night."

"Yes mom," I replied.

"You could have been mugged!"

"I know."

"You're lucky you survived!"

"I know."

"Your father and I were worried sick."

"I know. I'm sorry. I'll never do that again." She eyed me suspiciously.

"You better not."

"I won't, I promise." I didn't really focus on the conversation. I was much too exhausted. I pushed away from the table and finished getting ready, leaving her staring worriedly after me.

At school I settled myself down in math. Yawning, I fought to pay attention and not fall asleep. It didn't work. Mrs. Brown's voice lulled me into a stupor. I rested my head on my desk. It felt cool and smooth against my cheek. My eyelids felt extremely heavy. It took all my strength to keep them from drooping closed. I yawned. My eyelids sagged. Mrs. Brown's voice was growing fainter and fainter, like an annoying insect, buzzing in my ear. Maybe I'd just rest my eyes for a few seconds. My eyes squeezed shut. The classroom faded into blackness�.

Somebody was shouting. My brow furrowed as I wondered why they had any reason to shout.

"Alexis. Alexis Herera. For God's sake, wake up girl!"

"Huh?" My eyelids fluttered open. My head was lying on my desk. Mrs. Brown was hovering over me, looking somewhat impatient on her neutral face. She began buzzing at me. I ignored her and peered over at the clock. Ten minutes past the time we got out. I had slept through that bell! Continuing to ignore Mrs. Brown's droning, I stood up, shook sleep from my body and sprinted through the door backpack in hand.

I was late to my first elective. Everyone looked up and stared at me as I barged in.

"What is the meaning of this?" The teacher barked.

"I'm late. " I said in response.

"No, no," she replied, rolling her eyes, "I mean, why are you late."I couldn't find the words to tell her. How stupid would the truth sound? I couldn't lie to a teacher, though.

"I fell asleep." I mumbled. She raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"I fell asleep." I repeated, loud and slow.

"Well," she smirked, "Why did you fall asleep?"

"My teacher is boring." I remarked acidly.

"I see. Well, you sit down. I was just explaining to the class why chewing gum is unacceptable�."

I found it difficult to concentrate in my classes that day. My eyelids were heavy and I could barely keep my eyes open. I swore to myself that I would not fall asleep in class for the rest of the day, however. Ha! Easier said than done. I had to pinch myself every time I started to fall asleep! My arm was completely covered with red pinch marks by the end of school. I trudged wearily home at the end of that day. When I got home, I struggled through my homework, practically drooling the whole while. My homework had never taken so long!

I almost fell asleep in my mashed potatoes that night. The only thing that kept me awake was Dad's lively chattering about bills.

"Taxes, taxes, and more taxes! The injustice of it all! I swear, if I were president I'd certainly do things differently! By the way, could you pass the mashed potatoes Alexis?" He rambled on about frustration of taxes. My head nodded and I nearly flopped into them. After dinner, I dragged myself upstairs and flopped on my bed. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was asleep. I barely had time to change into pajamas before I nodded off. I was soon sleeping soundly.

2005 Young Writers' Camp