Free In My Dreams by Cameo Renae Page B

the hot bubbly water, and it quickly warmed me. I pressed the play button, one more time, to hear the song and sunk into the hot water. I finally felt relaxed and closed my eyes as the song played through.
    I couldn’t help but think about Michael wanting to make contact with me, and wondered if he could, other than in my dreams. I wanted to know. I needed to know, but deep inside, I’d hoped that he wouldn’t just suddenly appear… that would totally mess me up. Given my history, I’d probably freak-out, faint, and most likely drown.
    The upside to that is I would be with Michael. But I knew he wouldn’t approve or appreciate me going that way. Anyway, he knew me all too well, and wouldn’t do anything to scare me. But, then again… maybe he would. Although it went against everything I’d previously believed in, I’d decided to give it a shot. I inhaled deeply.
    “Michael, if you’re here… can you give me a sign?”
    I thought about what I’d said and decided to be more specific. I spoke slowly. “Michael. You could give me some sort of sign. Maybe knock on something… like once for yes, and twice for no.”
    Oh gosh! I’d never felt more idiotic repeating those words. It was humiliating. I could just picture Michael - rolling with laughter. I was the skeptic… the one that teased Emily and every other paranormal freak for doing this exact same thing.
    I waited in silence.
    Nothing.
    I rolled my eyes and shook my head at the absurdity of it all. I was crazy to think Michael would answer. Knock on something? It sounded ridiculous. I couldn’t believe I’d actually lowered myself.
    I shut my eyes and sank deep into the warm, sudsy, water letting it cover my ears. I was discontinuing my attempts to communicate this way.
    I reminisced on the words of the song that had played in my jeep. I knew it had to be him. The words to the song couldn’t have been more perfect… more timely. It was exactly what I needed to hear. I decided to wait and meet Michael in my dreams.
    My body just started to relax when suddenly…
    BAM! Something hit the outside of the bathroom door, rattling me from relaxation.
    What was that? Did I actually hear that? What do I do?
    I didn’t know what to do. I froze.
    My heart raced.
    My ears had been submerged under the water, so it was a bit muffled. Maybe it was just the cold pipes creaking. It must have been the pipes. They were noisy when they started to warm up. Didn’t they?
    “Michael, is that you?” I whispered. I thought I’d give it another shot.
    I waited a few seconds.
    Nothing. Just as I started to sink back into the water.
    Bam!
    Holy hell! That scared the bejesus out of me!
    Now I was certain I wasn’t hearing things. There was definitely something going on.
    Okay…. Breathe, just breathe. I urged myself. Think. One knock meant yes.
    This was really beginning to freak me out. I quickly grabbed my towel, jumped out of the tub, and pulled the drain plug. I had to see if there was anyone on the other side of the door. I’d never been so scared in my life. I finally gathered enough courage to crack the door open and inch and peek outside. The room was empty. I cracked it more and made myself go outside to make sure. Every room was empty, just as I suspected.
    My heart was still racing as I quickly closed and locked the bathroom door behind me, then turned on the light and blew out the candles. I’d had enough contact for now and decided to jump in the shower to finish off. The hot water beating down on my head, neck, and back was relaxing.
    Questions bombarded my mind. Was the banging on the door Michael? Was he trying to make contact with me? If it was… I was too chicken to continue. I could picture him laughing at me for being such a big scaredy-cat.
    I was one of those people that loved to watch scary movies but couldn’t handle the scary parts. I would scream and cover my eyes but peek through my fingers because I had to see what was happening. So lame!
    The