Time: Part 7

Everything fell silent after the Dream Weaver left. Mark found himself still on the floor unable to pull himself together enough to get up. Beth on the other hand, found herself running on pure adrenalin. She went to her desk; lit a cigarette, and began pacing the floor. She was reciting over and over “I WILL WIN! I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!”

***

David’s condition was deteriorating rapidly. The members all stood around him trying to determine what course of action to take next. They knew they had already done everything they could medically, now they only hoped for something that would make him more comfortable.

His facial expression was extremely distorted. His lips twisted from being severely wrenched in pain. His eyes had glazed over from his comatose state.

The members knew in their hearts that Beth would be the only one that could save him now. She was the only one that would be able to release him from this internal hell that he was enduring. They were fearful for them both. Would she know what to do?

That question; coupled with the fear of what may become of Beth if anything happened to David, saddened their hearts. They had seen many players in the past that hadn’t made it, the outcome had been gruesome. While these two seemed to possess something the other’s had not, they were still unsure if it would be enough for them to survive the game.

***

Beth’s mind was reeling out of control. She had been face to face with the Dream Weaver and had witnessed his wrath. While it nearly scared the hell out of her, that didn’t seem to be what was burdening her heart. Beth knew she had to focus. She had been told that. But by whom? She was no longer certain.

Mark was sure he had entered this game to win her back; at least that is what he had been promised, he now looked at her in a different light. He was confused and half scared to death by what he had witnessed. He wasn’t sure this was a game he could play further, nor did he know if Beth was worth it.

“What was that? What’s going on here?” Mark nearly screamed.

She wasn’t sure why she knew, but she knew!

“Don’t tell me you’re unfamiliar with the Dream Weaver. I was certain that he must have been the one to pull you into this game.”

“Beth, it’s not like that. There was a group of men that heard me asking some of your old co-workers about where I might be able to find you after all this TIME. They came up to me, the Dream Weaver introduced himself. He told me that they knew where you were, but he was inquisitive as to why I was looking for you. I told him that you and I had been together long ago, and that my feelings for you had never changed and I only wished I had a chance to work it out with you someday.”

“But Beth, the beast that was in your bedroom, was not the man I met with on that day!”

How interesting that the Dream Weaver just happened to be there when Mark was looking for me. Yeah right! Beth thought.

“What did the Dream Weaver do after you told him you wished you had another chance?”

“He turned to look at the group of men that were standing behind him. For a moment, they appeared as though they were somehow carrying on a conversation with their eyes. Then he turned back to me. He said that he would be in contact, and then they left. I figured sure, that’s a farce...if he was going to be in contact, he would at least need my name and phone number. He hadn’t asked for any contact information, he merely walked away with the rest of the men.”

“Then how did you find me Mark? How did you become a part of this whole thing?”

“Well, a few nights later I had a really weird dream, at least it seemed like a dream at the TIME. It was like the Dream Weaver and I were standing where we had stood before; at your old job. But in the dream we were completely alone, just he and I. I didn’t learn exactly where you were, or when I would find you. He merely informed me that I would find you soon, thanks to him. Then welcomed me to the game and gave me some lame ass rule that doesn’t even make sense. He said a bunch of stuff, I can’t remember everything. It didn’t seem to matter at the TIME, I just wanted to find you!”

“What was the rule Mark? I have to know!”

“I can’t tell you Beth, he was very clear on that part.”

“Did he tell you anything about the game at all? What would happen to you if you failed to convince me of anything?”

“I don’t know Beth. Maybe? I can’t remember. Convince you of what?”

“That we should be together or anything like that?”

Mark searched his mind. “No, at least I don’t remember anything like that.”

Beth fell silent, thinking to herself. Something is wrong here! The Dream Weaver did pull him into the game, I am sure of that. But if he gave Mark a rule, there must be consequences if he fails. But what could the rule be? And Lord, what could the consequences be?

Mark couldn’t take the silence. He needed her to say something...anything!

“Beth!”

She jumped from the interruption. She had been in such deep thought, she almost forgot he was waiting for a response.

“Sorry Beth. I didn’t mean to startle you, but I need to talk about this. I know that I entered this game hoping to win you back. I love you Beth, I always have. I know you can find the power inside your heart to quit this stupid game and we can make it work between us.”

Beth laughed at the thought. Just quit the game, does he not grasp the Dream Weaver’s leverage on my life? Was he not coherent when we went through that whole display of anger and the rebuttal that seared our nerves just moments ago? He IS a wimp! The man in my dream...WAIT, wimps? Power inside my heart?

She glared at Mark. It's starting to make sense now, at least on some things. He was looking for me after the game had already begun. He is merely a pawn in the game. A tool for the Dream Weaver. There is no way he can be the man in my dream! I will not allow him or anyone else to cost me the game! She thought.

“Mark, you were stupid to enter into something you know so little about! I was stupid as well, but I have to win this! I suggest you leave and not return!”

Her words cut him deeply. Mark searched her eyes hoping to see something that resembled anything other than the anger that now seemed to be coursing through her veins. He was met with a cold, seemingly deadly stare. It was no longer the Beth that he knew and loved, she appeared determined and almost hostile.

Beth’s eyes were baring into his. He found himself almost sorry he had come in the first place. In a last ditch effort, he reached out his hand to her in hopes that his gentle touch would soften the edge that seemed to be cutting them apart like shards of glass. Impulsively, she slapped his hand away.

“Let me say one thing. You sir, are not the man in my dream!”

Mark knew there was nothing more he could do after she made that statement. His one and only rule of the game had been; If Beth makes a statement that confirms you are not the man in her dream, your part of the game will be over and your chances of ever being with her again, will end. You will walk away from her, forever!

At the TIME, he never dreamed she would make such an off the wall statement. He had been thrilled that he was going to find out where she was. He knew that he could make the rest work. He only had to find her. He now regretted not paying more attention.

“Goodbye Beth, I wish you the best of luck in whatever you do with this game.” He quietly turned to leave. He knew he had no choice but to do so.

As he turned, he found he was face to face with the group of men that had accompanied the Dream Weaver the first time they met. Their faces were sullen and he felt a grip of fear consume his heart. The rest of his dream was beginning to come back to him now. “Oh God, what have I done?” He said, as they escorted him away.

Beth was stunned! She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. They were taking him, but to where?

She screamed “WAIT!” They all turned to look at her. One of the men said “Yes Beth, what is it?” She knew there was nothing she could do now. She hadn’t asked Mark to play this game. She knew that in trying to save him, it could ruin her. Beth had no choice but to let them leave without continuing with interference.

Beth openly wept, realizing what may happen to him. She could only hang her head in sorrow as they again turned to escort him away.

Mark screamed one last “I LOVE YOU BETH!” With that, they were gone.

Beth collapsed on the couch. She couldn’t believe what was happening. She had no way of knowing what the consequences would be for him. The not knowing was the hardest part for her to deal with.

The Dream Weaver appeared before her again. This time, not as a beast. He almost boasted a caring demeanor. “Beth, darling, the game is getting out of control don’t you think? Two men are about to lose their lives because of you. One will surely die soon and the other is losing his life as he knows it. Shouldn’t you give up now? Really precious, you don’t want to hurt anyone. I know you! Wouldn’t you rather save them, then see them suffer further?”

Beth found it difficult to concentrate. She knew she had only one real option. She could NOT quit!

She looked at the Dream Weaver. She knew his game and could see through his cunning facade. Her stomach was tied in knots knowing that someone was about to die. Who is he? She thought to herself. And Mark, Poor Mark. What had he bargained for? What will they do to him? And this Neanderthal, who does he think he is?

She found the Dream Weaver’s almost conceited stature to be overwhelming. It was more than her stomach could handle. She found herself heaving all over him.

The Dream Weaver was furious! Pushing her aside, he grabbed a towel and began cleaning himself. “How dare you make a mockery of the game that I have worked so hard to build!”

Beth’s anger was beginning to take over and her self discipline was flying out the window. “Let me tell you, you bastard! You will not own me! I may die fighting you, but I will never give into you! I know I didn’t enter this game alone!”

“If my cohort in this is dying, it is NOT my fault! Maybe we were stupid to think we could win this asinine game against one who thinks he is above God. Perhaps in your realm, you are. But in mine I still know to an extent, what is real. What I know to be real is, you are most assuredly an ass! I will never call you master! I can also promise you this, I will NEVER be your slave! You do not now, nor will you EVER own me!”

The Dream Weaver lunged at her and slammed her face into the desk. Beth fell to the floor half unconscious from the blow. “You bitch! How dare you think you can talk to me that way. You may very well die trying to win this game! It may be your only way out at this point. I have nothing more to say to you!” Even in his anger, he knew if he touched her again he would surely kill her.

The members found themselves standing between the two of them. “Don’t worry, I’m leaving!” The Dream Weaver shouted at them. They said nothing to him, they merely followed him through the door. The youngest of the members turned back towards Beth. “Look to your heart deary, it’ll be all that saves ya Lassy!” He quietly caught up with the group exiting the door, then they were gone.

Beth continued to lay on the floor. She could taste the salty blood that was streaming from her lips and nose. She lifted her hand to her right eyebrow and wrenched from the pain that touching that spot caused. Pulling her hand away she found her fingertips were also covered in blood.

She knew deep within, that she had to pull it together if she didn’t want to lose everything. EVERYTHING! She thought. Then she realized she had started to put the pieces of the puzzle together without even knowing it.

The realization of becoming the Dream Weaver’s slave. The one that was dying had to be the man in her dream. And Mark, now being under the control of the Dream Weaver.

For now she could only envision the one that was dying. She could picture a broken body enveloped in pale shattered skin. “Man of my dream, what can I do to save us?” She cried.

***

The Dream Weaver along with the members returned to David. He had barely moved from the position they had left him in. Remaining in the calming room left him oblivious to anything that was happening in the game.

“His TIME is up! Return him to his own room!”

“But Master, he isn’t ready to return to the game. Look at him please?” They begged.

The Dream Weaver turned to them. The veins in his head and neck were bulging through his, now glistening reddened skin. “It appears to me, that entirely too many people are forgetting that I am the master of this game! The next one that questions my decisions or the way I run this game, will most assuredly die! Do I make myself perfectly clear?”

“Yes Master.”

“Now take him back to his room! I want the monitoring walls re-activated as well!”

“Yes Master.” They turned to leave with their heads hung low. They were certain it would mean the end for David.

They returned David to his own bed, and made him as comfortable as they could. Then after a moment of hesitation, they re-activated the monitoring walls.

They could see Beth lying where they had left her. Her face was now swollen and bruised. Tears flowed down her cheeks, as she continued to lay there whimpering from the pain. The images were more than they could bare. They quietly turned to leave the room, hoping that David wouldn’t wake up right now. There was no doubt that he would be unable to handle seeing her like that.

***

Beth awoke to find matted hair, seemingly glued to her face from the dried blood. She felt light headed and was terribly achy all over. Taking the bottle of aspirin that had fallen from her desk, she crawled to the refrigerator and got a bottle of water. She leaned back against the kitchen cabinets and poured some water into her hand to wash off a bit of the mess on her face. Touching any part of her face proved to be excruciating. She feared she may need stitches, but knew she could never explain this to anyone. That damned, can’t tell anyone about the game rule! She thought to herself.

She took some aspirin then poured the remainder of the bottle of water on her face. I’ll just sit here for a little while and let the water soak through. She thought.

After reliving the events in her mind, she had an idea. She crawled to the bathroom and pulled herself up by using the sink faucet as leverage. She gasped when she caught her reflection in the mirror. What in the hell has he done to me? It was hard for her to estimate the damage through all the dried blood. She ran a sink full of warm water and grabbed a wash clothe. She took a deep breath and lowered her face into the soothing water. She maintained that position until she could no longer hold her breath. She lifted her head and placed the dampened wash clothe on her face. She wiped her eyes and was about to repeat the action when she realized there was too much blood in the water. She lifted the plug to let it drain and started again with fresh.

After repeating this a couple of times, she was able to get the mess cleaned off her face and could see that she was clearly going to have to deal with black eyes and a busted lip for a while. She was fairly certain her nose was not broken, for that, she was thankful. She applied some liquid bandage to her lip then jumped in the shower.

She felt stronger after the shower. She put on her robe and went back to her desk. She sat down and lit a cigarette. Staring at the monitor, she was unsure as to what to write. She opened a new page in the word processor and started typing anything she could think of.

To my darling man in my dream:

Wherever you are, please know that I love you and need you! I know we will somehow make it through this and we will again be together.

I have no way of knowing when I will see you again. I know that you first appeared in my dream after I had fallen asleep typing, I only hope that will happen again.

The Dream Weaver said you were dying. I don’t believe him! I can’t believe him! I know to search my heart, that it will lead me to you. I’m searching my love, I just have to find!

***

David started to stir, what was he hearing? It sounded like someone typing. It was so loud it hurt his head. He sat up in bed trying to get his bearings.

The members knew they had gotten his attention and quickly lowered the volume back down to a reasonable level before the Dream Weaver could catch them. It was too late, he was already aware of what they done.

“Your pathetic! How is it that these two have captivated your hearts when no other players could? Or are you just tired of the games and wish for death?”

“Oh no Master, we don’t wish to die, or to leave the games. We were foolish Master, please forgive us!”

“You were indeed foolish! You’re becoming a bit too bold for my taste!”

“It won’t happen again Master, we swear!”

“See to it that it doesn’t, or you will find yourselves keeping company with Mark!”

“Yes Master! We understand!” They shuddered to think what Mark was going through. They knew they didn’t want to go through that!

“Very wise decision! Now be gone! I want to see what our little love birds are up to now!”

“Yes Master.” They quickly left his presence.

***

Beth didn’t know what else to type. She also didn’t know what to do with it once she got it completed. Drop it in an e-mail...to whom? Send it to a website...what one? Well I thought it was a good idea! Not knowing what to do with it, she just saved it to her hard drive and left it on the screen.

***

David had gathered himself together and stared at the walls surrounding him. Since the monitors had only been turned back on for a short time, all they reflected was Beth sitting at the computer typing. What is she typing? David wondered.

He watched her get up to leave the room, he was hoping he would be able to get a good look at the screen. As she turned away from the monitor, what he got a good look at, was Beth’s face.

“THAT BASTARD! What has he done to her?” David screamed.

The Dream Weaver was thrilled! He knew David couldn't hold his tongue after seeing what he had done. He was going to keep his promise of the next one to question how he ran the game would surely die! He had hoped that it would have been Beth, but David would do just as well.

The Dream Weaver waited with baited breath!

This concludes part 7