Dream World

x

Happy

‘Alan.’

‘Yes, Kate.’

‘Nothing.’ A few minutes passed by in silence then Kate tried again. ‘Alan.’

‘What’s the matter?’

‘We need to talk.’

The only problem was, Kate wasn’t sure how to address the issue that was troubling her. In a half-hearted attempt to show his girlfriend that he took her seriously, Alan made what he considered to be a real concession by lowering the volume on the television. Anxious to ensure that he listened to her, Kate took the remote control out of his hand and switched the television off. She really didn’t need any added distractions given what she was about to say.

Nervously fiddling with the remote control she asked, ‘Are you satisfied with the way things are?’

Alan shrugged his shoulders in response. It was a typical Alan answer. Now that she had broached the topic, however, Kate was determined to discuss what was irking her. It seemed like an age since they had last had a proper conversation. Kate tried a different approach.

‘Are you happy?’

Alan laughed.

‘Don’t laugh,’ she said. ‘I’m trying to be serious here.’

Before replying Alan went to take a sip of lager. To his disgust he found the bottle empty. Sensing that Kate wasn’t going to allow him to escape into the kitchen to get another he tried to second guess what she wanted to hear.

‘Yes, I’m happy, OK? Satisfied? Now I’m going to go and get another drink. Can I get you one?’

As he rose from the sofa Kate caught hold of his arm and pulled him back down. Alan hit the soft leather with a resigned thud.

‘I’m not,’ she said

He didn’t understand. ‘Not what?’

‘Happy.’

‘Ha,’ he snorted. ‘Who is.’

‘Don’t try and avoid the issue.’

‘I’m not,’ he replied. ‘I just hate these kind of conversations.’

‘What kind of conversations? We hardly ever talk these days.’

‘What are you on about? We talk all the time.’

‘No we don’t,’ Kate said, putting her foot down. ‘That’s one of the reasons why I feel unhappy.’

‘Fine. We’ll talk more. Satisfied?’

‘No.’

‘Alright,’ he grunted. ‘What else?’

Kate risked trying to hold hands. Instinctively, he flinched away.

‘You’re sure there’s nothing wrong?’ she persisted.

‘Of course not.’

‘You would tell me if there was, wouldn’t you?’

‘Yes, I’d tell you,’ he said.

‘It’s just that...’

‘What?’

‘You seem kind of distant lately.’

Unable to ignore the situation any longer, Alan turned and faced his girlfriend. ‘You know how busy I’ve been at work recently. I’ve just got a lot on my plate, that’s all.’

It was Kate’s turn to sigh. ‘I know, I’m sorry.’

‘Don’t worry about it,’ he said.

Alan reached across, drew her into his arms and hugged her tightly. As her head nestled into his chest he half thought about switching the TV back on. Kate kissed him. His lips felt cold and distant. He tried his best to shrug her off only she persisted.

‘Wouldn’t you like to...?’ she said.

‘What?’ he replied, acting dumb.

Kate snaked her right hand out and began to undo the buttons on his shirt. She managed to pop two open before he broke away from her.

‘What’s the matter?’ she asked.

‘I’m not in the mood right now,’ he snapped irritably.

‘You never seem to be just lately.’

‘Don’t start that again.’

‘But it’s true. You act like you don’t fancy me anymore.’

‘Of course I do.’

In spite of his reassurance Kate couldn’t help noticing that he struggled to make eye contact with her as he made the comment.

Sensing that he needed to make some kind of conciliatory gesture, Alan leant across and kissed her. The instant she responded, though, he broke away from the kiss, got up off the sofa and went into the kitchen in search of another drink. Much to his disappointment he discovered that they were out of lager. Re-entering the living room he threw his jacket on.

Kate could hardly believe it. ‘What are you doing?’

‘Going out.’

‘Where?’

‘To get a drink.’

‘But I was going to cook later, then I thought we could watch a film and...’

‘What?’

‘Nothing,’ she mumbled.

She needn’t have bothered saying anything, he was already half way out of the door. As if to illustrate just how happy he was with life he slammed it shut behind him. Kate pursed her lips, closed her eyes and counted to ten. Resigning herself to another evening alone in front of the television she reached for the remote control. As she clicked the TV on the chat show host on the channel that the television was tuned into looked directly into the camera and asked, ‘Is your relationship in crisis?’

Kate snapped the TV off instantly. The question disconcerted her. Grabbing her mobile off the coffee table she rang her best friend Sylvia. Sylvia answered with her usual cheery, ‘Hi, Babe, how’s it going?’

‘Are you busy tonight?’ Kate asked.

‘Why?’

‘I was just wondering if you fancied a game of squash. I feel like hitting something.’

An hour and a half later, having taken out weeks of frustration on the poor little squash ball, Kate felt a tiny bit better about life. As they strolled off court Sylvia asked what was wrong. She wasn’t at all surprised by Kate’s reply. ‘Alan.’

Sylvia flopped down onto the bench in the changing room, rolled her eyes and shook her head.

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ Kate asked, a note of irritation in her voice.

‘When are you going to ditch that idiot.’

Much to her surprise Kate suddenly became quite defensive about her errant boyfriend. ‘He’s not that bad.’

‘Oh, please,’ Sylvia said. ‘He’s such a loser. And he treats you really badly. And the worst part about it is that everyone can see it except for you.’

Kate couldn’t bring herself to answer any of the allegations. Probably because, deep down, she suspected Sylvia was right. Trying to defend Alan to her friends had become a rather wearisome pastime recently and one that she was not prepared to indulge in that night.

Peeling off their tops and shorts the two girls made their way into the showers. As she lathered her body with shower gel Kate reflected on her lot once more. Perhaps it was her fault Alan didn’t fancy her anymore. If only she had a figure like Sylvia’s, Kate was sure that he would still want to make love to her. As the thought crossed her mind Kate cast a quick admiring glance in her friend’s direction. Given that Sylvia was bi-sexual, Kate ensured that her glance didn’t linger, just in case Sylvia got the wrong idea. Though they had been best friends for years, Kate couldn’t help but feel ever so slightly jealous of Sylvia. Whereas Kate’s hair was wavy and light brown, Sylvia had long, flowing blonde hair. Though Kate was a touch over five foot eight tall, she was still two inches shorter than Sylvia, plus she would have gladly swapped her brown eyes for Sylvia’s sparkling green ones. Kate sighed and shook her head.

‘You know what you need, don’t you?’ Sylvia said.

‘What?’

‘A break.’

‘No,’ Kate said emphatically.

‘I haven’t said anything yet!’ Sylvia protested.

‘You don’t have to. I know what you’re about to suggest. I can read you like a book Sylvia Simmons.’

‘Oh, really. Come on then little Miss mind reader, what was I going to suggest?’

‘A trip to that dream centre you visit.’

Sylvia’s eyes twinkled as she tried her best to tempt her old friend. ‘Why not?’

Kate clicked the shower off, grabbed her towel from off the hook and wrapped it around her glowing skin. In a moment of weakness she said, ‘Go on then, do your best to try and sell me.’

Sylvia reached for her towel, ‘Well...’

When the first Dream World opened up on the outskirts of the capital back in twenty eighteen no one could have predicted just how successful it would be. Dream World offered trips in terms of time, space and reality, and if you harboured a slightly risqué fantasy that you longed to fulfil, there was no better place to live it out than Dream World. You name it, Dream World catered for it. People clamoured to visit. The queues to get into the centre broke all known records. Those who visited spoke enthusiastically about the experience, which only went to enhance peoples’ interest further. After having been open for six months, however, a legal challenge was put forward. Concerns were raised as to the effect the trips had upon the sub-conscious and so Dream World temporarily closed down until the issue was dealt with. Careful tests were carried out which proved that there were no lasting long term side effects. The centre was just about to re-open when another legal challenge was made. This time the questions raised concerned the nature of the trips that were being taken and what boundaries and limits were in place to stop minors from exploring scenarios that were deemed to be unsuitable.

The owner of the centre, Richard Hampton, did his best to assuage peoples fears, but the legal battle dragged on for so long he very nearly went bankrupt. Finally, Richard proposed a compromise. The original Dream World would have limits imposed upon the dream scenarios and be run as a family friendly venue, but a second Dream Centre would cater for adults only. A deal was struck and along with Dream World re-opening, the ‘adults-only’ centre opened early in the year twenty-twenty. During its first six months of business the second Dream World proved so successful that Richard planned to expand and was due to open a further half a dozen venues across the country. Sylvia had attended the second Dream World’s gala opening night - having won tickets in a prize draw - and she had been a regular visitor ever since.

‘I still don’t quite get it,’ Kate said in the car on the way back to her apartment. ‘Are you saying that you can experience absolutely anything?’

‘Within reason,’ Sylvia replied.

‘Hang on, I thought you said there were no limits?’

‘Well, obviously there are certain safety caveats put in place to stop any potential sickos from indulging in illegal fantasies, but apart from that, pretty much anything goes.’

‘So let me get this straight. You can visit any time, any era, any period?’

‘Not only that, you can visit anywhere, with anybody and, best of all, get up to whatever you want to with them. The only limits are your own imagination.’

‘When you put it like that it does sound tempting,’ Kate mused. ‘But...’

‘But what? Oh come on. Don’t tell me you’ve never fancied a night of passion with James Bond or Heathcliffe or Mr Darcy.’

‘They’re not even real!’

‘Neither are your dreams, that’s the whole point. It’s completely harmless.’

‘I don’t know. I think it would still seem strange to me, as if I was cheating somehow.’

‘What, on that slimy boyfriend of yours? Do me a favour. I bet he wouldn’t think twice.’

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

‘Nothing. Look, why not come along with me this weekend. What have you got to lose?’

As she made the suggestion Sylvia’s left hand slipped off the gear stick and brushed against Kate’s right thigh. Kate flinched. Sylvia immediately withdrew her hand, pulled the car over to the kerb and apologised.

‘Don’t be silly, there’s no need,’ Kate assured her.

To show that there was no harm done the two girls hugged.

‘Tell you what,’ Sylvia said. ‘If I can’t persuade you to visit Dream World with me, how about we go out and paint the town red tomorrow night?’

‘Now that sounds like a plan,’ Kate said.

‘I’ll come around and pick you up at seven?’

‘Make it seven thirty and you’ve got a deal.’

Dilemma

Ever since she was a teenager Kate had always loved getting dressed up for a big night out. She deliberated long and hard about what underwear to choose, eventually settling upon a lacy black bra and matching panties. After slipping into them, she then applied her make up. She half hoped that by parading around in her skimpies Alan might take notice of her. Alas, she was destined to be disappointed yet again as he didn’t even make a passing comment. Determined not to give up without a fight, after donning her little black dress and heels, Kate went into the front room in order to try and tempt Alan one last time. ‘Well, what do you think?’

Alan grunted a non-commital reply. He seemed more interested in the football on television, but did manage to mutter, ‘Are you out for the duration then?’

‘Pardon?’

‘Tonight,’ he said. ‘Is it just a few drinks or are you going clubbing afterwards?’

‘Clubbing of course. It’s every girl’s right to have a boogie on a Saturday night. Why, do you fancy joining us later?’

Alan actually smiled. ‘Yeah, might do. Drop me a text and let me know which club you’ll be in.’

‘OK.’

Kate gave Alan a peck on the cheek. She barely managed to graze his skin as he craned his head to one side in order to keep his eyes firmly fixed on the television. Feeling the anger rise in her chest, Kate bit back the scathing comment that was on the tip of her tongue. She knew that if she said anything they would only start to row and she was determined not to let him spoil her night out. As she left the apartment she thought to herself, ‘There’s no way I’m going to text you later, mister’.

After a couple of drinks Kate did her best to forget about her miserable boyfriend and Sylvia cheered her up no end by filling her in with all of the latest gossip from the squash club. Sylvia was like a real live walking talking version of the internet in many ways - all you had to do was ply her with the right amount of cocktails and the information came flooding out.

As the evening drew on Kate enjoyed herself more and more. Sylvia was clearly having a good time too, although she did initially keep the flirting to a minimum as a concession to her friend. When Sylvia suggested that they go to a club, Kate was more than happy to agree. Thankfully, their timing was perfect and they got in just before the eleven o’clock queue started to form. After downing a quick shot, the girls took to the dance floor and strutted their stuff. Given Sylvia’s lithe, lissom legs and outrageous dance moves, it didn’t take long for her to attract attention and pretty soon she found herself at the centre of her very own fan club. Initially, Kate played along and even flirted a little with a lad who introduced himself as Gary. She drew the line at letting him buy her a drink though.

After half an hour or so of dancing, Kate retreated to the bar and bought herself a soft drink in order to take a breather and rehydrate. Much to her surprise, Gary followed her.

‘You should have let me get you that,’ he said, indicating the drink.

Kate decided to nip matters in the bud straight away. ‘Look, it’s only fair to let you know, I’m in a relationship.’

‘So?’

‘So I can’t do this,’ she said.

‘Do what? We’re just talking. There’s no harm in that is there?’

‘It’s not talking I’m worried about, it’s where it might lead to that bothers me.’

‘And where’s that?’

A cheeky grin accompanied Gary’s last remark and Kate had to fight hard not to give in to the smile that was tugging at the corners of her own mouth. ‘Nowhere.’

‘Then there’s definitely no harm,’ he remarked, before pulling up a stool and sitting down next to her. ‘You’re very beautiful.’

Kate eyed him coolly. ‘Thanks.’

‘Seriously.’

‘Seriously thanks.’

‘You don’t mind me telling you that, do you?’ Gary said. ‘It’s just that it strikes me that no one has said it to you for a while.’

Kate nearly did a double take and looked at him sharply. Was he a mind reader? Then, out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Sylvia, who was with Gary’s friend, Clive, at the bar. Sylvia winked. Bloody Sylvia.

‘Would you mind waiting here a second?’ Kate said to Gary.

‘I’ll wait for you all night if I have to,’ he replied.

With that rather cheesy line ringing in her ears, Kate made her way over to Sylvia, tapped her on the shoulder and said, ‘Can I have a word.’

Sylvia turned to face Kate, but kept her left arm draped over Clive’s right shoulder. ‘Of course.’

‘In private,’ Kate added.

Sylvia shrugged, gave Clive a quick peck on the cheek, then the girls retreated to the quietest corner of the club they could find. Once there, Kate rounded on her friend. ‘What the hell do you think you’re playing at?’

‘I don’t follow,’ Sylvia replied, as innocently as she could muster.

‘What have you said to Gary?’

‘Nothing.’

‘Hello. It’s me, Kate, remember. I know all your tricks, so don’t try and play the innocent with me.’

Sylvia sighed and decided to come clean. ‘Alright, so I might have mentioned that you aren’t very happy at the moment.’

‘That’s none of your business,’ Kate said, somewhat angrily.

‘I beg to differ. You’re my best friend, I hate to see you unhappy and I consider that very much my business.’

Kate’s temper cooled as quickly as it had flared. ‘You’re right, I’m not particularly happy at the moment, but this,’ she glanced across at Gary, ‘would only complicate matters.’

‘What’s the matter, don’t you fancy him?’

‘I suppose so, but that’s not the point.’

Sylvia shook her head. ‘What are we going to do with you, Miss Phillips?’

Kate shrugged.

‘Damn that Catholic up-bringing of yours,’ Sylvia said.

‘I’m sorry,’