Just Say Yes

"I just can't sleep." Yet there is more to it. Something is different though I am not sure what it is. When I look in the mirror nothing has changed. Millions of freckles still scream at me. My red, curly, hair is the same untamed mess it always is; and, when I smile, all you see are these ugly braces. So what is it? I know by the quiet huddling and secretive glances of my mom and dad that they are feeling it too.

Yesterday morning with eyes half open, my mom asked, "Is everything alright honey? You know we can talk about anything, anytime, right? Is there something troubling you? It appears you are not sleeping much." "Yep I am good, mom." "OK, my door is always open if anything changes.'

Last night, while dad and I practiced some particularly advanced math problems, he whispered, "Hey bud, want to discuss anything? Just man to man?" I assured him I was fine. Was that really true? What could I say to my dad? "Dad, I feel like I am fading?" I couldn't even explain that; so, how could he understand it? I know I am changing; but, there are no words...no explanation. I sort of feel like I am disappearing though truthfully I am not really sure what that means either. I know my sleep is different. It's only recently that I have been waking up over and over again throgh the night and remembering pieces and parts of my dreams .

I am still playing baseball and, I am the Team Captain. We are getting ready to go to the Little League World Series in August this year in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It's a worldwide tournament and ESPN even broadcasts it. In case you are wondering, yes, we are that good. Coach says we have every chance of bringing home the gold. None of my friends or teammates have noticed anything different about me or at least they haven't said anything. Maybe, we are all too excited about the upcoming tournament.

Summer school is good, no change there. Math is my passion and, I am working way ahead of my grade. In the evenings, sometimes my dad and I work on math problems. He's a math nerd, no change there. So, what could this be?

My little sister doesn't seem to be changing. She is still bugging the heck out of me a zillion time a day, talks constantly about American Girl stuff, and is really not a bad skateboarder, especially for her age! So, whatever this is it's not affecting her. The parental units always say that since I am older, I have to be patient with her. That's not terribly difficult, no more than usual at least. I return to the idea that I feel like I am disappearing. Not disappearing from sight, more like disappearing from myself. What is wrong with me?

The Gall is in the dream mist. He waits patiently as his plan unfolds. This is the hardest part, he thinks - the wait. It's looking good though. The kid knows something is awry, but, doesn't have a clue to what's happening. It appears that the parents may have also stopped worrying, which is the best he could hope for. Tomorrow night, he will infiltrate the dream state, a little deeper, and this time his victim will totally remember him. Just a face and a smile with a couple of quick comments He has to remain restrained. This one is young - so much easier to influence. It won't be long until the kid is his. The baseball chanpionship will be the hook; it should be fail-safe.

Jaime wakes up feeling like he might have a new friend. "I typically don't remember specifics in my dreams, so this is different," he says to himself. Who was that in my dream last night?" Maybe, the new kid at school who has let the Team know that he really wants to play with them. He competed in Pennsylvania las year before their family moved. Is this what has been bothering him? Making room on the Team for a new person isn't easy. The new kid isn't the problem. I am sure of it.

I still feel like I am fading away. Every morning, a little less rested and a little less like myself. This morning, I actually feel out of control. I go to breakfast and mom has chocolate chip pancakes and orange juice waiting for Katie and me. Uneasily, I eat. Gads, my stomach feels like a volcano and, it spews before I make it to the bathroom. "OK, that's it!" says my mom. "We are going to to talk this through today, one way or the other!" With my head in the toilet, I certainly don't feel like talking. I say nothing. Mom cleans me up and I am back in bed trying to sleep. Sleep is only disjointed dreams talking: to my parents, to Coach, teachers, but mostly the new face. Friendly, encouraging, I think. When I wake up this afternoon, I am even less than earlier this morning. This time, I feel like I am being taken over or merged. But with whom or what? From where? Maybe I should talk with mom...

The Gall is becoming nervous. He thought the parents were out of the picture. This just can't happen again. There should be no discussion with Jaime's mom. The kid may be stronger than he had anticipated. In a flash, the Gall murmurs to Jaime that they should take a nap. Jamie thinks, "How can I sleep? All I have been doing is sleeping." However, his head plops on the pillow and he is asleep before he knows it. His mom looks in on him and says to herself, "Should I get him up and have our talk or let him sleep?" The Gall holds his breath. "I think he can sleep a little more and, then we will talk," she says to herself. The Gall lets out a sigh of relief. So far so good. Now for Jaime. "Jamie, just say yes and you will feel better right away and can focus on baseball." "Who are you?", Jamie whispers in his dream. "I am your new best friend, just say yes and we will be best buddies". "Will I still be able to go to Pennyslvania?" he questions in his dreams. "Of course", replies the Gall with a sly smile. "Really". "Yes, I promise". "OK, let's talk later I need a little more sleep." The gall gloats. He is his.