Chapter 99

***Kenya.***

***Thursday, following day***

I jolted from my dream, my body drenched in sweat. A perceptible tremor passing through me. My senses, disoriented. The air was cool, yet I was covered in sweat.

Looking outside, daylight filtered in. It was fully morning. At least I didn't have to return to bed, encountering another awful dream. The same dream twice in two nights. It first occurred at 5 am yesterday.

I shifted out of bed and went to pee. Staring at the mirror. Sleep deprived and exhausted, I managed to wash for the day. Getting into a pair of grey denims black boots and a blue shirt. I grabbed a coat, a purse, my phone and left. I needed to get away from the house, before I crumbled from worry.

In the dream, Levi was dead on the floor. Blood pooled around his side and I cried in anguish, watching him there.

Then I woke up.

I was still frightened from the dream. And I wondered how I was going to survive the rest of the day, not hearing yet another word from Levi.

Since he left on Tuesday night, not a word. My calls were going straight to voicemail and even Blake's calls weren't going through. I was worried.

I drove to Byron's Studio, where I was expected to meet Dave. When I got there, I met Dave inside the theater, watching rehearsals. After exchanging pleasantries, I sat by his side. We silently watched the dancers on stage.

"You look awful? Hubby didn't let you sleep."

If it wasn't for the tease in his voice, I could have sworn he was serious.

"No, just stressed from the reopening thing." I lied. He finally spared me a look. It was assessing. I shifted my gaze away, preferring to watch the dancers.

"What performance is this for?" I asked, pushing for distraction. He was silent for a moment, before he replied.

"The Ball of Venice." He faced the dancers.

"An original?" I asked, seeing that the dancers imitated a ball. Exotic masks on their faces. "It looks interesting." I commented.

"It is. One of the dancers brought the idea. Am thinking of making him a plot writer." His gaze still lingered on the stage.

I wondered if he had settled things with Odette and his nephew. I and Andrea hadn't had time to discuss it since the preparations for the school intensified.

I turned to watch the dancers, liking the set up. The intrigue of being masked in a ball. I had never attended a masked party before and the idea suddenly became intriguing.

"Do you think I should scrape the idea of the kids performing for the opening and let it just be an adults ball, masked affair?" I turned to Dave. He focused his attention on me. A gleam in his eyes and I already knew he bought the idea. It was better. I didn't need the kids to be overwhelmed by the pressure of performing yet. It was clear to me that they needed time for such a performance. And Claudine had asked me to enjoy myself.

"It would be fun. I love a masked party." He intoned, smugly. There was a mischievous smile on face. I laughed at his tone, seeing a playful side to Dave.

"So, what did you need me for?" I asked. I found this a distraction from my dream. I glanced at my phone; still no call from Levi. Not even a text.

"There is a performance coming up in December. I wanted you to get a few students auditioned for the role, so we finally select ten. Five boys and five girls. They will be the little fairies in the show." He informed me.

I stared at him in disbelief.

*Wow. Our first collaboration as partners.*

This was incredible. I was speechless. My heart fluttered in my chest from the excitement.

Trying to act all professional, so he wouldn't notice my excitement, I nodded.

"When am I to begin the auditions?" I turned to look at him. He pulled out a folder from a seat beside him, handing it to me. I stared at it.

"This is a schedule of all the work involved for the show. The title is thorns. It is an act about a fairy princess, who marries a rich count. You'd like the story." Dave smiled.

I nodded in understanding. The file equally held legal documents that will protect the kids. I was happy that he had considered that. I hadn't even expected him to put it into consideration this soon.

We finished up with the meeting and I left.

I arrived my office at J'aime and pulled up my emails; handling them. I sent one to Katie.

***To K.Williams:***

***I have some documents here that will need your immediate attention. Will send it once I'm done with them.***

I checked for any email from Levi, and couldn't hide my disappointment, when I found none. I was really worried.

Nonetheless, I opened the last thread of our conversation.

***To L. Ruthford:***

I had no subject. I chewed inside my cheek. My eyes flicking to the opened file that Dave had given me. Thorns was spelt out as the title head of the show.

***Subject: Thorns.***

***There are currently thorns in my flesh. Stinging, biting. They hurt, to the point I can't concentrate on work. I am restless. Am sad. And do you know why? Because I can't hear or see you. You are my everything, Levi. I miss and love you. Please be okay.***

I hit the send button and watched it go. It didn't feel so bad anymore, now that I sent the message. I only hoped he responded soon. Whatever business trip he was on, must be really important for him to be silent this long.

Forcing my mind to focus on the rest of my day, I began attending to the legal matters first, so Katie could finish up.

*Please be okay Levi*, I prayed.