The Ever-Changing Dream

Foreword

Stand and behold things are not as they seem
As you enter the world of the ever-changing dream
Tales ever captured, summoned to be told
Lessons to be learned, mysteries unfold

A meeting of the mind, sail upon the shore
A journey to be ventured, ever filled with awe
Puzzles of amazement, one shall so discern
Rise above the fear and so you may return

Chapter One

Jesse Jobson peered out his bedroom window, gazing into the distance, yet entranced in a field of dreams.  The night had worn on, but the still of the night had not kept him from seeking, nor staring, nor searching…….for that solution.

‘Tap, tap, tap’, there were three familiar knocks at his door.
“Jesse, I trust that one is sleeping, for there is school in the morning.”  A gentle reminder of the day ahead from his endearing and ever-enthusiastic mother Suzie.  On the contrary, his father Jimmy was of the more laidback kind, yet stern with respect to his dealings of daily life.

Somewhat timid in nature, Jesse’s days in the midst of parental guidance, were often spent either trying to please or trying to prove accomplishment.  Yet in the face of daily trials and personal challenges, his journey was soon to be accompanied with valued assistance by an unfamiliar fellow.

With a new day begun, came the rising of the sun, yet Jesse lay heavy asleep.  ‘Tap, tap, tap’, there were the knocks at the door.
“Jesse, I trust that you’ve showered and brushed your teeth, your breakfast awaits you at the table.”
“Hmmm, hmmm,” mumbled Jesse, still half in a daze.
“I’ll be down in a minute.”

The clock hand had turned another quarter, but there was still no sign of Jesse.  He had continued to lie under his duvet, in waiting for but a dreaded time.  For Jesse the school day ahead meant on-going trials with unfamiliar rivals, who sought to spoil the experiences of anyone they regarded as inferior.  The majority of his classmates were of the friendly kind, yet there were also the few whose aim it was to disturb the peace of the day.  Jesse was therefore in no hurry to vacate his haven and begin his journey to the school gates on time.

On this occasion there was to be no more friendly taps at the door, only amplified rage in order to hurry Jesse along.  “Jesse Jobson, for the last time, GET A MOVE ON OR YOU’RE GOING TO BE LATE!!!”  Jesse jumped to attention at once, making a desperate dash to the bathroom to carry out a very rushed routine.  The moments that followed saw Jesse scurrying down the stairway like a one-armed bandit, with one sleeve hanging loose, toast at the teeth and his tie stuffed into his trouser pocket.  In all manner of disarray he followed his mother to the car, who was anxious to get going, as tardiness was not her forte.

Suzie's royal red car was in need of repair, although several scratches later, she still deemed it to be ready and reliant.  She was always fond of her ready Rebecca, but to Jesse he felt continued bouts of shame whenever he was seen by his peers in his mother's beloved rusty car.  'Cluck, cluck, cluck' came the sound of the exhaust as they pulled up outside the pearly purple gates of Rodrum Academy.  Jesse quickly ducked his head as he caught sight of Toby who was the ringleader of the Uptown Boys.  Luckily for Jesse, he sat unnoticed by his dreaded rival.

"Okay Jesse, quick kiss on the cheek now, time for school.  Aah, don't forget later, you're walking back home, part of your exercise routine okay."

With Jesse now in the building and his classmates in full glare, it was now time for him to face the music.  Fortunately, it was Tuesday and his first lesson of the day was music , with his favourite teacher Mr Dunsall.

"Come on in everyone, take your seats, we'll be starting s-h-o-r-t-l-y."  Mr Dunsall who was always besotted with singing and with any musical concepts, always spoke in an illustrative manner.  He would often emphasize the end of his sentences with a high pitch or burst out in song, to the delight of many of his students.

"Today, we are going to be watching a video on composition and taking notes thereafter, so I'll need two helpers to assist with the setting up of equipment."

The first few minutes comprised a state of calm, with attentive students tuned in to the screening.  The initial calm was however to be short-lived and then came the erupting storm.  Chuckles of laughter seemingly came from the left area, but then appeared to be coming from the other side.  'Drip, drip, drip'.  Drops of an unknown liquid could be seen funnelling across the floor beneath one of the chairs.  Mr Dunsall peered closer to the sight.  "What is the meaning of THIS!"  Exclaimed Mr Dunsall with a notable high pitch at the end.  He had come to realise that one of the students had secretly brought in a drink to the lesson, secretly sipping but unable to contain their laughter.  

Although usually a pleasant teacher, Mr Dunsall had a specific way of imposing detentions on students whose behaviour was out of line.  Like a regimental army officer, he shouted "ATTENTION".  At this point that specific word meant all pupils had to abruptly stand to their feet.  It was now Mr Dunsall's turn to proceed to point exactly to the pupil who would be designated the detention.  He then pointed to Maggie, who had brought the drink to the lesson, exclaiming "DETENTION", whilst wiggling his second finger in her direction at the same time.  She knew she was his unwholesome candidate this time for a thirty minute detention of writing repeated lines.  'I will conduct myself in an orderly manner, I will conduct myself in an orderly manner.......'

To top it off, whilst the pupils were all standing, another pupil then began to display a brief dance on periodic occasions.  At one moment swaying to the side, standing still, then clicking his fingers and following on with the moonwalk.  "What is the meaning of THIS!"  Beckoned Mr Dunsall.
"Er sir, I forgot to give you my note from my parents."  Insisted Royson, the dancing student.  He then presented a bewildered looking Mr Dunsall with a shiny note, glaring at every crease, yet crumpled with every crunch.
"Er sir, it tells you, I've recently been told by my doctor that I suffer with 'danceritus'."
Mr Dunsall appeared now to have become enflamed with fury.
"Are you being real with me?  Are you having a laugh?"
"Er no sir, I'm having a dance!"
"Well you won't mind if I take this note and run it by the headmaster later now, will you?"

After such a disturbance, it then took another several minutes before any calm could be restored and the lesson plan back on track.
"I must say students, it is such a SHAME," said Mr Dunsall shaking his hands in the air with all emphasis.
"It is such a SHAME to have instances where just a few spoil the experience for the rest."

Jesses muddled morning consisted of music, followed by English literature, break and then PE.  At least now he could look forward to his lunch hour and replenish his restless mind.

Aligned in the dinner queue, he now waited to be served after rustling through several trays before he could find a squeakily clean one.
"Well what can I get you?" said Mrs Sunders ready to serve the eager pupils.
"Triple chips, thanks!"
"Triple chips," exclaimed Mrs Sunders.  "No not today, we've started a new healthy eating scheme.  I can give you triple carrots if you like."  Jesse shuddered his shoulders in response and then proceeded on to his next available choices.

The second half of the lunch hour, usually saw the majority of pupils scurry off into their peer groups or well known cliques.  Jesse would keep the company of his best friend and loyal pal Daz.  For Daz however, a great deal of his school experience included being mocked for not wearing shirts that were immaculately laundered white.  They had become befriended soul mates, solely because they were both regarded as being different and somewhat inferior by other less challenged pupils.  They had both seen each other through tough times and had rarely parted company throughout their school years.

Both Jesse and Daz had come from modest backgrounds and on many occasions had to 'make-do' with what their respectable families could provide.  In retrospect although they had been the butt of other pupil's jokes, they continued to support each other morally and emotionally.

At the other end of the school fields, amongst the crowds was Elizabeth, who stood talking among friends.  She both dazzled and caught the eye of Jesse on a number of fond occasions, thought not to her knowledge.  
She exuded a flamboyant combination of both flair and confidence, which rather appealed to the dozens.  Elizabeth was in the league of the more popular pupils since her school life began.  Her prestigious father, a highly driven entrepreneur, would always be seen on his arrival to collect Elizabeth in the latest sports car.  With such a life of little need, or want, their existing states seemed worlds apart.

As the lunch hour drew to a close, other pupils proceeded towards their respective classes, although not always in an orderly fashion.  Jesse and Daz soon found themselves both sandwiched and squeezed between the mass of Uptown Boys.
"Oi you, can you get out of my way?" Barked Toby, in an effort to intimidate Jesse.
"I, I, can't, I'm stuck."  Insisted Jesse.
"Well if you were ant shorter, I bet I could squish you like a toad."  Implied Toby.
"Leave him alone Toby, haven't you bothered him enough this week," said Sid of the Uptown Boys in an effort to defend Jesse.
"Give him a break."
"Give him a break, next thing you know you'll be asking me to give him a 'wafered' chocolate bar," said Toby.

As the mass of pupils still remained muddled, it then took a further gruelling two minutes before an approaching teacher came to separate the crowd.
"Oi Jesse..........until the next time!"  Said Toby

After being rendered in a somewhat fearful state, Jesse did his best to keep his head down and 'lay-low'.  To continue his aim of avoidance at least meant that he would be out of sight from the Uptown Boys - most of the time.

At this stage of his educational as well as personal journey Jesse existed, but was not yet truly living.  The majority of days were spent wishing it away, yet the majority of nights were spent wishing nightmares away.  Either way he hadn't yet found the practical solutions to the challenges he faced or how to overcome the obstacles thrown in his directions.

The journey home was fast approaching in which Jesse's shallow breaths were accompanied with a heavy feeling in the pit of his stomach.  He was now faced with indecision as to which way he should walk home, as well as which roads to steer clear of.  If the Uptown Boys were heading down the high road, he would surely then take the low road.

By twenty past three the sky was clear with radiant peace, yet no inner peace resided within Jesse.  In the corner of his eye he noticed the Uptown Boys heading up Turnwell Lane. After a cheerful goodbye from his best friend Daz, he stood still for a further few minutes and then proceeded down Fearson Road.

As Jesse arrived at the flowery front door he breathed a sigh of relief, to have reached the residence of territorial safety.  Along with a warm greeting his mother had already laid out healthy snacks at the ready, including sliced fruit and oatmeal bites.

“How was your day honey?” Said Suzie, with a hearty hot drink held steadily in one hand. 
“Honey”, answered Jesse in an unremarkable tone.
“Well okay, how was your day sugar?”  Said Suzie!
“A load of salt, I guess!”  Jesse declared.
“Oh poor lad, still not getting on with your teachers?”
“Yeah, I guess not.”  The current response from Jesse as to the status quo was actually far from the truth.  In actual fact  he had got on splendidly with his teachers at school, however fitting in with a number of his peers was the issue at heart.

A good while later he scaled the stairway to his haven within the haven, to his bedroom of personal rest from the outer world.  He informed his mother that he would now be spending time on his homework as well as a promise of valuable reading time.

In all fairness he did dedicate a good portion of the late afternoon to his homework assignments.  As for the remainder of that time, he spent that rallying back and forth in his mind as to the ways he could overcome the indifferences he had at school.  There were on-going contemplations as to how he would get through the rest of the week with having to breath the same air as the Uptown Boys, let alone the rest of his academic schooling.

The contemplation count could now be counted to two hours to be precise.  After strolling down the stairs to the dinner table, he proceeded to sit down amongst his parents.
“Lamb chops or stew, take your pick my son,” said Suzie in a pleasant manner.
“Er, whichever I don’t mind.”
“Oh dear, are you still a ‘tad’ bit down in the dumps?”
“Oh, don’t worry, I’ll be fine, erm, I guess I’ll have some of those tasty lamb chops with my tea,” insisted Jesse.

His strong silent father did actually contribute a sentence or two throughout the meal, yet even he was too busy contemplating the business day ahead.  Although communication and father-son bonding was not yet at its highest level, they deep down have a fair bit in common.  In spite of this Jesse always did his level best to get on his father’s good side.  It had been nearly three years since they last went on a fishing trip together, or any trip for that matter.  He longed for the substance of quality time with his father of whom he looked up to in many ways.

The family filled their evening with mugs of cocoa and quiet conversation over the latest soap dramas.  “Last one upstairs is a smelly fish!”  Insisted Suzie with her dry yet quirky sense of humour!  She had been using that line in order to persuade Jesse to retire for bed for several years, without any intention of changing it.  In many ways she still regarded Jesse as her beloved baby, of which her fondness continued to blossom as he headed further towards maturity.  

Even at this stage in his life she still peered round the door of the bathroom so as to check that Jesse was brushing his teeth correctly.  The brightly coloured ducks by the bath was her idea and in her mind she still retained the notion that Jesse still desired ducks.

Chapter Two

On such a tranquil night with gazing stars, Jesse’s head was still in a daze, full of thoughts and saturated with puzzles.  Would he ever fit in?  Would he always feel the need to distance himself?  Either way he didn’t quite feel at liberty to really be himself in the midst of others.  He felt he could only reveal his true character only to himself and by himself in his personal haven.  Little did he know he was about to embark on an adventure that would enable him to explore the concepts of possibilities and to harness bold imagination.

‘Rat, tat, tat, tat.’
“Oi, who’s that?” Said Jesse feeling instantaneously alarmed.
‘Tick, tock, tick’.
“Oi, who’s this?”  Called an uncertain Jesse!

A short period of silence, followed by distressed creeks of his bedroom door, soon saw a glistening green light appear beneath the gap.  This very light seemed to have a mind of its own.  It was slowly travelling from beneath the door, inching closer and closer towards him as he sat hunched at the centre of his bed.  At once this mysterious light with fluorescent yellow dots began to take form.  

Exactly what was this strange light becoming?  What began as two rays of light soon became two lengthy arms, two spindly legs, two prying eyes.  A rare looking fellow had now formed, into an unusual state.  A glowing light, becoming a man, how could this be?  A light that now moved, could dance, could walk, and could talk!  To have transitioned to seemingly human form, yet not of this world!

“Er, I’m feeling frightened right now, but exactly who are you?  What are you and what are you doing here in my room.?”  Jesse questioned.

“Ay ay mi lad, I know I is a mysterious fellow.  Yet you can call me Glad, that is glad to see ya,” said the mysterious fellow.
“GLAD, GLAD………WHAT KIND OF NAME IS THAT?”  Jesse said hastily.
“Well, I is not from these lands, I came here from another world, a world you have not seen, but surely can, if you……believe mi lad!”
“Believe, believe in what exactly?”  Jesse asked intensely.
“To believe beyond your own limitations mi lad.  To believe that one can achieve what one desires and that one can overcome.”  Glad said.
“Do you always talk in mysterious language?  What exactly do you even know about my life anyway?”
“Ah mi lad, I am of the acquired knowledge of many a things and can read many a thoughts.  I knows that ye has endured many troubles at school, that ye wants to know his father more.  I also know that you would like to [coughs], acquire the friendly acquaintance of a very special girl, Elizabeth me thinks.”
“Er, you know that I fancy, I mean, that I like Elizabeth and all about my troubles at school?”
Glad laughed ever so delightfully.  “Ah yes mi lad and now it is time for ya sprinkin mi lad!”
“Sprinkin, what do you mean?”  Jesse enquired.

With two shakes of his hands, Glad reached down into his waistcoat pocket, to reveal a transparent jar.  The jar at first sight appeared empty, but was exceedingly full.  As he unopened the jar, he reached his hand into it and sprinkled an array of dazzling dust over Jesse.

“Now fear not mi lad, I is taking you on a special journey tonight and I promise ya’ll be back by morning!”
“Taking me where exactly and how?”  Jesse said.

“We is going by glow-light to an ever-changing land of dreams, of which for every visit you take, you will overcome the very problems in yer life.  There is no time like the present!”  Glad then chanted a verse.

Stand and behold things are not as they seem
As you enter the world of the ever-changing dream
Tales ever captured, summoned to be told
Lessons to be learned, mysteries unfold

A meeting of the mind, sail upon the shore
A journey to be ventured, ever filled with awe
Puzzles of amazement, one shall so discern
Rise above the fear and so you may return

Glad gleefully embraced the arm of Jesse in which they both seemingly evaporated from view.  Both fellow and friend were now twirling forcefully in an outstretched tunnel of light that appeared to have no end.  Further ahead they were approached by flying fishes, heading in every direction.  Mysterious creatures of every kind dotted in an out of the tunnel of light, with varied beams of light, ever-glowing, ever-changing colours and directions.

“Almost there mi lad, hope ya like creatures, they are valuable to our journey, ah ha and they won’t bite.”  A brilliantly enchanting light appeared before them, in which they spun at the speed of light in a forward motion.
“Aaah, we’re spinning, we’re spinning!”  Cried Jesse, unsure of what lay ahead.
As the bright light  faded they both found themselves stood at the pearly purple gates of Rodrum Academy, to Jesse’s surprize.  “What in the ‘blazers’ are we doing here?  Jesse said in a state of shock.

“Ay mi lad, this is your renewed version of your day at school, time to sort your problems mi thinks, er and don’t look down.”  Jesse then peered down to find he was actually now dressed in his school attire and soon saw the masses of other pupils arriving in all readiness.  This indeed was another world, yet the same world with another chance to welcome change.

Glad reached once again into his pocket this time to reveal a very miniature jar of dazzling dust.  “Now lad, this jar is for you and within it contains the dust that will do whatever you command it to do……..if only you truly believe.”
“Well, what do you want me to do with it?”  Jesse asked.
“Well mi lad, only you and I can see this dust, the other people on this yer planet are not aware of it.  They cannot see me either, just only you.  So throughout school today, the very problem ye face, ya sprinkle the dust and command the solution in your mind.  So we are now going to have a quick practice right here mi lad.”

Glad now pointed to a nearby tree just a few yards away.  On approaching the tree Glad advised Jesse to open the jar and sprinkle a bit of dust over the tree.  “Now mi lad, you must now command the tree to do whatever you desires it to do and to use your mind, now words, just your mind.”

The first thought that came to Jesse’s mind was a vision of the tree dancing.  Jesse then gazed forcefully at the tree, whilst conducting inner instruction.  Moments had passed and to no avail, the tree continued to be still.

“Try again mi lad, if you don’t succeed, try again and all that, just really, really believe it within.”  No sooner did Jesse try again and the tree then began tom dance at once.  The branches began swaying from side to side, whilst the torso began to swirl with disco flair.  The dancing tree was now a force to be reckoned with, jiggling from left to right.

With his trial run complete Jesse now entered the gates to begin the school day with hope and faith entwined.  Both Jesse and Glad walked together, yet surrounding pupils would only be aware of Jesse alone.

Mrs Gosh, who was Jesse’s teacher of English Literature, stood at the entrance of the classroom door to usher the pupils in.  “Come along, come along, time waits for no student!”

Upon the class being seated, stood an air of silence, for the teacher demanded such protocol when lessons commenced.  She would not allow a wandering whisper, nor a flicker of a pen to interrupt the flow of her lessons.

Following the morning register in which pupils were to answer ‘good morning Mrs Gosh’, was the time scheduled for silent reading, in which no words were to be uttered aloud.  Although Jesse was situated quite a distance from Toby, he was still in full clear view.

During such a lesson Toby’s usual ways of aiming to get Jesse into trouble was to flicker tiny rolls of scrap paper towards him, in order to create a reaction of uttered words.  This time however, Jesse had a different idea of his own.  Jesse began assuredly by giving Toby the benefit of the doubt and trusting that he would not begin his usual malpractice.  As time ticked on, so Toby then began his first attempt at rolling a small scrap of paper to then throw at Jesse.  He managed to fulfil his sorry task on two occasions, yet this time Jesse would not respond with words.

“Go on mi lad, you know what to do.”  Glad uttered, seated restfully at the back of the room.  Jesse raised his hand and asked if he could fetch a tissue from the far right of the room.  With Mrs Gosh’s approval he made his way towards the box of tissues, but this time ensuring he would be within the immediate vicinity of Toby.  As he stood in front of the box of tissues he secretly opened the jar of dazzling dust ensuring that it rested firmly in the grip of his hand.  On his way back to his seat he walked to the rear of Toby’s seat and lo and behold sprinkled the dazzling dust over Toby.

With Jesse returned to his seat he now had ample time to really believe in the power of his desire, along with the dust.  He envisioned an ability for Toby to be unable to stop talking for involuntary moments on end.  The entertainment then ensued and before you know it, Toby began uttering all manner of words and erratic sentences.

“I, I, I, I is a professor!”  Toby uttered, unbeknown as to why he acted this way!
“Toby, you know there is to be no talking in my class during reading time.”  Mrs Gosh declared.
“Oh Gosh, Mrs Gosh, you are quite very posh, how about we for lunch and munch on some lovely nosh!”  Toby said with all bewilderment.  The entire class, although shocked soon began to laugh at the humour of all the utterances of Toby on repeat.
“Toby, leave my classroom at once and go straight to the headmaster’s office, since you cannot stop talking.”
“Okay, Mrs Gosh, yes you are the boss.”  Toby said in a cheerful yet confused manner.

Glad then leapt up at once with joy and declared, “You did it lad, you did it, bet Toby won’t be feeling quite so powerful now!”

In such a vast school, Jesse was not the only pupil to endure trials and tribulations.  From time to time, he was all too aware of specific individuals who were ridiculed, humiliated or treated disrespectfully by others.  On this day he additionally wanted to harness the power of the dazzling dust to assist other pupils in unwholesome situations.

As Jesse and Glad made their way down the corridor, they became aware of a young girl with pigtails being continually tripped over as she walked amongst a group of disruptive girls.  “Look at her, she really thinks she’s all that.”  One of the girls stated to her peers.
“Yeah, as if any boy would be interested in her!”  Another girl replied.

They sought to continue in this fashion, whereby Jesse soon came to the realisation of an assisting plan.  To everyone’s sudden surprise a frog, simply out of nowhere jumped onto one of the girls and began hopping on one of them to the other.  A bout of mayhem soon ensued and suddenly the group of girls became terrified of their new ‘froggy’ friend and went ‘beserk’.  Neither of them knew which direction to turn and each one made a dash for the hills.  

As the young girl with the pigtails caught Jesse’s eye, he gave her an encouraging wink, in which she glanced at him, gave him a small smile and went on her way.  “Alright mi lad, let’s hop on me thinks, it’s time for lunch.”  

Once again in the dinner queue, Jesse was contemplating his choices, but this time consisting of healthier selections.  On this occasion he opted for the vegetarian option.  “Be sure to put plenty of peas and carrots on my plate please.”  Jesse exclaimed.
“Good choice sir and what can I get you for desert?”  Jesse stood momentarily undecided as to which choice to make; he was radiantly presented with lemon meringue, strawberry mouse, apple turnover and a selection of fruits.
“Hmmm, hmmm, choices, choices!”  Jesse said whilst simultaneously tapping his chin.
“Get a move on, the rest of us need to eat you know!”  A pupil said hesitantly waiting in the queue.
“Alright, alright, the lemon meringue it is, haven’t had that for ages.”  Jesse voiced.

Jesse merrily made his way to the seat next to Daz, who was already munching away at his appetizing meal.  The Uptown Boys were moving closer towards being served, whilst constantly chatting away about their up and coming schemes.  Thereafter they were sure to position themselves in close proximity to where Jesse was seated.

Whilst the majority of pupils would converse and enjoy their meals in a calm manner, the Uptown Boys always felt the need to be extravagant.  Their voices had to stand out, whether in the dinner hall, in the fields or in the school library.  They would often inappropriately include Jesse in their vocalised conversation, rendering Jesse less able to focus on his meals. 

It didn’t take long for a pre-selected number of peas to make their way from the plates of the Uptown Boys to where Jesse was seated.  The majority of days they just couldn’t help themselves with the varied stunts they felt they needed to pull.
Today’s lunchtime saga consisted of the Uptown Boys mocking Jesse’s school attire with the motive of creating indifference.  “So what do you think of his school shoes then?”  One of the Uptown Boys asked.
“Not my kind of style!”
“Yeah, much too cheap for me.  I much prefer shoes of the more expensive kind.”  Suddenly in the space of a second, a single penny went flying towards Jesse’s school blazer, before cascading to the floor. 
“Yeah, throw him a penny, might help towards his savings!”

These gruelling episodes were becoming more and more disappointing and unsettling, but Jesse now turned his attention to the very dust that would dazzle his rivals.

“That’s the spirit mi lad, we won’t settle for that!”  He stood up at once and proceeded towards the corner of the hall where the bin was located.  During his visit he was able to quickly unearth a bit of dazzling dust from the jar in his pocket.  On his return to his seat he was sure to sprinkle the dust across the Uptown Boys, unnervingly unnoticed.   As he sat down alongside Daz, he made the choice to relinquish his belief as to the events that would unfold.
Via his thought process, pieces of fruit would come alive.  As a group of nearby students made their way to empty their trays, a number of banana skins made their way from the trays.  They slowly slid across the floor to the seating area of the Uptown Boys.  They stood up to go and empty their trays only to suddenly slide and collide.  ‘Slip, slip, bang’ as two of them crashed to the floor.  Toby himself with banana skins beneath both of his shoes then found both of his feet sliding apart.

A nearby student exclaimed, “look everyone Toby’s doing the ‘banana splits’!”  The dinner hall became filled with laughter and amazement.  Dinner supervisors who also rushed to the scene , inadvertently ended up slipping and sliding amongst the Uptown Boys who lay in defeat.  There was surely a lot of correcting and cleaning to fulfil, yet at least this time both Jesse and Daz had the last laugh.

Chapter Three

Upon yawning the next morning, Jesse awoke with a smile, his entire face beaming with sheer delight.  He had ventured by night to a land of dreams and had gracefully been returned back home before the new dawn.

Although he still had monumental mountains to climb, he had faced giants and was feeling more self-assured.  He began to recognise that the previous instances with the Uptown Boys were not the be-all end-all.  He for once could look beyond such concepts and realise he needn’t be defined by temporary circumstances.  For future events he would face those head on, he was going to make the best of each situation as it came.

When he returned to school in real-time, the general atmosphere had an air of pleasantry and morale was up.  It would not equate to seeing the last of the Uptown Boys, but for now they seemed too busy licking their wounds.  He stayed out of their way and they stayed out of his.  For now he didn’t need to create any banana drama!
A more fulfilled school day saw Jesse walking home with more of a spring in each step.  As he approached the front garden of his home he came to notice, as though they had never been, a colourful array of rose buds displayed.  His mother had planted them along with a startling set of garden gnomes to visually enhance the garden.  The simple elements that he may have taken for granted now appeared as momentary bliss.

“Welcome home son.”  Suzie said.
“Hiya mum, your flowers look lovely!”  Jesse astonishingly rushed to greet his mother with a warm tender hug, of which he had not done in years.  Suzie responded with avid affection, embracing her beloved son as though cradled from birth.
“I’m so glad you like the roses, they were a present from your father, although he wouldn’t actually plant them himself!”  Suzie recalled.
“Glad, yeah glad indeed!” Jesse insisted.

Jesses mother, nurturing by nature, was well known for bringing a ray of sunshine to the home as well as anywhere she went.  She always took the joy with her, in spite of humble beginnings, trying circumstances and unresolved issues.  Perhaps a dose of this abounding joy was what Jesse needed as part of the foundation of his life.

At this time his father, although present, was still distance.  His evening besides the family meal would now consist of plugging away at his ‘home-work’ on the laptop.  Still yet to establish work-life balance, he felt the utmost importance of staring at the electronic screen for hours on end.  He had to check upon his latest business transactions and stock market trading alerts.

Quality and personal time actually spent with the family would for now need to take a back seat, for he was on a mission.  Yet Jesse was indeed glad that he now had Glad on his side, as a recurring remedy to help assist his unresolved situations.

By nightfall as he retreated to his bed, he was paid a visit by his fellow friend with a friendly ‘rat,tat,tat,tat’.  With dazzling dust at the ready they were all set to be transported to the desired land of dreams just a ‘star-throw’ away.

Stand and behold things are not as they seem
As you enter the world of the ever-changing dream
Tales ever captured, summoned to be told
Lessons to be learned, mysteries unfold

A meeting of the mind, sail upon the shore
A journey to be ventured, ever filled with awe
Puzzles of amazement, one shall so discern
Rise above the fear and so you may return

Through the twirling tunnel they went, mysterious creatures in view, only this time there was a mad monkey munching on a banana.  He then slid away on the remaining banana skin to their sheer delight.  As the bright light illuminated they were at the tunnels end.  The bright light faded, yet they were now downstairs in the lounge amongst his parents.  Now that very evening was now a dream evening, with a purpose to fulfil.

With Glad by his side, he would now assist by injecting food for thought.  “Be fearless mi lad, with this yer dazzling dust it’s high time we discuss what ye desires the most from ye mother and father.”  Glad said.
“Time, not just any time, but good family time, you know like we used to.  We’d sit and talk for hours and play board games and stuff.  Especially my father, he used to take me places you know, lots of days out.  I miss the games of football we used to have!”
“No time like this weekend mi lad, what would ye like to arrange?”
“Well, there’s an open 5 a side match this Saturday.  I wish we could both go and even be on the same team, all ages you know.  Daz is already going with his father.”
“Go on, give em a sprinkling mi lad!”

Jesse inched forward and sprinkled the dust over his parents, who were seated on the couch.  He then sat down on the armchair next to them, whilst they were fixated at a current argument acted out on the screen.  With the dust now settled, Jesse was imminently to be dazzled by his father’s suggestions.

“Hey son, I’m actually not working this weekend, how about we take a trip somewhere.  Did you have anything in mind?”  Jimmy said.
“Er, er, ummm, there’s actually a game of footie this Saturday, everyone can bring their dad’s you know.”
“That’s settled, a great game of footie this Saturday…….just like we used to son.  Actually, there’s a match on now, we could watch that if your mum doesn’t mind!”
“Of course not, go ahead.  I was actually thinking of baking some cookies this evening, perhaps I’ll make a start now.”  Suzie said, grinning with bright expression.  Suzie was very proficient with baking and would often bake special treats for community as well as charity events.

The evening was unfolding in nostalgic ways, very reminiscent of his earlier childhood, when quality time was part and parcel to his upbringing.  The family would often go on sunny trips to the seaside as well as camping adventures in forest resorts.  Theme parks were a family favourite, which usually saw both father and son screaming joyfully on roller coasters and his mother clicking away at the camera.  What he would give to rekindle those times, those moments to be captured.
Although the family were not in a position to dine at restaurants on site, his mother would always bring their own essentials and pack a hearty lunch.  Their lunch carry-case would be filled with sandwiches with a wide range of fillings, iced drinks, magic muffins and miniature baked treats galore.  Not only would his mother pack wipes and anti-bacterial spray for the journey, but she would still personally hand him wipes after eating, often to his embarrassment.

The cookies of promise were now baked and left on a fresh tray to cool, yet they each couldn’t resist a quick bite to put the taste to the test.  “Wow mum, these taste exceedingly fabulous!”  Jesse said, whilst helping himself to a further piece.  His father soon became all smiles and was becoming more delightful by the minute.

As a surprize change of routine, the family decided upon a board game and seated themselves around the lower table on the carpet by the fireplace.  This particular game involved exchanging money for goods and services, as well as winning prizes.  During the heated game his father had won a new car, in which Suzie probed him with a question.
“So if you did win a new car in real-life, what would you do with it?”
“Seriously…..well as I’m already fond of the car I do have, I’d part-exchange it for a cash sum and that would go to you my son!”
“Really dad, would you?”  Jesse asked enthusiastically.
“Yes, partly to invest in your further education, but as for the rest you could treat yourself with whatever you like.”
“I’ll hold you to that dad!”  Jesse laughed.

The evening’s game continued flamboyantly, in which it also got Jesse pondering as to what choices he would make if he had a lump sum of money to spend.  Jesse came to appreciate that for the first time in a number of years his father took the time to personally spend with his family outside of work.  The laptop was switched off, in which his mobile was even put on silent.  His father had actually chosen not to entertain business calls that evening, which was a change in comparison to the usual stream of business calls.  There was to be no further interruptions that evening, only to fetch the cooled cookies, so they could enjoy them by the fireplace.

A nurturing and positive home-life would surely be enhancing and beneficial to the other areas of his life, especially with school.  This was now becoming his time to laugh, capture the joy and to really start to enjoy the journey.  Over the up and coming days and nights he would continue to piece together the remaining pieces of his current puzzle and gain more clarity within himself.

As the night was set to fall, wishes and all, he continued to journey with Glad to the land of dreams, to place of endless possibilities.  Glad and Jesse arrived once again at Rodrum Academy, all set for the day ahead.  Their first point of call was a period of Drama, which was a class held by Mr Shrink who helped his students to grow.  After the initial registration, he assembled the pupils into smaller groups, although not of their personal choosing.

As was common practice with this particular class, a handful of the pupils were non-compliant with the instructions, as they were unhappy with their choice.  This also demonstrated that Jesse was not the only ‘target’ in this class, in which a few of the other pupils would at times endure unpleasant instances.

Disapproval of the choices was then boldly declared by one of the Uptown Boys.  “I will not be in the same group as him, her, him and especially him!” 
“Well, that is not your choice to make!”  Mr Shrink recalled.
“Sorry sir, but this one, well he has a big nose that doesn’t quite agree with me!”  He then pointed with his finger.  “I’m just hoping that one day it will simply shrink, er sorry Mr Shrink!”
“Still not your choice, we will continue with the groups exactly as you have been assigned.  Also in future any inappropriate comments will see students designated the relevant detention – YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.  In this school we are to treat each other with manners and respect.”

Each group had to create a role play performance based on any of the works of Shakespeare.  Towards the later part of the lesson a few of the groups would be given an opportunity to act out their short play in front of the rest of the class.  At this point they sat as an audience to the performing group on rows of aligned benches.

Jesse found himself beneficially placed in the row exactly behind the pupil who had generated all the fuss.  Jesse knew this was his moment to sprinkle his dazzling dust upon the disruptive pupil, so as to enable him to learn a lesson for once.

As the dazzling dust went to work Jesse decided that this pupil's nose would be the main object on show.  A second group had now been selected to perform which included the pupil who was dust unaware.  It was now a few minutes into the performance and it was the turn of this pupil to voice his lines.  As he began to speak he suddenly came to a halt.  'Scratch, scratch, scratch'.  "Er sorry, one moment, my nose has suddenly really decided to itch."  The itching then paused for a while and he then felt free to continue.  

Moments later as his line came up, his nose began to bother him again......really bother him.  He now felt he couldn't continue.  He then distressingly reached into his pocket and took out his only tissue.  He then proceeded to blow his nose to try to remedy the fact that it was now running.  All of his trying solutions were to no avail.  

Not only did his nose continue to run, but his tissue decided to fly, fly away.  He quickly ran after the tissue, whilst scratching and scratching.  He soon became so irate and disturbed that the only solution was to run and hind behind the dark curtain screen at the end of the room.

As he sat shivering and sniffling in hiding, the only replacement for the tissue he required was the use of one of his socks.  Not the prettiest sight, but he hastily removed his left shoe and utilised his sock as a tissue.  He really needed to blow his nose and SNEEZE.  Finally all the itching had stopped, however now upon looking up realised that the whole class was now staring at him.  This indeed was not one of his finer moments.

"Well done mi lad."  Glad sang in an cinematic tone.  "I must say ye has certainly taught him a lesson or two.  Time for the next lesson in the history block, let's be on our way mi lad."

As the pupils aligned for their history lesson, a number of the pupils decided to try and squeeze all at once through the slim line doorway.  For some pupils, patience was not their virtue, in which the 'caffufle' continued for some time.  The pupils eventually made their way to their respective seats, whereby the objectives of the lesson were soon to be summarised by the class teacher Miss Tiny.

On a number of occasions a few of the more personally inquisitive pupils would question Miss Tiny as to why she was not yet a Mrs.  "Miss Tiny, er why are you not married yet and when are you going to be?"  One of the seated pupils enquired.
"Thank you, but that is a personal question and we have already discussed beforehand, that personal questions to teachers are out of bounds."  She then proceeded to commence the lesson activities as planned.

"Er miss, have, have you got any pets, a mouse or a Rottweiler perhaps."  Another pupil asked.  The class of pupils soon burst into laughter.
"ENOUGH, such a question is irrelevant for the day ahead, so let's continue.  Now if you could all carry on with your presentation sheets in your green folders."  The pupils were each working on the preparations for conducting their presentations in turn, in front of the class.  
The theme of the presentations was historical figures in history, in which they were to elaborate on noble acts that such figures had accomplished.  Whilst Jesse's choice of personalities was Napoleon, Daz had chosen Christopher Columbus.  A few of the Uptown Boys were requested to amend their selected choices as Frankenstein and Bambi would just not do.

Towards the second half of the lesson, three of the pupils were to be chosen at random to present their work in front of the class.  The first pupil of which had chosen President Roosevelt, was a shining example to the others and had carried out his presentation remarkably.  

The second and the pupils in line were pre-advised that their presentations would soon follow.  The third pupil due to present was indeed Toby, who appeared to sit with a nervous disposition.  As he was quite a distance from Jesse's seat, he wasn't close enough to dazzle him with his dust.  As Glad was more than glad to be of service, he would on this occasion assist him with the dusting.  

With quiet operation Jesse managed to open the jar beneath his desk and hand a portion of the dust to Glad's open hand.  In a humorous manner, as the class would be unaware of his presence, he then danced quirkily over to Toby.  'Sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle' and so the dust was now covering Toby.  Jesse was all too aware of his dazzling plan for Toby and he continued to be seated calmly to await the ensuing entertainment.

The ultimate time had come for a very shaky Toby to present his historical masterpiece to the class.  His presentation would also involve writing on the white board with the inclusion of diagrams as well as text.  His chosen figure had been changed to Elizabeth I, yet he had not allotted adequate time in which to conduct his research.  He began with a brief overview of the life of Elizabeth I and he shortly made his way to the whiteboard to then present.

As Toby had his written notes to hand, he was fully aware of the sentences and diagram that he wanted to include.  As the dazzling dust was carrying out its own assignment, the whiteboard pen was now going to have a mind of its own.  Toby began to piece together the words of his first sentence, which should have been about Elizabeth I.  As the pen moved it wrote 'I am a jolly big pig who likes to roll around in the mud.'

The teacher became flabbergasted, whilst the pupils with roars of laughter were both shocked and amazed.  Was this really the research that he had took the time to create?  Did this really reflect the purpose of the assignment?  Well according to the marker pen it did.

Toby himself was taken aback and then quickly erased the inappropriate sentence.  He then attempted to write another sentence.  On this occasion it read 'I like to swim after the gym and my yellow teeth really like to grin'.  The class was now beyond amazement and disorder had commenced.  
"It's not me miss, it's the pen, it's writing its own words."  Toby pleaded.
"Do you really expect me to believe that Toby.  Well since you are choosing not to write in an appropriate manner, can you now get on with your diagram?"  Miss Tiny asked in an annoyed manner.

The class sat now in utter silence, whilst contemplating what type of diagram Toby would invent.  His specific aim was to draw a figure of Elizabeth I seated on her throne.  As the pen made contact with the board, the drawing soon became a comical caricature of Miss Tiny.  She was drawn with a combination of bulging eyes, whiskers, rabbit teeth, a droopy chin, oversized spectacles and a giant round left foot.  What on planet Earth was Toby thinking of?

A very irate Miss Tiny then said furiously, "TOBY, I'VE HAD MORE THAN ENOUGH OF YOUR JOKES.  FIRST DETENTION IS SET FOR YOU AND YOU CAN NOW GO STRAIGHT TO THE HEADMASTER'S OFFICE."

A rather baffled and confused Toby walked slowly, with slumped shoulders, down the corridor on his way to the 'door of doom'.  What was actually a short trip, now felt like a lifetime.  He really could not fathom how an ordinary marker pen could play such unwholesome tricks on him.  Furthermore, he could not comprehend why he was having such a disruptive week.  He felt as though his personal world had changed axis and was turning upside down.
The 'door of doom' was near approaching and was drawing closer and closer.  As he stood directly in front of the door he couldn't help but scratch his head in bewilderment, he felt unable to unscramble his thoughts.  In a blurry daze he then began to hear strange voices in his head, whispering and repeating utterances of reprimand.  'You've been a very bad boy Toby, ooooh Toby.  You've had a bad week Toby.  What you have done to others will come back to you ooooh Toby.'  The voices soon began to fade into the background and he suddenly felt the desire to clean his ears with the use of his fingers.

He knocked several times on the headmaster's door and a stern voice called, "come in".  As the door opened slowly and the gap began to widen, the hinge of the door began to creek.  Toby then edged slowly in small steps towards the headmaster at his desk.  Mr Wary had a fixed glare towards Toby, which the pupils were used to for many a lengthened year.

"Good day Toby, can you explain why you have been sent to my office.......again."  Mr Wary asked.
"I, I, I, had a problem with the marker pen when  was doing my presentation sir."
"A problem, what sort of problem?"
"Well, the pen you see was not writing what I wanted it to write.  Sir, it was writing its own words."  Toby recalled.
"We what other words was your pen writing Toby?"
"Erm, words like 'I'm a big pig' and stuff, but it wasn't me sir, it was the pen, it's the truth!"   Toby insisted.

At this moment, with Toby very wary of him, Mr Wary let out a huge sigh and exclaimed.  "Toby, I have for some time held you in high regard, as by now I thought you had corrected your ways.  However you are back here in my office with continued spells of trouble.  As well as detention Toby, I have no choice but to advise your parents of your recent behaviour!"
"No, please don't sir, I won't do it again!"  Toby pleaded.
"It's settled, your parents will be informed accordingly, now please make your way back to class, you are dismissed."  Mr Wary said.

The days were now unfolding very brightly for both Jesse and Glad, however their rivals were experiencing a mixture of undesirable events.

• Update #2 - Song Debut Feb. 21, 2018

  

  https://geraldinetaylorblog.wo...

  The Ever-Changing Dream Song will debut on Spotify, ITunes, Deezer, YouTube and other corresponding platforms March 2018. Written by author and songwriter Geraldine Taylor. 

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• Update #1 - The Ever-Changing Dream Feb. 21, 2018

  Pleased to advise that pre-copies of The Ever-Changing Dream will be sent to a number of schools in the UK!!! 

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