What exactly is a dream?

According to Wikipedia they're successions of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that usually occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep.

Apparently, they're supposed to be full of meaning and an insight of what really lies in our subconscious. But what about those really weird unexplainable dreams?

And I'm not talking weird-weird. Like Lotso from Toy Story chasing you around your high school. I mean when the same person is in every one of your dreams and you have no clue who they are. Actually that's not entirely true, I have an idea of who it might be but that can't be possible. I was only two when she died.

'She' being Alma, the one thing that we're missing from our family.

My Mom.

I did Google it once; what it meant having the same person appear in your dreams every night. Some say it means that you're missing that person or that they're always thought about in the dreamer's subconscious. The first reason couldn't be possible.

How could I miss someone who I didn't even get to know?

The only thing I remember was her calling out to me. We were on grass, like a field and I could briefly remember the sound of her voice. It sounded sweet, almost angelic-like.

But that was all.

If it wasn't for the pictures, then I wouldn't have had a clue of what she looked like. She was stunning with those mesmerizing blue eyes that only Aiden seemed to inherit, her beautiful curly brown hair which I guess I inherited and that long nose which reminded me of Jake's.

I could picture her face clearly from memory from the amount of times I studied her. It seemed like she left each of us siblings a piece of her as a reminder.

We don't talk about Mom much in our house. At all, actually.

I still didn't get the full story of how she died. I used to ask Dad a lot as a kid but he'd either get upset, distant or angry so I learned to stop asking. Part of me didn't even want to know because at the end of the day I knew she was gone and was never going to come back, except in my dreams. I always knew she'd be there and this time was no different.

I was walking down a steep staircase which for some reason seemed to go on for miles ahead. I couldn't feel my left arm and both of my legs were aching like I had just ran a marathon. I could faintly hear a woman's voice from behind me, telling me to be careful. Telling me to be cautious. Warning me of danger. I ignored it and instead kept walking on. I had no idea what these steps were leading to or if they ever ended.

Within seconds the air got thicker, it was getting harder to breathe and it felt like the oxygen was getting sucked out of the air.

I couldn't breathe.

Why couldn't I breathe?

My hands immediately went straight to my throat to try and stop the tightening. My lungs felt heavy, like someone had placed a bag of bricks on top of them. I tried to scream out for help but nothing was coming out. I felt so lightheaded and hoped that I passed out purely to stop the pain. I then felt a hard pressure on the small of my back and went tumbling forwards.

The last thing I heard was my scream reverberating loudly through my whole body.

My eyes opened widely with a jolt and I was panting heavily.

I quickly closed them shut when I was met with brightness, making me wince. There was a dull pain which seemed to be increasing at the back of my head and the front felt like it was throbbing. My right hand immediately went to touch my forehead, which was met with something soft. After a moment I realised that the square shape was a large band aid.

"Oh Mar, thank god! Mara, can you hear me? Are you in pain? I'm so sorry sweetheart. I'm so sorry I wasn't there,"

Dad? What was my dad doing back so early? And what was he apologising to me for?

All these questions running through my head were answered when I finally got my eyes to adjust. Looking down I saw that my left arm was resting over my chest in a sling and a bright red cast. I was on a bed with white sheets over me, dressed in a hospital gown and an IV machine was by my side.

The only question which was running through my mind was: What the hell happened?

Facing my dad who had a distressed expression, I uttered the only words that were on my mind, not being to handle the pain. "M-my head," To my own ears my voice sounded weak and my throat scratchy. If it was even possible, my dad's face pained further whilst immediately putting what I realised were tablets in my mouth and feeding me water.

I reached for the cup and greedily downed the cool liquid in two gulps. I felt better in an instant and tried sitting up despite my whole body aching.

"Hey take it easy sweetheart, I don't want you moving. You need to rest and that's an order," Dad shot up from his seat and held me still.

"I-I'm okay dad. My head feels better now," Sporting the best smile I could muster behind my aching body, he sighed deeply in defeat and helped me sit up but not letting go of my right hand.

It was now that I noticed his dishevelled appearance. This was a very rare sight for Steven Ellsworth. He was always looked so dapper in his three piece suits, not a hair out of place. He always looked strong, poised and powerful but not today.

He looked worn out, tired and distressed. He wasn't wearing his suit jacket or vest, instead just his white shirt which wasn't tucked into his slacks, with the sleeves rolled up and his tie was loosened like he had been fiddling with it. His hair looked messy and it was clear he had run his hands through it a few times.

Or ten.

"How long was I asleep for?" I couldn't help but ask. I was feeling a little groggy.

"Since Aiden brought you last night and I got here as quick as I could. Sit tight, I'm calling the doctor. And I'll call your brothers in and let them know you're awake, they're getting impatient. I had to save Aiden from security last night for punching a hole in the wall. I should have just let them kick him out as his punishment for the party, but right now I only care about you. I'm so glad you're awake sweetheart, we were all worried sick," My eyes were suddenly watering up with moisture as my dad kissed my forehead and left the room.

As soon as I heard the word party, it dawned on me.

Someone had pushed me down the stairs.

The small pressure on my back must have been a hand. It had to be. I know myself. There was no way I tripped over my feet.

I suddenly felt overwhelmed and a wave of fear washed over me. W-why would someone want to hurt me? I didn't do anything to anybody. I had no enemies. I was a nobody; no one knew who I was. But there was clearly someone out there who wanted to hurt me.

And hurt me they did.

I should have stayed in my room. I should have ignored the knocking and the noises outside. I wondered what everyone must have thought.

Of course they'd all notice. It must have been really bad if I broke my arm and had a bandaged head. I hung my head in embarrassment just thinking about it. If there was one thing I hated getting, it was attention.

Now I felt guilty for being the reason why my Dad was so out of character and I was worried about what would happen to Aiden. I shouldn't have stayed home, he warned me so many times about these parties and I didn't listen.

After all, it was my fault.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I jumped in fright when two pairs of strong arms were wrapped around me.

My tears were now in free fall and travelled down my cheek as I realised that the two buffoons, also known as my older brothers, were hugging me without touching my broken arm or my head. Like I said I was feeling overwhelmed, scared and they were being so cautious around me. In that moment I felt so protected.

"Hey guys," Sniffling I let out a single laugh as they held their position.

The first one to let go was Aiden who settled down on the bed by my feet. To anybody else his expression would have seemed relieved but I knew him too well to notice that he was bursting with anger underneath. My brother had a bit of a temper and by that I mean huge.

Hence the making a hole in the wall. He was clenching and unclenching his fists, not making a sound and I knew straight away why he was angry.

He knew the truth.

"Hey Mar," Jake's voice broke mine and Aiden's stare down.

He held my face delicately with both of his huge hands and had a grin on his face. He wiped away my tears with his thumb and his face suddenly changed serious, also known as his doctor mode. "On a scale of one to ten how much pain are you in? And I want to know where exactly,"

Rolling my eyes and smiling at him I replied. "I'm fine Doctor Ellsworth. My head was an eight when I woke up but Dad gave me some painkillers. My legs just feel achy but I'm fine I'm promise,"

"You sure?"

"Yes I'm positive,"

"Good. I spoke to Doctor Reid and she said that you fractured your arm so you'll be in a cast for about four weeks. You hit your head pretty hard and got a nasty gash but she cleaned it up for you, I double checked she did it properly," Smiling through his serious doctor demeanour I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his over protectiveness. "You'll feel achy because you have some bruises on both your legs and your torso, so please be careful Mar. I'll make sure they get iced and heal properly at home. We're all just grateful that you didn't break anything else,"

"Thanks Jakey," I nodded in acknowledgement being grateful that it wasn't anything worse and smiled knowing that he hated my nickname for him, which was my attempt to lighten the mood. Sighing he kissed my forehead lightly.

"Seriously Mar, you have to be more careful. We all know you're clumsy but this was really dangerous. Things could have been a lot worse," My Dad agreed in the background letting out a shaky breath and started talking.

But I didn't hear a thing he said as after hearing Jake's words, I went stiff realising that this is what Aiden must have said to the both of them.

Part of me was grateful that they didn't know the truth because they both would have gone berserk and it would have only brought me more attention. But part of me was scared because this officially meant that Aiden wanted to handle things on his own. I couldn't even imagine what would happen to the person responsible when Aiden finds them.

And this scared me. A lot.

My thoughts were broken when I heard the door being opened and everyone turned their heads. From the corner of my eye I saw that Aiden hadn't and I didn't dare make eye contact with him. Not right now at least, in front of everyone. I just knew for a fact that I would break down in tears and I was afraid of what he would say or how he would react when we were alone.

"Miss Ellsworth, how are we feeling?"

It took me a minute to register what the doctor was saying but I replied to her question when Jake nudged me worryingly. "I'm feeling a lot better. I was just wondering when I could go home,"

"Hopefully if my check up goes well, I'll be discharging you later today. You were very lucky that you didn't break either of your legs. And that your brother brought you in time,"

I didn't dare look at Aiden who was still eerily quiet.

****

"Oh Miss Mara! My sweet girl,"

Carla's voice was the first thing I was met with as soon as we entered the foyer, me being carried princess style by Jake, despite my endless protests.

She rushed towards us and I looked at her sheepishly, forcing myself to smile as soon as I saw her eyes brimming with tears. The feeling of guilt hit me like a train going full speed.

"I'm okay now Carla, it's just a broken arm please don't worry,"

"Just a broken arm she says! Mi querido I've been so worried ever since I heard! Your poor papa had to deal with my numerous phone calls all night,"

"I-I'm sorry," Not knowing what to say I decided to apologise. The guilt was eating me alive and I could see by the dark circles under her eyes that she didn't get much sleep.

"No seas tonta there's no need to apologise. Mr Jacob you take her right upstairs. Miss Mara is officially on bed rest until I say otherwise," The love I could see in her eyes brought moisture to my eyes.

She was the closest thing I ever had to a mother and I will always be grateful. "You boys get cleaned up it's been a long day for all of us. I've made dinner for everyone,"

Listening to her orders, Jake made his way upstairs.

"I'm not a baby Jake you can let me down,"

"I'm on strict orders Mar I don't want to get in trouble," He smirked down at me knowing I hated being babied so I huffed in response.

I couldn't bring myself to look forward so I glanced behind us to see Dad giving Carla a hug. I also accidentally made eye contact with Aiden who then started to follow us. My heart automatically started beating faster and by the time I turned my head back around we reached my room. Looking around it was exactly how I had left it.

Jake sat me down on the bed and started to adjust my covers so I could get in. Pushing my aching body back, I realised how weak I actually felt. Jake must have seen me struggling so he grabbed my hand and helped me. Thanking him I moved my pillows so I could sit up comfortably and sighed deeply.

Looking down at myself I was thankful the boys brought me a new set of pyjamas to change into before I was discharged from the hospital. They saved me a lot of embarrassment from being stared at if I wore the penguin ones from last night. Even though it was already too late. I'm pretty sure everyone at the party saw them.

My heart started to beat faster when I heard his feet before I heard his voice. "Jake," Aiden was by the door and nodded at Jacob who gave me a final once over, smiled and left the room.

This moment was one I was dreading. He shut my bedroom door and made his way to sit by my feet on the bed. I could tell that he was still angry but was fighting hard to control it.

"Mar-"

"I'm so sorry Aiden. I should have listened to you. I-I should have left the house so none of this would have happened. Now Dad knows about the party and he'll be angry with you and I ruined everything. I don't want you to be angry at me even though you have every right to be. It's all my fault and I'm so sorry," By the end of my rant my head was hung low and I had escaped tears that fell down my face. Aiden surprised me by grabbing a hold of my right hand trying to comfort me.

"I'm not angry at you Mar," He sighed in frustration which made me look back up.

"You're not?" I asked, sniffling.

"No I'm angry at the fucker who did this. I know you Mara. I know you didn't just trip. So tell me everything. I wanna know everything," His eyes got dangerously darker, which reminded me of someone who was the last person I wanted to think about right now.

I almost winced at the memories of yesterday at the car. For a moment his grip on my hand got tighter but was loosened again.

I was so engrossed into replaying the story of last night that I didn't notice Aiden's anger getting worse as I spoke. Both his knuckles were starting to turn white and his jaw was clenched. "I-I wasn't going to come down Aid I swear but then I felt something on my back and that was it,"

"Who?" This one word sent shivers down my spine as Aiden's tone was deadly.

"I-I don't know. I didn't see," I whispered looking down. For a second a part of my mind considered Stacey but even this was beneath her. Yes, she tormented me but it was never physical. She wouldn't have had the guts to do something like this.

I could tell that Aiden was getting more and more frustrated but I didn't blame him. I wanted to know too, even though I was petrified. I was grateful I had Aiden to look out for me, even when he goes overboard. "What are you planning to do?" I peered up, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"Simple. I'm going to kill them," The way he spoke didn't make me doubt it for a second. I was almost scared for the person.

"Aiden what about my bodyguard?" My eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"It wasn't Mark. I saw the bastard downstairs getting a drink. I was coming up to you since he left but that's when I heard and saw everyone crowding around you,"

"Oh," I sighed. This just got weirder. Can it be a coincidence that the moment Mark decided to leave me for a drink I was attacked? Or what if Mark was in on it? Was he told by my attacker to leave?

Whoever it was, they clearly had a plan and it gave me goose bumps.