I'm standing in the middle of the massive grassland, lost into its view. The wild sun is shining gently, and I can feel the soothing, country breeze flipping my hair swiftly. The feeling is no longer foreign, I've been here before.

It's the same place, and he will soon show up; the one with sensual hands, engulfing scent, the only one who constantly makes my heart beat fast, my curiosity go wild, and my eyes go blind.

I wander my gaze into the horizon, taking in every detail of the enchanting, crystal blue sky married to the waltzing silver clouds, and that's when I feel his presence behind me; so electrifying, utterly beguiling.

He hugs me tightly, making me melt completely to his touch, my body yielding to his grasp. I close my eyes to indulge the moment, the very same salacious moment, as he whispers in my ears, something I scarcely hear.

God, it feels ethereal.

I try to turn around, to finally have a glimpse of his beautiful face, the one that I've marveled over a million times in my heart. But it doesn't happen. He's always so near, yet so far away. Once again, I fail to see him.

My eyes fly open and I gasp for air. Heavy breaths leave my lips as I sit up, my skin slick and sweaty, finally recalling that I'm still in bed and it's pitch black outside.

So then, it was a dream! The same one I've been having frequently this year.

"I need to get myself a boyfriend," I mutter groggily, trying to accept the reality around my unlit room. Instinctively, I outstretch my hand and flicker the bedside lamp.

Having a proper sleep has been quite a challenge for me. I've lost count of how many nights I've stayed awake, mainly because of a certain nightmare, and this tantalizing dream.

I'm an insomniac, and I don't know what else to do about it after trying everything I could possibly do. Maybe I shall heal in time, I constantly fool myself and life goes on.

A heavy sigh escapes my lungs, marveling at the long night awaiting. I know I won't easily get asleep right now—I usually don't, and it's only two a.m.

Damn my life!

Fully aware of the resentment I have towards sweating, the summer has decided to grant me a vengeful visit. I quickly get up and turn on the fan, which allows my body to cool off gradually. The L.A heat is no joke this year.

Well, it's always like this, but then I'd say the same thing next year.

Not knowing what to do in the middle of the night, I decide to grab this adventurous novel, The journey to the Center of the Earth, and try to make my brain tired so as to finally force my body to do the same.

It's my best trick because I'd be excited for a couple of minutes, focused even, and the next I'll be the one yawning.

At last I don't remember when I closed my eyes, until I wake up in the morning wishing it were Sunday. One can only wish sometimes. It's already seven-thirty as I move hurriedly around my room.

My natural curls are into a simple up-do. Satisfied, I slip into a pair of nude pumps while zipping up, with difficulty, the black wrap dress I'm wearing.

Jeez! One more reason to need a boyfriend? My subconscious finally wakes from her majestic slumber, making fun of my struggle. I roll my eyes.

"Phone, charger . . . keys!" I reach for my car keys on the table and clutch my bag unceremoniously.

It's bright outside as I clamber into my Old-Benny, a red worn out Ford Mustang in red, that I love like crazy, ready for another long day ahead. But as expected, much to my disappointment, the big guy starts acting up.

"Oh, no! Don't do this please!" I grunt, wrestling with the engine that's grunting twice as much for almost five minutes.

Just why do I love this old junkie so much, damn it! But of course it's because I'm too poor to afford a brand new Mercedes Benz or Tesla.

No more car talk. Shit, I'm gonna be late. I sigh heavily, leaning back on the headrest of my seat, mindful on what I should do with the L.A traffic awaiting.

"A taxi it is." I grab my handbag and exit the car in a rush.

After hassling with the jam, I arrive at campus about an hour later. It's certainly one of those terrible mornings that you may wonder how the rest of the day will be. First a haunted night, and then an awful morning filled with heat and noise.

Good morning Hollywood.

"Here goes nothing," I breathe, enjoying a bit of a fresh air surrounding the gigantic campus that's already buzzed with students and employees walking in and about.

Despite everything, U.C.L.A feels like home. It is a home.

"Morning, Kira. I'm glad you're early." Dana, our office assistant, regards me as soon as I arrive in the office. "Oh, that's a pretty dress." Her smile is dubious.

"Hey, thanks. Everything okay?" I reply while putting my belongings atop of my desk, ready to receive the bomb she's about to drop.

I know it's a bomb.

She is dark-skinned, short, slim, and talks like a broken record, but rather very efficient.

I glance up at her, and she looks in quite a frenzy; her short hair all ruffled from a constant scratching, I suppose, for it's what she normally does when things get tough in the office, and fingers are busy scrolling her tablet.

God, help me!

"You're supervising the morning exams today, so you better get ready, dear," she urges, and here the bomb explodes. "Only ten minutes left," she adds.

"What? But that's crazy! How come no one told me?" I lament, my voice begrudging—even though it's nothing new.

"Because they just announced the changes some minutes ago. Sorry, sweetie." Dana gives me an apologetic smile, ready to find her next victim.

Just great!

I work as a teaching assistant at the University of California, Los Angeles. The job that I never dreamed of, but came after me either way. I got a direct recruitment as soon as I graduated here two years ago.

Now I've learned to love and enjoy it. Who knows? Maybe it's my call.

I head straight to the auditorium, where the freshmen are already seated. Eyeing them for a while, I end up smiling at the few faces looking so anxious as though approaching the judgment day.

Well, who likes exams?

A bit later, as the students are poking their noses on the papers, my cell phone buzzes. I get a few looks that force me to walk out immediately not to disturb them. It's Samantha, my one and only crazy friend that would never let me live in boredom.

We're like SpongeBob and Patrick.

"Hey, Sam, don't you know it's business hours now?" I snap, half-shutting the door behind me.

"I know, but chill out," Sam quips, her voice full of ecstasy as though she's landed herself a new Mr. Gatsby.

"What is it?" I urge, fully aware that I'm breaking the rule and I may get in trouble if things go west.

"You're taking a leave this time, right?" she asks in her sassy voice, her enthusiasm unearthly.

"Yes, and?"

"Okay, listen," she says excitedly. "You and I are going on a vacation next week."

I scowl, wondering what she's talking about now. Damn, I need to get back!

"Hey, Kira, don't start playing dead now. I said we are going on a vacation, are you listening?" she snaps, annoyed at my floundering silence.

"I heard you," I reply absently, my eyes at the classroom through the door. "Sam, I'm supervising the exam right now. How about I call you later, please?"

"Fine!" she grunts, possibly rolling her eyes. "And you better call me, huh?"

"Okay, later." I hang up quickly, and get myself back to work with a smile.

I'm sure she is sulking right now.

She really hates when I ditch her, but I've got bills to pay. Plus, I can't risk getting caught on the phone while on duty. And given how chattering Samantha is, she can talk all morning if possible.

Later on after work, which has been longer than I anticipated, I go straight home—it's almost my usual routine. Nothing but the calmness and lavender scent welcome me in my apartment that's furnished in red and white.

Sometimes it feels so big that I'm starting to consider buying a pet.

Sighing, I kick off my heels, drop my handbag on the couch, and make my way towards the kitchen that's adjoined to the living room. I hope I can find something edible before I lose my balance.

It's like I've survived a hunger disaster.

Chicken sandwich becomes my dinner while I think of Sam's call and her crazy ideas. I better call her back before she makes a long distance scene. I'm so glad we live and work separately, or else it'd be a catastrophe.

We're like fire and water, yet inseparable.

"Finally," Sam speaks as soon as she picks up, and I throw myself on the red loveseat sofa, feet on the black, wooden coffee table.

"Tell me from the beginning," I urge, biting my sandwich.

"Hey, do you think you're the only one who works hard? I'm an executive assistant to one of the most successful Exporting companies in L.A!"

Here we go.

I decide to turn on the TV while I take in all of my friend's scolding, which I'm already used to. I'm glad it's WWE and it's Roman Reigns kicking some butt.

"Yes, Sam, I know that and I'm sorry about earlier." I roll my eyes. "So, tell me about your grand plans that you didn't consider consulting me first while making." I go sarcastic, and Sam couldn't care less about my whining.

"Look, I met this guy, let's say a client and he invited me to his ranch," she explains. "I kind of like him, Kira, so I accepted."

"Okay, and?" This ought to be good.

"And we're going together, next week," she says, making my eyes widen, but no surprise in them. "I'm not taking no for an answer, just to be clear."

"Huh?" I gasp. Well, she's always bossy . . . or pushy?

"You heard me," she prompts. "And besides, you love the countryside and I like him, so it's a fair bargain."

Oh! Why didn't I see this coming? Unsure whether Sam is requesting or informing me, I just swallow it as it comes, and take a deep breath coupled with a yawn.

"Sam, that guy, are you dating him?" I ask, my curiosity highly aroused.

"I think so," she returns with faint surety, and I frown bemusedly. "We had lunch, dinner . . . like two times. We kissed, we—"

Not the intimate details, please.

"Alright, enough," I interrupt her PG-rated talk. "Fine, I'll go with you."

"Really?"

"Yes, Sam. Didn't you say I have no option?" I roll my tired eyes.

Frankly, I prefer to spend my six weeks at home, reading books, watching movies, and maybe a beach walk or swimming during sunset. I'm a very simple person, and so is my life. But knowing Sam as I do for the past fifteen years, she won't ever let that happen.

However, I've been in the comfort zone—hiding behind my work—for two years and perhaps some little change of scenery is all I need to recharge my batteries. Same routine everyday can be toxic, I know, so how terrible would it be to go with her? I sigh heavily.

: Thank you for reading this book. For character delving and more, join me on Instagram and Twitter as