Unreal

Chapter Three

        He scoffed, "I was trying to keep your condition from worsening. And yes, we're here."

        "Great," I hopped off of Crimson without a second thought, and landed on a soft forest floor. "Where is it? I thought we were going to a doctor," I took a long glance at the surrounding area. It was a forest; there were no buildings in sight. This forest, however, was greener. Way greener. Unlike where I just was, this forest looked healthy, and normal. It wasn't faded, or grey.

        I briefly thought about what a cool plotline that could be for a book. Save the dying forest from the evil people that drain life from it. But who was I kidding, I couldn't write to save my life. That was Kat's thing.

       There it was again, that throbbing sensation in my throat, and the hole in my heart. I blinked tears out of my eyes, and carefully avoided Mr. Annoying's gaze- It would be really embarrassing to be caught crying.

        "We can't just walk straight into this town," He spoke. He seemed to not notice I was avoiding his gaze- that was good.

        "Why not?" I asked. Thankfully I had gotten the crack in my voice under control. I put up my confident and cocky wall back up and turned to face him.

        He scratched the back of his head, and I didn't miss the way his eyes darted to the side briefly. "I'm not on the best of terms with some of the people there."

        I raised an eyebrow, "Explain," I demanded.

       He shook his head, refusing, "All you need to know is that it's best they don't see me. Let's just get through the town and head straight for the healer. I know the way."

        "Wow, you must be really good at making enemies; can't say I blame them though, you're not really the most likeable person," I jabbed, then grinned.

        He scoffed, then crossed his arms, "Enough attitude. Let's go."

        "Fine," I rolled my eyes.

        Mr. Annoying parked Crimson by a pool of fresh water and started leading the way deeper into the forest. Or maybe it was less deep in the forest. I couldn't tell.

        - - Fern - -

        I paced and paced. My watch buzzed. Move goal achieved. I scowled.

        Then I saw the time.

        4:23

        I slumped over and back onto the beanbag in my room. She had been gone for nearly four hours.

        I had left about an hour after Renna went missing, and she still hadn't returned. This didn't seem right. She wasn't the type to leave home without notice. I had this feeling something was very wrong.

        I was probably stressing too much. She would come back on her own, she probably just needed space. At this rate I would get grey hair early.

        I leaned back and took a deep breath. this ordeal was doing wonders for my anxiety

        - - Renna - -

        We were at the edge of the town. It was a bustle of activity, though it was small. It looked like something straight out of a book.

        The houses were made of a type of stone, it seemed. they were white, and had glowing lines carved into the outsides that seemed to provide light. The doors were a metal of sorts and were automatic, with the same glowing engravings in them. Plants were lining everywhere, but not overgrown. There were types of flowers I'd never seen before, and pretty average seeming foliage.