It's Not a Dream - Larmau AU

1 (Aphmau)

Chapter written by Ashlyn, edited by Ava

Today was my birthday, and I was actually happy, unlike almost every other day of my life. Today, the 'group' was coming, to take me, and make me one of the stars in their show. Nobody knows what it'll be about. Everyone's been complaining, saying this is unfair, and the chosen stars should have the freedom to say if they want to participate or not.

I said yes.

I am Aphmau Phoenix, daughter of the mayor of Phoenix Drop Village, in the country of Ru'aun. At least, I used to be. Now I live alone, never knowing what to do with my time. I moved out when my father disowned me after my mother passed away. He said it was too painful having me there after what happened. I do look like a miniature copy of my mother.

Every day of my life is now spent in boredom, either lying on my bed, playing video games, or shopping for food. I have no friends, no family, as far as I'm concerned. Whenever my father calls, I don't answer, and I never get phone calls from anyone else, as I don't socialize.

Until that one day.

A week before my birthday.

They called. They said I'd have to participate in their show, and they have leverage over me, if I say no. My father told me not too, rushing to my apartment at three in the morning, but I ignored him. Something new in my life would help.

So here I am now, packing my bags at midnight. All ready to go. The phone was ringing, and I was debating leaving it there, but I figured, this would probably be the last time I could talk with my father before I was there.

"Hello?" I said, my voice scratchy form lack of sleep.

"Aphmau, I'd just like to say good-luck, even if I think this is a really bad idea." Said my father's voice on the other end of the phone.

"Thanks dad. I'm going soon, so..." I trail off.

"I love you Aphmau, and I wish things could be different-"

"Well, they aren't, you disowned your own daughter, and I'll never forgive you." I slam the phone down, stalk over to my bed, and continue packing. I figured, since this is a game show, I wouldn't need much, so I just was packing a couple things into my purse.

My lucky charm, a bracelet from my mother, some money, and I was set. On the phone call, they said clothes and other necessary items would be provided, so that was crossed off the list. I was leaving for the airport at two, as if we left earlier, our group would be swarmed by fans of the new show, and the paparazzi.

I lay on the bed, and drifted quietly into a light, troubled sleep, with my alarm clock set to go off at one-thirty. An hour and a half of sleep before I leave sounds nice.

In her dreams, Aphmau stands before a large building, before the dreams disappears into a swirl of mist. Aphmau then watches as some other people enter a room, one at a time, hours in between each one. Finally, it was Aphmau's turn. She opened the door, walked in, and was consumed by darkness.

I jerked upwards, panting and sweating, the memory of the dream already fading. It was time to leave now, so I grabbed my purse, rubbed the sleep of of my eyes, and left the room. Already, I was getting an unsettled feeling. Probably just a side effect from a nightmare. I walk down the dark stairwell, and emerge into the cool night air of summer.

I look around, taking in what all the buildings look like at night. I've never been out at night. Once a week, I go grocery shopping, for essentials, and for the rest of the week, I either stay in my room, and walk in the park. Nobody knows me personally, but everyone knows me as the odd daughter of the mayor, who he cast out after her mother's death.

People nod to me, and I wave back, but nobody talks to me. In the past three months, I've talked to the owner of the grocery store, my father, and some people from the 'group'. Not much, right? Neither my mother or father had any sibling, so I don't even have other relatives, as my grandparents have also passed away. It's just me on my own now.

It's just something I have to deal with.