It All Started With A Lamp

Chapter 1

Running. Running, at least I think I am. I can't see, can't hear, can't feel, anything. Is this all a dream I don't know, but it feels so real. The trees around me start to blur, "Audrey! Audrey!" I hear, but I don't know who that is. I don't know anything anymore.

I see a clearing and I rush towards it. A pond. A beautiful pond surrounded by lush grass. A distant memory tries to fight its way into my brain, but the pain keeps it at bay. I hold my aching head in my palms, massaging my temples.

Touching the water I feel memories rushing back, with a pain so intense I fall back. Jack. Jack and my brother and everything that happened here. My brother, Noah, is dead, and it's all my fault. Sobbing, I shove my head between my knees, letting out all the tears I've held in for so long. Noah's dead, and I just ran from the only person I can trust, Jack. Jack Heiron. Love of my life. Partner in crime. Apple of my eye. Gone. He probably hates me now. I completely forgot him, called him a stranger, and ran away from him.

I've never felt so alone in my entire life. No family, no friends, and nowhere to go. Jack would never let me come back, the best thing to do would be leave town, or, state. I'm in Oregon. In a forest, not a town. I've always hated cities, to crowded, so, I moved out here. Which means I need to find a town or city *shudder* in order to leave state and head to California. Angie and Ryan, my to best friends before I moved here live in Orville, and if I can find them, they'll definitely let me stay with them until I get back on my feet.

I find a trail and follow it for about 45 minutes before the trees open up to a road. I walk along it for a few minutes before a car pulls up. The driver rolled down his window, "Hey miss, need a ride?" He looks me up and down, then smiles, as if satisfied with what he's seeing.

"No thank you. I think I'll just walk". I say, then turn to continue down the road. He scowls and drives away, so much for my ride.