Visions

A Striving Start...That's One Way To Put It...

The rain poured and crashed on the sidewalks, roofs, and alleys as I ran. I don't know where I am or where I'm going all I know is that I need to survive. The rain was making difficult to see what or who was chasing me...Then the world went dark.

I woke in I cold sweat and looked around realizing I wasn't at home or in a city, but in a forest in the middle of nowhere with nothing.

"Hello, I've been wai...."

Before the creepy voice in the forest could finish I screamed and ran behind a tree, grabbed a branch, and threw at him where it counts.

He lurched over in pain and after about 2 minutes he staggered to his feet he said,

"Relax, It's ok."

I studied his appearance and noticed multiple tattoos and markings like a cult sign or something religious to him. I also noticed a tattoo that said, "Fear or be feared. Choose or be chosen for." what could that mean? Something Religous? Family saying? Or a famous quote? I paused biting my lip and glaring at the ground trying furiously to figure out what the heck it meant or even stood for. Before I answered I glanced at the tattoo once again so I could remember it. I continued to ponder on my thoughts a bit longer before replying.

"I don't trust you. Why would anyone trust you? For one you're a stranger, two you're a creepy guy wearing a plain black hoodie covering your eyes, not to mention that it's too small to where it doesn't come all the way down your wrists and black pants, and black shoes. Creppy what do you think. Don't forget we're both in the middle of nowhere and three you were going to say you've been waiting for me, at least I think you were"

"You do have a good point...but still"

"Then why did you say you've been waiting for me?"

"Well you've been passed out judging by the sun and days about 6 days,7 hours, 12 minutes and, 43 seconds."

"Wait...what...? But you couldn't have even tried to sound less creepy? And were you stalking me?"

"Calm down, I was trying to be nice and look after you. And you talk a lot for a teenager."

"Well not all teens are self-absorbed or addicted to their phone's, now are they?

"Well no, you just seem like someone who'd be a gamer. Your messy bun, wide-framed glasses, and sweatshirt that says "Gamers Unite!" on it. So what do you expect from me, I just met you.

Anyway, I'm Quentin, your personal guide to the outside world."

"Ok... I'm Beth I guess."

I sat for a minute waiting for him to say something in that melancholy voice of his when he shattered like glass and disappeared. Beth jumped at the sight and just sat stunned for a while when she finally snapped out of it she decided to look around for something anything. It was quiet almost silent beside chirping of birds and what not. Judging by the suns position it was around 7:00 am the sun was already hot and beating down on me through the trees. Sounds of birds, bugs, and other creatures moving around to start their daily routine rilled the empty silence that seemed to go on and on without end. The day stayed quiet as the sun continued to rise in the sky, And that's when I had heard footsteps from behind.

Jumping around to the other side of the tree, trying to steady my breath I glanced down to see a squirrel. A plain old brown fluffball scampering around scavenging for food.

"Wow! Ok then. Wait why am I talking to myself?"

"Ya, that's a good question. Sounds like a personal problem." She said it in that I'm-so-much-better-than-you-ever-were voice that everyone knows and loves...That was sarcasm.

When I jumped from the sound of that voice I knew that voice anywhere. It's my friend Miya. Or at least she "was" my friend Miya... Should I turn around? Am I ready? Am I really still scared of her...after all these years? I turned expecting to see her long blonde hair, sweet smile, and hear her encouraging words. To my surprise it was her, but it wasn't at the same time. Miya and I had been friends years ago, back in first grade something happened and she had changed. She was the popular one now, the perfect Barbie doll it seemed. But with a nasty attitude that anyone with any common sense would avoid at all costs.

My eyes shifted down and I just stared at her bright pink pumps that were covered in fresh mud.

"You know Miya, I'm going to tell you this straight out. I'm. Scared. Of. You. I always have, and always will. You're popular and everyone wants to be your friend wants to be like you and look like you. I'm scared because I don't want to be like you yes I may want to change who I am but I don't want to be one who everyone wants to be I don't want to be the same as someone else. I want to be me."

I could feel her sharp bright blue eyes searing into my mind.

" ....Well, are you just going to stand there and not apologize?"

"Miya? I apologize? Really I didn't do a thing as far as I'm concerned I had said nothing or done anything and out of the blue you stomp off and have bullied me ever since. So why am I the one having to apologize?"

"Ok. And?"

"Why are you so complicated? Why can't you just open your eyes and see who you've become Miya...This isn't you!"

There was a brief pause before any of us said anything. I took this moment to compare her old self to her new self. Her fun blue and green and rainbow T-shirts were now replaced by A bright pink crop to the spelled Barbie in bright white letters. Her ripped jean shorts were now vintage ripped shorts with jewels everywhere and tennis shoes that are now heels.

"Well, then you obviously don't know me Brat or whatever your name is. Now get me some fresh clean water to clean my brand new pumps. Make yourself useful why don't cha'."