The World Between Us

Chapter 1- Taylor's Perspective

     Life was normal. At least, our kind of normal. You go to school, maybe catch a party or go study, and then go home. Today wasn't like that. Whatsoever. I'd assume you're wondering who I am right about now. I'll give you the short version. My name is Taylor Colene. I am a junior in high school. I am sixteen and live with my parents. I am an only child. That's pretty much all you need to know. Anyways, this is what happened.

I was walking home with my best friend, Connor. Then, out of the ordinary, a boy appeared, then disappeared. I just kept staring at that spot until Connor wove his olive-tinted hand in front of my face.

"What?" I asked him, taking a step back.

"Are you okay?" He asked, pulling his hand away.

"Yeah... I just.... thought I saw something, that's all," I responded, turning my back to the spot that boy was.

"Oh, okay... do you remember what I just said?" He asked, putting his hands in the back pocket of his jeans.

"No..." I had answered as he had rolled his eyes at me.

"Okay. I had asked you if you wanted to go to Malie's party today," he had half asked, half told.

"When is it?" I had asked.

"In a half an hour. Got your bathing suit?"

"I had swim today, so yes," I respond sarcastically, pulling out the black bikini.

"You wore that?"

"No, ding-dong. Malie told me this morning," I replied. "Let's go."

So here we are now. At the party. Upon arriving, I unlink my arm from Conor's and head to the bathroom, bikini in hand. After changing, I open the door. Only to find I'm not at Malie's. Yes, I'm at a party, but it wasn't hers. The worst part? It isn't a pool party. Walking around, covering myself with my hands, which does little more than nothing, a boy walks up to me. He looks deadly familiar, but I don't know why.

"Hey, I'm Leo. I don't think we've met," he tells me, holding out a hand. He was tan and wore a light blue shirt. He had blonde hair and brown eyes. He was well built and obviously firm yet kind. Suddenly, it hit me. He's the boy that had appeared earlier today!

"Taylor," I introduce myself, shaking the hand he held out for me.

"Are you okay? You seem a little uneasy," he tells me as I swallow and look into his eyes. Warm, soft, and understanding.

"I just... don't exactly know where I am," I answer, deciding to tell him the truth.

"You're at Meteor's house," he responded, like I was supposed to know who that was.

"And that is who?" I ask, putting my hand on the back of my head.

"Seriously? You don't know Meteor? He's only the most popular kid on Thrae. He's Stella's best friend?" He answers matter-of-factly.

"Who is Stella and what is Thrae?" I ask, completely confused.

"I'm sorry if I sound offensive right now, but are you dumb? Thrae is our planet. Well, I guess he isn't the MOST popular, but he's still pretty popular.

"No, we live on Earth. EVERYBODY lives on Earth," I argue, completely confused.

"Wait, what? Can I talk to you outside?" He asks. As I nod, he grabs my hand and leads me outside. Suddenly, we're back at Malie's. Connor walks over to me as I release Leo's hand.

"There you are. I've been looking all over for you," Connor complains, giving me a tiny side hug. "Who is this."

"I'm Leo," he responds, holding out his hand.