Lost In Time

Chapter 3 - A Possible Way Back

Juliet’s P.O.V.

“My friends and I tables are at the core of the cafeteria,” Patricia said, her hands stretching to where she was referring.

My grandpa would always tell me about when he was younger and what his school was like in every detail. And I got to say It looks exactly like how he describes it.

Grandpa Sonny always gives even the tiniest detail of something when he talked, and grandma would always find it irritating.

Grabbing our trays, we got in line with the rest of the students as I asked Patricia what they are serving today.

Replying she said, “It has been the same thing since last week; a half-pint carton milk, Rectangle Pizza, Beef Macaroni, Fish Sticks, Buns, Popeye Salad, Peach Slices and Tapioca pudding which I honestly hate. I mean, out of all things, why does it have to be Tapioca Pudding?”

I laughed gently at her as she continues to fret about the Tapioca Pudding while we grab our lunches. I took a half-pint carton milk, Rectangle Pizza, Fish sticks with the papaya salad. Glancing at Patricia’s tray, I saw she got the same thing as I did.

“I can’t wait to introduce you to my friends, they’re gonna love you,” she said, sitting down, I went and got a seat right next to her opposition of the same guy whose name I don’t know till now.

After getting comfortable, she went on introducing me to everyone one of her friends and did the same with them likewise.

David And Michael are twins, and they look exactly with their dark blonde hair. I couldn’t distinguish them well, except until I notice David had a mole on his lower lip on the right corner where Michael didn’t have anything.

Next, she introduces Josh, who was her boyfriend, he had white hair with jade-like eyes, which makes me wonder; was he born with white hair or did he get it done like that? But upon seeing the peculiar look on my face, he said that was his original hair, and their ladies loved it as he winked at Patricia as her cheeks turn pink while glancing toward the side before a grin spread across her face looking at him.

Then there was him; the guy I keep seeing everywhere. Preston is his name, and to me, it suits him very well. He had raven hair with smoky eyes.

He’s cute, that thought flooded my mind as I gazed at him. I shake my head as if to get those thoughts out of my mind. The only thing I need to be focusing on; is how to return home? This sounds simple, but I have no idea where to start.

Abruptly, an idea popped up in my head like a light bulb. I think it might get me back home. I could feel my heart pounding as I resist the urge to clap my hand and jump up and down as if I won a million-dollar.

I know it will work!

I might be able to get home.

                                                                                            ***My grandparents would always tell tales about how flowers grew like weeds in the garden, and I would never have guessed I would see it one day. But now I have to say goodbye.

I wandered on the brick pathway, going deeper while the flowers in the field scattered and dances in the gentle breeze. My fingertip was mildly brushing against it as I strolled by—a small smile dancing lightly at the corner of my lips.

The path leads me to a bench in the middle of the gardenlike area in the meadow. I took a seat as I recall there wasn’t one before, or maybe I didn’t notice.

For some reason, I can’t help but feel gloomy.

I sighed and stood, deciding to explore the rest of the garden before I try to get back home. As I continue to wander, I came across a small cliff at the end. I inched closer and looked down. At the bottom was a small lake.

Wait.

When we went on that school camping, one day, Sarah, Beth, and I walked back to the campsite, and I fell into a pit, something like a lake.

So maybe If I jump off, I will somehow magically reach home. That idea sounds better than the one I had before. And if it doesn’t work, there is water at the bottom so I won’t die, I think.

With a long deep breath, I lift one foot and place it over the cliff. I glance down one more time, but with a trembling heart, I pulled back.

Maybe I should try the first idea.

I sigh and push all negative thoughts aside and try again. Darkness immerses me as I close my eyes. I gulped and took a step when suddenly I was pulled back.

My stomach dropped as my heart pumped against my chest. I shouted and struggle when a voice said, “It’s me,”

I still for a moment, recognizing his voice.

Oh thank god, I almost had a heart attack.

He tenderly unwrapped his arm and took a step back. I shivered as if feeling chilly and turned to look at him.

With his hand on his head, he stood still. It almost seems as if he is not breathing. He goes to open his mouth but closed it back.

I wonder what’s on his mind?

After a moment has passed, he looked down before glancing up back catching my eyes. “Why?” was all he could say.

Huh.

I tilt my head and stare at him. He then places his hands in his pockets as he waited for me to answer.