Lost In Time

★ Chapter 4 — Start of a Spark

We found ourselves seated on a worn-out bench nestled in the heart of a sun-drenched meadow, where the vibrant colors of flowers swayed in perfect harmony with the gentle breeze. A symphony of soft rustles and whispers enveloped us, enhancing the tranquility of the scene. Time drifted by in peaceful stillness until, finally, he broke the silence.

“Why would ya even think ‘bout such a dangerous quest?” His words lingered in the air, mingling with the sweet scent of blossoms.

Confusion carved deep lines on my forehead as I grappled with his question. “What do ya mean?” I responded, my voice tinged with curiosity.

He persisted, his worry casting a shadow over his features. “Ya oblivious to the pain it’d cause those ‘round ya? Did ya not stop for a moment to think ‘bout the consequences?”

The weight of his words settled upon my soul, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions within me. His probing continued, relentless in its pursuit of understanding. “Why would ya even consider embarkin’ on such a path?”

“It ain’t what ya think,” I protested, my voice barely a whisper. Suddenly, his hands enclosed mine, drawing me closer, seeking solace in our physical connection.

With earnest sincerity, he implored, “Please, never believe that surrenderin’ to darkness holds the answers. Whenever ya need someone to confide in, know that I’m here for ya.”

A tender smile flickered across my lips, born out of the gentle irony of his misunderstandings. Yet, his eyes remained locked with mine, filled with unwavering concern. “What’s so amusin’?” he questioned, his forehead creased with deeper lines.

Assured, I withdrew my hands from his grip, my laughter fading into a subtle, melodious chuckle. “I wasn’t contemplatin’ takin’ my own life,” I reassured him, hoping to ease his distress. “I was merely embarkin’ on an unconventional endeavor.”

The bewilderment etched upon his face mirrored my own experience, his disbelief almost tangible. “An endeavor?” he repeated incredulously, his voice laced with disbelief.

With a nod, I allowed a nostalgic smile to grace my lips, relishing the vivid memories of the past. “Indeed, but the tale is one so extraordinary that sharin’ it would shatter the boundaries of believability. Ya wouldn’t believe me even if I tried.” Our gazes turned skyward, our thoughts intertwining and drifting amidst the vast expanse above us as we delved deeper into the labyrinth of our musings.

A profound sense of longing washed over me as I contemplated the immense void my absence must have created within my family. Their anguished hearts yearned for my return, unaware of my current whereabouts. I couldn’t bear to inflict more pain upon them; they needed reassurance that I was safe and unharmed. But how could I bridge the distance between us? Lost in these thoughts, I was abruptly interrupted by David’s presence, an interlude amidst my contemplation.

While I knew my family existed in a different realm, their ethereal presence always lingering, I couldn’t deny that this place wasn’t truly mine. Doubt gnawed at the edges of my consciousness, leaving me questioning whether a path homeward even existed.

“So, what have ya been up to lately?” I ventured, delicately unraveling our intertwined hands. We engaged in a conversation that wove its way through the minutes, as David revealed tales of his own family and recent adventures. However, curiosity arose within me, compelling me to delve deeper into his motives. “By the way, why did ya choose to be here?” I inquired, my words tinged with intrigue.

He sighed, weariness shadowing his features. “My family and I are set to move tomorrow. I wanted to bid this place farewell one last time before saying goodbye myself.”

A sense of inevitability enveloped me, the unwavering power of fate refusing to be contained. Should I reveal the truth to David? Perhaps by doing so, I could alter the course of events and prevent the impending turmoil. With resolute determination, I parted my lips and uttered, “David, before ya depart, there’s somethin’ ya ought to know.”

He nodded, his gaze steady. “What is it?”

“When ya…” I hesitated, my voice faltering briefly, contemplating the magnitude of my revelation. But before I could continue, a voice resonated through the air, jolting both David and me from our conversation. I turned my head to behold Preston making his approach.

“Apologies, I didn’t realize there was company,” Preston stated, his eyes briefly meeting mine, forging an unspoken connection in that fleeting moment.

“It’s all right. I was just leavin’ anyway,” David interjected, offering me a warm smile before retreating from our shared space. Preston cleared his throat, finding his place beside me on the bench.

A moment of synchronicity unfolded, our voices entwined in harmony as we both began speaking simultaneously, laughter filling the air. He had been prepared to say, “I didn’t know ya and David were friends,” while my intention was to disclose, “I must leave now.”

“Ya first,” he proposed, his smile illuminating his face, mirroring my own.

“It’s gettin’ late, and I should return before my grandmother arrives home,” I amended my statement, recognizing the need for clarity.

“Your grandmother?” he inquired, genuine curiosity flickering in his eyes.

I corrected myself with a gentle nod. “I meant Marie, the kind woman who has taken me under her wing until my parents return.”

Understanding dawned on him, his expression affirming his comprehension. “Well, let me escort ya on your way home.”

The soft glow of streetlights cast an ethereal ambiance upon our journey homeward, illuminating our path as our footsteps resonated with a rhythmic click. A gentle breeze rustled through the air, its whispered melody intertwining with the surrounding silence, creating a soothing symphony that enveloped us.

“So, how have ya been?” he inquired, his hands nestled deep within his pockets.

“Fantastic,” I replied, my voice laced with sarcasm. “And yourself?”

A genuine smile graced his lips, momentarily captivating me. It was a smile that had an inexplicable power to ignite a cascade of joy within me. Though I longed to simply stop and revel in that moment, I restrained myself, gently biting my lip to suppress the infectious smile that threatened to emerge. There was something enchanting about him—whenever he smiled, it was impossible not to reciprocate.

However, my fleeting euphoria quickly gave way to a furrowed brow. My plans had gone awry, unraveling before me like a tattered tapestry. The painful realization that I might never reunite with my parents engulfed me, leaving an agonizing lump lodged within my throat. Suddenly, each step felt heavy, an arduous effort.

How would I find my way home?

A touch of concern tinged his words as Preston broke the silence. “Aren’t ya comin’?”

I cleared my throat, blinking repeatedly to prevent tears from spilling down my cheeks. Several seconds passed before I summoned the strength to look at him, offering a gentle smile accompanied by a nod. I quickened my pace, catching up to him.

“So, how do ya like your new home?” I inquired, a fleeting image of my family from this alternate timeline flickering through my mind. Gratefulness welled within me, knowing that even if the possibility of returning home seemed dim, I had the opportunity to know them in this reality.

“It’s good,” he responded, his words carrying a sense of contentment. I turned to gaze at him, our eyes locking in a shared moment. A smile danced upon my lips, mirroring his own.

“Well, this is where I live,” I mentioned, halting in front of my grandmother’s house.

“Ya live with Marie,” he remarked, a glimmer of realization dawning upon him.

I murmured in affirmation, “Yes.”

A smile adorned his face as he spoke, “I live just three houses away.”

The conversation tapered off, leaving us standing there, our gazes locked. It felt as though it was only the two of us, united against the vastness of the world. However, the ephemeral enchantment shattered when Faith’s voice pierced the silence, dispelling the momentary spell we had fallen under.

I turned my gaze towards the house, catching sight of Faith peering at us through the window, a smile gracing her features. Sighing, I couldn’t help but find it amusing how, even as a teenager, it felt as though my mother was intruding upon my date, despite it not truly being one.

A hesitant smile etched its way across my face. “I suppose I should go.”

His lips curled into a small smile as he nodded, leaning towards me and planting a quick peck on my cheek before departing.

I stood there, stunned, my eyes blinking slowly as my mind processed the unexpected occurrence. Had he just kissed me?