Lost Memories [Chapter 4]

I felt my heart jump with unknown excitement. I had no hint as to where I was being dragged but the thought of a surprise just seemed to brighten my spirits. At first, he trudged slowly pulling me along hesitantly and then turning his head over his shoulder to me. I gave him a small smile of reassurance and that’s when he really took off. He jolted toward the door he had entered through throwing it open in an overjoyed rampage, it startled me and made me wonder if he was always this giddy.

Outside, the light blared through like unwelcoming headlights. I had to bring my free hand up to cover the rays from blinding my sight. Although I didn’t know where I was headed I would still like to see instead of being completely clueless as to where I was. As I shadowed my eyes allowing them to adjust to my surrounding I examined them carefully.

Beneath my feet lay simple gravel, dusting up as we rushed through it. All around me, small shops and homes appeared on the sides, though, mostly homes. Everything that stood around me was fairly natural colored; multiple calmly shades of brown, green, blue, red, and yellow were present. Everything was made of hard stones and many canopies of cloth lay everywhere constructing some shade in various spots.

I spotted the lively crowd around me as well. A merchant off to my left was selling his wares to a local buyer, a young woman shopping for groceries, I suppose. Then, to my right, two lively children, younger than Seke and my age, tossed a ball back and forth down the large dirt street. Many more people sat around inspecting various things, and conducting conversation around them. Memory of my town came up blank, so all of this came as a surprise to me.

My feet scuffed against the road as I followed slowly behind Seke. He looked back at me, not completely coming to a stop.

“You’re going to have to move a little faster than that if we want to get
there in time,” he laughed at my baffled look. His grip on my hand tightened. I gulped and kept better pace with him as he jolted around people in faster than before. I smiled unevenly when I continuously ran into to people we passed. After being pulled to my arm extent, Seke and I finally came to any opening clear of people and buildings of any sort. Instead we were standing before a large forest.

Seke paused a short moment peering back at me, making sure I made it through the overwhelming crowd alive. My face appeared in aw as I searched over the setting sky.

I had taken no account as to what time of day it was, until now. It was twilight and my eyes searched the sky in contentment. “It’s…beautiful,” I whispered under my breath.

Seke stared up toward the setting sun, then back to me again. “Glad you think so, but this isn’t our stop,” he grinned, warmth shuddering off him.

I nodded and his grip on my hand stayed firm. He turned his back to me once more and took off in a shot into the giant overhead of trees and branches. I unsteadily followed behind, nearly tripping over my own feet. Small as they may be, they seemed to come as a big problem; in simpler words, I’m fairly clumsy.

Even the forest was beautiful. The leaves filled with vibrant colors of red, orange, and yellow. I smiled to myself. I kept better pace with Seke through the woods, he was strangely moving slower, being more cautious to my safety, I guessed. He zipped through the trees and we finally made our way to a clearing where bright light was shining through.

Seke picked up speed, his expression exhilarating. I felt my heart gain speed as well from his reaction. He looked back at me reassuringly and I smiled hugely, waiting to see what had gotten him all worked up for. We shot through the opening and a glorious scene unfolded before my very eyes.

An enormous field lay before my eyes. The sun was falling swiftly, glowing freely over the swaying grain. My heart stopped in its tracks. In inhaled deeply; flower scented the air freshly. A slight wind was slowing, pushing my hair back and I could feel the warmth that the slowly setting sun was giving off.

I had hardly realized my hand was still locked with Seke’s. His grip loosened and released, allowing my hand to fall limply at my side. Seke smiled back at me; his smile nearly as warm as the sun.

“Come on!” Seke broke my trance signaling me to follow. He flew forward and I followed along slowly, taking in the scenery. Placed, in the middle of the open field, sat a large rock. Just a rock but it was flat and smooth making it perfect for sitting. Seke plopped down on left side of the stone,”Sit,” he insisted patting the right side for me to sit. I inched forward awkwardly setting on the cold surface. He propped himself up on his hands and I brought my knees up to my chest, hugging my legs.

“This is where I found you,” Seke told me softly.

I turned my head slightly in his direction, looking from the corner of my eye. He sat there in contentment, peering straight ahead at the sunset changing the currently bright sky slowly to night. I couldn’t help but feel at peace, even the inside of me was still frustrated and puzzled.

“My sister and I came here everyday, and everyday we would watch the sun set,” he spoke, his eyes glued on the glorious picture. “We always sat on this rock, it’s like…tradition…even if she is gone,” he voice became a whisper.

“Well…” I spoke with optimism, “we can come here everyday…you know…to keep the tradition.” I smiled to him sweetly. He returned the smile and the warmth of my heart increased. The sun glistened in his perfect sea blue eyes like light reflecting off water.

“It’s a promise.” He stuck his pinky out. I pondered at it curiously before latching it with my own, and then smiled.

My heart dropped. I felt so put back together, sort of. I mean, I’ve known Seke for less than an hour, yet still, I feel so close to him. Strangely enough, I think he feels the same way back. Plain and simply it was nice knowing that even though I feel empty inside, Seke was slowly filling that in. And I’ll never forget the look he gave me when our fingers tied in our new promise.

“We should probably head home. Otherwise my parents will worry,” Seke informed me. My heart skipped a beat when he said ‘home’ instead of ‘my home’, referring it to both of us. I nodded and we slid of the slick stone. I took one last glance at the sky as the peak of the sun got smaller and smaller.

Seke took my hand as we, once again, raced off. We went back through the forest and back into Sudor. The streets were less busy as many occupants soon cleared out into their homes. Home; the simple word felt good to hear, to say, to feel. We slowed as we came to a familiar door; I’ve come to know now as our home. Seke released my hand and twisted the handle opening the door allowing me in. I stepped carefully through the door as my new friend followed behind. We were back in their living room.

“Zeek is that you?” Parada called from the kitchen.

“Yeah mom,” Seke replied blankly.

His mother stomped out to where we were, his dad following right behind; he looked just like the picture. “Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick about you, ‘cause you know those people know that Izame is staying here and I was scared that something might have-“

“We’re fine mom,” Seke’s irritated voice interrupted his mother rambling. “I just wanted to show Izame the field,” he stated as if of major importance.

“Oh,” his mother said, embarrassed by her outburst. “Well are you two hungry?” Seke shook his head then started at me. I mirrored his movements standing at his left. “Oh,” she repeated in an almost copy to her last tone. “Well, if you do get hungry just let me know, ok?” We nodded in unison. “Now, Seke, go show Izame her room,” she finished before sending us off down the hallway to the right.

Room. My own room. I couldn’t believe the kindness this family continued to show me. My grateful expression made my blue eyed friend giggle, I joined along. I couldn’t contain the happiness radiating off my face. I just had to smile hugely for I could not hide how overjoyed I was.

We shuffled down the dark narrow hallway. I trailed behind Seke slowly, observing my surrounding yet again. The off cream on the walls was identical to the living room and the carpet tan. The hallway was short and not much occupied it. There was a door all the way down at the end, one on the right half way down, and one on the left completely opposite of the one on the right. Before any doors came up there was a small side table placed to the right with one candle setting on top, illuminating the room. Seke stopped at the door on the right, pointing his small finger to it. I opened the door steadily, yet eagerly, waiting to see what my room would look like.

I inched the door opened and peeked inside. My eyes lit up. The walls were painted light blue. The bed matched the walls perfectly. The room was fairly empty; a dresser made of light wood and small tables placed on either side of the bed to match. My mind was in aw as I dragged my feet across the white carpet.

“Do you like it? It was my Lay’s,” he smirked at my expression.

“Like it? I love it!” I screeched, happiness dripping on my every word. My eyes gazed around the room in excitement.

“Good, I’m glad,” he stated then began trudging off out the door.

“Wait!” I pleaded. “Where are you going?”

Seke let out a deep yawn, “I’m going to bed…are you all set?” I nodded hesitantly. “If you need me I’m right across the hall.” I nodded again. “Well…goodnight,” he smiled and lifted his hand in the air sending himself off. I watched through the open door until the black haired boy disappeared behind his door. I mimicked his actions and quietly shut my door as well.

I slid over to my only window placed across the room. I pondered out it and stared up the sky. It was dark now and a crescent moon lay high above me. My necklace matched the admiring moon. Gently, I placed my hand on one of my most cherished items and closed my eyes trying to remember where I’d got it from. But of course…nothing.

I frowned and threw myself upon my bed. My eyes fell and mind faded in the dark. Even if I hadn’t realized it before, I was exhausted, but lonely and unsure of the things around me. But, without another thought I quickly lost consciousness.

I was warm and I gently lifted my eyes to the blinding whiteness. Confused, my eyes shot around me furiously. Where was I? I seemed to be in lying in a blissfully endless white room. I sat up slightly, completely baffled. The room was completely empty, had no walls, no ceiling, just pure light surrounded me.

“Don’t be frightened, Izame,” I severely calm and serene voice called to me. I look around the light anxiously looking for the source of the voice.

“In due time…” The sound was practically a whisper of pure serenity. ‘In due time…? What was that supposed to mean?’ I thought to myself. My frail body stood to the voice.

“Who are you? Where am I?”I was more nervous than stern as I asked unsteadily.

“In due time…” they repeated.

“What does that mean?” eager frustration was clear in my still slightly nervous voice.

“Have patience,” they softly spoke. Their voice was like the wind whistling through my ear. “Grant the light permission to your mind.” Their words fueled my confusion. To me, they were just seamlessly rambling. “Izame, listen…” they continued.

“How do you know who I am?” I yelled to the emptiness.

Suddenly the voice disappeared and the light surrounding me gracefully turned to a growing pitch black. It inched closer and circled my terrified body. I made no movement; my breath was caught in my throat.

“Izame breath.” I heard a voice shutter.

“Izame breath!” Seke shook my shoulders repetitively. His flustered face was a foot from my own when I shot my eyes open in a fit. I shot my body upright and Seke repelled backward, frightened by my expression. “Are you alright?” He sympathized. I shook my head furiously. My mind was boggled. “I came in here to see if you would be hungry, considering you haven’t eaten all day. You were shaking and sweating real heavily. You also mumbled something like ‘The light’.” He placed the back of his hand to my forehead. “What happened?” his concern was calming my flustered thoughts.

My jade eyes were wide with fear. I hadn’t even acknowledged Sekes concern. “Izame!” his words finally broke through my thoughts as he waved his hand in front of my stunned face.

“Huh?” I sounded fully bewildered.

“What happened,” Seke was losing his patience.

“Uh…er…I just had a bad dream, that’s all,” I shrugged it off. Seke didn’t want to throw it aside but glanced at my content look and tried to forget about it.

“Well…are you hungry at all.”

“Starving,” I sighed truthfully.

“Same here,” he stated. “Let’s get something to eat.” He reached out for my hand and I took his willingly. I pushed off my bed and he immediately released once I was steady on my feet. I tried holding back my mournful sigh from his release. His touch was strangely comforting. He turned and smiled to me before exiting with me trailing along.

I walked into the homely yellow kitchen for the first time. There was nothing special about the usual refrigerator, cabinets, and dining table surrounded by four chairs, two on each side. It was like any other kitchen. My feet slid against tiling as I wandered to the closest empty chair. The buoyant cushion was comfortable yet firm.

Seke met up with me sitting in the seat next to mine, on the right. In front of us, he plopped down multiple supplies for a sandwich: including creamy peanut butter, bread, a butter knife, and two red plastic plates. Preparing to make my first meal here I grabbed the plate in front of me, Seke mirrored my movements.

We sat quietly for a few moments, grabbing bread and spreading the peanut butter smoothly over it, then placing another slice atop it. I peered over at Seke who had also finished making his food. My giggles hit the surface of my voice as I examined his poorly constructed sandwich. He turned over to me sternly as he was midway into taking his first bite. More laughter spewed out.

“Shh!” Seke shushed me. He didn’t want to wake his parents, especially at high moon. I silenced. Repressing my laughter from slipping again I put my thumb and pointer finger together and twisted at my mouth, figuring me locking my mouth, and then throwing the imaginary key randomly behind me. Seke chuckled.

“So, Izame,” he spoke muffled, partly from talking with food shoved in his mouth.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full!” I quietly scolded.

Seke swallowed hard, “Sorry,” he whispered. I took a bite of my sandwich as well. “So, Izame,” he started back up.

“Hm?” I hummed.

“What was your dream about?” I chewed evenly pondering the question, then, swallowed.

“Well…I was in this ginormous white…room, I suppose.” Even though ginormous wasn’t an actual word, I felt my child-like instinct take over when telling a story. And, even though the dream frightened me, I found it much more entertaining speaking about it.

“I was all alone and from nowhere a soft voice spoke to me.”

“What did the voice say?” Seke asked eagerly, his big blue eyes bulging from his head. I chuckled at his awaiting face.

“Well, first of all, the voice knew who I was.”

“Yeah and…?” He just kept getting more and more wrapped up in excitement as I whispered.

“They told me not to be afraid.”

“Were you?”

“Well…I thought it was real…so yeah, I was a little taken by surprise.”

“Then what…?”

“They kept repeating ‘In due time…’, and when I asked them a question they wouldn’t answer me. It was really annoying. And then…” I was confused
even myself on the next part.

“Yes…?” he pushed me on.

“They said something like ‘grant the light into your mind’…or something like that.”

“What does that mean?”

“They wouldn’t tell me.” My feet swayed back forth under the table; I was too short to reach the floor. My soft sandwich met my mouth as I took a
second bite.

“So that’s why you were all shaken up? Because you didn’t know what they meant or something…?” He was confused, and the face that he was showing was priceless.

“Oh,” I paused and finished chewing before continuing, “no. After the voice had told me that, they disappeared, and an enormous pool of darkness started surrounding me…and then…well, you know the rest.”

“Oh, yes,” he put his thumb and pointer finger to chin, rubbing it slightly, “If I recall, after that, I shook you rigorously and then you woke up and almost hit me in the face.”

I smiled at him innocently, “Sorry.”

“Well, I was standing a little close for comfort,” he admitted. A devious grin grew on his face, “But, I mean… by the way you were spazing out it just-“

“Uh!” I punched the dark haired boy in shoulder, which, by the way, didn’t really seem to do much of anything. We both chuckled.

This was the start of a beautiful friendship.