Visions ~ Prologue
by Mei

-Caitie-

They say that accidents happen everyday.

But when most people hear a truthful saying like that, it is brushed off like yesterday's horoscopes. Common sense proclaims that as long as their lives and atmosphere are intact, what's the point of listening to dreary, depressing news like that? Dwelling on what you can't change is about as entertaining as watching grass grow. Don't get me wrong, though. In the past, I could be found right there at the head of the crowd that shrugged problems away and said, "Accidents may occur everyday, but not to me."

Jamie, Val, and the rest of the EMT squad were definitely aware of this. They were faced with possibilities of death at work everyday. Mere seconds counted in their thrilling rushes from home to hospital. The foursome was on their toes daily with hope in their minds and hearts to give.

But I, unfortunately, chose not to take notice. No real accident had occurred to me, not one obstacle I couldn't overcome in a week or so.

Until that faithful day where normal life as I knew it changed.

---

"Leave me alone, Steve."

"I don't understand why you hang out with that Jamie dude anyway. You're too good for him." Steven Rivoira grinned, his dark yellow teeth appearing. They just topped off his whole look: dark slacks to hide spots, slightly torn shirt, and brown leather boots. Usually known as the class bully, he was used to getting what he wanted when he wanted. In short, a spiteful jerk that made any player on the football team an angel.

"We're just friends." I answered, ripping my eyes away from him. It was hard enough talking to him when he was in this mood, but to look at him was dangerous. For instance, I could tell him what I really thought about him. Now that would be disastrous...for his self-esteem.

I smiled serenely, and I suppose he took it the wrong way because he replied, "Then if you two are just friends, can you and I go out?"

Oh, how I wanted to tell him to get a life. How I wanted to say that I'd rather drink seawater than be his date. How every moment I spent with him I detested him more.

And...I did.

I'm me. I can't help being honest. Very, very unfortunately.

Steven took it okay for the first few minutes. He nodded, turned around, and left me to enjoy walking home by myself. The air was brisk, the coolest autumn day yet. Winter was soon to come, with snowflakes and snowmen just around the corner. I couldn't wait for the most peaceful time of the year.

It was then that the bat descended upon my head.

---

No, not an accident. But I could definitely identify with victims now.

The sirens flashed and roared, coming to ensure my safety.

I felt a pair of powerful arms wrap themselves around me, pulling me close and cradling me gently.

I didn't feel like fighting back. I hadn't let anyone so close for such a long time, but I was too tired to ask for him to let go. Besides, it felt comforting to know that someone cared. "My head, he hurt my head." I murmured, pressing my palm against my forehead in excruciating agony.

"Oh, Caitie, I should've been here." He leaned his cheek against the top of my head in silence.

I tilted my head slowly and looked up at my rescuer to give him the thanks he rightly deserved.

The only thing was...

I didn't recognize his face.

---