Precarious Hopes and Dreams
Chapter 1
Rising Questions
I leaned back on my bed and sighed after I finished reading my fan fiction for the millionth time. I stared at the front page and watched the pictures and words blur, realizing that the words that created the story weren't real. A feeling of depression and disappointment swept over me. I had truly hoped that the story was true. It was so much more interesting than real life, even though life was filled with good times. The idea that I could be something supernatural or mystical was very compelling.
I sighed again to the realization that being "the Sixth Ronin Warrior" was far too much to hope and wish for. I glanced at the clock, eleven-thirty, time for bed. Darkness swelled in around me as I turned out the light and climbed into bed. Faint and unconscious hopes filled my mind and my dreams as I drifted to sleep.
* * *
The next morning I rushed to get ready for school while my friend, Erin, waited to walk with me to the bus stop. Finally, I was out the door and walking with her. She and I talked about numerous things on the way.
The school bus arrived at the stop as we approached. Most of the seats were empty when I got on. Nothing big, at least the bus wasn't totally full. I sat down in the very back seat and Erin sat down beside me. She was the same height as me; she had shoulder length dirty-blonde hair and hazel eyes. I'm about five foot three inches; I have golden brown hair and dark blue eyes.
As the bus made its way to the high school, I gazed out the window as if in a trance into the trees as they passed by rapidly. I would've gotten dizzy, but time somehow seemed to slow and I saw the trees, oaks, more clearly. I might've imagined it, but I could've sworn I saw a person standing on one of the tree limbs. I shook off the thought, blinked, and rubbed my eyes. I looked again. Another one, this one in green and white other than orange and white, stood confidently on a tree branch, his thick, blonde hair swaying in the wind. I held his gaze, which was strong, very tense, and serious. I felt a strange feeling grow in the pit of my stomach.
I asked myself, "Am I going crazy? What the hell? ---It couldn't be!"
I was still in wonder as I got off the bus. I asked Erin if she had seen anyone in the trees. She said no and shook her head, which bothered me even more.
* * *
The day pressed on, slowly and miserably. I couldn't stop thinking about what happened that morning. Everyone was wondering why I wouldn't talk to them or tell them what was wrong. I must admit, I was acting like a zombie, not saying a word to anyone, not even teachers. However, I'm not a very talkative person anyway.
I softened a little when lunchtime came around because I could talk to Ida and Leona.
"Hey, girl!" Ida said as she walked up to me during lunch.
"Hi!" I replied and I gave her a hug.
We continued to talk. It's funny that was the best mood I had been in all day.
I felt a tap on my shoulder.
"Excuse me," said a British accented voice. "I need to talk to you."
I nodded, I didn't know who he was, but yet he seemed familiar. I turned to Ida who was staring at him with her mouth open. He had light brown hair and blue eyes. His body was that of a swimmer's and I couldn't help but notice that he was very cute. I blushed at the thought.
"I'll talk to you later, Ida." I smiled as I followed the boy to a somewhat secluded place in the courtyard.
He spoke first, "My name is Cye."
"I'm Lisa," I said as I shook his hand. "It's nice to meet you." I was puzzled, but I had this odd feeling that he had no intention of harming me in anyway shape or form. He had a very firm grip.
Before he had his chance to say anything, Leona came running up.
"Hey, girl! What's up?" she said.
"Nothing much. This is," I turned to Cye, who was nowhere to be seen.
"What?" asked Leona. She looked at me with a puzzled expression on her face.
"Uh, um, nevermind," I replied, disappointed. "Where'd the hell did he go?" I asked myself, bewildered.
I ran around the courtyard, hoping to catch a glance of him wherever he went. She followed me bewildered. Gosh, darnit! I sighed and continued to chat with Leona.
Lunch went by relatively quick. I had to dodge a few people that have caused me hate and discontent. I wasn't about to subject myself to those feelings with the same people again. It was nothing that I couldn't handle, but I didn't enjoy the extra effort.
* * *
My classes were really boring. I fell asleep in a few. I had a very disturbing dream. I dreamt about my fan fiction and the Ronin Warriors coming back for my help. It was spooky, why did they need me? Was it true?
I woke up with a start; the bell had rung. It was the dismissal bell; I drowsily made my way to the bus. Someone came up behind me. I turned around to see who it was. I turned to stare at a face that I had not looked straight into in over a year or at least when he was looking back at me. He was still dreamy, but from what I've heard, an idiot. My stomach churned.
"Hey! How're you doing?" the voice asked.
It was Jake, my ex-boyfriend. "Okay, I guess," I answered in a non-convincing tone of voice. It was almost like I was asking for pity, which I really didn't want.
He cocked his head. He saw right through my words. "You don't sound like you're totally sure."
"I'm not actually. It's been a really hard year," I lowered my head, then raised it back up and smiled. "I hope you're doing okay."
"I think I am. Much better, I think," he laughed. "Do you know them?" He nodded toward a group of five guys joking around and running toward us.
My eyes grew wide. "I think I do, but I'm not sure," I said as I gazed at them.
We just stared until they were right in front of us.
The one that spoke to me had black hair and bright blue eyes, "Hey Lisa!"
"Uh, hello. Do I know you?"
"You should, but we still need to talk to you."
The three I had seen over the course of the day were standing right there. I was so confused it wasn't funny.
"What are you going to talk about?" Jake asked. He surprised me; I didn't think he'd care. He probably doesn't anyway.
The five continued to stare at me. Something flickered, everything faded in and out and I had no control over it. Some thing was happening, but what? Why? I asked myself. This shouldn't be happening!
* * *