She stares at his sleeping form.
She take a small breath and starts to sing.
"I remember tears streaming down your face
When I said, "I'll never let you go."
When all those shadows almost killed your light
I remember you said, "Don't leave me here alone,"
But all that's dead and gone and passed tonight
Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound
Don't you dare look out your window, darling.
Everything's on fire
The war outside our door keeps raging on
Hold onto this lullaby
Even when the music's gone
Gone
Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound"
(Disclaimer: Song belongs to Taylor Swift)
It's funny how much of a stranger he feels to himself. Watching the videos, watching this... impostor play as him. Johnathan can feel that he would actually act like this if he had never gone into a coma. His character was actually very accurate to his personality in these videos, a clown, someone people adore and make fun of, he was someone that makes people smile and laugh, even if it was at himself. Some part of him feels accomplished and happy at this but another part feels insulted. Why was he so split? Isn't this what he wanted? To be a role model, to be someone people can relax and laugh with? Johnathan shakes his head and rubs his face tiredly. There is no way he can imitate this! His mind has changed and Johnathan is sure some part of his intelligent side will show. Intelligent side? Johnathan makes a face at that thought. Since when did he call it a side, a separate part of himself? Why did it sound like he is trying to suppress something? He casts the thought aside and gets up with a sigh. Looking around the room, Johnathan makes a face at the filth and cobwebs. So unsanitary. Again Johnathan is startled at the thought but he pushes it aside to begin cleaning.
Two days later, everything sparkled and shined, food was replaced and all creepy crawlies were smashed. Even the toilet was clean enough to eat off of. With an exhausted huff, Johnathan slumps in his desk chair. He turns his computer on and looks to see if his friends were online.
Vanoss: Hey, has anyone noticed Delirious hasn't been on in a while?
Mini Ladd: Yeah, I haven't seen him upload anything in a while as well. He usually uploads at least once a day.
Basically: Think something came up?
Vanoss: No need, he's online. Hey, Delirious, you up?
Delirious automatically reaches for the keyboard but he hesitates.
Vanoss: Delirious?
Delirious: Hey, yeah. Just woke up, still very tired.
Basically: Hey, Evan, I gotta go. Dinner's at the door.
Vanoss: Sure. Enjoy the pizza.
Basically has logged off.
Mini Ladd: So, Evan you coming?
Delirious: Where?
Mini Ladd: Oh! I've invited Nogla, Evan, Brian and Anthony to come with me to this luxury lodge for a week. It has computers and internet so we'll be able to upload there and it comes with free food. I've been there before and I can guarantee that the beds are to die for. I would've invited you as well but I know you don't want us to know what you look like.
Johnathan frowns in thought. He might have had concerns before his coma but now his uncertainty is overshadowed by logic.
Delirious: Where is it?
Mini Ladd: Some where in Oregon, Hillstone City? I think that's what its called. I'll have to check again. I know the lodge is called Dean's Relaxation Weekend Lodge.
Johnathan gasps. Oregon, Hillstone City?! That's the same place from the other world where he worked as a doctor. The lodges name isn't lost either. Void Dean. It may be some guys first name but the connection is still there. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Maybe he'll finally get some answers.
Vanoss: Delirious, you still there man?
Delirious: Let's make a deal.
Mini Ladd: Wait, you mean...
Delirious: I know you guys want to meet me in person, have been for a while.
Vanoss: Delirious, you know you don't have to...
Delirious: I'll come on the condition I wear a mask, like the one on my character model. If I feel comfortable, I'll take it off and show you my face. If not, you guys don't heckle me at all about it or I'll leave right away.
It was a bluff but one Johnathan knew they would believe. He wasn't leaving until he has his answers and if they made him leave, well, he knew how to survive in the woods. Wait, how does he know that?
Vanoss: Delirious...
Mini Ladd: This is great! I'll make sure to book a room for you! We're all leaving to the lodge on October 21st. Oh, the guys aren't going to believe this!
Mini Ladd has logged off.
Vanoss: Delirious... what happened?
Delirious has logged off.
Johnathan stares at the screenshot he took of Evan's last reply. What had happened? What made him change? Why did he change? Did he just make a mistake? All these questions and more run through his head. Johnathan's eyes harden with stubborn determination. No, this is something he has to do, he can feel it, like a pull on his soul. His friends just granted him an easier and more convenient solution. Opening up google search engine he searched this lodge up and researched as much as he could on it and its surrounding area. He's shocked by what he finds but it only makes him more determined. Looking at the calendar, he notices he's got about two weeks to prepare. Johnathan leans back and cracks his knuckles.
"Let's get ready, shall we?"