Piece of Heaven - Chapter One

The deafening sound that filled my ears was accompanied by the shattering of glass. I thought I heard someone scream, but my throat felt hoarse and I realized it was me. I didn't see what happened next. After I heard a car horn blaring, I saw the bright lights. I shut my eyes tight, pulling my chin close to my chest, covering my head with my hands. I didn't dare open my eyes. Little did I know, I'd never open them again.

I woke up screaming. Pain shot all over my body and I thought if I wasn't already on the floor, I'd have collapsed. It felt like I'd been run over by a truck, or hit in the back with a battering ram...repeatedly. My head was pounding, my bones felt broken. I was almost afraid to move, thinking if I did, I'd fall apart. My throat felt dry and parched, and after what seemed like an eternity, the pain started to subside, my screams ebbing into a soft whimper. Tears made trails down the sides of my face, gathering in my hair.
I don't know how long I'd been laying there. It seemed like time stood still, but eventually my breathing returned to normal and I felt somewhat like myself again. Now that I could see through the hot searing pain, and blinding tears, all sounds that escaped my lips ceased. I stared numbly up at the sky and I wondered how I could feel so...crappy on a day so blue, and bright, and full of white puffy clouds that towered all around me.
My head lulled to the side and I immediately felt my heart drop into my stomach. I was completely surrounded by the large, white masses. Above me, beside me, below me. I dared to move a little, not sure what I was laying on. I tested my weight on whatever it was that kept me from falling with my palms, applying pressure all around. It seemed sturdy enough, so I pushed myself up into a sitting position. My body was still sore and my throat was still raw from screaming and crying. I swallowed, and it felt like sandpaper. When I looked down, that sick feeling I had a moment before came crashing back.
I was floating. Or flying. Most likely dreaming. Whatever it was, I was so far up in the sky all I could see were clouds and blue. Panic started to flood through me again and it took all my remaining ounces of strength to keep myself from screaming again. I didn't think my lungs could handle any more of it anyway. Slowly, I stood up, trying to keep myself balanced on..whatever I was standing on. It was like walking on glass and the feeling made my head spin from vertigo. My legs wanted to give out from under me, and when they did I reached out, grabbing for something, anything.
To my surprise, something grabbed me instead. Rather than smack into the invisible floor or fall, crashing down to what I assumed was earth, I found myself supported by an arm around my waist. I followed with my eyes to see that my own arm had wrapped around the shoulders of a guy. I felt heat rush into my cheeks and I hoped like hell they were still red from crying earlier. He was looking down at me with one dark eyebrow raised, his expression amused. And just like that, embarrassment vanished and I tried to struggle out of his arms.
"Put me down," I asked a little too sharply.
"I wouldn't do that." His voice was masculine, attractive. For a minute, I was going to do what he said and let him carry me into the sunset. Almost.
"Yeah, no, I'd rather walk."
"Well, unfortunately for you, I'm the only thing keeping you from falling."
"I'm okay now, I can stand just fine." When I tried to plant my feet back on the invisible floor, I found it wasn't there. That's when I noticed we seemed to be hovering in the air, "What!?"
I held onto him tighter now, and in turn, his arms that encircled me held me closer against him. "When I touched you it vanished. Don't worry, we aren't staying here anyway."
Before I could ask where we were going, we were rising higher in the sky.  It was almost like he had invisible wings. Like I could feel the wind blow around me as they pushed us higher and higher.
I looked up, definitely not wanting to look down and saw a thick layer of white clouds. The minute I realized we were going through them, I tucked my head in his shoulder with out even thinking, bracing myself. What I felt was something soft, cool, and a little damp. Almost like I'd just taken a shower in fog. I peeked out from under the curtain of dark hair that fell in my face and instinctively looked at the stranger who was magically floating me through the sky.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure I was dreaming. It had to be a dream. This was too weird to be real, but it was so...vivid. I've never felt like I was actually living my dreams before. And this guy. He was like something only my mind could conjure up. Jet black, curly hair that rested just above his chin, striking grey eyes, sharp features, about my age if not a little older. If he was real, then I died and went to heaven.
His mouth turned up into a sleight smile and I wondered if he could read my mind. I suppose anything could happen in my dreams and I let my lips turn up at the corners. We slowed down after we breached the thick layer clouds, and he lowered us both until he was standing on the fluffy mass. He set me down gently and I watched as my feet were swallowed by what looked like dry ice. I laughed, thinking this was probably the coolest dream I'd ever had and I hoped I never woke up, even if it started out kind of scary. That was still something I didn't quite understand but I didn't let it ruin how amazing this was.
Finally, I had to ask, "Where are we?"
He started walking so I followed, taking a couple tentative steps before feeling confident I wouldn't fall through the soft, cloud floor. I looked around, seeing nothing but white, blue and more white.
"I know where I am, but you," he paused, giving me a sideways glance, "are about to wake up."
The confused look on my face made a crooked smile appear on his. We ended up walking a few feet further, then he abruptly stopped and turned to face me. I smacked into him, trying to stop short, and failed. I looked up at him quickly, ready to apologize but he already had his hands on my shoulders. His eyes were staring into mine and in that instant everything seemed to fall away. "I need to tell you something."
I blinked rapidly, conscious that I was probably staring and had my mouth open. I swallowed before replying, "Yeah, what?"
He took a deep breath, "Areyah Marie Moore, I'll see you on the other side."
Before I could ask what in Sam's hell he was talking about I felt a wave of heavy pass through me. My eyelids felt like they weighed a ton and I struggled to keep them open. The last thing I saw before I let sleep take me was his face and my only thought was I didn't get his name.

My eyes fluttered open to bright light. It was soft, warm and inviting. My first thoughts were that I wasn't in pain like the first time I woke up, that of which I was very grateful. I stretched on my bed, ruffling the sheets around me, except when I looked down at them I realized they weren't the usual pink and cream I was use to. I was surrounded in a thick white comforter, with black floral patterns. It was very elegant, and very modern. My brows furrowed as I peered around the room. It certainly wasn't my room. I was in a strange bed, with strange decor. Honestly, I had no idea where I was. Panic started to kick in, but before I had a chance to go full blown freak out mode, a furry, copper and white dog ran through the archway and jumped next to me on the bed. It licked me on the face, and I hesitantly lifted my hand to scratch it behind it's prick straight ears.
It couldn't be, could it?
But it had to be. He had the same green eyes, the same face patterns, even the heart shaped pink mark on his black nose was the same. A tear escaped my eye as I hugged the husky, burying my face in his fur.
"Vesuvius, you're alive!" I muffled into his thick coat. He pulled out of my hands and jumped back onto the floor and looked at me, tail wagging, tongue lolling out the side of his muzzle. The last time I'd seen him was three years ago. We had to put him down after we found out he had a terminal illness that caused him to stop eating. I was devastated. Ves was my closest friend.
I wiped my face dry, but the smile plastered on it remained. Was I still dreaming? I didn't care. This was by far the best one I've ever had. Vesuvius let out a small yip before he turned around and sauntered back out the door. I pushed my legs over the edge of the bed and they landed on plush carpet. I stood up, ready to follow him but stopped in my tracks. I had no idea where I was, but it was breathtaking. The walls were covered in black and white damask, the one directly behind the headboard was entirely lime green. The sun reflected off the crystal chandelier, throwing rainbows on the walls. The furniture as all white, very modern looking with intricate molding and sheer curtains framing the window. Accents of lime green dotted the room in the form of candles or other small decorations.
It was basically my dream room.
I took a few steps towards the large window and realized it wasn't a window at all, but a glass door out to a balcony. I peered outside and was surprised to see it looked exactly like my street. The same houses, scenery, everything except my bedroom. Slowly shaking my head in disbelieve, I turned back toward the door. What else has changed?
That's when I noticed the picture sitting on the white armoire, the same one that I always had. It was of me and my best friend, Levi. We've known each other for six years and I know I've grown fond of him...in a 'more than friends' kind of way. Not sure how he felt, I kept the feelings to myself. I'd rather not risk screwing up our friendship over something stupid. Since the room had pieces of my life, I just decided to go with the flow and assume it was my room and this was my house.
The photo made me smile, and I found myself reaching for the phone. Before I could pick it up, it rang. I answered with a quick, "Hello?".
"Areyah? It's Levi. I thought I'd pick you up for school." School? I almost forgot.
I glanced at the clock and saw it was six a.m. on the dot, when I usually got up to get ready. "Hey Levi. Yeah, I'd love a ride. I'll see you in an hour?"
"Okay, see ya!" he said, followed by the hum after he hung up on the other end. I put the phone back on the receiver, raising my arms above my head to stretch. Before I finished yawning I was already sifting through my closet. It was strange, I found a few of my old favorite things, but otherwise my wardrobe had been completely revamped. I had expensive looking dresses, designer jeans, gorgeous blouses and racks upon racks of shoes in all styles. I pulled out a pair of khaki Capri's and matching flats. It took me a little longer to pick out a shirt, and I finally went with an off the shoulder white, lacey thing.
I threw all of my clothes on the bed, venturing to look into the many drawers of the armoire. My breath caught in my throat as I opened the top one. Platinum necklaces with jewels, diamond earrings, and other shiny accessories occupied the space. I didn't know where to begin so I grabbed a pair of simple, white gold dangling earrings and a small matching chain with a bird silhouette pendant. The swallow reflected the sun coming from the window, bouncing light as I walked over to the bed and placed the pieces gingerly by my clothes.
There was another door in the room, one I hadn't opened yet. And to my surprise, it was exactly what I was looking for. This room, like everything else I'd seen, was also amazing. Marble floors and counter tops, chrome sinks and a large, walk in shower with multiple jets. I stripped off my pajamas, which was a nightgown I know I definitely did not fall asleep in, and started the water. I breathed a sigh of relief when instantly hot water washed over my skin, making my muscles relax. It felt absolutely amazing.

When I'd finally pulled on my last sock and put in my other earring, I'd ventured to the mirror on the armoire. I must have been having a great day, because I had never thought I looked so great before. My eyes seemed bright, my skin flawless, my eyelashes even looked naturally longer and darker.
Yeah. This was the best dream ever.
It didn't take long for me to dry my hair, and I noticed the auburn tendrils waved in a way that made it look like I'd just spent an hour in a salon. No make up, and no hair products aside, I was making out pretty well this morning. I glanced over at the clock again, it was already time to go. Why on earth I was going to school in this so far perfect dream, I'll never know.
I left the bedroom and thought nothing else could possibly make this day any better. I was wrong. The landing I walked onto looked out over the first floor, and was also covered in the same plush carpet as my room. Instead of a wall, there was three foot high glass with a round, chrome top that continued down into the stair banister.  It was very open, with floor to ceiling windows and a landing that wrapped around the entire second story until falling away to a set of double wide stairs that curved right at the bottom. I followed the stairs down to the first floor, walking into the living room I saw from the top of the landing.
"Mom?" I questioned, seeing her emerge from another room across from me.
This was my mother, Alis Moore. I could tell it was her, but she looked...younger. She had an air about her that screamed 'youth' and she looked like she was in the best shape of her life. I even had to envy the sophisticated way she dressed and had her hair up, like she was ready to take on the town. She smiled at me, beckoning me to her.
"Areyah, good morning! I made breakfast, it's already on the table." She even sounded younger.
"Oh, sorry mom," I groaned. "I didn't even think. I need to head out the door, Levi is picking me up. "
Her smile never faltered, "You have fun then! I'm making your favorite tonight, I'm sure I'll see you then."
"Spaghetti and meatballs?"
"You know it," she said as she gave me a hug goodbye.
I hugged her back just as a car horn sounded from out front. I gave her one last squeeze before I let her go, grabbing my backpack on the way. Before I turned the knob I stopped and turned around, "Hey mom? I thought Vesuvius had cancer."
"Don't you remember hon? The idiot vet mixed his x-rays up with another patient, Vesuvius is fine, and you can bet I sued the crap out of him for almost killing our Vessy." She said 'Vessy' in a baby voice that made me roll my eyes.
"Right," I said, satisfied with that answer as I opened the door.
The latch clicked shut behind me and the horn blared again. My eyes turned in the direction of the sound and landed on a yellow viper. At first, I just gaped at it as I waited for Levi to show up, wondering why it was parked outside my house. Then the driver side door opens and best friend appears.
One look at the tasseled blond hair and there was no mistaking it was him. He walked around the front of the car, waving to me as he lowered his sunglasses. Levi looked like his usual self wearing an open, blue flannel button down over a white tee, blue jeans and converse. When he reached me,  he grabbed my hand. I held onto it as he led me over to the passenger side of his car, and opened the door for me. I was pleasantly surprised, totally not expecting this from him.
Once he was in the car, Levi reached in the back and pulled out a paper bag, "Got you something."
He handed the bag to me and I unrolled the top and reached in, pulling out a custard filled donut. My mouth watered about the same time my stomach growled. "How'd you know?" I smiled, taking a huge bite and handing the bag back to him.
"I'm just amazing," he said after he put his seat belt on, placed the bag in the back, and started the car up.
We made it to school in no time flat, finding a good parking space close so we didn't have to walk far. I finished up my doughy, gooey breakfast and was still sucking the chocolate glaze off my fingers when I opened the car door. After I licked them clean, I reached into my bag for a breath mint, popped two and fell into step behind Levi.
"So, when did you get the sweet ride?" I asked as we made our way down the sidewalk to the front of the building.
He raised a blond brow, "I've always had it, you helped me pick it out."
I did? Huh. "I obviously have great taste."
"That, you do," Levi winked and we walked through the double glass doors.

Surprisingly, none of my classes were boring today, and I had no homework. The most unusual thing? I was being flocked to like I was someone of importance. All of the sudden, girls who would turn their noses up at me were joking with me, passing notes and telling me all about their latest crush. Not going to lie, I was loving the attention. What was better? All the guys were eyeing me, not to sound self absorbed or anything, but it's hard to deny when you are complimented and asked out over twenty times in one day. I of course turned them all down, as flattered as I was. I wasn't sure if I was saving myself for a certain someone or what.
This mornings announcements mentioned a dance and an upcoming play. I loved the arts, so I auditioned during a study period in the auditorium. Results would be posted at the end of the month. The dance was suppose to be some spring formal thing, which partly explains why every other guy asked me to go with them.
As if.
At the end of the day, I'd managed not to spill anything, trip, fall or embarrass myself in any way. Lunch was probably the best I'd ever had there; smoked pork, real mashed potatoes and a super soft roll with butter. I was honestly sick of the mystery meat and questionable soup. When I went to pay, the guy in line behind me handed the cashier his money and gave me smile. I smiled and made my way over to Levi, who was sitting at the table surrounded by every girl in school. Okay, maybe that was a bit of an exaggeration, but not by much. My cheeks reddened with jealousy as I turned to find another table. I had just made it to the other end of the lunchroom when an arm looped through mine, "May I escort you to your seat, madam?"
It was Levi. I stopped and turned, looking at the table where he was just a minute ago. The girls were staring at us, with emotions ranging from hatred to envy. That made me smile a little and I leaned closer to him, milking it for all its worth.
"Why of course, sir," I played along and we walked over to a relatively empty table. He set his tray down, grabbed mine and set it down for me as well. I smiled a thanks to him and sat down as he gestured to the seat in front of me.
After I was seated and digging into my creamy mashed potatoes, Levi leaned close and whispered, "I tried to get your attention when I saw you. I hope you know you are the only girl I wanted to be with."
I chewed slowly, not sure if he meant sitting with me, or actually being with me. Just the thought made me blush and then I felt a sudden pit at the base of my stomach. Why had every other guy in school asked me out when the one I wanted to didn't?
"Areyah, I was going to wait until later, but I wanted to ask before anyone else did," Levi took a deep breath and let the air out slowly, "Would you go to the dance with me?"
I wanted to laugh as butterflies shot through my stomach, flying a mile a minute. He was most certainly not the first, but it didn't matter. It took all I could to not just scream my answer, so I shrugged my shoulders and said in the most casual voice I could muster, "Sure."
The smile on his face was contagious and soon I was smiling along with him. By the time the bell rang to head home at the end of the day, my cheeks hurting but I didn't care. Like this morning, Levi gave me a ride, taking a detour through the park across town. It was gorgeous, with weeping cherry and magnolia trees, blooming wildflowers, and a pond that sparkled under the sun. The day wasn't too hot or cold and I never though I'd ever had a more perfect day in my life.
When we arrived at the house, I reached over the backseat to grab my bag. When I placed my hand on the door, Levi said, "Hold on."
Before I could ask, he got out of the car and opened the door for me. He held out his hand and I grabbed it, loving the comradery. Now, Levi was always sweet, but he was never so..up front about it. He pulled me gently to my feet but didn't let my hand go. I shut the car door and we walked to the front door hand in hand.
"See you tomorrow," Levi said, his voice soft as he held my gaze with his blue eyes.
I smiled and nodded, afraid that if I opened my mouth, nothing would come out. Next thing I know, he's leaning in and my breath catches. But instead of the kiss I'd hoped for, his lips lightly brushed my cheek before he pulled away, releasing my hands and walking back to his viper.
I practically stumbled in the door, afraid my knees were going to give out from under me. Mom was there and she just gave me a wry look, like she knew. "I see you've made it," she winked before returning to the kitchen. I threw my bag down and followed the smell of garlic and sauce and found my dad at the stove, stirring a pot of noodles. I hardly ever saw my dad. He always worked late nights, and didn't get home til after I was in bed so I was surprised to see him.
"Hey hon," he said when he heard me walk in, "How was your day?"
I walked over to the island and sat down at one of the tall, bar style stools.
"Great. What are you doing home?" I asked.
"New hours, now I can be home for dinner. Isn't that great?" he said, not looking up from his pot.
"Of course its great," mom said as she opened the fridge. I nodded in agreement, and made my way up to my room. As soon as I closed the door, I collapsed onto the bed. My head was swimming and I took in a deep breath, letting it out in a sigh. I closed my eyes, trying to remember how amazing the day was but all I saw was Levi. I remember his million dollar smile, his striking blue eyes, his sun bleached hair, even his scent was burned into my memory.
I wasn't sure why Levi was acting this way, he was always so quiet and shy. I had no idea he felt this way about me but I was ecstatic.

Turns out mom invited Levi over for dinner, and didn't tell me as a 'surprise'. Dinner went over well, even if I didn't know how to act around him. He wasn't my boyfriend, but I felt we were becoming more than friends so I was a little flustered all evening. Conversation was casual, and my parents seemed genuinely pleased to have him over. Afterward, he helped clean up and walked him to the door. He didn't try anything, other than give me a hug before heading out the door and promising to see me tomorrow.
The days were all the same. I went to school, did great, was the life of the party and Levi crooned over me like a five year old who just got a puppy. However, that was the problem. The days were all the same, and ran together. I couldn't remember if yesterday was today or tomorrow, if that makes any sense. I started to panic so I started to carry around a planner, marking off the days as they happen. Eventually, I started telling Levi I couldn't see him after school or I would try to stay home sick. I think my mother knew I was faking, but she could see the bags under my eyes and decided to let me stay home anyway. Levi noticed the next day at school my declining mood.
"Is everything okay?" he asked me one day after I'd pushed around the food on my tray.
I didn't look up from my macaroni as I nodded slowly. He grabbed my hand, something I was use to by now, and turned my chin so I was facing him. I caught his gaze even if I didn't want to, his blue eyes locking with mine. It was hard to hide from him, so I sighed, "Yeah."
When he didn't let go of my hand I rolled my eyes, "Yes, I'm fine. I just haven't been sleeping well. Must be allergies or something."
I gave him a weak smile, but it was all I could muster up. I didn't have the energy to fake anything but I hadn't been lying. I couldn't sleep. Maybe it was because I felt like I was already sleeping, just moving through a dream. Like I was sleep walking through life and I never woke up. Everything around me was fake, at least, it felt that way. By the time the dance came around, I was so depressed I decided not to go. My mother was upset that I had changed my mind, after spending a couple hundred on a dress. I promised her that I would take it back but she just gave me a look. Not even Levi, who called me after school every day just to see how I was doing, could cheer me up. Even after he told me I got the lead part in the school play I had auditioned for, all I managed to say was, "Cool."
When I went to school the next day, it was like I was on autopilot. I nodded, smiled, did what I had to do to make it home. I figured when I got there, I'd spend some time with Vesuvius, or do my homework. Maybe talk to mom, but the day wore on me, and I headed upstairs for a nap.
It seemed to take me forever just to strip out of my clothes and put on a nightgown. I crawled up into my bed, snuggling under the cool covers and closed my eyes. Soon, my breathing had deepened and I had finally dozed off into a much needed rest, but tonight, I dreamed.

"So how are you liking it?" I didn't realize til just then how much I missed his voice. How I was comforted by it. We weren't back in the same cloudy location as my first dream. We were out near a lake reflecting the moon and the stars. Lightning bugs flashed and made our surroundings sparkle. Hovering over the lake were tons of floating lanterns, mimicking the stars in the sky.
"Liking what? Living like-"
"Everything is perfect?" he finished for me.
I thought about that for a moment. Was everything perfect? Yes. Of course it was. Albeit strange, but I was living some sort of freak fantasy.
"Yeah, I guess you could say that." There were so many questions racing through my mind. I wanted to ask them all, but I was afraid I'd wake up before I got a chance, so I asked the first one that came to mind, "What's your name?"
He crossed his arms and gave me a long look before saying slowly, "Jerreth."
Huh. "Okay Jerreth, what exactly is going on with me?"
I'm not sure why I thought he would have all the answers, but he seemed to always radiate confidence and knowing. Sure, he might be a figment of my overactive imagination, something my stressed out brain created or maybe it was more. Jerreth smirked, "You're not crazy, if that's what you're wondering. I've never met anyone who wasn't happy in their own PH though."
"PH? Why don't I ever know what you are talking about? Why is it I only see you in my dreams, or when I think I'm dreaming?" I asked, throwing my hands up exasperated.
I paused before I added, "Or the fact that suddenly I seem to be living in a wish come true gone horribly wrong."
His smirk faltered and his gray eyes fell, resting on the space just above his feet. "You aren't dreaming. I mean, you are right now, in a way, but..."
"But...? I'm going crazy, aren't I? I finally went nuts and lost it!" I exclaimed.
The smile on Jerreths face returned, a chuckle escaping his lips. Perfect, cupid's bow shaped lips, and his laugh was so-
"No, I swear. Your head is as screwed on as it gets," He said, shaking me out of my reverie.
I rolled my eyes, "Whatever. Mind actually answering any of my questions?"
"Protocol says no. Have to see how you are adjusting for the first year. Usually don't have any problems, but your anxiety seems to be sky rocketing daily."
"My anxiety? What are you, my self conscience? Whats this crap about protocol?" I practically shouted. Maybe he was right. Maybe I had some anxiety problems and I would be okay if my head decided to explode so I didn't have to think anymore.
"Areyah," He sighed, looking like he'd rather not say whatever it was he was about to say, "I'm going to give you one more chance. After that, I'm afraid I'm going to have to tell you."
I shook my head, wishing I could understand it all, "Tell me what?"
I just stared at him hard, qeustioning, but all he did was repeat those same words.
"One more chance," And then everything went black.

Levi and I spent time together, as usual, but I couldn't help but feel like something wasn't quite right. I got the same feeling when mom had Levi over for breakfast that first day. Like somehow the picture wasn't complete. I couldn't explain it, but the feeling kept creeping up on me. Like yesterday when I spotted a small dollhouse in the living room. I asked mom where that came from and she just smiled and walked away.
I asked Levi about it and he said it was mine. That I'd had it since I was a little girl. I remembered it, sure, but I knew it didn't belong to me. Then there was the incident today. I picked up one of mom's many glass figurines she kept sitting around the house because I noticed a piece was missing. I asked her how it broke and she said, "Don't you remember? Your-" She stopped, smiled and said, "Don't worry hon, It's okay."
I let it go, even though I thought it was completely odd. I also noticed we have an empty room in the house. There was no bed, no decor, nothing. Just an empty room. I asked dad about it, but he kept on flipping through his paper and sipping his coffee like he didn't hear me. I was so frustrated I picked up his mug and threw it at the wall, letting it shatter all over the floor. All he said was, "I'll get that, don't worry about it."
It was like there was some crazy secret everyone was keeping from me. Not only that but I was about sick and tired of the 'everything's peachy' act. My mom never smiled so much in her life, she looked like real life Barbie. No matter what I did, no one ever got mad, and Levi...I love the kid, but where was all this self confidence, and flirting coming from? I liked it, but that wasn't the Levi I knew. I had a feeling he liked me for a while now, but he was too afraid to tell me before.
One day, it came to be too much. I was at the park with Levi. We were having a picnic on another perfect day. I don't think it has rained in months, I don't see how anything was alive or still living for that matter. He was being his typical, flirtation self and I was in the middle of crushing a roll between my fingers.
"You okay?" He asked, as I let the bread crumble and fall to the red and white gingham blanket beneath us.
"Fine," I said through gritted teeth, "Except for the fact that you're acting like a total stranger who's behavior is irrational beyond all comprehension."
He gave me a confused look, "What are you talking about? This is me, this is how I've always felt."
His fingers went to my cheek and brushed a lock of my dark brown hair away from my face. I pulled away, shaking my head, "No, you've never been so...upfront about how you feel for me."
"You don't want me to?" Levi let his hand fall, his face looked truly stricken with hurt.
"No, no," I tried to make him feel better, "I want you to, it's just.."
It didn't feel right? Ugh! Nothing felt right. One would think getting everything they desired would be anyone's dream but somehow, it was backfiring on me. Yes, I'd liked Levi for a while, but this is far from how I expected him to break it to me. To act towards me or around me for that matter. This isn't how I expected anyone to act around me. I wanted to get yelled at, be grounded, have a curfew for Christ sake!
"You shouldn't use that name in vain, Areyah."
That voice. It wasn't Levi. It was that soft, sultry voice I'd longed to hear, even if only in my dreams.
"Jerreth?" I questioned.
It was then I noticed how quiet it was. The birds stopped singing, the crickets weren't chirping. I waved a hand in front of Levi, who looked like he was frozen in place. It was like time stood still. I got up slowly and looked around. What the hell is going on?
A heavy sigh escaped his lips and I looked up to where the sound came from. The tree that Levi and I had decided to have our picnic under had an occupant. Jerreth was sitting on it's lowest branch, dangling his legs and swinging them as he balanced precariously on the small branch.
"In the flesh." He pushed himself off, landing softly on the ground beside Levi.
"Uh, did I fall asleep?" I questioned.
Jerreth laughed, but it was short lived. His face became serious, his gray eyes settling on mine, pulling me in. "I told you, one more chance."
It was my turn to be serious, "One more chance for what? Tell me already! I'm sick of guessing, and over thinking, and I just want some dang answers!"
Hysterical was putting it mildly. I was glad Levi and I decided to have our picnic in a secluded part of the park. I would rather not make a scene even if the people surrounding me seemed to be stagnant and unaware.
Then, Jerreth said something that shut me right up.
"I'll give you what you want," he said it almost in a whisper, "There are a few things you need to know first."
I didn't speak. I just waited for what he had to say, raising my eyebrows and prompting him to continue. He didn't answer. Instead, he grabbed my hand and started leading me away from a still, very frozen Levi. When I was confident he wasn't going to shoot up and yell at me for leaving, I let Jerreth drag me to the edge of a nearby pond that reminded me of when we last met; in my dreams. He dropped my hand, but I felt a slight chill then, suddenly wishing he hadn't.
"Areyah," he started, taking a deep breath, "You're dead."