Here's another part of my Random Person story! Enjoy! :)
PREVIOUSLY:
..."Since when did you become my guardian?" I asked, walking along beside him.
"Since we met," he said somberly, a distant look in his eyes.
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Eriq's words lingered in my head as we continued walking. My pace slowed as I pondered. When did we really meet? The hospital was, to my knowledge, when I first spoke to him. But there was something about his words, his presence, that made me feel like I knew him before. If only I remembered more about my past!
My thoughts came to a halt as I realized I was in an unfamiliar part of the city.
"Eriq, where are we going?"
"A place where people like us are safe."
"You mean, people like you. I have had nothing to do with whatever hoodoo you've been up to. The guys who shot at me were probably thinking I was 'with' you, or something."
Eriq froze. His shoulders tensed as he turned and looked at me with a serious expression.
"You don't care for me at all, do you?"
"Well, you did lead me on a wild goose chase and nearly got me killed in the process. Besides, I just met you!"
A sad look filled his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but then closed it and turned his back to me, starting off at a quick pace.
I bit my lip. "Eriq, wait!"
Eriq's pace slackened slightly. "We'd better hurry. I want to arrive before dark."
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The sun was just setting as I noticed her. A girl with cropped blond hair and dark makeup, dressed in biker's clothing. She was leaning casually against a graffitied building, watching us. I don't know why I noticed her...it wasn't an unusual sight in Chicago. But there was something about her that caught my attention. Something about...her eyes. They were an extraordinary blue, brighter than I'd ever seen before. Her eyes flashed a warning and a chill went down my spine as she darted out of sight. It was then that I realized why. An image had filled my mind. Two men and a woman in black suits were walking briskly towards us, and they didn't look friendly. My vision cleared and I glanced behind us. No one was there, but I still had a bad feeling that something was about to go wrong.
Eriq's pace increased and became a hurried jog. "Aphria, someone's coming."
"I know...I felt it."
I ran ahead, darting past the graffitied building and turned the same way the girl went. Following my gut instinct, I bolted down the street, and then into an alley. Before long, I came to a blockade--a tall, brick wall. Instead of turning around, I had a strong urge to get beyond it.
A distant gunshot rang out. I turned, and Eriq came running down in a panic.
"Aphria!" He gasped. His wide eyes glossed over, and he buckled.
"ERIQ!" I caught him just in time. A dart protruded from his back. I yanked it out, terrified. "Wake up...Oh, please wake up!"
Another image formed in my mind. The men and woman were running now, nearly upon us. The woman held a gun. The scene changed and I was looking at the wall. Only it wasn't a wall...
Suddenly, I knew what to do. I struggled to drag Eriq, stumbling as we neared it.
"I hope this works!"
With a last effort, I flung myself and Eriq into the wall. But instead of hitting bricks, I fell through.
I spat grass out of my mouth as I sat up. Astonished, I stood and looked around. Grass was everywhere! A bright green butterfly glided by, and a calm silence filled the air. Somehow, we were in the city, but...not.
"Eriq, where are we?" I asked in awe.
Then I remembered what had happened to him. Instantly the peaceful feeling diminished as I realized he still wasn't awake.
"Welcome to the Sanctuary," a teen's voice interrupted me.
Startled, I looked up. It was the girl I saw earlier! She looked concerned at Eriq.
"What happened to him?"
"He...he's hurt," I held out the dart.
"Oh, no," she whispered. "You wait here. I'll be right back!"
She dashed off down a faint dirt path. Within moments, she reappeared with two teen boys carrying a stretcher. A rosy-cheeked woman in a soft blue dress followed.
"Welcome back. My name's Hope. Do you remember me, honey?"
"Uh...no," I said, standing up. I glanced worriedly at Eriq.
"Don't worry, dear. My boys are experts in the field of healing. They should have him up and back to normal by morning. Now you come along with me and I'll get you something to drink. You look like you could use a nice mug of hot chocolate."
I hesitated, not wanting to leave Eriq. Cocoa did sound welcoming, though. Hope started to walk away, and I followed. Be safe, Eriq, I thought.
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To be continued...
-Jemison Stripes :)
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