Turn Back Time: It Was Never Meant To Be

Chapter 4

Wilbur was somewhat glad when Tommy left with Tubbo. Even though he was protective at times of his little brother, he trusted that he and Tubbo would get around fine. Besides, it left him the whole day to himself, and he had plans.

Shortly after they left, he brushed the curls out of his overgrown brown hair and slipped on his jacket. He smothered his disaster of hair with a black beanie before leaving the house.

The town square was a few miles from his house, and half of it was dirt road. Their house was off the path of the central roads. Phil liked the house being secluded from other civilizations, but not too far away. It was a pleasant walk through a small forest.

Wilbur approached the square with people milling around, doing their business. Houses made of logs and wooden planks stretched out everywhere he looked. A few animal pens were scattered, and vendors nearby selling eggs, milk, leather, etc. As he passed a stall selling fresh apples, he grabbed and slipped one into his pocket. Tommy didn't call him "Dirty Crime Boy" for nothing. If he were here with him, he would already be making fun of Wilbur for stealing. Then he would proceed to snatch something from a different stall, and Wilbur would make fun of him back. It was a risky, but fun game they played whenever they went into town.

He came up to the center board that had newspapers up for grabs and advertisements for shops scrawled on it. He snatched a newspaper and leaned against the leg of the board.

He looked at the paper, and nearly dropped it when he saw the cover. Technoblade saves thousands read the headline. A picture of his brother, with a half mask over his eyes that resembled a pig, stared back at him. While reading the article, he began to think about him. How he had left them and became a hero, and hasn't come home. Wilbur didn't think he ever will. He scoffed to himself. Well, we don't need you. I could be a hero too if I wanted. I could become famous like you if I tried. We are doing just fine without you! He shook his head. He felt a pang of jealousy, but pushed it away. He refused to be jealous of his brother that was destined to be a warrior from the start.

When he put the paper down and looked up, he was not expecting to see a woman around his age standing right in front of him. He jumped, and the paper fell to the ground. The girl bent down and handed it back to him.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

"Me? What- I am fine. I am splendid, thanks for asking," he could feel his face turning red and tried to laugh off the embarrassment. "And you?"

She giggled. "I'm doing splendid as well. I asked if you were alright because you were making weird facial expressions. I was afraid something was wrong."

"Oh, uh, no. I'm fine, it was just a really interesting story. Have-have you ever heard of Technoblade? Real nice guy, that one," Wilbur stuttered, trying to make small-talk.

She had a round face and blonde hair, and was wearing a colorful orange sweater and brown trousers.
"Of course I know of him. Doesn't everybody?"

"Right, uh, real nice guy," he repeated.

"Do you... know him or something? Do you want me to leave? I can leave..." She asked, looking slightly concerned for his well-being.

"No! I, um, I do know him, actually. We were childhood friends," he lied.

She seemed genuinely interested in that, but changed the subject. "I need to buy some eggs, would you like to accompany me?" she asked.

Wilbur said yes, and she looped her arm through his as they walked through the plaza. She introduced herself as Niki, and he introduced himself back. As they walked, Wilbur spotted a vendor selling guitars, and he told Niki of his skills. She told him about how she owns a bakery, and that he would have to visit it sometime. Apparently the bread was to die for, according to her. The more they talked, the less awkward he became.

Finally, they reached the egg vendor, where they would depart.

"I'll see you around," she smiled.

"I hope I do," He smiled back, then walked away, turning back once to look at her before he disappeared into the crowd. He truly did hope he would see her again.

Enough distractions, he had plans to get to. He walked until the houses were more spread out, and there were more trees around. He cut behind a farm and turned into the woods. He then trekked for another mile, through streams and brush, until the area opened up to flat, green grass. He kept walking until he met a cliff. Beyond the cliff, was open land. Acres of it, beautiful and unused. A small lake glittered in the sun, and trees were scattered everywhere. A river flowed just below where he was standing.

He had discovered this months ago accidentally, while looking for dry logs for a fire. He hadn't told anyone about it. Wilbur sat down on the grass overlooking the emptiness. Then, he began to think.

None of this happens in the streams, but we needed some of Wilburs thoughts for the sake of the story. Foreshadowing and all that.
Anyways, Niki!!!