Tomorrow's Gone (#Wattys2015)

Chapter 2: The Eyes

I rode down the peaceful streets of Desert Aire on my bike, the gentle summer breeze tangling my hair. I was riding aimlessly, really, but I suddenly decided to ride down to the river. Desert Aire was conveniently nestled next to the Columbia River, so whenever I needed some alone time I usually went down there. The soothing sound of the gentle lap of the waves against the shore truly cleared my mind of any perturbing thoughts.

            About five minutes later, I skidded to an abrupt stop at the beach, commonly referred to as "Sandy Beach" by many. Sighing, I dismounted my bike and slid my helmet off, pulling out my mp3 out of my pocket, disentangling my earphones in the process. Parking my bike, I slowly walked toward the beach and slid off my sandals, glad that I had worn Capri's and a sleeveless shirt today. Sighing, my feet sank into the soft, moist sand as I walked along the coast line. I turned on my Mp3 player and surfed through my songs. They were mostly of a band named Zoé. I had stumbled upon this band when I had been searching on the internet for Mexican rock bands, since I myself was a Mexican, and not a self-proclaimed one at that. I was actually from Mexico but had come over legally at age 5.

            This band was intriguing to me. We had something in common; our names. I immediately listened to it and fell in love with their general sound and lyrics. They speak about science and love, so it's only natural that I love them.

            I chose the song "Luna" ("Moon", in English) and plugged in my earphones, drowning out the rest of the world. I must've walked for a while because I was suddenly brought out of my dream-like state by a loud whoop. I stumbled, nearly tripping into the water as I blushed and looked up. I immediately recognized a close friend of mine, Daniel Macias. He stood with his friends around a bonfire, looking carefree without a worry in the world. I frowned. How could he be so worry-free? The world was destined to end in less than a month and he was out here goofing off?

            That's when I noticed the bottles of beer littered around their feet. Indignation surged within me, and I turned on my heel and stormed off, my earphones falling out in the process.

            Daniel was out drinking for heaven's sake! What the hell was wrong with him!? I'd never seen this side of him. He was my best friend, the person I always resorted to for help. He was like a brother to me. I'd never expect this coming from him.

            "Zoe? Wait up, it's not what it looks like!" I heard him exclaim from behind me, and a hand suddenly gripped my wrist, forcing me to turn around. Pleading caramel eyes met my own.

            "Hey, I know what you must be thinking, but... c'mon, Zoe! The world is freaking ending! We won't live past 16, won't experience adult things... we want to live every moment like it's our last," he explained passionately.

            My eyes flared with anger. "Okay, alright. So why not spend the rest of your short life with your family?" I demanded angrily.

            Daniel bit his lip and backed off. He suddenly ducked in close, casting a wary eye towards his guffawing friends. "Honestly?" he whispered, his face inches away from mine.

            "Yes?" I asked, eyeing him strangely.

            "I haven't tasted one bit of that beer. This was sort of meant as a goodbye. I won't be seeing my friends after today... my parents are planning on leaving," he whispered.

            After a moment of slight hesitation, I believed him. His mint-scented breath fanned across my face, making me realize he was still just as innocent as I had pegged him. Then his words registered, and my eyes bulged. "What?!" I hissed.