Unrealistic Reality

Chapter 3: Unrealistic Reality

"Charlie, Jamie! Where are you, we have to go!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.

"We're coming!" Jamie screamed back. I was waiting impatiently till they would come downstairs.

We were going to the park nearby. That's the place where mom and dad met. Their dogs collided and they bumped into each other. I know it is super cliché, but I think it is sweet.

The park is like the only piece of nature in our neighborhood and I like to go there to think. Then I will look up at the sky, thinking dad will come to me as if he was never murdered.

Flashback
"Chloe, if you ever lose me, go to the park." My dad kneeled by my side. I was 12 years old and we went to the park very often. We made the promise that if I will ever lose dad, no matter what the situation is, I had to go to the park.

"Why here daddy?" He looked up at the sky and sighed.

"Because this is the place your mother and I first met. This is the place I will find all my loved ones. If you ever feel scared or broken, just go here and think. Think about everything. Never lose hope." He slowly walked away, leaving me alone in the park.

My dad wasn't the standard one. He had his weird ways of learning people a lesson. I never forget the kind and caring dad he was, but he changed.

The last months, there was something wrong with him. He seemed more stressed than ever, and he had no time for us, saying he had "Important business" to do.

But what could possibly be more important than your own kids?

"Chloe, hello? Are you there?" Jamie snapped his fingers in front of my face and laughed. "You spaced out a bit. Are you alright? You look so pale."

I felt broken by my memories. There is so much dad around me. Everywhere I go, everything I do, it all reminds me of dad. I did so much with him when I was younger. I guess I just miss that.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Let's go." Charlie looked at me with a concerned expression, but after a few seconds he let it go.

"Yes ma'am, let's go."
~
The walk to the park was long but silent. It was almost like everybody knew there is something not right. I looked around a couple of times. I had a feeling we were being followed, but I saw no one. Maybe I am just being paranoid. But maybe I am not. I have to be careful.

As we came closer to the park, the weather started to change. Clouds were getting grey and it started to rain. We ran to the big tree in the park, but while running it began to storm and I couldn't see Charlie or Jamie anymore.

"Chloe!" I heard, somewhere far away from me. I was being ripped back when I tried to walk and decided to sit down. In that way I made myself small so the thunder wouldn't strike me. Was this all a sign? Was it a good idea to come here?

Suddenly I felt a hand around my mouth and whispering in my ear. "Listen carefully, I know who you are and where you live. Jamie and Charlie are waiting for you so I don't make this conversation long. I want you to come to this park in three days, at one o'clock. If you aren't there, there will be consequences. Now, slowly walk back to where you came from and don't look around." I knew that voice! I just couldn't lay my finger on it. What does he want from me? I should let it go for now, but this isn't over yet.

After a couple of minutes, the storm died down and I could see clearly again.

"Charlie? Where are you?" I saw Jamie standing under the tree, looking at something with wide eyes. "What's wrong Jamie?"

"That picture. It is you and Elliot. Why is it hanging in this tree? And how come no one saw it before us?" I looked up and saw it. It was a photo of me and Elliot hugging together a couple of years ago.