No Path To Destiny

Chapt1 - What seemed to be a normal day...

Lotus POV 

22/09/2023 - friday - 16h31

'' Lotus! Lotus! Wake up! ''

I slowly open my eyes to see a familiar face staring at me, ''Finally! Since when are you the kind of person who falls asleep in class?'' another voice says with a mocking tone. I slowly came back to my senses and almost jumped out of my seat. I remember now, we were taking notes for an important exam coming up next week. Did I really fall asleep in the middle of the class?! I look up from my desk to see my two friends looking at me. Maria seems a bit worried, but Jacob couldn't stop giggling.

''Are you okay? I think that's the first time I've ever seen you doze off during class! Don't you usually have trouble falling asleep?''

''Yeah! Maria is usually the one falling asleep during class! Did you guys decide to switch roles without telling me?'' Jacob responded before getting gently hit behind the head by Maria. I rubbed my eyes and yawned. Honestly, I was as confused as they were, even though the answer was pretty clear to me.

''I didn't really sleep last night. I guess the stress of the exams coming up really got to me! Haha... '' Maria sighed, ''Well, school has ended now, so you better go get some rest at home. You clearly need it.''

''I guess you're right...''. I started packing up my bag when Maria suddenly said, ''we will walk you to your bus! You still look pretty tired, and I want to make sure you make it.''

''You guys don't have to. I'm sure I can make it without falling asleep!''

''Nonsense!'' Jacob interrupted, ''Don't forget it would also be a nice opportunity to see your tiny bus. I always wondered what it looks like since you talk about it so much!''

I live far away from my college; I live in a small town outside of the big city named Spruce Town. Usually when people go to college, they move into apartments nearby or get a dorm room. But honestly, I don't feel ready for that kind of commitment. My family means a lot to me, and it would feel weird not being around them. Plus, I don't have my driver's license yet, so I take the bus! You can imagine that the bus ride to my small, almost forgotten village isn't very popular. We rarely have more than five passengers on it, which is why there's no need to use a big city bus for it. Not that I really mind! If anything, it's kind of fun.

After a short walk, we finally arrive at my bus stop. It's a couple of streets away from my college, but I always like to take a small walk, so I don't really mind. It's right next to a small park, decorated with a nice fountain and beautiful flowers. It's a beautiful place, and sometimes I arrive at least fifteen minutes early to admire the beauty of the park. Maria looks around surprised, ''I never knew there was a park around here!'' she says, ''if I had known, I would have walked to your bus stop more often!''. I let out a small laugh before looking around. I quickly notice two other figures close to the bus stop. I quickly recognize that light blond hair and those fierce blue eyes. It was Lee. We don't know each other on a personal level, but they used to be quite popular in high school. They created a nice ambiance whenever they entered a room. They have the personality of your stereotypical hot-headed hero in any action movie. Though they might be reckless, loud, and troublesome, they were courageous, strong, and fearless... I always admired them, but never had the courage to talk to them. It's no surprise to see them taking the same bus as me since we grew up in the same town, probably visiting their family during the weekend? I don't know. A bit further away, sitting on the floor, was a black-haired, red-eyed boy, with golden glasses, head down looking at his phone. Though he did seem a bit familiar, I couldn't quite place where I had seen him before. I mean considering he's also taking the same bus as us, he probably grew up in Spruce Town as well? Not that it's any of my business anyways.

After chatting with Maria and Jacob for a while, the bus finally arrives. ''Do you want us to get in as well? Making sure you don't fall asleep in the bus and get yourself lost?'' says Jacob in a semi-serious tone, ''Haha, there's no need to go that far! Come on guys!''

''Alright, Alright! See you next Monday, Lotus!''

''Yeah! Don't forget to sleep!'' I wave them goodbye before sitting in my seat. I plug in my headphones, get my notebook out and start making doodles. I know many think it's hard to draw on the bus because of all the movement and shaking, but I've gotten used to it. Lee was sitting more at the back, and the red-eyed boy more at the front. I was sitting towards the middle of the bus, in my little headspace. The moment the bus exited the city, we started traversing over a huge forest, using the highway. When suddenly... a huge honking sound resonated throughout the entire bus before getting cut out by the sound of broken glass. I remember wondering what the hell was happening, I was panicking, and had no idea what was going on.. but when I finally understood, it was too late, the bus, pushed by another car in the accident, was now falling off the road and down the hill into the deep forest. It was the last thing I saw before everything faded to black...