HERE

prologue

"Wh-where am I?"

"You're here,"

Ashton whirled around, hazel eyes settling on a blonde boy around his age, the only other person in the hallway. The two were alone, only the white marble tiles and boring, tan walls to keep them company.

The other boy was tall, maybe even taller than Ashton's 6 feet, with piercing blue eyes and a black long sleeve shirt with ripped black jeans and dirty converse. He looked like he could have been from Ashton's school, but Ashton didn't recognize him. And they weren't at school, because Ashton's school was always busy during the day, and right now they were alone. The walls at his school were adorned with student artwork and bright murals that showcased inspiring quotes that highschoolers cared nothing about, and this hallway didn't even have pictures or decor to spruce it up.

"Come along or you're going to miss the tour!" The boy beamed, urging Ashton along with a jaunty wave. He turned on his heel, starting down the hall to the left. Ashton hurried to follow, because he didn't know where he was and he didn't want to be left behind.

The only sound that greeted them was the tapping of their footsteps against the polished wood as they walked down a set of stairs onto what seemed to be the ground level. Ashton wasn't actually sure what level they were on because there were no windows, only the one staircase as well as a few doors on each side of the square room they found themselves in.

The middle of the room was empty, save the four doors on the walls, and the staircase behind them.

"This door leads to the kitchen," the blonde pointed to the one closest to them. "We usually eat here most of the time."

Ashton wanted to ask who "we" was, but he was too nervous. He was so confused as to what was happening, so he went along with it until he could figure something out.

"This one is the hall for activities. The game room is down here, that's my favorite place to hang out."

"And what's that one?" Ashton asked, looking at the metal door with the frosted glass square in the middle, as opposed to the other three that were wooden.

"Oh that? Don't worry about it, it isn't for us. Now, let's continue." The boy started to walk back upstairs. "I'll show you to the corridor that has all our rooms! You're down the hall with me,"

Hesitantly, Ashton followed. It was only because he didn't know what else to do, he had no idea how he got to where he was, or how to leave. The boy hadn't shown him an exit yet.

Ashton wasn't sure where he was, but he was pretty sure he wanted to leave. Something felt weird, his head felt floaty, and he just felt like he didn't want to be there, wherever he was.

"Uhm, I have a question," Ashton asked as they continued down the hallway they'd started in.

The boy stopped short, twisting around to stare at Ashton, that bright grin never once leaving his face.

"Oh, how silly of me, this wouldn't be a proper tour if I didn't answer any of your questions, of course! Ask away, what questions do you have?"

Ashton swallowed, taking a deep breath. This boy was high energy, he could almost see him vibrating in excitement over this.

What should Ashton ask first? He had so many questions rolling around his head, but no words would come off his tongue.

"Where am I?"

The boys tsked.

"I told you already, silly boy, you're here. With me."

Ashton blinked a few times, already feeling the tears pooling in his eyes. He didn't want to cry, crying was for babies and he was nearly 16, but he was feeling overwhelmed and he kind of just wanted his mom.