-Welcome to Reality-

Chapter 17

A/N:

Hey so here's the deal...I know some of these chapters have been somewhat mellow but these next couple ones are really going to step it up.  The plot has only begun to unfold.  : P  i think it's going to take a different twist then one might expect :)  So please read on and let me know what you think.

--Landon

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 17:  An Escape

This morning is different.  There's something about it that is unlike the other's I've spent here.  After a few moments of trying to figure it out, I shrug the thought away and trudge down the hall to the bathroom to get ready before I meet up with Skylar and Trevor.  Right as I shove my toothbrush into my mouth, it hits me.  I stare straight into the mirror, frozen by the sudden realization that has leaped into my mind.  I'm actually okay here... Reality is becoming my home.  For the first time in what seems like forever, I realize the knot in my stomach has loosened, the loneliness in my chest has eased, and the thoughts of my family and friends are disappearing from my mind.  I can barely remember the color of Stella's eyes.  They were green.....Right?  I place my fingers on my temples, racking my brain for the simple details in my life that used to seem so familiar to me.  My mother's touch, the sound of my father's voice, Roxanne's perfume, Brad's smile, Riley's attitude, Jude's stories,  Davy's cologne, Reese's laugh...These memories are only a blur to me now.

Suddenly my breathing has become sharp and heavy, and I begin to feel a cool sweat ease out of my pores.  I squint my eyes shut to stop the dizziness and then splash cool water on my face.  Overwhelmed, I lean onto the counter, only awknowlaging the quickening heartbeat in my chest.  Leave this place before you forget them, Pierce.  Leave.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Why didn't you tell me this Skylar?"

"I'm sorry I-"

"Don't you think it's kind of important that  I'll start to forget about my real life?"  I say sternly, while still trying to keep my cool.

"Pierce, honestly I would have but I didn't think it was necassary if we were getting out of here.  I mean, this will usually happen as months go by...not days.  I can't believe it is so soon for you."  Skylar says concerned, her eyebrows furrowed as she shakes her head confused.

"Wait.  How long have you been here?"  I question her suspiciously.

"Years, why?"

"Then how do you remember your family if it only takes months to forget them?"  I shoot back quickly, and maybe a bit too harshly.

"I admit that I don't remember many things at all.  But I do know I had a family, and I know I loved them with all my heart.  It would take decades to forget a love like that."  She say sincerely, as a single tear rolls down her cheek, which she is quick to wipe away.

"What the hell is wrong with this place?"  I groan, placing my head in my hands.

"Well....what's so wrong about forgetting?"  Trevor finally speaks up.  "It will take the pain away at least, right?

I shoot my eyes up to look straight at him, sitting next to Skylar with his arm around her.  For some reason, the fact that he is sitting on my couch begins to agitate me.  I wish I could make him sit on the floor....