Blurred Memories

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: LACK OF ANSWERS

I have blood on my face and my eyes are shining brighter than ever. I don't remember getting blood on my face, nor do I remember my eyes shining. I should wash this blood off my face.

I turn the tap on and bend over to wash my face. As I wash my face I start to question, who's blood is this? Mine? Someone else's?

I look up at the mirror and I look different. I am back in my own clothing, and I am back in the convenience store's bathroom. What just happened? I turn around and examine everything. I touch the walls, the mirror, and the sink. I need to make sure this is real life.

I go over to the door and swing it open.

"What took you so long? Your eyes didn't stop shining?" Grayson asks.

"Can we get out of here please?" I ask him closing the bathroom door behind me.

"Sure, I already bought everything since you were taking so long."

I start making my way to the exit and leave the store.

Grayson unlocked the doors to his jeep and I hop in. I put my seat belt on and get ready to leave. He starts the engine and drives onto the road.

"Do you know where to go?" I ask.

"I have a good feeling this is the way to go. I feel it inside of me."

"Good."

A moment of silence fills the air and I am able to calm down a bit.

"What happened in the bathroom... if you don't mind me asking," Grayson asks.

"Ughhh um, okay here is a summary," I say starting off what is going to be a weird explanation.

"I was in a different bathroom in a red dress and I had makeup on. I left the bathroom only to find myself in a forest. I entered the forest and found a building. I decided to go in because I was freezing. When I went inside I found myself in a funeral home. You were there with Ethan. You didn't talk at all, I think it was because you were awake... I'm hoping."

"How come? Do you think-"

"No. It's just that..." I stop myself from telling Grayson what Ethan told me. I want to find Ethan and I don't want Grayson knowing that Ethan wants us to go back. "When I opened the casket, it was empty. When I saw that no one was lying in it, you and Ethan disappeared."

"That could mean a lot of things Johanna," Grayson says sounding worried.

"It could mean anything. It could mean that you guys would be okay. You guys weren't around which could mean that you were safe from the dangers of a funeral and-"

"It could also mean that we weren't there because it was one of our funerals."

"Ethan told me not to think about that."

"So you were thinking about it. It could be a possibility."

"I was wearing red. You two were wearing black. It could've been empty because I wasn't in it," I said. This fact hit me in the chest. I am scared of dying, but I will do anything to save Ethan. I know that Ethan was one of my closest friends and as of right now, he is my closest friend.

"It could also mean that none of us... you know," Grayson says with a reassuring tone.

"You're right."

"Could've even been a random dream. Did Ethan say anything to you."

I can't lie to him but I can't tell him the whole truth.

"He just told me what he said before," I say.

"He told you not find him," Grayson says.

"Yes. He said it isn't safe there but he never tells me who is holding him back. Maybe he will tell you when you connect with him."

"You know I am going to ignore him if he tells me to go back. I don't care, I am going to get him back," Grayson says with a bit of anger. "He must be stupid if he thinks I will go back."

I look over at Grayson. I know he is holding back frustration and sadness.

"Ethan means a lot to you. I know that. He... he means a lot to me too. I will do everything in my power to save him. He is just looking out for us that's all. You know how he is."

"I know..." Grayson says with a pause. "He... he just needs to stop thinking about others and start to think about himself. He is going to die if we don't get him back. Whoever has him obviously wants something and if they think Ethan is not important to us then he will be executed."

"I know what you mean-"

"Are you tired?" Grayson asks out of nowhere.

"Ummmm not really. Why?"

"You can try to connect with him again. We have to get more information."

"He won't tell me anyth-"

"He will tell you if you try harder. I know more about him then you can remember... no offence... if that was offensive."

"Don't worry about it. I mean, I'll try."

I roll down my seat and close my ear. I try to let the sounds outside the jeep sooth me to sleep.

Ethan, you need to help us so we can help you. Talk to me.