Chasing the Reddened Dream

Chapter 5

After Dylan dropped his friend off, he had time to think. More thoughts of his existence entered his mind. He knew that he was alive, but wasn't sure if he was living. He didn't often participate in much and wasn't sure if life was passing him by. He didn't want to feel this way and always justified it by saying he would one day, but he was just fooling himself. He knew that Nick was right about everything. His thoughts turned to Nick. He was jealous of his carefree attitude and the way in which he breezed through life. There wasn't really much that bothered him and he simply had a ray of confidence that intercepted Dylan. He knew that he over thought things, but he couldn't help it sometimes.

He glanced at the scenery that was passing. It was a forest full of beautiful plants and fully grown trees. He thought about the philosophy of being one with nature. He was a little skeptical about this considering how much animals are at war with it. People pave roads through forests and cut down trees that supply homes for wildlife. Nature was trying to fight back but it was a losing battle. Only when nature was left along did it thrive. He wasn't saying that nobody was one with it, but it was hard not to be hypocritical about it.

He pulled up to his house and noticed that both of his parents were there. He figured that he would stay in his car for a few extra minutes so that they could finish up whatever they were doing. His parents had an interesting relationship. They always seemed to be in competition with each other, especially when it came to money. This was partially the reason why they held such high positions. They worked so hard to get promoted and often let work get in the way of the family. Since Dylan was an only child, he didn't have anybody around much. His parents were almost always out and when they were home, they didn't talk much. They were always buying him the newest products and technology, but he didn't want any of it. He didn't want to be showered in objects that replaced the love he craved.

As Dylan walked in his front door, he could hear his parents grunting and panting and could smell the scent of sweat. He peered into their exercise room and sure enough they were both on their treadmills. They recently started training for this marathon and they were trying to outdo each other by cranking up the speed of the belt.

"Look at that. I'm going faster than you." said his mom.

"In your dreams. You will only see a trail of dust as I speed by you in the marathon." said his dad.

Dylan thought it was best not to bother them. When they really got in the zone, they tended to get pretty vicious.

He went into his room and raided his secret stash. His thoughts turned to the redheaded girl in his class. He couldn't get over the beauty she possessed. He wasn't really thinking in terms of physical beauty. Her shyness is what attracted him the most. It made her absolutely adorable and it pulled him towards her like a magnet. Plus, he could relate. He knew what it was to be shy and she carried it extremely well. Dylan loved the way she responded to the teacher in that little voice of hers, not to mention her eyes. He was an absolute sucker for eyes and her piercing green ones were enchanting.

While he was thinking about her, his phone rang. It was his friend, Adam.

"Hey, what's up?" Dylan answered.

"Dylan, are you free? I'm trying to go out to eat."

"Yeah, we can go out. Pick me up in five minutes."

"Cool, bro. See you then."

As Dylan got ready to go out, he thought about his friend. Adam was a free spirit and lived off of his parents. He spent most of his time at home getting baked. His family was ridiculously wealthy, so he could afford not to work. His parents gave him a monthly allowance that would make Dylan's checks look like a joke. Although Dylan's family had enough money that he wouldn't have to work, he preferred to. His parents taught him the value of hard work and he didn't want to be lazy. He wondered what will happen when Adam's parents pass away. He might have to fend for himself. Although money wouldn't be an issue, he wasn't an independent person. He always had someone taking care of him. It would be a rude awakening for him when he got older.