The Day My Future Changed

Chapter Four - Pink, Purple and blue

The two strangers did not let me move an inch once we got to the coffee shop. They even ordered and bought my coffee for me.

The women sat with me while ball cap guy went to get our coffee.

"So... what's your name?" I asked trying to start a conversation.

"It's Lauren and he's Michael," She stated shyly, pointing to him. She kept looking around the room carefully and turned every so often to Michael.

"Okay, um, nice to meet you, I'm Zoe," I said.

"I know," Lauren said. She paused for a moment, her eyes going wide. "I mean, you look like someone who would be named Zoe."

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"I'm fine," she choked.

I could obviously tell she wasn't. Lauren was pale, her hands were shaking, and she avoided eye contact, looked pleadingly back to Michael who was finally got our order.

He hobbled over to us and put the three coffees on the table. I thanked him and dumped sugar into my cup. I notice Michael's amused face.

"Going on a sugar diet," he teased.

"Ha ha," I laughed sarcastically "Now is anyone going to tell me what's going on?"

The two of them froze, It was Michael's turn to be nervous.

"Has anything happened to you since you put that necklace on?" Michael asked.

"What necklace? I'm not wearing a-" I looked down and saw the red pendant. It has been around my neck since my anniversary with Jeremy. I was in shock. "How have I not noticed it till now?"

"We've wondered that ourselves when we'd first got one," Lauren sighed and looked down at her coffee.

"Something weird has been going on, to be honest," I said, "I've been super tired since I've got the necklace, I fell asleep at work and got fired."

"You got fired from your job!" Lauren tensed up in her shoulders, bringing a hand to her forehead.

"Yes, why are you worried about it anyway?" I asked.

"Did anything else happen since you got the necklace?"

"Well, my boyfriend and I got into a fight on the day he was going to propose to me. Whatever this necklace is, it's ruining my life."

"This is bad!"

"Lauren, relax, we'll figure this out," Michael said putting an arm around her shoulders.

"I still don't get what this necklace is and what it's doing," I said trying to get them focused on the real problem.

"What if we told you that you're part of a big, real-life video game, would you believe us?" Michael asked, almost not believing himself.

"Okay, that was the last thing I'd expect you to say," I said. "I really don't know if I could even try to believe you."

"It's true, the reason why you've been losing energy is because you're literally losing energy in the game. When you go out in public, you can't defend yourself from the monsters, because you can't see them." Michael explained.

"If this is so real, why can't I see them?" I asked.

"You need glasses," Lauren said.

"Um, I can see just fine, thank you," I retorted.

"No, the glasses that we are wearing, they sync up with the necklace to help you see."

"So, how do I get those glasses?" I asked. 

"Actually, I do have a pair," Lauren said.

"Great, that's perfect!"

"But, I don't know if you would be up for it," Lauren said, "Some of the images might look scary and it's imperative that you don't faint again or have a panic attack."

The seriousness in her voice sparked a little anxiety, but I put on a brave face. "Okay, I'll try not to have a panic attack."

Lauren and Michael exchange looks, then turn back to me. Lauren hesitantly hands me the glasses.

I examined them up close, they looked like normal boring glasses that my forty-year-old teacher would wear. The handles were black and plain. "Newley" was engraved in silver on the handle.

"Well, It's now or never," I said. I put them on and the world around me looked the same. That was until something pink flew past my face. I yelped in surprise and leaned into the corner of the booth.

"Hey, you okay?" Michael asked.

"I think so, but what was that?"

"It's a fairy, and if you want more energy you will need to catch them," Lauren said.

"Seriously, why would they choose something that moves that fast?"

"Look outside," Lauren said pointing to the window.

I followed her instruction and looked outside. Chicago streets were now covered in pink, blue and purple fairies that sprinkled the street like confetti. A couple fairies were on the window sill outside, watching the people that were walking by. Some were in the scattered trees chasing each other, others zapping across the street laughing at a little boy as he fell on the pavement.

"Wow, this is amazing!" I said truly impressed by the sight, all my anxieties and sadness I felt that day melted away.

Chicago had always been gray and drab to me, with people who were hurting. People who are constantly scared of crime or who lived in its clutches. But for the first time, I saw a city full of color and wonder. I have never seen anything so beautiful.

Then I notice a dark figure across the street. It was a hairy and grimy creature that was about the size of a Labrador. It started walking toward the coffee shop, it had four legs and large fangs. It reminded me of a bear but it had four red eyes.

"What is that?" I asked.

"Oh my gosh, they found us," Michael said.

"What did you expect, we only crossed the street and that was after we got passed the werewolves!" Lauren screamed.

"Um, what, that's what we were trying to avoid while getting here?" I questioned.

"Yes, but now we have to sneak out of here."