Impossible Hero

old paths

"what happened??" my mom asked. She paced the room with frustration.

"I just went out, with Asher and Natalee." I said. My head throbbed at the sound of her voice.

"just went out..?" my mom asked. My vision started to blur.

"yes.." I said. I rolled my eyes.

"Don't do that to me, mija! I don't need to remind you how long you've been like this..and how long it might take..for you to heal." My mom exasperated. She held her head in her hands as she sat down.

I stayed silent at this.

"No more, hanging out for one week. After that, I'm watching you. No more sneaking out on me." She finalized.

"aughh" I groaned. The word leaving my mouth made my head ache.

My mom got up and headed out.

"alright, one week." I said.

I stood up and strolled around my room for the millionth time, watching if I can find something new.

The wires that were attached, dragged with me.

I scanned the whole room. Then, I saw my mask. The same old beat up mask that Abby had given to me. The triangles were still bold and screamed my 2nd life's personality.

I thought for a second .  I quickly change, I attach a vine to my window.

I climb down below and think.

"Where is the evia gartunt prison?"

I run to try and ask anyone. I pass a restaurant with their tv on and stop to hear the news.

"listen, I don't know how but they've gotta be mind controlled!" An anchor said.

"What do you mean? It's a girl." Another anchor giggled silently at the thought.

"Are we really going to believe that a teenage girl is saving our city?" The anchor said.

"uh..ahem..and that's all we have for tonight's investigation of who really is Ace and Echo." The other anchor quickly said.

I ran away from the restaurant with thoughts.

"Do people really think I can't save this city?"

I shake the thought out of my mind. I pull out my phone and check the directions to the prison.

"Oh my gosh..45 minutes?!" I read.

I groan aloud and look around me. I take the trolley and get several people asking for pictures. I take pictures with as many people as I can.

I take a trolley to the nearest stop that's by the prison.

The ride is slow and loud as we pass by beeping cars and frustrated civillians.

I hop off while the trolley moves quickly. The driver cursing me out for my quick departure. I step onto the curb and glance at what's in front of me.

"Evia Gargunt Prison: youth rehabilitation"

My feet stand still as I stare up at the small sign.

Two guards stand before the entrance almost like statues.
"Hey, I'm here to see a..friend" I hesitate.
"Where are your parents?" One of them asked.
"They're..off on errands. Am I allowed to go inside?" I pressed.
"Look, just give the girl a break." I hear her whisper.
"That's the thing, what if she starts a ruckus." The second one said.
"It'll be fine. She's just a girl trying to see probably her friend." She finalized.
"Go on ahead. Just tell them your friends last and first name. You'll have about 15 minutes with them. Don't mess around." She said.
    I head into the gates that open suddenly. The cracked pavement under me making me struggle to keep a straight path. As soon as I enter, the building is quiet. As if the building was holding in all the commotion away from me.
    "May I help you?" A kind lady blurted out. Her eyes, soft and understanding.
    "Hi, I'm here to see Abigail Hayes." I mumble. I try to keep my voice low.
    "Sure, she is...on this floor...cell 56. You've got 13 minutes with her. Do not go over." She instructed. Though her voice still soft.
    "Thank you." I say. I pace the hallways for the exact cell. Then, I see her. She's curled up into a ball on her bed.
    "Abi..?" I stutter. Her head shoots up.
    "Crystal?" She paces to the cell bars, almost tripping over herself.
    "Yes, yes it's...It's me. Crystal." I jump at her quick response. I step back.
    "Sorry, I...I haven't seen any of my friends in a long time.." She stepped back too. My feet drew closer again. Guilt formed in my brain.
    "How did you know I was here?" She says as she sits down on her bed. Her burnt skin on her arm made my breath quicken.
    "News." I respond quick.
    'I'm the one who put you here' My mind whispers.
    "That can't be right. I didn't want myself to be on tv. I told the news station." Her face twisted. My body shook with guilt. The truth clawing in my throat.
    "I'm so sorry..." My mind sent to hers. Her face met mine. Her face painted with disbelief. She nodded her head with confusion.
    "Why..?" her head spoke with great sorrow. Her head hung low as she gripped the metal bars. My face welled with tears. My hand covered my mouth.
    "Why?!" She yelled in anger. Her hands shook the bars. A snarl came from her lips. Frightened, I jumped back.
"What you did was wrong.." I mumbled. I desperately tried to keep the tears from flowing. I pulled the mask from my pocket. It's rough edges scratched my palm. I held them in front of her face. She was quiet. Her breathing slowed. She sat criss-cross on the cold ground.
    "Leave." She spoke. The word hurting my chest. I looked at her for a minute. Then, I walked away. My feet leading me out without my mind thinking.
    I left the building and sat silent on the next trolley.
    "I'm so sorry.." I sent to her again. Desperate for some forgiveness.

-loudandquiet