Not So Sweet Candyland

XLIV: A Chance to Chase

"What are my friends doing without me?" Chase looked up at the sky while laying down.

"You are your Damn boring friends, I honestly thought that you would forget about them or something."

"What are they even doing without me?"

"Did you know that there's a way that you can see? Watch."

Berry let some magic go into the night sky and the sky turned into a little movie screen with little sparkles on the edges.

"Try this spell.... what is insert your name here's friends doing?"

"Ok. What are Chase's friends doing."

"Yes. Granted."

The sky started to play what looked like somebody's house and a party. There was loud music and beer there. One of the girls there looked to be making out with somebody else. Chase froze for a second.

"That's my girlfriend. And who is that?" Chase wasn't angry. Just hurt. The girl was obviously Guin, but the guy was somebody else that he didn't know.

"Wait, you had a girlfriend?" Berry was shocked.

"I guess not anymore. Eh, I never was too attached to her, knowing her, I'm not surprised. She is infamous for her terrible dating habits. She goes from one to the next, and uses mental health as an excuse. Kiss, date, break up, make up, and the world goes around again."

Berry inched closer.

"I hate girls like that. How they think that their looks can get them anywhere when deep down, they're narcissistic, emotionally abuse, bitchy, naughty and so many things. I kind of knew that your friend group was kind of like that. Why did I think you were the exact same way?"

"Because you always assume the worst out of people."

"Guess so." She sighed.

"Because I'm in this world, they forget about me and their life goes on. It's like I never existed in the first place. But, if I stayed with them in the real world, then I'd be more fucked up than ever. I know that you push and shove me and yell at me and call me an idiot, but I know that you're only looking out for me. I appreciate you, I mean it."

Berry started to get a little cold. Chase noticed that she seemed distracted.

"What's wrong?"

"I have attachment issues. The second I become too attached to somebody, they leave me or use me to their advantage. I lost my mother, I lost my first love, I lost the world when I became too attached."

"Berry, attachment is not a bad thing. You know? Attachment is a wonderful feeling, it makes you happy that you are by somebody's side. I know that you could do this adventure alone, but you wanted a companion right by you because you are that type of person."

"I don't just want to save my life, I want to help others."

"And that's a good quality about you. Berry, you are the strongest, mature, smartest, cunning, wicked, and wildest girl that I know, and maybe even pretty."

Berry blushed.

"You actually think that I'm pretty?"

"Well, the way that you can captivate a room is pretty. And, your nose is pretty."

"I mean, you're not that bad yourself."

"You're a flatterer."

Chase laughed.

"You know, if we make it to the real world..."

"We will make it to the real world. And that bitchy bimbo named Guin or whatever will drop dead when she sees me. Because she's an actual idiot for leaving somebody like you. And you might not be the brightest or the sharpest, but you put other's first and you are selfless. You got my back in times that I need it."

"I care for people. You're a good friend. You helped me live life. Helped me experience more things than the eye could see. You're special, and you could bring so much to the real world."

"That's been my dream, to go to the real world. To see what living an actual life is like and not some fantasy world where anything is possible. Call me lame, but I want to live. Live in a society with money and people that come in all shapes and sizes, see some world landmarks, eat some actual food, and just actually live. I never belonged in this world anyways. This world is for the depressed that drown their sorrows in unhealthy coping mechanisms. And that's what I hate. I met humans like you and others and heard their sad stories, their happy memories, and many more stories. I want to see the world not from a textbook or from another person's point of view."

"Being here has made me realize that some things at home, you take for granted. Like, my family. I know that family can be a hit or miss for some. But, I know my parents are cookie cutter, and I miss them a lot." He looked up at the scene again.

Berry noticed and stopped everything.

"Stop this. I know that deep down, you're jealous, you're upset. You wonder what's wrong with you that makes you feel this way. I can't let you be like this." She got up and crouched down to Chase.

"Chase, I care for you. I have your back. I'm your only friend in this world and you're the only person that I deathly care about. Sure, we have a bit of tough love, but we have each other. I'm your sword and you're my shield. We're a good pair. I'm not saying what you think I'm saying.... but.... actions can speak louder than words."

She went down to his level and kissed him. Berry has felt the feelings of like and love, but even though Chase is your average guy, she sees something different in him.

"When we get to the real world, Chase. All of our suffering will be over. Believe me. I might be somebody smart, but I think I'd be dumb in the real world."

"Berry, you would be considered a godly genius if you walked into America."

She giggled.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I am."