“Honey, I’m going out to buy some groceries, be right back!”
I took a deep breath, that was it, that was my queue to get the fuck out of here. I’ve been trapped in this jail for 15 years and not once have I seen the outside world except from that small little quaint window in my room. But no more, today is the day I break this monotonous routine of doing carnival tricks with no audience but myself. Today I break the mold that made me into the person I am. Just had to set the plan in motion.
I took a deep breath and looked at myself in the mirror, same peach skin and sky blue hair tied to a bun that let clusters of hair to spread out and baby blue eyes.
One more deep breath and I closed my eyes in concentration. I can feel every cell in my body change and alter genetically, I can feel my genes mutate.
After a minute of feeling my genes mutate, I opened my eyes and looked at myself in the mirror, and I was no longer a mix of peach skin, sky blue hair, and baby blue eyes. But rather, dark caramel skin, white hair, and dark blood red eyes.
After this phase of my plan, I went to my room and got a change of clothes. Once I was done, I was no longer wearing the white button shirt and black pants, but rather a pink long sleeved shirt, light brown pants, a black vest, and a white ascot. No longer looking like the Skystar my mother raised.
Now, for the last phase of my plan; to actually get the fuck out.
I raced to the front door to open it up and get my first, sweet, succulent, taste of the outside world that I have been starving for for years.
But the moment the door to my freedom came into sight, I froze in my place but my heart raced a hundred miles an hour and threatened to burst out my chest like it was a piece of paper.
I stared for what felt like eternity at the door.
Why couldn’t I do it?
Why was I hesitating?
This was the answer to all my problems! Just one time! Just one fucking time! That’s all I need, just one goddamn fucking time out this hellhole of a house and I’ll be set. I’ll be set knowing that I didn’t die not seeing the outside world at least once.
So why am I hesitating?
This is my ticket, my ticket to the outside world.
So why is my heart acting against my body?
It was like a forcefield that blocked me from my freedom.
Maybe it wasn’t a good idea?
Maybe I should stay here?
NOOO!!!!
I refuse to stay here any longer, my life is chipping away every breathing moment and I’m standing here, not knowing when I may die and not take this golden opportunity that can change my life!
I REFUSE TO LET THIS MOMENT TO SLIP AWAY FROM ME!!!
I unlocked the door and closed it before running to the exit stairs. I didn’t even run down the stairs, I just carnivaled my way down the stairs.
Once I got to the bottom, I ran towards the exit, ignoring the many questions I got from the apartment staff.
I burst through the door and stop once again, but this time, instead of it being out of fear, it was out of pure astonishment.
I was frozen, the city looked so beautiful. Buildings so tall it felt like they kissed the sky. The streets were wide but short. The many cars people were driving was amazing.
Again, as if my heart wasn’t working with my brain, I started walking in a random direction.
The amazing architecture that was the buildings that looked better from out here than from out my window blew me away. It almost felt as if I was in another world entirely.
*Beep Beep Beep*
I turned my head to see where the sound was coming from and it was the supermarket that I see people enter and exit.
My curiosity got the better of me and I entered the supermarket and was blown away again. There was many people going where they wanted, getting whatever desired and paying for it at the front of the store.
And again, my legs started working on their own as I started walking in a random direction.
My walking had led me down an aisle where I bumped into a boy, he was about my age, had dark scarlet hair tied in a samurai ponytail and had crystal blue eyes, he wore a white shirt with a checkered white and blue short sleeved polo shirt, light brown pants and dark brown boots.
We stare at each other for a bit before I realized I was staring, “I’m so sorry for staring!” I apologized.
He shakes his head and smiles, “It’s okay, I should have been paying attention more.” He assures me, “So, I haven’t seen you around, you new here?” He asked.
I chuckled nervously and twirled my finger through my hair, “I guess you could say that…” I trailed off.
He nods, “So, what’s your name?” He asked.
“My name’s Skystar Robins.” I introduced.
He hands his hand out to me and I hesitantly shake his head, “My name’s Ryoko Shadow.” He introduces, “You want to hang out, I don’t have anything else to do after shopping?” He asked.
Now, I know what I’m about to say next is not the smartest thing to say, I know about the classic stranger danger type of deal, but this Ryoko guy seemed sincere, like I wouldn’t be killed if I go along. So, I nodded, “Yes, please.” I agreed and walked to the side of his cart.
He nods, “Great, all I got is one more thing and we’re good to go.” He announces before walking off, with me following close behind.
“So, how long have you lived here?” He asked.
I was a little hesitant to answer, I know this might be a little fast for the first time telling someone about my problem, but I feel like I can trust him.
“Will you promise not to tell anyone?” I asked.
His face expression becomes one of seriousness and he nods, “I promise.” He assures, “But you don’t have to tell me if it’s too personal.” He adds.
I nodded, took a deep breath and sighed, “My mother kept me locked up for 15 years of my life…” I started, “But I promise she wasn’t doing it for anything you think she was, she did it because she wanted to keep me shielded from the dangers of the world.” I explained.
He nods, “I see, so your mom was just overprotective, I can get that, my mom’s overprotective too.” He shares, “Although she shows it in a much more different way than yours.” He adds, “So, what’re you into?” He asked.
I shrugged, “I watched a lot of movies, and pretty much self-taught in many carnival trick.” I replied, “What about you?” I returned his question.
He shrugs, “I like movies too, and my mom taught me a few hand-to-hand techniques, nothing to really go crazy about.” He admitted, “What’s your favorite movie?” He asked.
I tapped my chin in deep thought, “Probably ‘The Mysterious Mare Do Well’ I like a good mystery movie, and the villain Mane-iac is a perfect personification of being evil for the sake of being evil.” I answered.
“My favorite movie has to be ‘Pennywiser’ I like a horror movie.” He informs.
And we talked some more about different topics as he got what he needed, brought it, and we were now walking to his home.
I don’t know why, but this Ryoko guy was just charming, more charming than any actor I’ve seen on the screen. It also felt as if every word he spoke was genuine, like he wasn’t going to turn around and try and kill me anytime soon.
I was so stuck in our conversation that I didn’t even realize we stopped at his house.
“You want to come in?” He asked.
I shook my head, “I’ll wait out here.” I replied.
He nods and opens the door with his key and enters while I sit on his porch swing.
I waited for a few minutes and he comes out and locks the door before turning to me, “So, since you don’t know this place very well, where do you want to go?” He asked.
I tapped my chin in deep thought, “Is the park okay?” I asked.
He nods, “Sure, I know a great park we can go to, come on.” He replies, taking me along with him.
We arrived at the park and sat down on a bench, we talked for what seemed like hours when my stomach rumbled.
I groaned in annoyance, “Looks like I’m a little hungry.” I complained.
Ryoko chuckles a little, “Alright, stay here for a while and I’ll get us something to eat.” He says, getting up and leaving to the my right.
He comes back a few minutes later with a popsicle with two handles.
I arched an eyebrow in curiosity, “How are we supposed to eat that?” I asked.
He smiles before he pulls the popsicle apart, resulting in a half popsicle for the both of us. He hands me one before sitting down, “This popsicle is meant to be eaten like this.” He informs me.
I nod and smile, “Thanks.” I thanked him and we started sucking on our popsicles while getting off to different topics.
(2 hours later)
I looked up at the starry sky while chatting with Ryoko and realize a crucial factor.
“Oh my god, it’s nighttime, no doubt my mom’s home!” I freaked out.
Ryoko looks at me with a confused expression, “What is it? Didn’t your mom allow you to come outside?” He asked.
I shook my head, “No, I snuck out!” I replied, holding my head in frustration, “Ugh, she’s going to kill me! And it’s late as all hell, how the hell am I supposed to get back home, I don’t even know where my home IS!” I freaked out even more, starting to cry, covering my eyes with my hands.
In the midst of my crying, I felt Ryoko lightly grips my shoulders, “Calm down Sky, I’ll help you get home, just try and tell me what you remember about where you lived and I’ll lead you there.” He assures.
I take a deep breath and open my eyes and look him dead in the face, “I live in an apartment building, it’s pretty big, probably the biggest building on the block, you could see it if you looked around the supermarket.” I informed him.
He nods and takes me hand, “I know what building you’re talking about, c’mon.” He assures me as he began to lead me to the my apartment building.
And as I was following me, I was washed with this overwhelming feeling of safety and security, like Ryoko was emitting it himself. It truly felt magical.
We eventually make it back to my house, I was about to run for it when something hit me in the head. I stopped in my tracks and turned to Ryoko, “Ryoko, how’re you going to get home?” I asked, concerned for his safety.
He smiles at me with the same majestic smile he’s had on all day, “No, I’ll be good, no need to worry about me.” He assures me.
The next moment, I am hit with this strange feeling in my chest, a feeling I’ve never felt before, a feeling that instinctively compulsed me to give Ryoko one of the most heartfelt hugs I’ve ever given to anyone. And I started crying again, but this crying wasn’t one of sadness and fear, but one of genuine happiness and gratitude.
“T-t-thank y-you.” I thanked him between shaky breaths.
I reciprocates the hug and I can just feel his smile plastered on his face, “It’s okay, no need to thank me.” He assures.
After a minute of hugging, I pulled away, and wiped tears from my eyes, “Bye Ryoko.” I payed my farewell.
He turns around and starts walking away, but not before waving back, “Bye Sky.” He repeated.
And I just realized that he was calling me ‘Sky’ instead of ‘Skystar’, it was a nice nickname.
But I had no time to be mesmerising the events of today, I got a much more important task at hand; confronting my mother.
I was scared, but I knew that this cannot be avoided, this had to happen now, and I had to get rid of it immediately or it’ll come bite me in the ass.
I took a deep breath and entered the building, got in the elevator, and pressed the floor I was on, the 4th floor. Once the elevator reached my floor, I got exited the elevator and walked to my door.
Again, once in front of this door, I froze. I was afraid of confronting my mother, I knew she was infuriated with me, I knew she was, she had to be, after 15 years of dominance over my life, finally having that control broken obviously pissed her off.
But this time, I didn’t hesitate as much and opened the door, which was unlocked by the way.
“Mom, I can explain…”
To be continued.