I've always wondered what it would feel like to die. I've thought about what memories I would replay in my mind, what I would wish for, how I would feel, if I felt anything at all, or maybe I would be content with how I lived my life and pass away peacefully. Unfortunately, like most people, I wasn't prepared for an unexpected death. The blame is mine and mine alone. They say what goes around, comes around. It was my own stupid, naive mindset that brought this upon myself, thinking that I was an exception to consequences that would cost me everything that I held dear. 

                                                               *

"Blaise, your shift ended five minutes ago why are you still here?" My supervisor, Samantha, asked while she quickly snatched the towel and cleaning spray out of my hands. "Aren't you going on vacation today? Don't worry about the rest, we can handle it from here. Now you go and enjoy yourself and tell your parents I said hi."

  "Well I just didn't want to leave you guys with too much since its my last day here." I feigned sadness, pouting and frowning. Making my best puppy dog eyes, I looked at Samantha then to my coworkers Damien and Cameron, who were behind the counter, then back to Samantha. She rolled her eyes and snorted. I glared at the other two for not backing me up and they just grinned and shrugged. 

  "That doesn't work on me missy, now go and its not like we won't see you again, you come here basically everyday after your classes." She gave me a soft hug and shooed me on my way. Laughing in agreement, I made my way to the back where my locker was and grabbed my belongings. Before leaving I made sure to wave them bye. Damien blew a kiss to me but Cameron interjected and pretended to catch it and blow it back to him. Everyone who saw it laughed.

  "It was nice working with y'all, don't forget to hire me again next year!" I yelled out. "Bye everyone!" In response, every person in the shop said a goodbye for me. Even though it wasn't surprising since I've known the people in here for most of my life, it still felt nice. It's one of the many reasons why I love small cities where everyone knows everyone else.

  "Are you already going back to school dear?" Mrs. Darcy, one of the regulars, asked before I walked out.

  "No ma'am, I'm going on a six week vacation with some friends." She wished me a safe trip and so did all the others. One final wave bye and I rushed into my car and, as safely as I could, hurried to my apartment. The drive isn't long to my place but we're supposed to leave at 1:30pm and it was already 1:17pm.

  I lived with my best friend, Serra, who was also going on vacation with me and by the time I arrived, she had already packed my bags and had them set by the door. She was dressed in her favorite purple crop top with blue denims. Her red curly hair was pulled into a bun on top of her head and, surprisingly, she was makeup free. 

  "You are so late, they're going to be here any minute now. I packed everything you need so don't worry all you have to do is change your clothes. There's also a bagel already with cream cheese if you want it." Serra immediately started pushing me towards my room. "Oh, and don't forget your medication I couldn't find it or else I would've packed it already." Knowing her, she already did pack everything else and so I quickly changed out of my uniform into a gray floral dress and slipped on a comfortable pair of sandals. I fished my pills out from between my mattress and box spring and went to go shove it in my bag. Just in time, there was a knock on the door before it swung open revealing my friend Jasmine.

  "Told you it wasn't locked." Jasmine uttered. I thought she was talking to me until another person came into view. Another friend of mine, Raven. I noticed she dyed her hair white and it looked quite nice on her. It definitely made her bright green eyes pop out more.

  "Serra, I thought I said to start remembering to lock the door." Raven added. "Why don't you ever listen?" She was definitely in a bad mood. I glanced at Serra trying to find answers on why but she looked just as annoyed.

  "Well hello to you too honey," Serra spat. I guess they're going through some rough patches in their relationship.

  "Won't you look at the time, it's really late now so let's get on our way." I tried to ease the tension in the room and Jasmine just looked down trying to stifle in a laugh. "My parents said they want to see us before we go so let's hurry." I grabbed my bags and Serra's and stuffed it in the truck of Raven's SUV. We all piled in, Jasmine and I in the back while Raven and Serra were up front.

  The awkward silence, besides the quiet hum of the car, was definitely killing me. I really hope they make up soon or else this vacation will be very eventful, and not in a good way. I guess it could always be worse though. My phone went off, signaling a text from my mom asking if we're on our way. I replied back telling her we'll be there soon.

  "Is that your mom?" Jasmine asked. I nodded in response and she smiled. "I miss your mom, its been a few months since I've seen her. Or you for that matter. How are you doing now? Raven told me Serra planned this vacation mostly for you after finding out your ex cheated. I'm really sorry that happened to you." 

  "Thanks Jas. I've been doing better. Serra and Raven really have helped a lot. I know you've been busy too with learning how to manage a whole business. Are your parents happy you decided to take over?" Her family owned a very successful realtor business and at first she didn't want to be a part of it but a few months ago she changed her mind and I haven't really seen her since.

  "It's a lot of work but I do like it. They're very excited for me. Oh look there's your parent's house." She pointed out the window and I looked out to see my parents already standing outside while we pulled in. I got out and went to hug them before the rest were able to give them hugs and say bye. My mom looked as she was about to burst into tears and I giggled a bit.

  "You're so silly mom, I won't be gone forever." I gave her a tight hug and she squeezed me back in return. My dad joined in soon after and I heard my friends laughing before they joined in as well. We all laughed, just one big hug and then pulled apart. "We'll be back before classes start up again and then you'll be seeing me again everyday." I added to try and comfort her.

  "I know, I just want to say we love you Blaise." My mom choked out. I smiled before giving her another hug. Even though they're only my adoptive parents, I love them just the same as I would if they were my real parents.

  "I love you both as well." A lump appeared in my throat and a sudden wave of fear surged through me. It felt wrong. I wanted to say I decided to stay, my body frozen in place like a statue. My chest hurt like something was trying to claw its way out, it was getting hard to breathe. My mind raced as pain shot through my whole body. I wanted to scream, it felt like my bones were breaking, all I could here was a ringing noise. I could see my mom's mouth moving but I couldn't hear a thing. I felt like my legs would give up anytime now and I'd pass out. I couldn't move nor speak. I was terrified. All of a sudden it stopped. Nothing hurt, nothing even felt like it was hurting in the first place.

  "Blaise, your friends are about to leave without you." My dad called out. I spun back to see they were already back in the car waiting. "Have fun sweetie, be safe." I gave them both one final hug and a bye before getting back into my seat. And then we were off to go to California, where we'll be partying on beaches, and where Serra said I should flirt my way to all the free drinks.

  "Its going to be a long ride ladies so buckle up and enjoy the scenery, whatever it might be." Raven piped in. I was expecting a response from Serra but I forgot they were in a disagreement about something so I chose to close my eyes to sleep and let my dreams take me.

 I opened my eyes to be greeted with complete darkness. I couldn't even see my hands or my feet. Then I heard a tiny voice.

 "Mama, where did papa go?" All of a sudden, I'm inside an old Victorian styled room, with a little girl tugging at my hand. I looked down at her and  I felt my stomach drop. I was looking at myself, but when I was younger. Then, everything shifted and I was seeing a scene from someone else's eyes. I was looking up at a woman, her face blurred to the point of being unable to identify her. All I could see was her long black hair that was curled and that fell beautifully onto her slim shoulders. She had a very curvy figure, with...assets that any girl would die for. I realized I was looking through the eyes of my younger self. I could feel a mixture of emotions running through me, but mostly fear. I was afraid of something, but I don't even remember what.

 "Blaise, you're a very gifted little girl. You may not understand right now but you are so special, sweetie. Promise mama you'll grow up to be fair and kind." The woman in front me took my hands in hers. She was my mother? "I'm sorry papa and I couldn't keep our promise to you. We really wanted to be the ones to show you the outside world but it seems that it isn't fated for us to show you." My vision is blurred by what seems to be tears. "Oh baby don't cry."

  "I love you mama. I love papa too." I cried out.

  "We love you too." My mother whispered as she pulled me into a hug.