REAGAN

I find myself running through the wood. Running aimlessly through the trees like I'm being controlled, but by who or what. My lungs gasp for air as I run, feeling like they're going to explode.

Suddenly, I'm being levitated into the air.

 Carried by forces seeming to know exactly what I wanted. In shock, I stay still being carried deeper into what seems to be a never-ending terrain.

I notice the thick fog that surrounds us. I hadn't before.

Too occupied by the running to notice much of anything like the trees that sway, but there's no wind, or the flowers that blossom on the side of the trees, nothing like I've ever seen before.

Mesmerizing, that it is.

The mysterious force once again moves me into a sitting position this time. Again like it knew exactly what I wanted. I quickly test the theory.

"A french vanilla iced coffee sure sounds good right now." Why did I pick that? I don't know. It's just the first thing that came to mind.

My theory quickly jumps back down to square one, seeing that I hadn't been greeted with anything. Sighing and in silence, I sit waiting for whatever fate had in store for me.

It seemed like forever, but I'm finally dropped near a wooden gazebo. I couldn't tell you why even if I knew... this would be very hard to explain.

I'm able to walk and move again, so I decided to investigate.

 What a strange place this is. I walk closer to the gazebo, and words begin to form along the top, "Dagdalor elious Mitrius" Strange indeed.

What language is that? Nothing I've ever heard. Then again, I only speak English, so all hope isn't lost. For what, that again I don't know.

I continue walking into the gazebo. The stone walls and the wooden benches catch my eye. They were beautifully made.

I take a seat since there is nothing much I can do. I'm all alone in these unknown woods waiting for an unknown something.

I sit face down into my palms as I think of all the possibilities.

 Am I going to die here? 

Am I dreaming? 

Is this even real?

Am I dead?

I sit thinking and thinking and thinking, and then the most beautiful voice spoke out to me. "Sorry to keep you waiting." 

 Her voice calmed me. 

Strange as frantic as I was, all it took was the kind and soothing voice of a stranger.

Little time goes by as I examine this woman. Her eyes as blue as the sea, her posture as straight as a pencil, her clothing looks as if made from some of the finest silks in the world, but her accent is like none other.

She's an older woman, much older than I am. I gather the strength to stand up from where I was but not one to speak.

She chuckles softly but then catches herself. I see her in my rear vision, and something about her laughing at me gave me the boldness to speak. 

"Where am I? Who are you?" 

My voice slipped my lips and not in the tone or manner I wished to give this stranger.

I didn't sound bold or courageous as I intended to, but it seems the fear in me was much stronger than I thought.

"You can call me Diane if you wish."

She says it as if there was an option, as if she'd give me another name if I willed it.

Without much thought, a smile and slight chuckle breaks from my lips, and I say 

"You're awfully nice for someone who's keeping me hostage."

As I say those words, her face slips into a state of shock and disbelief, rather confusing if you asked me. Was I painting the wrong kind of picture?

Moments go by, and after a while of god-awful silence, she finally spoke.

"You're free to leave as you wish." 

This time, another chuckle much louder because where am I to go in this god-forsaken forest, this eternal terrain. 

Of course, she ignores me and continues to speak.

"You're not hostage, Reagan, and you'll be on your way soon."

"You have nothing to be afraid of, young atlas." 

This might be the worst day of my life.

 "We have lots to talk about. Walk with me," she says as she exits the gazebo.

I follow her out and onto a path leading deeper into the woods. We walk quietly for a while, and I take insight. The trees, the flowers, the sky. They grow so beautifully, so perfectly.

"I know you have many questions, and I have no doubt what I'm about the tell you will raise more."

 Now I'm terrified. She does have a point, I do have so many questions, mostly about how I'm getting home, but now that I think about it, it's beginning to look like I was brought here for a reason.

I don't know what, but I guess she is going to tell me. "Well, first, I would like to know where I am."  She stopped walking once the words left my lips.

She turned to me and said, "Edenwoode, we're in Edenwoode." I have never heard of any place like that. I feel I'm pretty far from home.

"What state is that in?" 

Even with saying it, I knew deep down I wasn't going to get a perfect answer. "Edenwoode doesn't exist in your realm," as she says those words, it's like a dagger to the heart.

I become overwhelmed with thoughts. Even as all of this is going through my head, I don't want to show this stranger my fear.

I quickly collect myself and my thoughts, and I try to stand before her boldly, so she doesn't see my fears.

"We have little time, and what I am going to tell you isn't going to make much sense at first, but it will all be well soon, I promise you that." I couldn't keep a collective face any longer.

Though I tried to look bold, deep inside, I was panicking. What was going on, and why does it feel so strange? 

"I...I can handle it. Just tell me what I need to know." 

she turns to me, her face showing no expression, and then continues to walk down the pathway.

"The world you think you come from is not your own and never will be. You're 18 now, and you need to know the truth." 

I am more confused now that she's said all of that, even with the little she said.

What is it even supposed to mean? The world I come from is not my own? 

"I know it doesn't make much sense now, but bare with me as I explain."

"Reagan, you come from a different world, not the one you live in now but this world, a world of magic and Kings and Queens. And you Reagan, my dear child, are so very special to us."

Magic, yeah, right she's got to be mad, crazy..right?

"I know this is a lot to take in, but you are something so extraordinary that your parents couldn't risk you anything."

"My parents?" 

Disbelief shook between every letter uttered 

"The King and Queen, rulers of Amberfalls."

At this point, I am no longer scared but filled with anger. The lies she spoke of my parent.

" YOU'RE A LIAR"

"My mother's no queen, and my father's definitely no king. In fact, all he is is dead, and that's all."

Her face softened, but I didn't let that be the end

"I don't know what kind of sick joke you're trying to play, but I've had enough of it."

That was it that was all I had to say, yet all the anger I had built still wasn't let loss.

"You will be made to believe soon, and I promise you that. I wish I had enough time with you, but it seems like that too wasn't on my side."

Her tone seems sincere and solemn. 

"You must go now, so I must leave you with this last message. I will send someone to get you and bring you home, so be prepared to have to say goodbye to the ones you love, for this is inevitable."

And just as she came, she left, and I soon woke up in my bed doused in sweat and filled with confusion and much anger.