I was never an outside type of person. I couldn’t get myself to go outside, or hang out with friends. It’s hard for me to find something to do, so I just sit down on my couch and miss it all. Some people call me an introvert, but some people think I miss out cause I just don’t like people….I can see where people get that from, but I don’t like how people are just guessing about me…I wish I have the motivation, the time to actually go out and do stuff. When I do, nothing looks good to go to or the weather is bad. It feels like I have bad luck overall…

I sat at my desk, writing notes down for my college classes. I was almost done, everything was so nice and organized. The title of the lesson is written in jet black ink, bold and underlined. Most of the notes were written in sky blue ink but when it is something important, I either underline or write it in blood red ink. It was very neat and I was proud of it. I was about to finish up when my phone rang. I look over at my phone, slowly.

“Nico…?” I mumbled before picking up my phone. I held it to my ear after I press the answer button.

“Vincent, hey buddy! What are you doing?” Nico said, excitingly.

It’s his own tone of voice, I never heard someone this excited as him before. He’s usually excited over the little things. For example, a new book came out in the book store. Nothing big and not very popular, but Nico will get so excited that he will rush over there the minute he gets the news. It makes me smile that he enjoys himself, being a bit carefree in life.

“Hey Vince, still there?”

I sat up in my seat slightly as I snap out of my thoughts, “O-Oh sorry, I zoned out a bit..”

I heard Nico chuckle, “That’s all good, never mind what I said. I do have a question for you.”

I nod, “Really, what is it?”

There was a pause from Nico. I sat in my seat awkwardly as I waited for his answer. Why is he not saying his question now? Is it that important? Did something happen to him? Maybe he was kidnapped. Or he passed out. Just talk, please!

“Can you…hang out with me this weekend..?” Nico ask, finally answering.

I froze. Did he just say what I think he said…? I never thought someone would even invite me. Not even now since college exams are coming up. Yet, something could go wrong- no I can’t think of the wrong now! This is your only chance, you have to ride or die on this.

I took a deep breathe and answered, “Yes, I would love to go.”

I don’t need the future to be like it is.

Not at all, not on my watch.

I saw what the future looked like with my own eyes. Destruction everywhere, everything was destroyed. Buildings toppled over with all windows cracked and broken, along with the streets crowded with car after car crashing into each bumper. Streetlights shattered with its glass on the ground, baseball bats and metal pipes near each mortal’s dead body. Their bodies…dirty and bruised, bloody and scraped. How their hands were so…ice cold. It was the worse touch that I have ever felt, and I don’t want to feel that again. Not ever! I’ll do whatever it takes to change the future.

But…I don’t want to lose her.

She’s so perfect, so nice, so…graceful. Her kindness surpasses mine, with her smile filling all of the empty spaces in a dark room. Her hair was so pretty, so soft, I could run my fingers through her hair and I could feel the softness in each individual strand. Her eyes are so beautiful, sparkling, all of the stars can fit into her pupils as they look upon the sky. I want her to be with me, to help me, to be there for me. I just want her all to myself, no one else touching her but me…Only if I could that is…

It’s all because of him…

He keeps her from me, thinking that she’ll be safe. He makes her work in that stupid hellhole he calls a mansion. They have one butler, he can do most of the work. He keeps her in that same room, not being able to go out unless someone is with her. They are not any normal people with her- oh no, they are more than people may think. I do want them…they seem rather a big key to my goal. I only have one of them…but one won’t do. He’s starting to drift away from me, I guess he knows my ambitions as a per-blood- but that doesn’t matter. I just want more power…but I can’t have everything like everyone.

It’s weird…why would he do this…?

Why does he give so many people a second chance…?

Didn’t he say that he likes wilted flowers…?

He must-

I heard a knock on my bedroom door. I turn in my seat to face the wooden door. I wonder who’s behind it? Maybe Charles?

“Come in.”

The door opens to reveal a maroon purple hair man, smiling widely as he enters. I knew it was him, it seems like he always comes around at this time of night. I sat up in my seat and smile at the young fellow, “Was there something you need, Charles.”

He nods still having that smile on his face, “Yes, I actually went to the store and got things for dinner. I was just wondering if you want anything to eat?”

I think for a moment before nodding, “Sure, I would like some dinner.”

I could see his smile widened a little, which made me smile. At least he’s happy, that’s a great start to help his mental state.

“Alright, I’ll start cooking right away!” He heads out the room and closes the door behind him.

I chuckle softly and look back at the portrait near the fireplace. There she was, all in her beauty…I sigh happily as I stare at it, think what I should do next.

“Thank you for being there for me…I’ll avenge you, I promise…because it’s all his fault..”

“What do you think the word ‘afterlife’ means to you?”

“You have to know and believe the lord, or else you are going to hell.”

“Hey are you even listening?”

“Hey!”

I snapped out of my day dream and looked over to my friend, who was now staring at me. He was a little concerned, I could tell by the look in his eyes. I didn’t want to leave him unanswered to I nod, “Hm..Oh yeah I am.”

He stares at me closely and sighs, “You need to stop getting your head to reality not in the clouds.”

“What do you mean, I was list-“

My friend cut me off, “Don’t pull that shit on me, I know you well enough that you were thinking about something else.”

I wanted to deny it, but I only look down at my hands. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but I couldn’t listen to that touchy subject. It’s always that question over and over again, it’s just putting more pressure on me. Whether I’m Jewish or I’m Christian it don’t matter, they always talk about heaven and hell like it’s the only thing to talk about. Yes, there’s more to talk about like work and the weather but it’s always those topics of religion.

Heaven? Hell? Who cares, your still going to one place. God? Satan? Your still overruled by someone. It’s just something that doesn’t even sound interesting anymore, it’s always a family subject as well. Family? Yourself? They both choose their own path, they could lead into separate places if your not careful. Friends? Soulmate? If you choose one side, the other will get mad and break off from you. Bible? Alcohol? They are a way to relieve stress, but they both seem like a waste of time. Why do I have to choose between Heaven or Hell, I’m just going to get hated on either way.

I look up at my friend. He still has his eyes on me, with the same look of concern. I gave him a little smile, “What about we try a different subject…?”

           -                         -                     -

It’s been a month since that conversation, it still ponders every now and then in my mind. I try to avoid every conversation about it as I can, but I always seem to run into it. It’s like this is the new trend everyone is talking about. Now, it’s making me feel sick to my stomach. I hate this feeling so much, I just want it to just wash away. I was driving on the interstate, listening good to some music in my car. I was not paying attention when suddenly I saw a semi getting close to me. I was panicking and swerved to the other lane, without thinking a crashed into another car.

Everything went black.

I couldn’t see no one or anything.

No light.

No voices.

Nothing.

Is this what the afterlife really was…?

Just a black emptiness.

Is this what the afterlife is like..?

Sorry it was a little hurried.