Once I Was Lost Novels & Stories

Our hearts were really pumpin’ Say yeah, yeah, yeah Say yeah, yeah, yeah. As the rapturous couple spun, twirled, and moved across the makeshift dance floor, synchronized clapping kept them in stitches with unrestrained happiness. Every single person present at Ringo’s that night lost their way throughout the year, be it romantically, employment wise, or because of something else entirely–like addiction or self worth. Some were dealing with or preparing for the unexpected loss of a loved one, and others were searching for their destined route on a road map previously unwritten.

My hands trembled as I clutched the phone tighter, the silence stretching between us thick with everything left unsaid—but understood. “When I was with Vanessa, she was literally family. Closer to them than I was.” He continued. His voice was casual. That stung, but honestly, I deserved it. I messed up. Time to pay for it. I didn’t care what he said, as long as he was back. Tears rolled down my cheeks. I felt like someone who’d been lost for ages and finally found home. “Baby, I will do better. I will be better,” I whispered, voice trembling as tears blurred my vision, each word soaked in the ache of everything I’d lost—and still hoped to fix.

And, weak-willed as I was, I fell for it—ignoring every warning my best friend whispered in my ear. I thought that no matter how flawed he was, he must have been drawn to something in me. But that wasn’t it. It had all been a cruel joke. He had lost a bet with his friends. The loser had to randomly pick a student ID and pursue that person, regardless of gender, looks, or personality. That person he picked happened to be me. If not for that, Keith and I would have been nothing more than two parallel lines, never crossing and colliding. I remembered the first time he took me to one of his friends' gatherings.

Several of my coworkers were bedridden with the spreading epidemic. The signal here was terrible. I hadn't received any messages from Bobby in days. Then today, a firebomb landed nearby. I wasn't fast enough—I took shrapnel to the leg. Lying in bed, all I felt was anxiety. I clutched my phone, waiting for a signal to flicker back to life. It wasn't until after midnight that the notification tone finally chimed. My screen lit up with dozens of missed calls—all from Bobby. Adam told me that Bobby had found out I joined the rescue team.

I am woken up by a sharp rapping. "Go away, Meena!" frustrated I can't sleep on my vacation. We went to fairy hill yesterday! What could she possibly want to do today that is so important? But the rapping on the door grows insistent. And then it hits me. I'm no longer in Ireland or in the correct century! Meena isn't here! I open my eyes in a panic, seeing nothing but blackness, and I am disoriented. Remembering yesterday's events, I recall I was in a small cell and a cook for a Prince and Princess of Troy!

Dad screamed as he rushed toward me. I stood on the balcony railing and looked back at him, staring down at the people who made me call them my family. "Dominic wants me to get lost. I'm a good boy, so I'll do everything he tells me to do." Then, I spread my arms open and threw myself backward like a kite on a broken string.

My eyes were bloodshot, burning with something close to obsession. I pulled out my phone and called someone. "I need a favor. Track someone down for me." Then I stood up, the pendant pressed so tight in my fist that the edge bit into my palm. I didn't let go. I was going to find her. Wherever she was. Whether she wanted to see me or not. I was going to bring her back. Even if I had to beg on my knees. Even if it took a lifetime to make it right. Layla. I'm coming. Wait for me.

"I'm lost" I was having trouble breathing as I tripped over a sidewalk root camouflaged by the night. I braced myself, my hands shaking. "Okay, Lessie, don't lose it," I murmured to myself, trying to relax. "You're okay. You're okay." i told myself. The words tasted empty. Some minutes later, maybe more, I didn't know. I had been wandering around but everywhere was the same. I screamed once more, repeatedly shouted for someone until my throat was aching. Nobody responded and nobody came.

Let me help you before it’s too late. I deleted the message, but the fear stayed. Because the truth was becoming clearer every day, I wasn’t just falling. I was already lost. And the worst part?. A secret part of me was starting to enjoy being lost.

All at once He said it all at once The kind of honesty I had always craved for But my heart was bleeding too much to be happy It was bleeding about everuthing that was happening Jeremy waited a bit hoeibgnif reply and say something But when he saw the shaking look in my eyes Meh assumed whatever he thought and walked away And this became the second time, I was all alone stranded on the ice Heartbroken, not any better than the last