Awaken to a New Era

Where am I? Is all I can think. I open my eyes. I remember nothing. Nothing. That is, except for my own name.

I look up and see the glowing sun, surrounded by trees. I look to my right and there is a beautiful pond. I touch my hand to the surface and sigh. The cool of it is so relieving, compared to the hot of the summer day.

I sit up from my laying position and make to dust the dirt off of me, but then I realize that there is no dirt. Confused, I stand up and realize that I was laying on some sort of bed. A bed in the woods? I think, How strange can my experiences get?

            I look at the dress I am wearing. The soft, flowy fabric. The light shade of  pink that makes me think of the dahlia flowers that are growing beneath my feet. Something tugs at the back of my mind. Memories, I believe. But the more I try to remember, the more distant they become. I am suddenly enveloped by a feeling of rage. This is not right! I know I have a home, but where? I know there is one that loves me, but who?

            The feeling is depressing, really. How many people are there that know and love me? That are missing me? That are frightened and looking for me this very minute?

            Or…have they forgotten me too? Am I nothing but a memory that isn’t even a memory? A face that comes across them in their dreams or their thoughts, and yet they have no clue who I am?

            I quickly abandon the depressing thoughts. I may not know much at the moment, but I do know one thing: I must get out of this forest.

            I walk. My legs are wobbly and sore, as if I haven’t used them in years. That may be the case, but I have no time to dwell on that right now. I just walk until I finally see a light. I run to it, as if it is my lifeline. And it may very well be. I sigh in relief as I come across a large grassland. Not quite civilization, but close enough.

            As I walk on, a cool breeze hits me. I take a minute to stop my walking and let the wind blow my long reddish brown hair. I keep going, and finally, I come to a city.

            It amazes me. So many people, Is my first thought. There is a humongous crowd. I have to  push my way through it. And the fashion here…it’s odd. Even the women are wearing pants. I suddenly realize that I might not be in 1815 anymore. There are so many changes, in fashion especially. I guess nobody wears dresses like mine anymore.

            I don’t realize that I am lost in my own thoughts until I am brought back to reality by an impact that knocks me backward. “Ouch.” I say. I land on the hard pavement.

            “Sorry.” A male voice says. I look up and gasp. I’m lucky that I’m already down. If I wasn’t, I would have fallen at the sight of him and looked like even more of a fool.

            This boy is…well, striking. He has blonde hair. Not long, not short. He has perfect facial features, but what really strike me are his eyes. They’re like two perfect crystal blue ponds. I can see my reflection in them. “Do you need help?” He asks. He reaches his hand out to me and I take it. He pulls me up in one swift movement. Beautiful and strong.

            “Thank you.” I say with a slight curtsy. He laughs a little, which I wasn’t expecting.

            “A curtsey? What is this, the 1800’s?” I’m confused. Isn’t it?

            “Well, thank you regardless.” I say.

            “You’re not from around here, are you?” He asks. Now it’s my turn to laugh.

            “No, I’m afraid not. Speaking of, do you mind telling me where I am?”

            “You’re in Crescent City.” He says. I knit my eyebrows together in confusion, “California.” He elaborates. Suddenly an image flashes through my mind. A city. It may not be Crescent City, but I know that it’s in a different time than this. Now, the technology has improved so much and there are many more buildings. And a question that I have asked myself so much comes to mind once again.

            Where am I?

            “What’s your name?” The boy suddenly asks. I smile. Finally, there is a question that I actually know the answer to.

            “Lucinda.” I reply.

            “Lucinda?” I nod, “Interesting. Can I call you Luce?”

            “Luce.” I try the name out on my tongue, “Odd…intriguing. Very well. Luce it is!” I say with a smile. He laughs.

            “Well, Luce. I’m Trent.” I shook his hand.

            “Pleasure. Well, I should be getting on my way.”

            “Well do you have money? A place to stay?” I shook my head sadly.

            “No and no.” He laughs.

            “Why don’t you stay in our extra room until you find your own place.” My eyes widen.

            “Oh, no. I couldn’t! I mean, you barely even know me…” He interrupts me.

            “I’m not going to let you sleep on the streets.”

***

            Later that night, I am walking to the guest room, about to go to sleep. Trent is so sweet! He let me into his house and introduced me to his family. Let me wear his sister’s clothes and gave me a place to rest. “Thank you.” I say to him and kiss him. I pull away, embarrassed, and blush. He looks startled, “What, isn’t that how people show their gratitude?” He laughs.

            “No.”

            “Oh… I’m sorry.”

            “Don’t be.” He leans closer to me, “I don’t regret it. I like you, Luce. You’re different from other girls.”

            I don’t know anything about my past. How I got here, what year this is. But I do know that I have to stay now.

            For Trent.