all of the first part of Duncan's POV is a dream
Duncan’s POV
The air crackles with intense heat. The scene is rough. Sharp, jagged rocks pierce through the ground. It’s all rugged terrain. The ground is bare, red dirt. Nothing grows here, only the odd dead درخت stands, nearly snapping in half with the weight of the humid air. There is no movement; this place doesn’t seem alive. It’s deadly silent. Its noon, but it feels as eerie and still as night. This place is desolate. Hatred seems to waver about, not quite present, but it looms. There is no life, nothing to look آگے to. The same isolated feeling clings to me. This place is like death.
I feel right at home.
For hours, maybe days, I walk. Not in any particular direction, just around. Discovering nothing, meeting no one. It’s all the same. Like a circle, it never ends. I accept that I’m here. It fits me. I don’t belong anywhere else.
For a long time, I’m content. I can’t tell whether I’m happy یا not, but there’s no wanting. There’s nothing to strive for, there’s nothing to lose. It’s easy, just to live in this acceptance.
Then I hear it. Soft, slapping sounds. Footsteps. And possibly the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard. Laughter.
There’s something else here.
I’m taken aback, at first. The sounds are unusual to me. The only thing I’ve ever heard is the scuffing sound of the ground beneath my own feet, and the quiet, rhythmic sounds of my breathing. Then the sounds get louder, and louder. I can’t tell where they are coming from. But I’m not scared, I’m excited. Thrilled, even.
The noises stop. I turn.
She’s there, smiling at me. She shines in comparison to the scenery. Her eyes spark happily. She is stunning.
In that moment, my world is turned upside down.
We do nothing for a moment, just stand, staring. She sways from sides to side softly. I smile. She walks forward, and wraps her arm around me.
It’s innocent, simple. Friendly. It’s a hug. But in that instant, I realize how lonely I was. An instant later, I’m returning the embrace. I kiss the سب, سب سے اوپر of her head.
Courtney breaks off slowly, giggling. She laces her fingers through mine and pulls me around. We dance. She leans against me, and I’m aware of the soft feel of her skin mixed with the smooth material of her dress. We kick up dust with our heels. I pull her closer, she sighs happily. We step together.
She stops, pulling away. Smiling like a guilty child, she runs. I chase her. For hours, I follow her disheveled trail. Around cliffs, we swerve. We come to a fallen log. She leaps gracefully amidst her strides and continues. I follow suit. I start to catch up. She shrieks, and tries to run faster. But I catch her.
I drape my arms around her waist, and she laughs again. We tumble to the ground side سے طرف کی side. It doesn’t hurt, though. As long as we’re together, it won’t hurt.
We lie on our sides and smile, staring closely at one another. We say nothing, because words are useless. Only actions matter here.
We kiss, we laugh, we smile. I’ve never been so happy.
She moves closer, nuzzling my cheek. I hold her hand. She breathes in my ear. I stroke her hair.
Everything is her. Nothing else is important.
There is purpose. There is meaning. Everything before her meant nothing, it’s all unimportant. But it has changed. I’m suddenly excited for the اگلے day, for the اگلے moment to come. Because I know she’ll be here, with me. There’s something to look آگے to, something to work for. Something to live for. Someone to live for.
Smile never leaving her face, she stands. In fact, her smile only grows brighter as she looks past us. I شامل میں her and follow her gaze.
Past the world I’ve been living in, the only one I’ve ever known, there is something else. I can only see it now, and I see that it’s beautiful. Trees and hills, valleys and rivers. It’s better than anything I’ve ever seen.
She looks at the place hopefully, then back at me. She wants us to leave, to live there.
But I don’t want to go.
I’m scared of what’s there. I don’t understand it. I don’t want things to change.
Courtney sees my hesitation. It’ as though I’ve hit her. She’s devastated.
Her look says it all: آپ won’t come. آپ don’t care for me.
آپ don’t love me.
I try to fix it. I try to tell her I love her, but words don’t matter here. Tears fall down her face. They land in the dirt, staining it. She steps back, turns, and bolts away.
She doesn’t stop, and in seconds, she’s gone. I don’t see her anymore. I don’t see the beautiful land in the distance. Suddenly, the world is huge again. And I’m insignificant.
I scream. I yell. I cry. But no one hears. There isn’t anyone to hear.
I’m alone.
___________________________________________________________________________
I wake up with a start. Looking around, I see that I’m in my room. It wasn’t real. None of it. I نگلنا hard.
It was just a dream.
I sigh, somewhat relieved. My heart’s beating twice as fast. I turn over in my bed, trying to find some sleep, though my mind is buzzing.
It was just a dream.
It meant nothing.
Dreams don’t have meanings. It’s just my imagination messing with me. Just my imagination. That’s all.
But it’s as though it was trying to tell me something. Like I have to do… something. I have to… have to… to…
My eyelids grow heavy… grow heavy… shut. My thoughts stretch out, quietly fading as my consciousness begins to dissolves. Fatigue drowns me.
I fall asleep.
“So I was just like: yeah, I do! And he just- Duncan? آپ listening, man?” Dylan waves his hand in front of my face. I glance up from the bench and frown.
“Oh, yeah. Sure I was. آپ were talking about that… آپ know, thing.” I drop my gaze and continue etching my initials into the surface of the wood.
“Dude?” Dylan gives me an odd look, as if I’ve کہا something unusual. “You alright? آپ seem kind of out of it. Not to mention you’ve pretty much destroyed this bench.”
Sighing, I recline and focus on the early morning sky. “Yeah, I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?”
He shrugs, a grin finding its way to his face. “Oh, I don’t know… maybe it has something to do with how time you’ve been spending with her.”
I stiffen, suddenly مزید alert. “What?”
Dylan shrugs and gives a low chuckle. “Come on. آپ have to admit, you’ve been hanging around with Courtney pretty often lately. آپ really like her, don’t you?”
Trying to keep cool, I blow out a sigh and scan the park slowly. “Ah, she’s okay. Just some girl, anyway.”
He scoffs, and I’m reminded of myself for a moment. “Please. You’re practically in love with her.”
Jumping to my feet, I turn to him and raise my arm. “Yeah, right! I’m not in freaking love with her!”
Dylan yelps and raises his arms in defense. I immediately notice I’m holding my pocket چھری in a suggestively dangerous position. Coughing awkwardly, I return my arm to my side and close the blade stiffly.
“Sorry. Instinct.” I mutter under my breath. Dylan nudges me and dismisses the accidental threat.
“Ah, no problem. But I still disagree.” His expression is smug, I give a small growl.
I turn to him threateningly, and he raises his palms once again, smiling this time.
“I’m not lying.” I persist. Dylan laughs to himself, shaking his head slightly.
“Yeah, sure.” He smiles. I continue to glare, but he’s still sure of himself.
“I’m not!” I explain quickly, jumping to my defense. Just as hastily, I exhale and recompose myself. “Sure, I like her and all. But she’s just a girl. Just one girl.”
He smirks, unconvinced. I scowl fiercely.
Several moments pass before I give up with a sigh.
I shove my چھری into my pocket. “Whatever, man. Let’s go.”
Standing, I walk briskly out of the park, not really caring whether Dylan’s following یا not.
School’s a blur. I can’t focus.
I don’t usually focus in school anyway, but that’s beside the point.
Courtney sits in the ڈیسک اگلے to mine. She pokes me with the sharp end of her pencil.
“Duncan, آپ really should pay attention.” She scolds, eyes narrowed. “Do آپ understand what we’re doing?”
“No.” I answer bluntly, and she sighs.
“Here. آپ just…” Courtney leans over and starts to jot down notes in my book. She’s talking to me, but I don’t bother listening. I’m only aware of the fact that I can feel her breath on my cheek. It feels warm.
I crack a smile, until she pulls back, at which point it disappears. She looks to me. “Do آپ get it now?”
“Yeah, I get it.” I roll my eyes, pretending to be annoyed. I look down at my book, utterly confused, and pick up my pencil. Seeing that Courtney is watching me, I force a phony self-assured smile and pretend to work. Satisfied, she turns to her notebook and continues writing. I watch for a moment too long.
Ugh, I’m an idiot.
Why?
For liking her.
I thought I was on the same page with myself about that. I like her, what’s the big deal?
Have I noticed how much I like her? It’s so… unlike me.
I’ve lost myself.
Because, it’s one thing to like a girl, have fun with her and all, but…
But?
I don’t know! I just don’t want to fall for her یا something.
I think it’s a little too late.
What? No, it’s not!
Uh, yeah, it is. Don’t I get it? It’s happened. Dylan was right.
What does Dylan know? He was just being a moron… and I’m not listening to this.
I can’t ignore myself. That’s not possible.
It doesn’t matter! I’m not, آپ know… Arg!
See? Now I’m lying. It’s true, I’m-
Shut up! Shut up!
-falling-
Shut up! It’s not happening, do I hear myself? It’s not!
-in-
No! I’m not-
“Duncan? The گھنٹی, بیل rang five منٹ ago, آپ know.”
I jump, startled, and shoot a glance upward. Courtney’s standing over me, frowning with confusion.
“What? Oh, yeah. The, uh, bell. I guess I should… go.” I snatch my کتابیں in a disorderly manner and head toward the door.
She raises an eyebrow and follows as I head out of class. “Yeah.”
I fidget. I run a hand through my hair. I clear my throat. Courtney looks at me oddly.
“What?” I ask, acting as though I’m entirely comfortable, even though I’m nervous. I don’t know why, but I’m panicky. I feel like she’ll be able to see through me, as if she can read my feelings like a book and laugh.
Courtney shakes her head. “Nothing.” She mumbles. “I have to get to class, so… I’ll see you.”
Shrugging, I look at her briefly and return to staring at my feet. “Yeah, whatever. See you.”
We part, and I feel myself stepping quickly. I try to organize my thoughts.
I like her. Maybe مزید than I have any other girl… but that’s not a lot, right? Besides, it’s not like I’m hung up on her. I just like her, that’s it. Honestly, she’s just a girl. Girls will come and go, and I don’t care. Come to think of it, I don’t even think I like her all that much, anyway… right?
Groaning, I admit defeat. Even I’m not buying this bullshit.
I take a step back and lean against a wall, blowing out a breath. Okay, time to fess up. Just… get it all out of my system. Forget about how wrong this is and let it go.
Alright.
Inhale; exhale.
Okay, here goes.
مزید deep breathing.
About to get it over with. Admit it. Let it out. Yep. That’s what I’m about to do. Leave the denial and confusion behind.
مزید fidgeting.
Do it already!
I love her! Happy now? I love her. Like the big softie I’m turning into.
Gripping my hands into fists, I leave my spot against the دیوار and race to class. My mind is in a whirl; nothing’s clear.
I’m an idiot, but at least I’m an honest idiot.
Duncan’s POV
The air crackles with intense heat. The scene is rough. Sharp, jagged rocks pierce through the ground. It’s all rugged terrain. The ground is bare, red dirt. Nothing grows here, only the odd dead درخت stands, nearly snapping in half with the weight of the humid air. There is no movement; this place doesn’t seem alive. It’s deadly silent. Its noon, but it feels as eerie and still as night. This place is desolate. Hatred seems to waver about, not quite present, but it looms. There is no life, nothing to look آگے to. The same isolated feeling clings to me. This place is like death.
I feel right at home.
For hours, maybe days, I walk. Not in any particular direction, just around. Discovering nothing, meeting no one. It’s all the same. Like a circle, it never ends. I accept that I’m here. It fits me. I don’t belong anywhere else.
For a long time, I’m content. I can’t tell whether I’m happy یا not, but there’s no wanting. There’s nothing to strive for, there’s nothing to lose. It’s easy, just to live in this acceptance.
Then I hear it. Soft, slapping sounds. Footsteps. And possibly the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard. Laughter.
There’s something else here.
I’m taken aback, at first. The sounds are unusual to me. The only thing I’ve ever heard is the scuffing sound of the ground beneath my own feet, and the quiet, rhythmic sounds of my breathing. Then the sounds get louder, and louder. I can’t tell where they are coming from. But I’m not scared, I’m excited. Thrilled, even.
The noises stop. I turn.
She’s there, smiling at me. She shines in comparison to the scenery. Her eyes spark happily. She is stunning.
In that moment, my world is turned upside down.
We do nothing for a moment, just stand, staring. She sways from sides to side softly. I smile. She walks forward, and wraps her arm around me.
It’s innocent, simple. Friendly. It’s a hug. But in that instant, I realize how lonely I was. An instant later, I’m returning the embrace. I kiss the سب, سب سے اوپر of her head.
Courtney breaks off slowly, giggling. She laces her fingers through mine and pulls me around. We dance. She leans against me, and I’m aware of the soft feel of her skin mixed with the smooth material of her dress. We kick up dust with our heels. I pull her closer, she sighs happily. We step together.
She stops, pulling away. Smiling like a guilty child, she runs. I chase her. For hours, I follow her disheveled trail. Around cliffs, we swerve. We come to a fallen log. She leaps gracefully amidst her strides and continues. I follow suit. I start to catch up. She shrieks, and tries to run faster. But I catch her.
I drape my arms around her waist, and she laughs again. We tumble to the ground side سے طرف کی side. It doesn’t hurt, though. As long as we’re together, it won’t hurt.
We lie on our sides and smile, staring closely at one another. We say nothing, because words are useless. Only actions matter here.
We kiss, we laugh, we smile. I’ve never been so happy.
She moves closer, nuzzling my cheek. I hold her hand. She breathes in my ear. I stroke her hair.
Everything is her. Nothing else is important.
There is purpose. There is meaning. Everything before her meant nothing, it’s all unimportant. But it has changed. I’m suddenly excited for the اگلے day, for the اگلے moment to come. Because I know she’ll be here, with me. There’s something to look آگے to, something to work for. Something to live for. Someone to live for.
Smile never leaving her face, she stands. In fact, her smile only grows brighter as she looks past us. I شامل میں her and follow her gaze.
Past the world I’ve been living in, the only one I’ve ever known, there is something else. I can only see it now, and I see that it’s beautiful. Trees and hills, valleys and rivers. It’s better than anything I’ve ever seen.
She looks at the place hopefully, then back at me. She wants us to leave, to live there.
But I don’t want to go.
I’m scared of what’s there. I don’t understand it. I don’t want things to change.
Courtney sees my hesitation. It’ as though I’ve hit her. She’s devastated.
Her look says it all: آپ won’t come. آپ don’t care for me.
آپ don’t love me.
I try to fix it. I try to tell her I love her, but words don’t matter here. Tears fall down her face. They land in the dirt, staining it. She steps back, turns, and bolts away.
She doesn’t stop, and in seconds, she’s gone. I don’t see her anymore. I don’t see the beautiful land in the distance. Suddenly, the world is huge again. And I’m insignificant.
I scream. I yell. I cry. But no one hears. There isn’t anyone to hear.
I’m alone.
___________________________________________________________________________
I wake up with a start. Looking around, I see that I’m in my room. It wasn’t real. None of it. I نگلنا hard.
It was just a dream.
I sigh, somewhat relieved. My heart’s beating twice as fast. I turn over in my bed, trying to find some sleep, though my mind is buzzing.
It was just a dream.
It meant nothing.
Dreams don’t have meanings. It’s just my imagination messing with me. Just my imagination. That’s all.
But it’s as though it was trying to tell me something. Like I have to do… something. I have to… have to… to…
My eyelids grow heavy… grow heavy… shut. My thoughts stretch out, quietly fading as my consciousness begins to dissolves. Fatigue drowns me.
I fall asleep.
“So I was just like: yeah, I do! And he just- Duncan? آپ listening, man?” Dylan waves his hand in front of my face. I glance up from the bench and frown.
“Oh, yeah. Sure I was. آپ were talking about that… آپ know, thing.” I drop my gaze and continue etching my initials into the surface of the wood.
“Dude?” Dylan gives me an odd look, as if I’ve کہا something unusual. “You alright? آپ seem kind of out of it. Not to mention you’ve pretty much destroyed this bench.”
Sighing, I recline and focus on the early morning sky. “Yeah, I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?”
He shrugs, a grin finding its way to his face. “Oh, I don’t know… maybe it has something to do with how time you’ve been spending with her.”
I stiffen, suddenly مزید alert. “What?”
Dylan shrugs and gives a low chuckle. “Come on. آپ have to admit, you’ve been hanging around with Courtney pretty often lately. آپ really like her, don’t you?”
Trying to keep cool, I blow out a sigh and scan the park slowly. “Ah, she’s okay. Just some girl, anyway.”
He scoffs, and I’m reminded of myself for a moment. “Please. You’re practically in love with her.”
Jumping to my feet, I turn to him and raise my arm. “Yeah, right! I’m not in freaking love with her!”
Dylan yelps and raises his arms in defense. I immediately notice I’m holding my pocket چھری in a suggestively dangerous position. Coughing awkwardly, I return my arm to my side and close the blade stiffly.
“Sorry. Instinct.” I mutter under my breath. Dylan nudges me and dismisses the accidental threat.
“Ah, no problem. But I still disagree.” His expression is smug, I give a small growl.
I turn to him threateningly, and he raises his palms once again, smiling this time.
“I’m not lying.” I persist. Dylan laughs to himself, shaking his head slightly.
“Yeah, sure.” He smiles. I continue to glare, but he’s still sure of himself.
“I’m not!” I explain quickly, jumping to my defense. Just as hastily, I exhale and recompose myself. “Sure, I like her and all. But she’s just a girl. Just one girl.”
He smirks, unconvinced. I scowl fiercely.
Several moments pass before I give up with a sigh.
I shove my چھری into my pocket. “Whatever, man. Let’s go.”
Standing, I walk briskly out of the park, not really caring whether Dylan’s following یا not.
School’s a blur. I can’t focus.
I don’t usually focus in school anyway, but that’s beside the point.
Courtney sits in the ڈیسک اگلے to mine. She pokes me with the sharp end of her pencil.
“Duncan, آپ really should pay attention.” She scolds, eyes narrowed. “Do آپ understand what we’re doing?”
“No.” I answer bluntly, and she sighs.
“Here. آپ just…” Courtney leans over and starts to jot down notes in my book. She’s talking to me, but I don’t bother listening. I’m only aware of the fact that I can feel her breath on my cheek. It feels warm.
I crack a smile, until she pulls back, at which point it disappears. She looks to me. “Do آپ get it now?”
“Yeah, I get it.” I roll my eyes, pretending to be annoyed. I look down at my book, utterly confused, and pick up my pencil. Seeing that Courtney is watching me, I force a phony self-assured smile and pretend to work. Satisfied, she turns to her notebook and continues writing. I watch for a moment too long.
Ugh, I’m an idiot.
Why?
For liking her.
I thought I was on the same page with myself about that. I like her, what’s the big deal?
Have I noticed how much I like her? It’s so… unlike me.
I’ve lost myself.
Because, it’s one thing to like a girl, have fun with her and all, but…
But?
I don’t know! I just don’t want to fall for her یا something.
I think it’s a little too late.
What? No, it’s not!
Uh, yeah, it is. Don’t I get it? It’s happened. Dylan was right.
What does Dylan know? He was just being a moron… and I’m not listening to this.
I can’t ignore myself. That’s not possible.
It doesn’t matter! I’m not, آپ know… Arg!
See? Now I’m lying. It’s true, I’m-
Shut up! Shut up!
-falling-
Shut up! It’s not happening, do I hear myself? It’s not!
-in-
No! I’m not-
“Duncan? The گھنٹی, بیل rang five منٹ ago, آپ know.”
I jump, startled, and shoot a glance upward. Courtney’s standing over me, frowning with confusion.
“What? Oh, yeah. The, uh, bell. I guess I should… go.” I snatch my کتابیں in a disorderly manner and head toward the door.
She raises an eyebrow and follows as I head out of class. “Yeah.”
I fidget. I run a hand through my hair. I clear my throat. Courtney looks at me oddly.
“What?” I ask, acting as though I’m entirely comfortable, even though I’m nervous. I don’t know why, but I’m panicky. I feel like she’ll be able to see through me, as if she can read my feelings like a book and laugh.
Courtney shakes her head. “Nothing.” She mumbles. “I have to get to class, so… I’ll see you.”
Shrugging, I look at her briefly and return to staring at my feet. “Yeah, whatever. See you.”
We part, and I feel myself stepping quickly. I try to organize my thoughts.
I like her. Maybe مزید than I have any other girl… but that’s not a lot, right? Besides, it’s not like I’m hung up on her. I just like her, that’s it. Honestly, she’s just a girl. Girls will come and go, and I don’t care. Come to think of it, I don’t even think I like her all that much, anyway… right?
Groaning, I admit defeat. Even I’m not buying this bullshit.
I take a step back and lean against a wall, blowing out a breath. Okay, time to fess up. Just… get it all out of my system. Forget about how wrong this is and let it go.
Alright.
Inhale; exhale.
Okay, here goes.
مزید deep breathing.
About to get it over with. Admit it. Let it out. Yep. That’s what I’m about to do. Leave the denial and confusion behind.
مزید fidgeting.
Do it already!
I love her! Happy now? I love her. Like the big softie I’m turning into.
Gripping my hands into fists, I leave my spot against the دیوار and race to class. My mind is in a whirl; nothing’s clear.
I’m an idiot, but at least I’m an honest idiot.
its so pretty-bridgete
i absolutly love it-katie
oh my gosh me too-sadie
yeeeey ye ye ye-katie and sadie
(back at courtney's house)
hi honey-courtney
گھاس, ہے babe-duncan
juvie-courtney
goody goody-duncan
badboy-courtney
princess-duncan
babyface-courtney
ok آپ win-duncan
*they kiss*
i missed you-duncan
i was gone for an hour-courtney
really?-duncan
yes really-courtney
*gwen runs into courtney's room*
OMG NATHAN IS TALKING-gwen
OMG WHAT WERE HIS FIRST WORDS-courtney
well i was geting him ready for a nap and he کہا i wov wu moma
awwwwwwwwwww-courtney
ok well are آپ two finished with your baby fest-duncan
yes-courtney
ok well bye-gwen
wanna rent a movie-duncan
yeah-courtney
(they go to blockbuster)
how about this-courtney
*shows duncan the movie*
yeah lets get that-duncan
(they rent "coroline")
TO BE CONTINUDE
I marked that spot with a marker.I moved the stethscope up to see if there were more.
Another heartbeat.
"Baby three."
I کہا as everyone gasped again.
Another heartbeat?!
"BABY FOUR!"
I yelled.
"No...."
I heard Courtney mumble in fear.
There was ANOTHER heartbeat.
"Five."
There were no more.
"I have to naturally give birth to all of them?!"
Courtney asked with a scream.
I KNOW THAT WAS TINY,BUT I JUST WANTED TO PROVE THAT THERE WERE مزید THAN TWO!
(Sorry آپ thought I copied your story Courtney.)
Another heartbeat.
"Baby three."
I کہا as everyone gasped again.
Another heartbeat?!
"BABY FOUR!"
I yelled.
"No...."
I heard Courtney mumble in fear.
There was ANOTHER heartbeat.
"Five."
There were no more.
"I have to naturally give birth to all of them?!"
Courtney asked with a scream.
I KNOW THAT WAS TINY,BUT I JUST WANTED TO PROVE THAT THERE WERE مزید THAN TWO!
(Sorry آپ thought I copied your story Courtney.)
good mornin princess-duncan
mornin-courtney
(they go to kiss)
*crying*-lauren
ugh why now-duncan
haha-courtney
why r u laughing-duncan
its funny-courtney
آپ know آپ want me-duncan
not at the moment-courtney
yes آپ do admit it-duncan
*crying*-lauren
daddy its for you-courtney
fine-duncan
OMG DUNCAN!!!!!-courtney
WHAT-duncan
be careful آپ almost dropped her-courtney
can it princess-duncan
SHUT UP!!!!-courtney
yeah yeah yeah-duncan
آپ WANNA COME OVER HERE AND SAY THAT TO MY FACE!!!-courtney
uummm coming lauren-duncan
your already holding her-courtney
uummm uh-duncan
admit it your scared of me-courtney
no im not-duncan
then come here-courtney
gladly-duncan
grrrrrrrr-courtney
*runs away*-duncan
i knew it-courtney
TO BE CONTINUDE