Journey

Time: 6:55 pm

After spending most of the day getting ready and anxiously watching my phone for messages, it was finally almost seven. I felt a mess of emotions every time I checked my phone. Being late on the first date wasn't something I wanted to do yet Arkis seemed unfazed by tardiness. What kind of person am I meeting up with? Online dating certainly has its risks, yet millions have taken to it. The image of a 300 pound man shattered the too good to be true picture he forged. Then flooded dark images of women seen on the news. Victims. I could see myself becoming one of them. I am weak and lack sensibility surrounding men. My mother only taught me that men command respect. She was an extremely be an obedient wife as was her mother and her grandmother. Which is why I looked passed the red flags in every man I was interested in. Am I doing that again?

Time: 6:58 pm

Still no messages. I stood in front of the mirror, giving myself last looks. I didn't know what kind of date to expect. I chose a striped off the shoulder blouse and a pair of flared pink pants. Paired with a vegan leather crossbody and belt, I looked stout. Standing at 5'5 and 140 pounds, the flared pants made me look curvaceous. Would this be okay? The longer I stared at myself and the makeup I tried recreating the more I hated it. I should change. My hair looks stupid in a bun.

Time: 7:00

No new messages. It's too late to change anything, I look fine. It's nerves. Am I being stood up? He's really not going to message me. It's already seven.

I sighed. I should stop waiting by the phone. He probably matched with someone way cooler. Besides I don't really do the online dating thing. I just thought, I don't know, I liked how smart he seemed. Bones slinked around my feet as I say back down in front of my vanity. I looked at my phone just as it vibrated.

Portal has sent a location for Arkis.

"What should I do? Should I go?" I looked down at my feet where Bones had just been expecting to meet his eyes. He had crossed the room to the front door near my kitchenette. Bones pawed at it.

"Meooow" he called. Now laying on his back trying to fit his thick paw under the door.

"What is it?" I asked reaching for the handle. Bones backed up behind my leg so I could open it. As I did I noticed light from the edge of its frame. The door swung silently but my ears were filled with my own loud gasp. Before me, a mirrored image of bright light, took my breath away. It was like looking into a crystal ball of fragmented light. I've never seen anything like it. Bones rubbed my leg playefully and then ran full spring into the mirage.

"Bones, wait!" I reached my hand out, falling short of its threshold. It ripples as he disappeared into its abyss. My hand still extended I pressed the tip of my finger to its surface. Without warning the reflection of myself dragged me in. I tried to pull my hand out. The grip around my wrist tightened and like quicksand the more I struggled, the quicker I was pulled in. Immediately I felt as though mu human form left me and my being was broken into particles. I felt myself as small as an atom. Instead of fear I felt as though I was immersed in warm fluid. The fluid was not stagnant instead it moved like a stream. At some points there was a calmness to its movement and there times it moved like a water slide. I saw only white.

Just as I felt I couldn't endure more, white faded to a blurred elevator door. Bones sat in the arms of a man in an attendant uniform. I reached my hand forward. The sensation of fluid rushed along the bottom of my arm and as I extended my hand came into view. I watched as atoms knitted together to form that familiar arm. Gasping for air I looked down, my vision now clear, I stood in the elevator. The fear that I might be missing an appendage or two washed over me. I looked myself over and finally touched my face and hair. Dry? Surely I was submerged in water. My eyes darted around small elegant space. I fell on the man holding my cat. He purred quietly, unharmed by the strange event. The elevator operator, unfazed by my sudden appearance, looked me over. It was as if he was deciding if I was suited for this hotel.

"You're here for one of our guests? Bones has been delightful." He said calmly. The man was older with beak-like nose. He held my little Bones out for me to take. I took him. My mind raced. Is this real? Bones' soft fur rubbed against my arms as he settled. I'm sure it's a really realistic dream.

"Where?" I could only speak this singular word. My throat felt rough with emotion as I tried to grasp my new surroundings. The man cocked his bald head to the side. He seemed to smile knowingly.

"Who is it you're supposed to meet today. I will assist you. You're in Highlight Hotel, my dear." He said in a robust voice.

"Um..." I fumbled. The man seemed to have an abundance of patience while I processed. This is a dream. I bit the my cheek. Pain. It's just very realistic.

"Without knowing who you're here for I must take you to the Lobby." He said as he turned toward the buttons. One honey finger extended, I placed my hand on it. His head turned to face me.

"Do you have a guest named Arkis. Sorry I only know him by that name." The man's relaxed posture changed abruptly. His demeanor now shouted professionalism as he pressed an unlabeled button.

"My apologies Miss. I was aware you would be arriving but failed to recognize you. You must be the Terran he spoke of." He smiled politely.

"My name isn't Terran, though. It's Kayla. Isn't Terran a boys name?" My brain still swirling. The elevator rose for miles until finally stopping. Bones and I waited quietly as the traditional elevator door opened. A small circular lobby opened beyond was a large doorway. Luxurious crown molding surrounded the frame and ceiling. I was in such awe I naturally stepped forward, my eyes flickered at the rooms beauty. I turned back to thank the man but the doors had closed and the elevator descended.