Deathbringer

Chapter 1

Everything changed with a kiss. My life and my death. I would have expected anything but this. Reaching his lips was all I wanted when I first laid eyes on him but that was a big mistake.

A small whimper escaped my lips, unable to muster anything else. My screams died out a long time ago but the silent tears still rolled down my cheeks. My vision became tunneled; darkness overtaking the edges but it didn’t stop my eyes to stare longingly at the cold, empty driver’s seat beside mine. I muttered another whimper when my body tried to move. It felt like it was on fire, everything burning hot and cold in a never-ending wave and the numerous cuts continued to flow blood as if there was nothing else to lose. In a pathetic attempt to shield the pain, my mind continued to summon thoughts of him and nothing else but that brought about a whole other world of pain. With a shuttering breath, my eyesight was taken by shadows and oblivion fell over me.

2 weeks ago

“I swear! He was such a pervert! I mean, can you believe…” On and on my friend, Rebecca, spoke tossing her brown hair over one shoulder to the other in an aggravated manner. Whenever she went on rants like these (which was everyday) I could never help but zone out. I fell into a usual routine that consisted of replying to her with “mhmms” and “uh-huh”.

But there are times where she catches me not listening…like now, “Arty? Are you even listening to me?”  Her brown eyes judged me as she opened the dark wooden door to the café, the familiar chime of the copper bell ringing as we stepped over the threshold.  Immediately, our noses were met by the smell of java and soft scents of sweets making us relax sevenfold after a day of classes. Already, I knew Rebecca forgot about my inability to fully listen to all her drama with the way she bee-lined to the counter. The Lumiere café was a small family owned coffee shop but in my opinion it was one of the best. It was a cozy place hidden in between the many other shops in the downtown area but while all the others are hustling and bustling, this one had a steady flow of business. The café was decorated with accent brown colors, focusing on the calm that everyone desperately needs from time to time. The café was a two-story building and the little spiraling staircase to the left led up to a couple more tables and also led out to a balcony Rebby and I sat in during the spring and summer.

I met Rebby at the counter at a much slower pace and found that she already ordered for me but then again, Tim would have probably known what I wanted as well anyway. Rebby was leaning over the counter, her elbows resting casually on the mocha colored surface, chatting away about her adventures to Tim whose hazel eyes watched her with adoration, his smile a little shy but lovable. Everyone knew he had a thing for Rebby but the only one who didn’t know was Rebby herself. She always went out and found some guy who was never good enough for her and so, obviously, broke up with them after a number of weeks. Typical love complications.

I tuned back into the conversation when the mention of my name was brought up and realized they were speaking to me now. Timothy asked, “How are your classes going Artemis?”  The only acceptable answer I could conjure up was a shrug and a snort that Tim knew meant “fine” which worked for me.

He chuckled; about to reply but then went back to business mode when more customers shuffled up to wait behind us. We took that as our cue to leave so Rebby straightened up and we both went to our winter spot in the booth beside the window looking out to the park. As the javas were being made, I zoned out once again, my eyes focusing on the dark grey clouds filling up the sky. It appeared as if it would rain any second which wasn’t uncommon here. Cloudy days were always my favorite.