The Missing Soul

Charlotte

        My name is Charlotte. Today is my 20th birthday. I'm a loner, always have been. I have a major issue when it comes to talking to people... I guess you could say I'm anti-social. When I talk my words don't come out right, and when they do people think that what I'm talking about is weird.

        I grew up in an orphanage in Indiana. I never met my parents. Apparently they were in no condition to take care of a child. They were drug addicts. And they were both rotting in prison somewhere. They had a meth lab and it just blew up one day. 

        I moved to Los Angeles, California when I was 18 and I never looked back. I graduated high scool and college. I work as a certified travel agent, from home. 

        Yeah, I know what you're thinking. If you're such a loner, why did you move to a big city like that? Well, LA has amazing houses to offer. My house has an awesome pool in the backyard! I also hate cold weather and it always feels great here. 

        So, today is my birthday and I was walking back from the store. The store wasn't far from my house and everyday is a good day to go walking. I bought birthday ballons and bubbles! Those two items can just turn a very sad day to a marvelous day! 

        I turned a corner when I see a guy sitting at a bus stop. He looked so beautiful and his beauty made me stop and stare.

        He turned around to face me. "Hello?" 

        I shook my head. "I'm sorry...." I still couldn't stop staring! Gosh, what's wrong with me?

        I tried to get away, but I couldn't stop looking. I sat at the bus stop with him. I'm usually so anti-social. This guy felt different, though. I felt like I knew him. What am I thinking? I don't even know this guy's name.         

        I tied my ballons around my wrist and played with the locket around my neck. I'm not to sure where it came from, it was sent in a letter to my orphange. The letter had no send back address. Inside was really old pictures, of two couples. They almost looked like the same people. Maybe it was someone in her family. Like the grandmother or aunt she still haven't and probably would never meet. 

        The locket caught the man's eye. He stared at it for a while. 

        "What's the picture inside of? Is it you and your boyfriend?" 

        I opened it up and let him look for himself. 

        "No... I think some relatives, maybe."

        He didn't say nothing. His eyes widened at the pictures and he quickly looked away. 

        "What's your name?" He asked, still looking away.

        "I'm Charlotte. What's yours?" I smiled at him. I wanted to guess his name. He looked like a Stanley. 

        "Ethan." He replied. And he glanced over at me. 

        Well, of course I was going to be wrong. It was just a guess. That's good it isn't Stanley. I really don't like that name. 

        "Since it's your birthday, you deserve a gift." He reached into his pocket.

        I'm almost asked him how he knew that, but ballons that are tied around your wrist that say, "Happy Birthday!" Isn't such a big mystery. 

        Ethan handed me a coupon that said "Free dinner for two at Olive Garden." I appreciated anything I recieved. 

        I smiled in delight and held the coupon close to my heart. 

        "You want to go on a date tonight?" 

        "Of course! What time should I pick you up?" Well, he was sitting at a bus stop. 

        "I do have a car, you know?" 

        "Well, why are you sitting here?" 

        "Why are you?" He replied. 

        I really like this guy.... This is a new beginning for me.