Yours, Eternally

Thirty

"Francis Addler! Where are you?!" I screamed into my phone, searching for a familiar face amid the sea of people. After all, getting lost in a foreign country, was the last thing on my bucket list. If it weren't for this bloke who whisked me away from our class just to be entertained by some street performance, I would have been soaking in on the paintings displayed at the art gala. 

Now, with my class and Addler gone, I was all alone.

"For goodness sake, Walker, this is Paris! You cannot blame me for being curious." He responded, sounding a little breathless, probably from all the running and sightseeing.

I am going to kill this man.

Yes, he infuriates me, and it was always a wonder as to how I could tolerate this buffoon. Though we have only known each other for a mere 2 months, it felt like I have known him for a long time. Together, we are the chaotic trio. It was just a pity that Alis couldn't make the trip.

"I don't care! If you are not back within ten minutes, I'll be sure to prepare a coffin the next time I see you! Because if I am kidnapped and killed, I would be sure to haunt you for the rest of your life!" I yelled, causing a few locals to eye disapprovingly. 

Could they blame me? All I wanted was to be a painter, not someone who would appear under the 'missing' list.

"Geez, Anna, alright!" The exasperation in his voice was unmistakable as I felt him pout. "I'll meet you at the park we passed through earlier." It took whatever I had to not throw a fit as I hung up the phone.

Knowing how far Francis would have been by now, I took my time to stroll through the market as I made my way towards the location, taking huge breaths to douse the fire within.

"My, my, what a lovely girl." I turned my head to the source of sound, only to find an old woman sitting on the brick-tiled floor with many goods sprawled and displayed on top of a roughly woven textile. Though fair, her skin was wrinkled and thin, her back too, was arched significantly forward, of which stirred immense pity from me. Even her clothes were torn and tattered, losing their original colours.

"Good afternoon, madam." I greeted while she peered upwards, revealing her saggy and puffy eyebags. 

Weakly, the senior extended her shaky hands toward me, prompting me to bend down until my knees hit the floor.

"I have something for you." She spoke, as I enveloped her hand between both of mine while she reached for a box. Opening it, she retrieved a chain that was decorated with a red pendant. Though it looked old and somewhat dusty, there was a peculiar shine within the gem; and somehow a sense of familiarity as I gazed upon the jewellery; as if I had seen it before.

That's ridiculous!

This was my first time in Paris, there was no way that I could have seen this before.

"Take it." The old lady said, pushing the necklace into my hand.

"Oh no, I couldn't." I responded, attempting to push the chain back to her but only to have her firmly plant the gem into my palms as I looked dumbfounded, pondering over her sudden action.

"This belongs to you." She explained. "For my whole life, I have been collecting lost things so that I can return them to their rightful owners. And today, this necklace has been calling out to return back to its master."

Master, huh.

My brows furrowed as I contemplated if I should stay or run from this possible loony. But I chose the latter. 

Gripping the jewellery, I brought it to my eye level before looking into the stone, seeing my reflection from the clarity of the gem.

"When two souls unite, even the universe will be rendered powerless to separate them." The lady blurted, enabling me to feel even more confused. "I hope that this time, your happiness lies within your reach."