Atlas Black

Chapter 1

L L A N A M O R O Z O V A

𝐍𝐎𝐖

"Mama, I'm leaving!"

I descended the staircase with my filled-to-the-brim suitcase with an echoing thud on the marble tiled floors. My breath heaving uncontrollably as I tried to gather more oxygen into my lungs. Gosh, I should really start working out more.

"Poka dorogoya! Have a safe trip, and make sure to call me as soon as you land!"

Of course, my overprotective mother has been skurmish with the whole transfer college idea. I had to convince her over the past few months that I would be fine. I couldn't do the courses I would like to take if I stayed here, in my homeland, in Russia: Novosibirsk. Besides, there was one friend that I would know that would be there.

Atlas Black. My confident, my whole heart, my best friend. Whom I knew since fifth grade. We met online on which we instantly connected and grew close to eachother. It's like we instantly grew attached in unexplainable ways. An immediate connection. We wrote e-mails to eachother constantly and consistently over the past few years fantasising about the day I'd migrate to his country. And here I am. With my bags neatly packed. Ready to set off into a new world.

I'd be lying if I didn't say I was nervous. Goosebumps ran along the entire length of my arms and legs. My hairs on end, just thinking about meeting him. I was growing restless throughout the entire night, unable to sleep. I had less than 2 hours of sleep and currently running on caffeine at 6am in the morning that's only about to last me so long.

Why was I nervous? We've been e-mailing and texting for god knows how long. It feels like I've known him my entire life, regardless of not seeing or meeting him face to face. At least I have a friend in unknown territory. But meeting face to face is different than over the uses of technology. What if I don't like him? What if he's not who I think he is his in the e-mails and messages? What if he doesn't like me? Get it together Llana.

Unlocking my phone, I check almost instinctively if there's any unread messages I haven't read since last night.

Atlas♡: can't wait to see you ;)

Laughing, I lock my phone. A breath lodged itself in my throat which I hardly payed attention too, freely let itself loose. It felt easier to breathe. Knowing he's just the same undeniably laughable Atlas that I've known for years. Nothings changed. He's the same free spirited, witted person I've known since first those very first messages.

Making my to the living room, I quickly check myself in the wide-lengthened mirror on top of the fireplace. The chocolate brown of my eyes melting into hints of malachite green implemented around the iris. The lids and eye bags of my eyes shadowed from lack of sleep, more prominent and visible than usual. Hair pushed up in a bun that now has become lopsided, resting against my shoulders. Strands letting lose around my face.

I couldn't care less about my appearance right now. The first thing my eyes landed on in the closet were a black hoodie and sweatpants which I paired with Calvin Klein socks, since it's absolutely fucking freezing in Russia (especially my area), then swiftly slipped them on before hauling the suitcases down the hallway and then down the wide length of the curved staircase, gliding my hands across the intricate details of the railings and seeking my reflection in the gloss-tiled marble.

My mother was always an addict when it came to being organised and clean. It freaks me out how the house is always at it's right-state. Not one speck of dust noticeable. Every surface polished and wiped down. But then again, it's only me and my mother living together so there isn't much to make mess of.