The Black Lily

Chapter 2

Taking the first step isn't as easy as people think it is, there are so many barriers that can make it almost impossible for someone to do it. Lots of people will argue it's the hardest step to take in bettering your life and I tend to agree. Fear of the unknown, of what lies ahead pushes people back into the safety of what they know and keeps them there. It's easier to stay in your bubble of whatever your battling, than risk exposing yourself to more pain and grief. Then when you somehow find the courage to move forward, instead of starting anew that first step instead opens a door you can't close; and bad things happen all over again. Thrusting you again into situations that where in fact suppose to help you heal, not add to your already wounded self.

I should know, my first attempt was moving to America because back home didn't feel like home anymore and I was in desperate need of a fresh start; a fresh start I didn't get. Instead of getting what I set out to achieve here, I got the opposite to what I was searching for; and landed myself in situation I was never expecting to be apart of. A situation in which while I'm thankful brought me to Abby, it also brought me back deeper into the world I was trying to escape; a world that's already taken everything from me.

Sighing to myself and massaging my temples, I whisper out a silent prayer to who ever will listen and hope that everything will be fine. Looking over at the time to see it's just turned 5.30, I roll my eyes knowing I'm going to go and have to get ready soon. Which feels like more than an effort than it needs to be, especially as I have zero intentions of going, impressing anyone or better yet catching anyones attention. So knowing I have time, I turn my attention back to my coffee covered book that lays on the kitchen island.

Gently picking up the book I inspect the pages, the well worn cover and creased spine. Luckily it doesn't appear to be completely ruined, but enough of the beginning of the book is damage to have a lump rising in my throat. Knowing I can't do anything but wait til it dries, I walk over to the little cabinet that sits under the window near the back door and place it between two of my house plants. I hope that by morning the pages will be dry and readable or more importantly that the most important page that holds a precious message will be....

****Flashback****

'I have something for you' he says as he enters the kitchen, dropping his keys on the counter

'And what's that' I ask as I turn around from the stove where I've been cooking dinner

'Not so fast, close your eyes and hold out your hands' he smiles at me

'This better not be some dumb prank again or I swear I'll murder you with my wooden spoon' I half joke eyeing him before doing as he says

'Trust me your going to love this, so much so that you'll take me right here on this very kitchen counter' he jokes and ducts to avoid the wooden spoon I tried to hit him with

'Alright alright I couldn't resist, now seriously eyes closed and hold out your hands'

I do as he says still skeptical that it's actually going to be a real surprise, when a heavy wrapped rectangle is placed in my hands. The weight and shape makes my brows crease as I wonder what it could be, but thankfully I don't have to wait long to find out.

'Open your eyes' he tells me

I open my eyes and in my hands sits something wrapped in brown paper. Looking at him, he wears a dorky smile as he pulls himself up to sit on the counter next to me; and grabs me by the waist and positions me between his legs. Not wanting to wait any longer, I tear open the package and reveal a hardcover copy of one of my favourite books 'magician' by Raymond E Feist.