The Scholar of Time

Chapter 2

The walk to my home is 30 minutes from the bookshop. I make it about five minutes before the sky opens up, releasing a complete downpour. Instantly, people pull their umbrellas out, brightening the world with their vibrant colors and patterns. They were prepared for the unexpected. I can't say the same for me. I continue to walk through the rain, becoming completely drenched to the point my coat starts to weigh me down. Normally I would be annoyed, but I couldn't care less right now. Everything I've worked so hard to protect has become jeopardized simply because a girl was nosy? I think back to that moment in the bookshop. Her gaze burned with determination and intensity standing true to her name. It's funny how our names can describe our personalities despite our names being pre-chosen for us before we can develop into individuals

Solstice refers to the position of the sun when it's at its two extremes. The sun can be described to be at a standstill. I picture it. The star at the center of our world shines brightly as everything around it stops. That's what it felt like as she continued to interrogate me. There's no way to get out of this. It would be like throwing a bucket of water on the sun in an attempt to cool the sweltering flames. I have to tell her the truth. I have to tell her the truth. I don't think saying it any amount will make it feel any less strange rolling off my tongue.

I finally made the turn onto my street. A sense of comfort washes over me as I see the place I've called home for the past 6, no, 7 years. As I'm taking my keys out of my pocket a loud wet cough shakes my whole body. I sigh. This is what happens when you forget an umbrella.

✧

I sit down on the couch with a cup of warm tea to help combat the cold I contracted whilst lost in my thoughts. Adonis, the cat I adopted a few years ago, walks over to me and gently rubs his head against my leg. I reach down and scratch behind his ear. I'd never really had any interest in adopting a pet. It always seemed to be more of a burden to take care of than a companion. After I read an article saying cats had been shown to reduce stress I decided to give it a shot since I was neck-deep in missed deadlines and emails from my publisher.

Adonis nudges my book bag causing the contents to tip over and spill out. The copy of In Another Life gracefully slides out and hits my feet. I swear this book is just trying to torture me. I let out a long sigh and picked up Adoni, setting him gently on my lap. He'll need to be in stress relief mode.

I take out my phone to type out a message. I hesitate to hit send. By hitting send, I'm choosing to take the chance that this girl is trustworthy. Adonis seems to notice my agitation and starts to rub his face against my hand.

"What would I do without you," I say to him before hitting send on the message. Now all I can do is wait until-

My phone screen lights up. 1 new message.

JO: Hello, is this Solstice? This is James Olsen from the book signing.

SJ: Hi, yes this is Solstice. I'm surprised you contacted me.

JO: I won't lie, I surprised myself that I decided to contact you. I hope you don't take offense to that.

SJ: None was taken. It's understandable after the way I behaved today. Which I'm sorry for btw.

JO: That's what I wanted to speak with you about actually. You left your book on the table in the bookshop. I have it at the moment. Would you be willing to meet up somewhere so I could return it to you?

SJ: I'm free tomorrow around 1. Does that work for you?

JO: Yes, that will work. Can you meet me at Dandelion Cafe? It's on the corner of Maple and Blessington.

SJ: Yeah I know that place I go there a lot after classes.

JO: Splendid. Then I will see you there tomorrow.

SJ: Sounds good. I have some more questions I'd like to ask you if that is ok.

    At the mention of another interrogation, I freeze up.

    JO: Let's see how tomorrow goes first.

    SJ: Ok, totally understand. See you tomorrow.

    I let my phone drop to the floor causing Adonis to jump in surprise. I don't know how on earth I will prepare for tomorrow. I run my hands across my face brushing the strands of hair behind my ears. I look down on the floor to once again find In Another Life. I pick it up off the ground and shove it back into my bag. Tomorrow may be filled with uncertainty but I do know for a fact that I will not look at that book for the rest of the night. I toss my bag onto the hall tree. That is where it will stay. I've already lived through that story once, I don't need to be reminded of it again.