V E D A // H.S.

1.

I stand in Stella's Café, serving the last customer of the day. My best friend talking once the old lady left, basically lunging over the small counter space.

"Just this once?" Saige begged. Being her best friend is hard sometimes. Especially when she likes getting in trouble and I just want to be in the comfort of my own home.

"For the last time. I'm not going across the tracks, its forbidden. I make my point, not standing down. Why wont you just let loose? Its going to be so much fun!"

"Because, Saige. Everyone knows what its like on that side. Guns, Drugs, and Mur-der-ers." I emphasize the last word so she understands.

The door chimes, ending our conversation for us. It feels as though the room has gotten colder. My breath hitches as I stare at the man no one dares to say a word to. Harry Styles. The man looks around before laying his gaze on me. His lips forming into a murderous smirk. I feel shivers going down my spine as he begins stepping closer.

I want to look away, but he holds me captive in his stare. A knot reaches my throat as he approaches the counter. He tilts his head at me before speaking.

"Oh, no greeting? Thats no way to treat your customers, baby." He sends a taunting smirk.

"S-Sorry. Welcome to Stellas." I stutter while taking my stare to the counter. I hear a hmm in satisfaction at my words.

"Much better." The man muttered. "Make me what you drink, darling."

I vigorously tap the screen before looking back up to him.

"3.28"

He pulls out a bill as I finish his drink. Its just a plain cappuccino. He doesnt seem like a flavorful guy.

"Keep the change." Is all he said before I hear footsteps leading to the entrance followed by the door chiming.

I feel my breathing going back to normal knowing hes gone. Like the world had just been taken off of my shoulders. I jolt in surprise when I hear Saige speaking.

"Woah." She gasps. "Harry Styles. The King of the other side. He just came into your coffee shop. It proves that we have to go."

"Still not happening" I repeat my recurring answer before going to the back room to clock out.

..

It happened. Im officially on the other side of the tracks. Saige and I in all black to fit in better.

"Come on. Lets go this way!" She pulls my arm, dragging me down a long alleyway. After 20 minutes of walking, we found ourselves in a bar. We sit as the bartender walks over to us. She has vivid blue hair in space buns, wearing a neon green headband.

"What can I do for you ladies?" She looks at us with a smile.

"I'll take a vodka soda." Saige replies a little too cheery. The woman on the other side of the counter makes a shocked look spread across her face. "I'll do the same" I look at her with a smile. She stays quiet for a moment before speaking.

"You're from the other side, arent you? The good side."

"Yes."

"No."

Saige and I answer at the same time. We exchange looks in confusion.

"You girls got to leave. The woman warns. "If they find you, you're dead. Now go, I'm saving your asses right now." She leans closer to say the last sentence, looking around.

We got up, thanked her, and walked across and out of the bar. Immediately ran through the alleyway and over the tracks once we came out of the door. Finally at the point where we can stop to catch our breath and I turn to my friend.

"I told you it was a bad idea." I huffed out while still leaning over. I was never much of an exercise girl and it shows.

"I just wanted to see what it was like, at least we didnt die." She shrugged.

"We wouldve if that very nice bartender didnt warn us." I scold. "Im going home, see you at the cafe?" Saige nods as we go our separate ways.

..

The next morning was the exact same as it always is. Awake by 5, out the door by 5:45, and in the cafe ready to open by 6. I've always been a morning person. I actually enjoy getting to watch the sun start to rise on my short drive to work. However, my body is catching up to me. Headaches and feet pain by close. The day goes by oddly quick considering its Tuesday, possibly our slowest day of the week.

As I'm wiping the counters out of boredom for the 20th time today, I hear the door open behind me. I look up at the clock and realize that Saige is more than 45 minutes late. Not as unusual as normal. If she's late, she had probably sent a message as to why.

"You're later than usual, Saige. I had to occu-" I cut off when I spin around to look at what I thought was my best friend. Instead, I'm met with a man. About 5'8 with highlighted hair, wearing all black. My eyes go wide as I realize what is happening. I take a step back only to be met with the counter.

"Im sorry, sir. We're closed for the day." I mutter out in slight fear. He grins at me and shakes his head.

"Oh, honey. I'm not here for the coffee. I'm here for you." His accent is thick, but I can't place the origin. He comes towards me once more and raises his arm, cloth in hand. Putting it up to my face, forcing me to breathe in the chemicals.

"Get off." I try to fight back. Kicking and swinging my arms. I feel my hand make impact with his head, but he shows no remorse, pushing the cloth harder into my face. I hold my breath for a moment, but the chemicals won, making everything go black.

//

And here is the first chapter!! Please tell me what you think!!

- Emily