That One Kiss

𝟏. 𝐀 𝐒𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲.

The biting wind howled through the skeletal branches of ancient trees, its frigid gusts piercing the air like icy daggers. January's chill had descended upon Watford, a charming town on London's northern fringe, renowned for its storied football club, the iconic Marner Bros. Studio, and the picturesque Studio Park, where Mother Nature's beauty was on full display. The town's rich history and heritage were showcased in its fascinating museum exhibits, a testament to its enduring spirit.

Nestled among the trees, 'Brews and Bliss', a charming café owned by a stunning young woman, beckoned customers with its warm and inviting ambiance. The two-story structure, adorned with French glass doors, seamlessly blended modern elegance with cozy charm. As patrons sipped their expertly crafted coffee and indulged in decadent desserts, they were enveloped by the soothing embrace of nature and the homely warmth that permeated every corner of this beloved haven.

As the night wore on, the enchanting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, rich with herbaceous and caramel notes, wafted through the air, entrancing all who entered. The grandfather clock's steady tick-tock marked the passage of time, its chimes echoing softly in the empty space. The crescent moon casts its silvery glow through the expansive windows, bathing the room in a soft, ethereal light. Amidst this peaceful scene, a stunning young woman, her beauty illuminated by the moon's gentle beams, sat alone at the counter, cradling her steaming mug of Java as if it were a precious treasure. As she sipped, her breath danced across the ceramic, leaving a subtle trace of her presence in the stillness of the night.

As she placed the coffee cup on the immaculate counter, she stifled a frustrated sigh, her chestnut hair falling in soft strands across her cheeks like a veil of silk. With a graceful gesture, she swept her locks into an effortless topknot, revealing her heart-shaped face. She smoothed her button-up shirt with a gentle touch, the chestnut hue complementing her porcelain skin. Her white slacks flowed seamlessly beneath, a perfect harmony of texture and tone. And on her feet, the black loafers shone like polished onyx, a treasured gift from her dearest friend, a symbol of their unbreakable bond.

❝ Bee ❞ Isleen's reverie was shattered by a rich, resonant voice, and her amber eyes locked onto the tall, familiar frame of her friend, Sahar. The auburn waves of Sahar's hair cascaded down her back, tied in a relaxed ponytail, as she stood with her characteristic confidence, her denim shorts and ripped white cami exuding a casual chic. Her wedge sneakers added a sleek touch, while her feline eyeliner accentuated the allure of her olive green eyes. Yet, despite her poised demeanor, Isleen discerned the faint traces of exhaustion and fatigue etched on Sahar's face, a testament to the weight of her struggles.

As she indulged in the remaining semi-sweet chocolate cupcake, the richness of the velvety chocolate buttercream and ganache melted on her tongue, releasing a burst of sweet and tangy flavors. The raspberry jam filling added a delightful surprise, its tartness perfectly balancing the decadence of the chocolate. With each bite, the textures and tastes harmonized in a delightful symphony, a sweet escape from the fatigue and worry that had been weighing her down.

❝ Spill the beans Chica ❞ Isleen chimed in a playful sing-song voice, her amber eyes sparkling with curiosity as she gazed at Sahar. But as she beheld her friend's radiant face, her mind suddenly went blank, and the memories she had long suppressed came flooding back like a tidal wave. The painful recollections of her parents' tragic fate crashed down on her like a thunderstorm, threatening to drown her in a sea of sorrow. Yet, she couldn't look away from Sahar's jubilant expression, her eyes locked on her friend as if searching for a lifeline to cling to.

One fateful night, a year ago, the sky unleashed a torrent of thunderstorms, and the earth was ravaged by relentless rains. On a desolate road, two lifeless bodies, shrouded in blood, lay motionless, their fate forever sealed. The wail of the ambulance's siren pierced the air, a haunting echo that still resonated in Isleen's mind. And then, that final, devastating phone call from the hospital, a moment that irrevocably altered the course of her life. The trauma of that night still lingered, refusing to be extinguished. The memories of her parents' lifeless bodies, etched in her mind like a gruesome tattoo, continued to haunt her, leaving her shaken and trembling in the darkness of night.