Mythomania

Chapter 1

mythomania

/ˌmɪθə(ʊ)ˈmeɪnɪə/

noun

an or tendency to or tell lies.

Adaline

"Life's nothing but a painting. If you don't like it, just paint it again."

The life of Adaline Berrie is no longer my own. Lying is second nature to me by now. Each fabrication that slips from my remorseless lips is easier to believe than the last. Every story I tell, every thought I share, every feeling I harbour has been so mercilessly modified that by the end it's not even my own. The life of Adaline Berrie is entirely words and manipulation. Which just seems normal to me. Everything I say I have to plan ahead so I don't clash with all the bullshit I've been spreading about my life. The life of Adaline Berrie is a lie.

Persephone

Walking down the street, Persephone is greeted by the harsh winter rain. She lifts her jacket hood up to protect her freshly curled hair, blissfully listening to the peaceful drumming against the soft cotton fabric. The moon and car headlights reflect off the new puddles popping up along the sidewalk until her boot ruins the image. Persephone glances down to see her phone buzz with a message from her closest friend, Anastasia, who she's currently late to see. Gripping her gloves between her teeth she pulls out freshly manicured hands and begins drafting a message back.

Persephone steps onto the old, wooden front porch. She lays three loud raps on Ana's door shortly before it swings open to reveal Phoebe's gleaming expression. Ere Persephone has a chance to greet them, an arm pulls her inside. Phoebe, more commonly known as Bea, is the third member in Persephone's trio. "Charlie's angels" they call themselves. Unlike Ana, who is tall and pale, Bea has dark curly hair and is the shortest of the group.

Lining the crimson red walls of the dining hall are streamers and balloons, in honour of Persephone's 22nd birthday which is coming up in a week. Glancing around she notices the wine glasses and cheese platter on the table

"I know we're going on a trip..." Bea says, pausing to glance at Ana, a wide smile growing on her face. "But we planned something extra."

"Really?" Persephone begins to twist her hair around her finger, which the young woman always does when she's still. "Thanks guys,"

"And we've invited the guys around too," Ana adds.

"Oh..." She hesitates before composing herself. In an awkward attempt to cover her unenthusiastic response she continues, "can't wait. So, can I open my first present yet?"

"Excuse me. Where's the fun in that?" Persephone stops twirling her hair in a fake huff. Ana continues, "you have to wait until Greece."

"Not even one?" Persephone pleads, pouting her lips, in the hopes to win them over.

Phoebe responds, "Not. Even. One." Attempting to sound authoritative.

She sighs. "But seriously, thank you."

After half an hour's worth of champagne and cheese the others arrive. Elias and Jonas, Persephone's boyfriend. Jonas is strong with chiselled features, blonde hair and picture perfect features, Persephone would say he's your typical handsome guy, and he knows it. However, Elias is tall, thin and scrawny. Immediately after entering he asks Persephone for a drink. Ever since he offered to host her party in his parents' private villa on a famous Greek island he's been asking for favour after favour. Persephone doesn't feel he understands the idea of a kind, selfless gesture.