Falling for Midnight

Chapter one

I watched through the window as the beautiful pine trees fleeted past steadily. The windows have all been pulled up with the air conditioner set to medium keeping the air breathable. But funny enough I still felt claustrophobic. The air felt toxic inside my lungs and I longed to be on the other side of the window, breathing in the cool, fresh air and listening to nature go about its business.

I watched as a single drop of rain hit the glass and slowly rolled downwards and disappeared, followed by another and then another until raindrops cascaded in soft light volumes and the rhythmic sound filled my senses. This sound was the only coping mechanism that I had besides books. 

I shifted my attention from the rain towards the road. It seemed we were in the middle of nowhere and the road went on forever as we drove on the windy road lined with tall pine trees on both sides. I sighed and made myself comfortable in my seat.

''Do you need me to turn on the radio? I bet there's a song you'd love on there.'' The old lady beside me chirped. An old lady who happened to be driving the lung torturing machine I was currently in.

''Why listen to that when nature produces the very best music?'' I asked unamused.

''Oh lighten up child. Soon you'll be able to play in the rain, hmm?'' She hummed, keeping her eyes on the road but glanced sideways occasionally.

''Sure'' I mumbled, returning my gaze to the water droplets on the window, hoping that the universe would just put me out of my misery.

''You're going to love it here dear. Mistwood Haven is just what you need to get your spark back.'' She chirped.

I sighed and wondered how a lady her age could have so much energy. I'm running on 10% battery on a daily and even that is a struggle. She reminds me of her........and the mere thought makes the already clustered space feel even smaller.

I ignored her and gazed out the window, luckily for me, she gave up trying to make conversation. I wondered if the town was as great as she proclaimed...but I know better than anyone not to get your hopes up. Life loves to throw curve balls at you when you do. Best to stay neutral and let life do life.

The trees finally left my field of vision and were replaced by buildings. Not the fancy type you'd see in New York or Las Vegas but normal average houses and shops.

The town was beautiful. Cobblestone streets meander lazily, flanked by ancient trees that stretch towards the sky like nature's own cathedral. The soft swaying of the leaves as the wind blew past the trees, whispering secrets to those who wander its winding paths.

Half-timbered cottages, adorned with overflowing flower boxes, seem to lean in, sharing tales of generations past. I spotted a bakery that had enticing breads and pastries on display.

In the town square, a majestic fountain dances, its melodic voice drowned out by the pouring rain. The town looked like it came out of a painting and I could only imagine what it would look like when the sun was out. As dusk descends, the sky is set to a gloomy grey color, promising yet another downpour.

We moved on, and soon we left the town and drove further down the road to what seemed to be residential houses spaced out from each other. The houses weren't even regular houses but beautifully designed mansions. Well at least you know who's wealthy and who isn't. 

''I think you missed a stop.'' I pointed out and glanced at the old lady. She simply chuckled and smiled at me.

''What makes you think so?'' She mused.

''Back there was where the normal folks lived. The people who want to live normal lives?'' I inquired.

''And who said we were normal?'' she chuckled with a playful glint in her soft blue eyes. I simply cocked my side to the side with a furrowed brow. Realizing she wasn't going to explain, I looked back out the window and marveled at the other houses we drove past.