Simple Twist of Fate

The Begining Is The End

Ill start from the first moment i can recall him in my memory.
Way before i knew the storm he would leave in his wake.

Isn't that how it always begins? The calm before the storm.

I didn't see it coming. Or i didn't see him coming. Pulling the rug right from under me.

I never did keep my feet too firmly on the ground. I always wanted a world wind romance. A romance to rattle me to the core. And he was just the man to do it.

I barely remember the person i was before him. I know i was innocent. I had these black and white views of the world. I never really thought too in to anything.
I was just aimlessly living life. No purpose.

Correction. I didn't have a purpose. I wanted everyone to like me.

I can still remember the day i finally opened my eyes to the possibilities around me.
It was as if there was a light that i didn't know was missing.

It was still winter. Maybe February, it had only been a few weeks or so id known him. We stood outside the cafe smoking. Or he was smoking. I was hanging my head low.

"How can you just let her treat you that way. It really grinds my gears to see you shrivel up at her voice. How could you just let her go on like that." He's ranting.

"Shes my mother. Shes worried about me." Why is he so angry.

"Well i wouldn't have been able to tell by the way she treats you." He flicks his cig on the floor before stepping on it. He turns to me.

"I don't know why your so angry. She wasn't yelling at you." I pull my face up with indignation.

"Why cant you be like that with her. I cant stand to see you cower like that." His blue eyes pierce at me.

"So what." I put my hands in my pockets. Looking down at my shoes. The very first shoes i bought with my own money.

"You don't have to please everyone. You do that and everyone will walk all over you. You hear me? Life ain't gonna be easy if you just wanna skip through life pleasing everyone kid." He looks at the watch on his wrist . "Im outta here. Ive got a gig a few blocks down." He turns to walk away.

I watch him walk. Slightly mesmerized that such a human can exist. I was convinced he was the definition of a rebel with out a cause. I contemplate his words. Maybe he's right. I spent so much time trying to please others i can barely take care of myself.
Until recently i had the courage to leave my parents house. They were suffocating me. I didn't want to go to college and that angered them. My sister couldn't stand me leaving. If i think about it too long maybe shes jealous I'm doing what i want.

I snap out of it when i realize he's half way down the block.

"Hey wait for me!" I yell running to catch up to him.

Too many times after that would i be running after him.

-A month earlier-

Its a cold night, I tighten the jacket around me to shield me from the wind.

I walked out of my apartment quickly trying to avoid my roommate and her boy of the night. Forgetting to grab a sturdier coat.

Snow trickles slowly down and i curse under my breath. Making me shiver down to my feet.

I spot a little club that seems to be open. I wouldn't mind some whiskey to warm myself up.

I slide in after someone walks out keeping my hands folded.

I walk straight to the my destination. "What will you have miss?" The tender asks me wile he mops up the bar.

"Let me get a whiskey. No ice." I say distracted. Pulling my jacket off.

Im watching the stage. A lanky young man with curly hair is on, singing with only a guitar.

Im lost in the music. And the bar man snaps me out of it. "Miss, your drink."

"Uh, yea, thanks." Before he leaves i ask him whose the guy on stage.

"I don't know, he's new here. I hear he's been playing anywhere he can."

"Thanks." The man walks away to attend a girl in a pretty little dress.

I contemplate my attire wile listening to the music. Plain black pants and a turtle neck.
I sigh dissatisfied.

I turn my attention back to the stage the stranger is in the middle of a verse, his voice is ragged. He's not the best singer but it fits the music.

My gaze wanders directly at the singer. Not really looking at him just listening.

After a couple of sets he bids his goodbyes and walks off the stage to the right, down some stairs to the main floor.

I observe him as he puts his guitar away. He looks up and looks directly at me. I panic turning my gaze wile sipping my drink.

Luckily he sits at a table on the other side of the room and i sigh of relief. Im not good with socializing.

When i finish my drink i call the bar tender to ask him for a refill.

As i do someone sits next to me. Too distracted i pay no mind to whomever it is.

"Whats your poison?" They asks.

I look up quickly, "Whiskey." Its the guy from the stage.

On a quick inspection he has blue eyes, a unique shade of baby blue. He has bags under his eyes. Unimaginable curly hair.

"I'll have the same." He calls to the bar tender. "So what do i call you?" He ask turning to me again.

I contemplate this answer. I can give him a random name and never see him again. Or i can be honest and maybe make a new friend.

"Catherine, or just Cat, i really do prefer cat." I fiddle with my drink awkwardly.

"Cat. Hi Cat. Nice to meet you Cat." He pulls out his had to shake mine. He gives me a lopsided smirk.

He had long finger, and long nails.

He was wearing a pleated blue shirt. And faded jeans. I didn't know this then but his style would change dramatically in the course of a few weeks. Like a chameleon adapting to his surroundings.