Where To?

Chapter One

Chapter One

I clutched the book in my hand, and stared at it like I was expecting it to guide me to her. I knew that it couldn't, but a little part of me was hoping the universe would help me out again.

Seeming to forget where I was, I looked for a sign as I continued to hold onto the book. I couldn't focus on anything; all the people and noise didn't seem to exist.

Nothing seemed to matter. It was just me, her book, and this empty feeling inside me trying to be infused with hope.

---

245 Sullivan Street.

"Have a good day," I said before I closed the taxi door, and headed to Washington Square Park. Before going on my campus tour, I wanted to check out this book in greater depth.

Every possible seat came across as occupied until I spotted an open area in which I could focus.

I found a bench and sat down next to a girl with earbuds blasting Blue by Troye Sivan. I'm surprised she could tolerate such a loud volume. Her eyes were shut, but not in a way that made it look like she was sleeping. It was in a way that looked like she was savoring each lyric. She gave the impression of being entirely calm and relaxed.

"How long have you been sitting there?" She removes her earbuds and stares at me, appearing terrified.
"I just got here," I tell her, hoping she won't pull mace out.
"You didn't see me do anything, did you?" She questions with a threatening tone in her voice.
"No, no, I didn't I-"
"Good," she cuts me off and shoves her earbuds in her pocket.

Strangers are strangers until you greet them courteously and make an impression. Once they get to know you, theres no way to not be a part of their life. She seemed harmless, but it was still a bold move to initiate a conversation. I decided to take the risk. Not a lot of damage could be done anyway.

"I'm Niall by the way," I extend my hand to shake hers. She gives me a confused expression and awkwardly extends her hand to meet mine.
"Zusa," she says quietly. A heart tattoo on her wrist shows under her sweatshirt and she quickly pulls away when she finds me glimpsing at the ink etched on her skin.

"That's an, um, uncommon name," I admit, trying not to sound rude, "but very beautiful."
"Haha yeah, I was born in Azusa," she tells me, in a caustic tone, "and my parents were in a rush, so they decided to just remove one letter I guess," she confesses, sounding embarrassed.

At that point, I was just laughing hysterically and I couldn't stop. I barely knew this girl, but she was innocently funny.
"Your laugh is adorable," she tells me, then immediately blushes at her remark.
"Nah," my cheeks redden, "but at least you have a story for you name, mine is just Niall," I enlighten, fiddling with the book in my hand.

Just minutes before, she was hostile, but now our bond has altered into a more comfortable one. The shift from unfamiliar to familiar with was a satisfying feeling.

"What book are you reading?" She tilts her head to get a better view at the title.
"Oh," I try to hide the book, "th- this isn't actually mine," I try to explain.
"Who's is it then?"  She furrows her eyebrows.
"It's complicated," I lie.
"It's just a book, how complicated could it get?" she interrogates.

I could easily tell her the truth, but a part of me was ashamed. If I was honest about it, I feel like she would judge me. I was never one to care what people thought, but this person wasn't so much a stranger anymore, so a little fraction of me cared what she thought.

"How about this," I lean my back on the bench, "you tell me why you're sitting on this bench, talking to me at five in the afternoon, and I'll tell you why it's so complicated."

"Deal," she dramatically nods her head.

---

"So, if I understand right, you want to find her?" she gapes at me.
"That's the plan," I run my fingers through my hair. Telling Zusa wasn't nearly as embarrassing as I assumed, it actually felt nice to vent.
"You're really romantic, damn," she grabs the book from me and looks through it.
"Careful, please," I warn her.

Completely ignoring me, she flips through it and stops on a page with highlighted words.
"This is such a deep line," she traces her fingers over the enhanced words. "Here," she hands me the book and watches my reaction.

"The least likely experience is often the most likely memory."

"That was very poetic," I stare at the words to decipher it's initial message. These ten highlighted words affected me more than they should have. If I let fate run its course, maybe the universe will work in my favor, because right now, all I need to do is find Ketsia. I don't want her to be a mere memory, I want her to be part of my reality.

"Niall, snap out of it," Zusa waves her hands in front of my face.
"Sorry, I was-" before I could finish,  Zusa starts clinging onto me and pointing at a woman in a polka dot top.
"Th-that looks like the girl you described," she excitedly continues to point, "and because I ship it so hard, I'm forcing you to go talk to her."
Without hesitation, I grab the book and walk
-run- up to the girl and tap her on the shoulder.

"I found you."

A/N
Yay, I finally finished the first chapter. *pats self on back* it took a long time, I apologize. I write really slow I even irritate myself. Please tell me what you think (: I appreciate all those who are reading!
Xoxox
-Azalea