A Genius In Love [COMPLETED] [EDITING]

Chapter One: Hot Chocolate and Old Memories

Chapter One:

    The crispness of the winter air wrapped around my being as if it was an old friend, it seeped right through the winter jacket I had recently purchased and caused me to shiver while goosebumps formed along my skin. The only warmth that was provided to me was from the cup that currently held hot chocolate since I wasn't a fan of hot coffee, I'd rather have iced coffee but seeing as it was too cold for it, I opted for the hot chocolate instead.

    The walk to my 1982 pickup seemed to drag on forever, each crunch of snow underneath my boots reminded me that there was worse to come yet. I sighed softly but then a small smile made it's way onto my features as I remembered why I had gotten up so early, I had been volunteering at a local animal shelter for some time now, while I worked at a diner as a waitress during the evenings. I also worked at a bookstore when I wasn't volunteering at the shelter to rake in some extra money.

      Fumbling for my keys, I managed to unlock the toolbox in the bed of my truck and put my small purse in there. Double checking to make sure it was locked, I then unlocked my truck and slipped into the driver's side. Desperate to get the heater started up I jabbed my keys into the ignition and turned it on. The heater instantly came to life and began to blast heat throughout the small cab, which was only big enough for two, maybe three, people at the most. The bench seat was torn in various places and I made a mental note to get it repaired when I had enough money saved up. The rumble of the truck soothed me and I pulled away from my parking spot at the apartment complex I currently lived in.

      The drive to the shelter took no less than ten minutes to get too, thankfully the driveway had been shoveled. After parking in my usual spot, I got out and made a bolt to the door, since I had always hated the cold. Opening the glass door that separated me from the warmth that the building provided, I was met with loud barking and a few quiet meows echoing from the cat room. Muttering a quick greeting to the lady that was working behind the counter, I hung my coat up and then stuffed my gloves inside the coat pockets for safekeeping. Taking the few steps to the cat room, I opened the door and was instantly met with a few of the friendlier cats coming up to say hi. I bent down and pet each of them before gently nudging them out of the way so that I could get to work.

      The hours flew by and just as I was about to leave, a flash of blond caught my attention and I peeked around the corner. A familiar figure stood in front of the door, looking around at all of the cats with interest. Shaking away the familiarity I walked over to him since the others had gone home early.

      "Hello, I'm Bonnie, is there anything that I could help you with?" I asked with a smile, looking up at him.

     He looked down at me in surprise, as if he wasn't expecting anyone to be here, then he cleared his throat. "Yes... I'm actually looking to adopt." He said quietly.

     "Well we have many great cats here... There's Pepper, Scooby and Cowboy..." I rattled off the names of some of the friendliest cats here that deserved a good home.

    "May I see them?" He asked, the light glinting off of his glasses which caused me to squint slightly. I chuckled quietly at how familiar it all seemed.

      "Of course. Follow me." I said, motioning for him to follow me back. "So... If you don't mind me asking, what is your name?" I added on out of curiosity.

      "Brian." He stated calmly as he bent down to give Scooby, an orange tabby with a white chest and white tipped paws some attention. Scooby had managed to worm himself up onto Brian's lap and stayed there, purring loudly with his eyes closed in happiness as Brian pet him.

      "You mean..." I paused and then shook my head. "Do you remember me?" I asked uncertainly, the question felt silly to me. Brian looked up at me and seemed to study me for a bit before a boyish grin spread across his features.