This is Euphoria

flashback.

an: if you've read this far, thank you! just a really quick announcement to keep you informed; in the beginning of every chapter, I'm going to have a song linked and an excerpt from the lyrics. this will serve as a chapter title or just something I liked/reminded me of the characters. I hope this will help you get a clear image while reading. if you are a reader who enjoys engaging in stories, at the end of all chapters I'm going to include questions (Just regular Q&A fun questions) that I would love to read your answers to! Thank u chicas

"Crybaby" The Neighbourhood
I can taste it my hearts breaking please don't say it

-❀-

December 04, 2014.
08:55PM. Athena.

I walk further into the inviting night. It's chilly, but I don't mind. I never do.

Being raised in Southern California, the scorching heat always felt suffocating to me.

It's crazy to think that the first time I've ever experienced a real winter was just a little over a year ago.

Moving to northern California was the best decision I've ever made for myself. I needed out, but I didn't want to be too disconnected with my old life. So, a 6 hour drive was the perfect compromise.

I miss my parents and my older brother, but I needed to leave.

I will admit it's not everything I hoped for, but I'm surviving. Being an adult has its perks.

It's nights like these I admire the most, the ones where I leave my apartment bundled in layers but eventually take them off and allow the harsh air to send chills down my spine.

I always found the cold freeing, so I take a moment to take a deep breath and store the cold air in my lungs.

I'm walking to the new coffeehouse a couple blocks from my apartment. It's been under renovation for the longest time so I thought I'd at least give it a try. I've been trying to support small, local businesses lately in place of unauthentic, big corporations.

It's only a block away from a Starbucks which can either be a great thing or a horrible thing.

I finally see the sign that has the name "brew house" stamped across it hanging over the entryway door. When I get close enough, I can see that like the Starbucks, it's open until the early AM.

Most places around this area have similar hours because of the college campus that's on this side of town.

When I step into the coffeehouse, aromas of cinnamon flood all of my senses. Surprisingly, it wasn't overbearing. The cinnamon scent was gone as quick as it came and faded into a musky cedar wood. That must be what candles they're burning.

I take a moment to appreciate the shop around me.

The beaten down brick walls give the setting a rustic, cozy appeal. A grey, stained wood flooring completes the look.

Minimalist light fixtures hang from wooden beams that are a part of the ceiling.

A diversity of patterned pillows all within the same colour scheme are everywhere in the small space.