Shattered Heart, Shattered Mind.

Introduction

Nicole stared out of her window one fine, beautiful Sunday morning, watching the grass ripple softly under the gentle force of the warm summer breeze.

She seemed to be thinking deeply about something. Or someone...

Her eyes narrowed just slightly as she watched a small, yellow butterfly flutter quietly past the clear panes of glass.

Nicole was startled back to reality when her bedroom door opened, and her older sister strode in.

"Nicole.. Colonel White is here to see you. He says it's important."

Nicole stood, smoothing the wrinkles in her mint green dress. She walked with her sister out of the room and towards the front door, her heels clacking softly on the polished cherrywood floors.

She held her chin high as she approached the parlor, where Colonel Aaron White stood. Taller than last time they met, and perhaps more handsome, he flashed one of his brilliant smiles in her direction. But then he turned back to speak with her father, where they made plans for their next moves in the battles ahead.

Several moments later, Aaron stepped away from Nicole's father and over to her. He took her hand in his and gently held it to his lips, pressing them together softly.

"It's wonderful to see you again, Miss Nicole. I've thought of you every moment I wasn't by your side."

Nicole felt the heat rise to her cheeks as Aaron uttered these words to her.
She lifted her head and her eyes met his.

His eyes.

They were beautiful; a shade of hazel that was almost too complicated to describe. Deep shades of green mixed with swirls of brown and blue, combining together into a gorgeous hazel color.

Nicole stared into his deep, soulful eyes, getting lost in the multitude of colors that congregated there.
He stared back, a smile playing on his lips.
"Intrigued?"

He asked, a hint of a playful tone in his voice.
She looked away, her face tinged with red again.
"N-No..."
She stuttered softly.

The Colonel placed his hand gently under her chin, lifting her head up so her eyes met his once more.
"No need to be shy."
He said, and his voice was calm, delicate, and quiet.

Nicole smiled just slightly, her cheeks dusted with light red.
"Alright.."

The Colonel smiled gently, and hugged her.
"I've missed you, Nicole."

Nicole returned his warm embrace.

"I've missed you too."