Feckless

Chapter 1

Love

A four letter word that has been used many times, many ways; that means 'intense feeling of deep affection.' That's love.

It varies from person to person, of course, as none of us are the same. Some fall so quickly, so passionately in the blink of an eye. Some take time, letting their heart open properly as their feelings develop farther and farther.

It lasts as long as forever does, whatever that means.

No matter how much you truly think you're in love, you know you really are when the mere thought of losing that person is too much to even bear. You think you'll be finished, completely consumed in a black hole of despair and sorrow.

But love doesn't work that way.

Love hits you like thunder, leaving you blinded for far too long. And when you finally realize you are indeed in love, when you realize you'd die without the one you love, it is far too late.

It always seems way too late.

*****

It wasn't as if I was going to stay in Birchwood for a long time. Two, maybe three months at the most. I was going to get a small apartment, keep a low profile while I was there. I didn't need much to get by and I wasn't planning on receiving much attention while I was there.

The town was small, not too crowded, perfect for a little time off. It was exhausting, being a full time photographer and a part time musician. It might seem like it is easy work, but when you're used to working in London, you know just how much costumers you can get.

And my businesses weren't even in the busy part of the city.

Adam had suggested it was a nice place to live, as his mother was from there and they always visited for holidays. It was the kind of town where everybody knew everybody, but it didn't seem like the kind of town where people would barge into your things.

I arrived early, monday morning, 8:42 am. The train station was pretty lonely, just an old couple picking up a young girl and a man strutting off in his suit and suitcase. Seemed like a pretty empty morning.

There was nobody there to pick me up, but Adam told me his flat was only a few blocks away, so I had no other choice but to walk. Not that it bothered me, as my legs were still numb from the long ride.

As I walked through the streets, I noticed only few cars passing by. It wasn't the crowded part of town, that's for sure. Besides, most people would be at their jobs and most kids would be at school. I was the only weirdo out on the streets at 9 in the morning.

Adam's place didn't seem so bad. It was clean, furnished, decent enough to stay for a while. There was a sofa, a love seat, and a coffee table in the living room; two rooms, each with a bed, a closet, and a nightstand; a bathroom; and a small dining room just beside the kitchen. I wasn't planning on living there for the rest of my life, but I could manage to stay there for a few months. All I had to do now was buy some food.

I don't know how recently Adam had visited, but there was a map on the coffee table, a few places circled with a red marker. His handwriting filled the upper right corner of it, only three lines written quickly.

'Liam,

I circled the nearest grocery store, bookstore, shopping centre, and my grandmother's house (if you want some company).

Hope you enjoy your stay,

Adam.'

I chuckled at his cleverness. Only he would be cheeky enough to write down his grandmother's address for when I was feeling lonely. That wasn't something a normal friend would do.

It was still pretty early when I was done unpacking; I didn't have much things to put away anyway. As I didn't want to spend my first day in Birchwood at home, I grabbed my keys, my wallet and the map Adam left me before heading out.

Maybe I'd head to the bookstore for a while. After all, I had no TV.

A/N: Okay, so this chapter might seem boring and uneventful but I needed to do a little intro on Liam and Adam (his best friend). He'll meet Alex soon enough. And btw, Alex is Shailene Woodley with short hair.

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-Andy .x