Gabriel

Gabriel- Prologue

Gabriel

Prologue 

The dull yellow lamppost lights barely lit the streets I walked on. I couldn’t help but feel dreary as the sounds of the keys to my apartment jingled annoyingly, when I finally couldn’t take anymore as I stuffed them into my pocket, muffling their sound.

It was then when I realized the sound of light footsteps behind me, my breath hitched. I ran down the narrow street, frightened, only to look back to see the shape of a small, petite woman.

I frowned. I found myself timid lately after moving away from my quiet, secure neighborhood. I’d yet to be accustomed to the overexcited city, London.

Why did I even think of moving? I questioned myself silently I could’ve been at home right now, starting community college, living with my mother and younger brother, Tom.

But I knew why.

My scholarship. Although my mother’s job had taken a toll on her and she was complaining about backaches frequently, she would’ve been disappointed if I didn’t take the chance to attend an impressive college with most expenses paid. I would be able to do an internship at some company and bring in the money.

I still worried about my mother receiving the right medical attention; after all, I had left her in the care of my seemingly careless younger brother. The thought of my brother taking ‘looking after’ my mother was enough to make me lose sleep at night. Maybe one day I could bring my family to London. God knows, we all needed a fresh start.

As my breathing started to slow down, the coldness began to set in. I hadn’t noticed the weather until the clouds formed after my breathing. I tightened my thin jacket around myself in hope to stop shivering.

A bright light emitting from a coffee shop greeted me, flooding the streets. Since I had nowhere planned to go I decided that I would go in and warm myself and probably buy whatever I could with the money in my purse. I grimaced as I knew it wouldn’t be alot.

When I pushed open the door my depressed mood immediately lifted. The smell of fresh coffee beans rushed to my nose, the soft playing of music filled my ears and the warm air tingled my skins. My senses were alight.

I look at the menu overhead and craved for an earl grey tea. I silently prayed that my purse would have the money required. Disappointment washed over me as it lacked money. I sighed and reviewed the menu again. The only thing I could afford was a can of coke. Although I was cold I purchased it. I needed a reason to stay.

As I waited in the line I looked over to the small stage where another musician replaced the old one. He immediately started playing; I didn’t miss the smile on a couple of people’s faces. I reckoned he was probably a regular at the shop.

He played and my eyes caught on with his. He beamed at me but I looked away. I hated how shy I was and cursed as a dark blush rose to my cheeks. I kept my eyes straight on the line ahead but listened intently to the song he was playing.

I was familiar with it.

I lost myself in the music and reached to the front of the queue. I was quickly given my coke and proceeded to sit down, my back facing the performer.

All of the other costumers had an acquaintance that occupied them whereas I sat alone on the table for four with my drink. I awkwardly started to sip my coke, a shiver running down my back at the coldness that now invaded my body. I put the drink down on the table, wishing that I could entertain myself somehow. Times like this I realized the importance of carrying a mobile phone.

I leaned back in my chair listening to him sing the chorus.

He had an amazing voice.

Then he finished abruptly and thanked the crowd. A couple of voices complained and I heard his laughter.

His musical laugher.

I played with the hem of my short dress which was undoing. I sighed wistfully wishing that I could buy myself a new one. But I knew I had to save up all of my money for my mother and Tom. It was the least I could do after my mother took up all the jobs after the incident with my father, that and the fact that she needed to get away from all of the rumors and speculations that surrounded our family at the time. Sometimes I hated my father for that. It didn’t bother me as much as it bothered Tom. I frowned as I thought about all of the things my family overcame during the past year.

‘’Hey’’ I heard a voice say. I looked up immediately.

During the last 6 months I’d been living here no one had willingly tried to communicate with me. I couldn’t help but suck my breath when the musician sat down. My previous scowl was replaced with a genuine smile.

‘’My name’s Gabriel’’ he said returning the smile. His voice sounded amazingly beautiful along with the rest of himself.

Gabriel.