The Dragon's Heart

Chapter 1

     Fall. It had just started. The leaves rustled and crunched underfoot as people treaded over them. The city was bustling with activity as usual. Cars honking, dogs barking, jogger's music playing, people chattering, talking in their phones.
     "What is the appeal of those devices?" Anthony thought to himself as he sat on a park bench. "Don't they realize they can write a letter instead of 'texting'? Yell what they're thinking instead of 'posting' their thoughts? They can even see people face to face in person instead of this 'facetime'. Oh well. I guess I'll never understand it." Anthony stood up and walked along the sidewalk. "I guess humans are just like this. What's the word? Innovative?" He sighed. "Too high tech for me. I prefer pen and paper." He stuffed his hands in his pockets and he began to think, not watching where he was going. He was bumped into as he was walking but only his arm against someone's shoulder. He turned to see who it was and saw a girl turn as she continued to run.
     "I'm so sorry! That was my fault!" Anthony shook his head and continued his walk.
     "So many people in a rush." He whispered to himself. The girl, Soph, was running as fast as she could. Sweat beads would usually form on anyone else but she was always in a rush. Too much to do, so little time to do it. She ran and turned a corner to a coffee shop and speed walked through the door. She quickly changed into her work uniform in under a minute and a half due to the fact that she did this regularly. Her shift started and she smiled as the manager walked over to her.
     "I see you came in just in time again Soph. I must say, for someone who has so much on her plate I'm glad you're still careful about your schedule." He chuckled.
     "Of course Mr. Ballard. (Bay-lard) I try my best to make sure everything fits in perfectly. I have it down to a science at this point." She giggled and Mr. Ballard walked back to his office, stopping in his doorway.
     "Well keep up the good work. You're a great employee to have around." He smiled and disappeared into his office. Soph blushed and smiled, then got ready for the customers to flood in as they usually did. People in the city always seem to say, "If you want good coffee, go to Soph. She's the best there." So word spread fast about her. And as usual, the word, got people's attention as a large group started to form. But Soph managed it like she always does. Quickly and well. She was so used to the fast life style that she never had to slow down for anything. She waited tables, took orders at the counter, and made coffee all at the same time because the other workers that would be assigned to her shift, only disrupted her concentration. Or at least, that's what she told her manager. But of course, the daily routine would come to an end, and the last customer was always her favorite. Her best friend Eveline.
     "Hey Soph! How are you?" The girl said happily.
     "Busy as usual. But it's done now since you're here. You're always the last customer." She giggled with her friend.
     "Well guess what? There's a party this weekend you should come to." Soph looked at her and giggled as she laid her head in her hand and let her arm prop herself up. "I always invite you and you never come! You need to live a little! You know Derek Chester? He says that he's throwing a party at his parents' beach house!"
     "The really fancy house down at the end of Fairway Drive?" She asked slightly curious.
     "You know it! It even has an indoor HEATED swimming pool! I am gonna get me some sugar Saturday." Eveline winked at Soph then giggled.
     "So Chase is going? Cause we both know you're talking about him." She smiled at her friend.
     "Maaaaybe." She jokingly looked up as she sucked on her straw. Then she giggled.
     "Alright. Alright. I might go. But only this once." Eveline smiled and hugged her over the counter.
     "Oooo girl I can't wait! Now I gotta get home. And you do too!" She started walking to the door.
     "Love you too Eve." She said as she shook her head.
     "You know it." Eveline said as she walked out the door.
     "Well... this should be fun I guess." Soph said slightly happy, but nervous at the same time.