a certain romance | alex turner/arctic monkeys fanfic

chapter 1 - winter winds

Beep, beep, beep.

I wrapped my covers around my frail body, concealing myself from the morning that was beckoning me. Pushing my head further into my pillow I tried my best to ignore the aggravating beeping of my alarm clock. Add to mental to do list; hunt down and kill whoever invented alarm clocks.

Unwrapping myself from the comforting covers I slowly sat up in my single bed. Even though my eyes were closed shut I could feel the faint light from the window piercing through my eyelids. Carefully opening one eye after the other I turned my attention to the still beeping alarm clock. Lazily lifting my left arm, I reached to turn it off. I sighed as I saw what time it was; 5:30. It should be illegal to force people out of bed this early, I thought to myself. Putting my sock-clad feet against the wooden floor I could still feel the coldness of the creaking planks through the wool. Shivering slightly, I quickly shuffled over to my wardrobe. I quickly grabbed the first sweater I could see. Pulling it over my head I could smell the familiar scent of my older brother. Taking a deep breath, inhaling as much of his scent as I possibly could, I could feel my breath hitching and my palms getting clammy. Oh no, not now. I stared at the wall in front of me, focusing my gaze on a poster. I slowly counted to ten as I traced the contours of Paul McCartney's face. Slowly but surely, I managed to calm down. Breathe in... and out... in... and out... Taking one final deep breath I returned my focus to my wardrobe. I could feel the slight draft from the window beside me. The cold from underneath my feet began to creep through my socks even more, and travel up my bare legs. Goosebumps started to form on my pale legs as I shivered. Before the cold could etch itself too far into my bones I quickly stepped out of my pajama shorts and pulled on my grey tracky bottoms. I tucked the pants into my wool socks and closed the door to the wardrobe.

I used to hate getting up early. I dreaded the stabbing sensation of the morning sun glaring back at me when I opened the curtains. I detested the stillness of the house and the quiet hum of the city slowly waking up. Now, on the other hand, the early mornings were the best part of my day. Don't get me wrong, I still want to kill whoever invented alarm clocks. The irritating beeping of alarm clocks is probably the only thing I hate about mornings, though. But the faint whisper of the morning around me filled my body with a serene feeling. Not only had not the world surrounding me woken up yet, but I had not yet woken up either. My body was awake, yes. My senses were alert, catching the chirps of the birds and the smell of my morning coffee. But my thoughts were still asleep. My mind was at rest. At 5:30 in the morning, nothing bothersome was awake. 5:30 was the time for birds to fly their morning route, the trees to ready themselves for the first rays of sun, and for people like me to collect themselves and prepare for the day. 5:30 was the time when all good and pure things could domineer the world, the time when trouble and distraction was still asleep.

The old wood creaked as I made my way down the stairs. Sitting at the bottom of the stairs was my cat, Amethyst, a great big ball of fur. She turned her attention to me as she heard the steps creak. Quickly but utterly gracefully she stood up and stretched her dark brown body. I sat down next to her, beckoning her to climb into my lap. Her small paws sunk into my legs as she stepped up into my lap. I carefully pet her furry head with my right hand as I picked her up with my left. She locked her lilac gaze with my blue one. Two years ago, I woke up to a desperate meowing in the middle of the night. Stood outside my front door was a tiny kitten, staring up at me with its big lilac orbs. She had a scratch on her side and blood was staining the snow around her. Without a second thought I took her into my arms and carried her away from the cold winter winds and into my warm home. I put up posters all over town, saying I'd found a lost and wounded kitten. Months went by and nobody came to collect her, so I decided to keep her. Seeing as her eyes were this amazing purple hue I named her Amethyst. For such a small creature she has provided me with more love and comfort over these past two years than anyone else.

Gulping down the remains of my coffee I put the cup down onto the table. Checking the clock, I realized if I didn't leave now I'd be late. I hurriedly grabbed my keys, phone and bag and headed out the door. Before closing and locking I let Amethyst out as well. Hiding my face from the cold winter winds in my coat I scurried away to my car. Not really looking where I went I stepped on an ice patch and felt my foot disappear from under me. With a thud and a slight scream, I landed flat on my back. I closed my eyes in embarrassment, hoping and praying that no one was around.

"Are you alright there, love?" a deep voice said from above me. Crap. Someone was around.

"Yeah I'm- I'm fine, really... Sorry..." I said quietly. Quickly sitting up I gathered my belongings and hurried up. Not even looking at whoever was stood next to me I rushed to my car. I slammed my door shut and before driving off I glanced out of the window. Standing next to the imprint of my body in the snow stood a dark-haired man with his hands in the pockets of his coat, collar popped. He was just turning to walk away as he glanced my way and caught my eyes. His eyes were the warmest brown you could imagine. I looked away and released the clutch, letting the car drive off. Before I could look away I could see a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

"He must think I'm mental..."

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AN:

English is not my first language so if there are any mistakes please don't be afraid to tell me. Also if you liked it please comment and share it with your friends. Thank you x