Heart Shaped Bruises

Chapter I

"Just give it a chance, it'll be great."

"If only, but a mountain of papers doesn't grade itself. Unfortunately."

"Don't worry, I've got it all planned out. You know I'm capable enough to cover for you for one day. Besides, you can't miss out on the totally hot masseur."

Having an extensive network of teachers and substitute teachers as friends was a blessing at times like these. Middle school teacher and part time weekend waitress at a posh steakhouse, Ally had received a free spa voucher from her best friend on her 24th Christmas. Coincidentally (or not), her best friend was a substitute teacher whom she had met in college. Within the flurry of papers, red pen marks, and waiting tables, Allie was desperate for a window of relaxation in her hectic schedule, and the spa offer was tempting. Although today was a Wednesday, only three days after Christmas, the voucher expired tomorrow, thanks to her friend's meticulous attention to dates. It would be a complete waste, not to mention rude, not to use it. Plus, she had been reassured that her work would be covered. And so she went.

As Allie neared the destination, she cautiously took in her surroundings. This wasn't exactly the safest part of town, as displayed by the derelict row of shops that ran down the street.

Occasionally there were unidentifiable green stains blotting the walls-- mold, she suspected-- and paint flaking off the sides of the buildings. Very few people could be seen wandering the streets.

However hesitant Allie was , she knew turning back now would be straight up rude to her friend and a waste of 30 minutes of gas money. She almost tolled right past the unmistakable sign hanging at high level that depicted a woman tranquilly enjoying a shoulder massage. The light reflecting off of the small glass door that stood in front of her blinded her from the scene inside, yet the mysterious aura invited her to keep walking forward.

What welcomed her inside made the outside seem like a guise purposefully worn to reward those lucky enough to step inside. Talk about not judging a book by its cover. The small exterior did no justice to the size of the lengthy space. Next to the door stood the counter, the area for customers to check in. Opposite the rectangular desk was an equally rectangular sofa, black leather slightly cracked yet still luxurious. The weathered image was a proper indicator that the spa was perhaps established a few months ago, but still fairly new. Milky white spa beds lined up across the expanse of room, and each was separated from the adjourning one with a salmon colored curtain hanging by the metal bars on the ceiling that bordered the perimeter of the beds. A door at the very back led to the baths, if Allie had to guess.

"Welcome miss, what treatment will you be having today?" The cheerful voice that came from behind the counter belonged to a man in his mid twenties. Allie stared for a bit too long, eyes trekking every inch of his body that was visible from behind the counter.

He fit Allie's ideal type almost perfectly: his chestnut brown hair was slightly tussled, soft strands almost covering his eyes, which complimented his beguiling smile that emitted an amicable aura. His cherubic appearance lured Allie in. He was an angel dressed in a teal plaid button up. The long sleeved shirt fit snuggly against the curves of his forearms. The casual vibe surrounding him reassured people that they could act comfortably around him, and the attraction that reverberated within Allie was pulling her towards his magnetic field. To put it shortly, he was very cute. 

Although Allie never believed in "fate" or "love at first sight", there was always a first for everything.

The bold letters that formed the word MICHAEL were imprinted on the tag that was pinned to his shirt. The thin gold outline that traced the black font gave him an edge, a touch of refinement that was almost lost in the whirlwind of gentle smiles.