A Wrinkle in Love

Prologue

"If you had a clock that could count down to the moment you meet your soulmate, would you want to know?"

One minute, 35 seconds... My legs feel weak. There is no way I can do this.

One minute, 20 seconds... I glance around at the familiar faces surrounding the room. I've been in the same grade with most of them for years. Just my luck, I'll be meeting my soulmate in this gross, overcrowded cafeteria.

One minute... Somewhere within these walls, someone has the exact same countdown on their wrist. Someone who is supposed to love me unconditionally. Have we passed each other in the halls and not known?

50 seconds...

I am unable to control my racing thoughts. I should be excited, not nervous. Yet I still find myself wiping my sweaty hands down my dress. The anticipation of this moment has been building up for what feels like an eternity. I've heard stories of how meeting your soulmate is supposed to feel like a magical experience, but right now, all I can think about is the possibility of messing everything up.

40 seconds...

An irresistible and mysterious force compels me to stand up. I do, capturing the focus of the people at my table. They all know too, what was about to happen. Their faces beam encouragingly up at me. I bit my lips nervously as I felt even more gazes look my way.

30 seconds...

The same powerful thing pulls me forward to the center of the room. My stomach drops with each step. My footsteps sound louder as I am pulled to an unknown destination.

20 seconds...

With each step, the tempo of my heart picks up. Picking an uncomfortable pace. It's as if the very rhythm of my existence has synchronized with the anticipation that courses through my veins. The world around me seems to blur, the background noise fading away as my focus narrows. Time itself feels malleable, stretching and contracting with each heartbeat. It's not just about meeting them; it's about confronting the vulnerability that comes with the unknown, with the potential of a profound connection.

19...18...17...16...15...

With every step, I find myself inching closer to destiny, embracing the unknown with a newfound courage. This is the moment my life changes forever. Whatever the outcome, I am ready to face it, to embrace the symphony of emotions that this will undoubtedly unleash.

5... 4... 3... 2... 1...

A soft touch on my shoulder sends a shiver down my spine. It's them... I turn to discover myself locked in the gaze of captivating gray eyes. The rush of emotions that washes over me is overwhelming, causing me to release a trembling breath.

" 'Ello there, love. It appears as though we are soul mates then, eh?"

As my words fail me, the only thing I could think is, 'I'm so glad I shaved this morning.'

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