Time After Time

Chapter 1: Ordinary Day

Present Day

Sunday was the best day of the week, at least for twenty-five-year-old Lauren Martin. The only thing on her agenda on this particular day each week was to binge-watch some show on Netflix, maybe watch some old movies, or, if things were not going great, put on one of her favorite records. So far today, she was leaning more towards the records.

At this time of year in New York, the streets were busier as the weather became warmer. People were spending less time inside and going out during the day, walking their dogs, going for a run, or heading to Central Park. At night, that's when most of the noise occurred. Taxi cabs were constantly honking at other drivers or pedestrians crossing when they weren't supposed to, and everyone was scurrying off to enjoy all the nightly events happening in New York. This was the city of dreams, lights, and love, except for one person.

Lauren lay on her grey polyester fabric sofa with her long honey-blonde hair draped over the arm on one side, holding her rose-colored iPhone 8Plus in her hands, once again scanning through her Instagram feed.

Sundays were pretty dull for her, so naturally, this kept her mind preoccupied with other things that periodically crept into her thoughts from time to time. Lauren mostly kept to herself in her brownstone on the Upper West Side, except for her only company—her brown-haired German Shepherd/Beagle mix dog of four years named Macca. He was usually a quiet and well-behaved dog who seemed very attached to Lauren, especially when he desired cuddles.

Macca jumped onto the sofa, planting his paws on Lauren's stomach and making himself comfortable, all while watching her ignore him as her blue eyes remained glued to her phone.

Lauren, originally a California girl, was born and raised there. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in photography five years ago, she secured a job as a photographer for a fashion magazine in New York, leaving everything she had back home for this opportunity.

"What should we do today, Macca?" she sighed, petting the top of his head as she looked out the window.

Five years ago, things were completely different. Lauren was living on top of the world and at the peak of her game. She was extremely outgoing, had a lot of friends, and consistently went out to clubs at night with them. She always seemed to attract men with just a glance. Lauren had it all—until she met him.

She didn't want to think about him at this moment. Even though today marked the first anniversary since he left her, she needed to clear her head. As much as she hated New York City right now, she needed to escape. She had to get out of this damn house.

Lauren clutched her black Beatles jacket, slipped her arms through the sleeves, and zipped it up. After a glance in the mirror to ensure she looked somewhat decent, she grabbed her keys, tucked them into her front pocket, and headed out the door.

As she walked, she kicked random rocks with her foot, still pondering about him. Lauren cursed internally, knowing she had promised not to think about him again, especially today.

The past year had been tough for her as she made an effort to piece her life back together. She never expected anything like this to happen. Just a few years ago, life had been perfect.

'I should have never introduced her to him,' she thought, biting her lip as she strolled down Central Park West.

A part of her heart longed for the days of her old life—those vibrant times filled with laughter, surrounded by many friends, always engaged in exciting activities, and feeling a deep sense of belonging. Yet, another part of her embraced the solitude, finding peace and contentment in the quiet moments of being alone.