Time After Time

Chapter 1: Ordinary Day

Present Day

Sunday was the best day of the week for twenty-five-year-old Lauren Martin. The only thing on her agenda was to binge-watch a show on Netflix, catch up on old movies, or, if things weren't going well, put on one of her favorite records. So far today, she has been leaning more towards the records.

At this time of year in New York, the streets were bustling as the weather warmed up. People spent less time indoors and more time outside, walking their dogs, running, or heading to Central Park. At night, the noise reached a peak; taxi cabs constantly honked at other drivers or pedestrians who crossed when they shouldn't, while everyone scurried off to enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife. This was the city of dreams, lights, and love—except for one person.

Lauren lay on her grey polyester fabric sofa, her long honey-blonde hair draped over the arm on one side, holding her rose-colored iPhone as she once again scrolled through her Instagram feed.

Sundays were often dull for her, which naturally allowed her mind to wander to thoughts that crept in from time to time. Lauren mostly kept to herself in her brownstone on the Upper West Side, with her only company being her brown-haired German Shepherd/Beagle mix named Macca. He was a quiet and well-behaved dog who seemed very attached to Lauren, especially when he wanted 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, grew up under the warm sun and palm trees of her hometown. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in photography five years ago, she took a leap of faith and moved to New York to pursue her dreams. Securing a job as a photographer for a fashion magazine, she left behind the familiarity of her life in California, trading it for the bustling streets and vibrant culture of the city. The change was both exciting and daunting, but she was determined to make the most of this new opportunity.

"What should we do today, Macca?" she sighed, gently petting the top of his head as she gazed out the window. The lively sounds of the city drifted in, contrasting with the stillness of her apartment.

Five years ago, everything was different for Lauren. She was living on top of the world, at the peak of her game. Outgoing and vivacious, she had a close circle of friends and often spent her nights dancing at clubs, basking in the excitement of city life. Men were drawn to her effortlessly, captivated by a single glance. Lauren seemed to have it all—until she met him.

She didn't want to think about him right now. Today marked the first anniversary since he left her, and she felt the weight of that memory pressing down. As much as she hated New York City at this moment, she knew she needed to clear her head. She couldn't stay locked up in this damn house any longer; it was time to get out.

Lauren clutched her black Beatles jacket, sliding her arms through the sleeves and zipping it up for warmth. After a glance in the mirror to make sure she looked somewhat presentable, she grabbed her keys, tucked them securely into her front pocket, and headed out the door.

As she walked, she kicked at random rocks with her foot, her mind still lingering on thoughts of him. Lauren cursed internally, reminding herself that she had promised not to think about him, especially today of all days. She tried to shake off the memories, focusing instead on the world around her.

The past year had been tough for her as she worked hard to piece her life back together after everything that had happened. She had never expected to find herself in this position; just a few years ago, life had seemed perfect. Everything had felt so vibrant and full of promise, and now she was left struggling with the remnants of her shattered love life.