A Song Named Alice

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

For all new readers, it may seem a little slow at first (since I haven't revised it in a while), but it picks up a lot starting in the next chapter. Don't give up on it, please!

 Edwin pulls out his old-fashioned pocket watch, worn more than its genuine age. The rusted silvery metal of the watch shines like fire in the light of the moon, every tiny hand-engraved hammer given its own glory, especially Thor's large hammer in the center. He flicks up the cover with his thumb and looks deeply into the face of the clock. Small scratches cover the edges of the clear glass face, hinting at its years. He lets his lips curve as a joyful memory comes to him.

 While staring at it, his ears pick up footsteps in the distance that are getting closer. He turns around to see who it is, but no one is there. When he turns back, the footsteps start moving again. He looks around once more. Again, no one is there.

 My mind is playing tricks on me again. I really need to go home before I start seeing things too, he thinks as he begins his trail home.

 The sidewalks glisten as the old streetlamps light up the mist-covered road. He stares up at the forbidding clouds, covering the stars while a thin strip of the moon's glimmer provides a hollow light.

 The wind whistles against the barren trees. He shivers, pulling his woolen coat tighter. Snow will be coming soon,he reminds himself. Gosh, I hate the winter and I hate snow. If only it was summer, then I could spend the night stargazing with Alice. I bet she'd like it. I hope so, at least.

 Squinting down at his watch, he looks for a twitch in the little hands. For seven years the watch hasn't ticked a second, but it still has use. It may just be only for him though. 11:59:59. The same time has been displayed for the past seven years, always a single second before midnight.

 He sighs at the thought, am I ever going to get over her? I've got to, but I guess it's no use since I see her every day. This is for the best, right? I haven't even told her that I love her. Then again, Raven found out about it ... and a few others. Oh gosh, what if she realized? I didn't think I was that obvious, but all of my friends thought I was. What am I going to do? Oh...

 Cu-chunk!

 Edwin swings around at the clatter, his thoughts interrupted. His heart beats madly at the sight of a shadow fading into the nearby alley.

 "Who's there?" He calls and slinks closer, just out of sight.

 No one answers.

 So, he dashes into the alley, and there's no one there.

 "What?"

 However, glancing at the ground he spots an empty aluminum can.

 "Great, I was scaring myself over nothing. At least Raven wasn't here to see this."

 The clock tower in the distance strikes midnight; the rolling chimes echoing through the town like a flood. Each chime is a deep, low tone, rumbling over the land. The great hands of the clock shake with every toll. Then, the twelfth chime rings at last and the clock tower falls silent once again.

 Shaking his head, he finally leaves for home.

 Heimdall, on the other hand, lets out a breath of relief as he slumps against the freezing wall. His thin, dark clothes saved him this time, but he may not be so lucky next time. Yet, a smile of accomplishment spreads across his face, glowing along with his sea foam colored eyes as he brushes back his black unkempt hair.

 However, to be sure he peeks around the corner, spotting Edwin to be a fair distance away. Then he slips his sleeve back, revealing the glint of a silver watch. Bringing the watch up to his dry mouth, he presses the small silver switch on its side. A thin tube-like piece extends from under the switch. His voice, low and husky from the cold, calmly states: "He has the silver pocket watch and the time is still safe. I await further orders, Odin." As he waits, he listens to the clock on his watch ticks at every second.