*** Author's note: This is a story I have been working on for more than a year now. I finally had the guts to post its introduction and prologue. I hope you'll enjoy it. The primary story is done, it just needs to undergo proofreading. I can not assure you of perfect grammar, so kindly please inform me of my mistakes, if there are any you have noticed. I won't make the suspense longer. So, here's the story....
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A bright crescent moon in the early morning sky gave me the serenity I have not experienced for a long time now. I hate the fact that this was the worst time ever. I was in my lowest state.
Lonely.
Confused.
The moon… she was my moon. She still is. She revived me every time I suffered doubtful nights. She lit the depths of my soul. She wanted the best for me.
She longed to save me.
But I was a shady sky. I didn’t match her perfect brightness.
I was better off on my own.
I could not bear the responsibility of being her downfall. Her destruction. She was too special to belong with someone like me.
Too special.
* * *
The park was my secondary sanctuary. Now that the presence that made every experience of mine alive is gone, I think this will be the last time I’ll visit this place alone. The chirping birds sing a hymn of loneliness.
Emptiness.
A cracked tune that echoed how I felt.
I look above with teary eyes. The ghostly moon blended well with the ocean blue sky.
I stare at it as I let the fact that he’s gone sink in.
Why can’t he be my ocean blue sky?
I was always the moon. I wasn’t luminescent. I was fading. Always almost gone.
Ghostly.
PROLOGUE
19 September 2000, Wednesday.
It was another ordinary day for Evan Rosche. Though his birthday was two days away, he couldn’t think of something special to celebrate about. Well, probably except for the fact that he was breathing, healthy and living the better kind of life.
He was the second son of Nigel and Lindy Rosche, two of the most recognized people in the antique business. Being a part of the next generation of the Rosche Clan, Evan is expected to be interested in managing the family business.
Despite being pressured by his grandfather, Evan asked his parents if they would be willing enough to let him think of what he wanted to achieve in the future. Understanding the demands that their son were going through, Nigel and Lindy gave him one year to decide.
Sitting alone in a newly opened café wasn’t exactly the kind of ‘deciding atmosphere’ Evan imagined. Neither was it a heartwarming advanced birthday gift.
The Sweet Escape Café was owner by his sister-in-law, Danica. His brother, Harvey Rosche, who was four years his senior, requested him to visit the café to observe how things were going. He also asked him to blend in with the environment since the café aimed to cater the general public.
Evan gave in to his brother’s wish since he had nothing to do. Besides, he needed new experiences to guide him to his potential goal. If in one year, he discovered an interest that was way different that any business related course, Evan should finish whatever course he’ll start. Also, he must be successful in his chosen field.
What a way to encourage someone to search for his dream.
Temporarily forgetting his pending worries, Evan watched the other customers around him. There was a variation of people inside the café: families, friends, couples.
Evan was the odd one out.
The sound of heavy rain drowned the chattering and laughter inside the café. Evan looked out of the window. People were running around, seeking shelter from the strong rain. He shook his head, feeling sorry for the ones without umbrellas, scarves or even coats.
The wind chimes fought with the sound of the rain as customers rushed into café. Evan watched them enter, impressions forming in his mind. Finally, all tables were filled.
Well, except for where he was sitting.
The sound of the wind chimes echoed again, catching Evan’s attention.
A teenager, drenched in rainwater, entered the café. She was wearing a black off-shoulder top, blue denims and jade green sequined flats. Her chocolate brown hair was messy and wet, rain dripping from the ends. No one took notice of her other than him. She was rubbing her arms briskly while looking around, probably hoping to see someone she knew. She seemed lost in a sea of people.
Evan wanted to go near her and invite her to sit with him. He didn’t want to give a negative impression but the lady needed help. He fixed his coat and practiced speaking a few lines.
“Hello, would you like to share a table with me?”
No. Too formal.
“Hey, my table is free.”
Too proud.
Sticking with the first line, Evan motioned to stand.
He stopped as soon as he saw a waitress talking to the lady. She had a smile on her face but her eyes looked sternly at the drenched lady. She was probably giving her a warning and was asking her to leave if she had no business to attend to. Evan glanced at the stranger again, worried that she had to face the wrath of the downpour and strong wind for the second time.
Evan, what are you going to do now?
Thinking of a way to help the lady our of her misery, Evan tapped his fingers on the table, his head rested on his left knuckles.
“He..yeehee. Ha..ha..how are yo..u..u doing? I di..dn..’t re..he..cognize you a wa..while ago. Is tha..hat a new hair…cut?”
Totally surprised with what he heard, Evan looked at the source of the stuttering. He couldn’t help it. He stared at her as she continued to blabber.
“Plee..hease reply to my bla..ha..bbering. I know you are no..hot much o..of a people per..so..hon (sniffle) bu…but the wait..ress wants me to ge..het out (sniffle) of this ple..hace if I have no..ho business (sniffle) to attend to. I’m kinda wet (sniffle) if you haven’t no..ticed.”
Finally, fate, or whatever you call it, made a way for him to help.
This could just be the best birthday present yet.
