Before I Met You

Chapter 1

I don't know when it began. I can't pinpoint the exact situation or feeling that started all this. It had been a series of incidents, bundles of hidden feelings that had led to all this.

I'm not complaining, don't get me wrong, I love my abilities, but sometimes- most times... it gets tiresome.

It took me years to be able to differentiate between my own thoughts and feelings compared to those around me. I felt alone and strange my entire life being called all sorts of cruel nicknames. I tried to suppress it but most times the thoughts and emotions couldn't be tamed.

The strongest feelings were always hate and anger. Whether I felt it for myself or from others.

Even though I tried to train it, deep down I knew it was impossible. It was exhausting constantly trying to give people their own privacy and not come off as a crazy person.

But one morning my wish finally came.

For the first time in my life I felt calm and relaxed in my own mind. When I didn't have to try to be anything or say the right thing. I no longer felt the chaos of trying to distinguish my emotions from theirs.

It was pure bliss being with him.

And somehow I still took it all for granted.

. ✧ .

Jogging at a steady pace down my secluded street as beads of sweat dripped down my temples and the back of my neck. My hair was held up in a long ponytail swaying back and forth. Times like these when I was alone was something I've always cherished.

Lately my main goal was to just make sure I kept my thoughts and feelings at bay with each passing day. Some days were easier than others but with the start of school approaching I knew I had to start prioritizing keeping my sanity and distancing myself from others.

I eventually made my way into town as the sun began to rise. Most of the shops were closed and the streets would be vacant for the next few hours until all the townspeople would get a start to their day.

Crossing the street a sudden black car almost hit me. "Hey! Watch it!" I yelled out as the car slammed on its breaks as I turned a corner. I kicked the front of the car before I kept running along to my music playing in my ears, not caring to stop and see who it was.

Once I made it back to my grandmother's house, I was a panting mess. "I don't understand why you insist on going on those little runs, darling. Waking up before the crack of dawn and coming back a sweaty mess. All for what?" She said as she sat beside the window sipping her coffee and reading the morning's paper. Which was her morning routine.

"You already have a small figure. You're practically skin and bones!" My overbearing grandmother continued. I knew her words meant well and were coming from a good place.

"Good morning to you too." I was exhausted as I went into the kitchen for a glass of water. "I don't think it's wise to go running so early. Couldn't you do it in the afternoon? At least when it's more populated in town?" My anxious grandmother suggested making me sigh.

"I prefer to go alone." I answered simply. Besides, going during the day with people around would defeat the whole purpose. Despite the fact she raised me she really didn't know anything about me and my personal life. Or my lack of one.

"Yes, like with most things." My grandmother gave a weak smile. "I don't like the idea of you being alone all the time, darling. You're a wonderful, sweet girl and more people should know about you."

"I like to be alone, Grandma. It's exhausting being around people." I replied without elaborating as she gave her signature disapproving look. This was a conversation we've had all throughout my life. I just wished she would've let it go by now.