Sparks Fly (NaNoWriMo 2020)

Chapter One: OH NO!

"You've got to be kidding me!" as I'm placing new fragrances out for the Christmas lineup. "You know I love you, but we aren't getting any younger Persephone!" "So, you thought signing us up for a love camp was the perfect solution?!" "I know it sounds that way, but what if it's your last shot at truly finding someone?" "Athena just because I don't have someone means I want someone." "You can't spend your life alone forever." "I have you silly." "You won't always have me, Titus and I are getting pretty serious." "Athena, you say that about every relationship you get into." "This one is so different though, because he actually respects me for who I am." I rolled my eyes ignoring her and continuing to place down the new Christmas line of fragrances. The day seemed to pass by quickly and before I knew it was closing time. Athena and I finished up and left the store." Plans with Titus tonight?" "He's waiting with a bottle of wine and a NCIS binge for me at home." "I'll be dining alone I guess tonight." "Sorry Persy, much love though!" I gave her a hug and separated my own way. I had to pack for the camp soon enough even if it was against my will. After dinner, I sat down with my laptop and looked up Camp Conquest. Finding their sight was easy, but I wondered if they had a refund policy. I scrolled down the website disgusted by the amount of love metaphors on the page. Come on there has to be a refund policy somewhere on this page! At the bottom there sat the words "No Refunds" I slammed my laptop closed and sighed excessively. I guess that meant this was for sure my plans for holiday vacation. My phone suddenly started going off, "Hello?" "Good evening, is this Ms. Advante?" "Yes, who is this?" "This is Yang from Camp Conquest; I was calling to ask you already have your letter pre-planned before arriving." "What letter?" "We ask each of our campers to write a letter indicating what their ideal match is." "I see." "We look forward to meeting you Ms. Advante." I fake smiled, "As do I." I hung up the phone. What was my ideal match? I had never once begun to even think about that. I was so bent on not dating anyone I couldn't imagine being with someone. I headed into my bedroom plunging myself onto the queen size bed. I loved sunflowers and my apartment showed it. My bedroom was covered in inspirational quotes and sunflowers. The black and white striped wallpaper barely showing behind the pictures and quotes. I looked up to my glow in the dark galaxy stars groaning about thinking what this letter would pertain. I cut my light off drifting into deep slumber..

"You have to what?!" I snorted, "Exactly the same thing I was thinking." "Are you going to write it?" "Do I have a choice?" "That wasn't on the website when I signed you up, I swear it." "Well there is no turning back now; I just don't have a clue what to write." "I d-" "Good afternoon, and welcome to Swift and Finch coffee shop." "I would like a white chocolate mocha with three pumps of caramel syrup added." "Are you fine with normal milk?" "Yes, what about you Persephone?" "I want the same, but instead of caramel, please place raspberry syrup instead." "Regu-" "Yes, regular milk will be fine." "What are the names for these?" "Please just label which one has what syrup and we can handle it ourselves." We walked over to one of the couches in the building and sat down waiting for our coffees to be finished up. "I haven't ever thought about who my perfect match could be Athena." "I guess you'll finally have to think about it, huh?" I sighed. We grabbed our coffees and headed on into work not talking about the current topic any longer. "Miss could you recommend which scent you like better?" "My absolute favorite scent is the Snowy Day; it smells like if I thought snow could smell." The lady nodded and left me alone. "Miss could you recommend to me which smells better between these two scents?" I looked up and there stood a man taller than me, brownish-green eyes, and Chestnut brown hair. "Uh, yeah let me see what you picked out." He handed me the first one and it was 'mahogany woods' which smelt super good. The next scent was 'Black Tie' which smelt like I'd picture someone Athena would date. "I'd go with Black Tie if I were you." He smiled largely at me, "Thank you for your help Miss-" "The name is Persephone." "Such a beautiful name, my name is Achilles." I shook his hand and caught Athena peering over at me like lasers could come out of them. After Achilles left the store, Athena bumped me. "Why didn't you even try to get his number?" "Why would I?" "He was so very obvious flirting with you!" "I didn't even notice." "Oh, don't give me that bull, you were flirting with him too." "I don't flirt with anyone Athena." "You can say what you want, but I know flirting when I see it." "I have to stay away from everything anyway due to this upcoming camp." "Oh yeah, I totally forgot that's all about finding your soul mate!" "You know I don't believe in soul mates Athena." "I think this camp could so change that!" We giggled and the day seemed to pass by quickly once again.

Weeks went by and though I was pardoned to not flirting, I had hoped Achilles would come back sometime. He never once showed back up though. "Are you ready to leave for camp tomorrow?" "Do I have much of a choice?" "No." We giggled and I looked over at Titus, "You better treat my girl right while I'm gone!" He smiled, "I'm sure I can handle her just fine." He wrapped his arms around Athena's waist and I could tell he meant what he said. I was happy she had finally found someone who was serious about her and was not going to just wait her time. I loaded up my bags into the back of my grey Kia Soul and hugged them both one last time. "Did you ever write your letter?" "Yes, I did." I pulled it out from my pocket and placed it into my dashboard so I wouldn't forget it. "Wish me luck." Athena giggled, "You're going to need it!" I slid down into the soul and left unknowing what was to come next.

I woke up in the hotel bed I had stopped at outside of Memphis. Camp was in Murphy and I was ready to stop driving. What would this camp entitle? Would I actually find my match? I quickly got dressed and checked out of the hotel. I slid back into my Kia and got back out on the open road. I stopped for coffee grabbing just a cup of black, plain coffee from a local gas station. Let me tell you gas station coffee could heal your soul I swear. After hours passed singing along to any song that came over the radio, I had finally made it. Camp Conquest signs were all over the place leading me right to its open doors. I pulled into the parking lot and shock wasn't even the word to how many cars were here. It was like visiting New York and not having any parking. I finally found a space and slid my little soul right into the parking space. I sighed, I couldn't believe this was really happening to me. I pulled the letter from the dashboard making sure to hurry and place it back into my pocket. The bags weren't as heavy getting them out of my soul. I placed the bag over my shoulder and took the handle of my luggage bag. "You packed less than I did." I looked over and there stood a short, blue eyed, blonde headed female staring at me. "I only brought the main things I would need." "Did you enjoy writing your letter?" "I guess, did you?" "Of course, because it guarantees they take into account of what you're after." "That is true." "It was super nice talking to you; I hope to see you again soon!" The girl left practically skipping away. She reminded me of Athena. Taking a quick breath, I dragged my luggage toward the entrance sign.