It Wasn’t Necessarily Love At First Sight

Chapter 1

It was a chilly autumn morning. Faith Castle found herself once again, lying somewhere other than her bed. She sat upright in her bathtub, caressing her head as a searing pain shot through it. Faith felt hungover, even though she was convinced she hadn’t had a drink in over six months. Her sleeping attire was drenched in what she hoped was sweat. Somewhere in the background, she could hear an obnoxious ringtone. One that signaled the time to rise up. She leaned forward and cursed her condition, leaping out of the bathtub with grace. Unsurprised, she grunted as the kitchen came into view. It too, yet another victim of her condition. Faith sluggishly picked up pieces of a shattered teacup, ignoring an almost irresistible urge to throw her phone out the window. Her favorite one again, she thought. This time, she was careful not to cut her fingers like previous times. Things were going to be different, she assured herself. This time, she wouldn’t have to be deadweight to her aunt, the only individual she loved more than anything in the world. Even more than her broken self. Although, broken was probably too dramatic a choice of word. She yawned. The type of yawn that would make you want to stretch your body into every direction for no apparent reason. Even with a well-deserved eight-hour sleep, Faith still felt exhausted. A whole week, she hounded herself, desperately looking for vacant accommodations. She was about to give up and deliver the bad news to her university, when she – out of sheer luck – called the right person at the right time. An elderly lady who was sick and apparently spending most of her days in the hospital. She didn’t mind leaving her apartment in the hands of a young Faith. They got along very well, especially on the day they had planned to sign the contract. The kind lady then left Hailey with a few things: keys, a copy of their contract, a fire extinguisher and a sheet of paper with handwritten rules and regulations – the typical ”dos and don’ts”. Faith read it with intent and etched the words onto the back of her mind. She then spent the weekend moving her things and redecorated areas where she was allowed to alter. She had barely eaten anything. Partly because of her self-diagnosed OCD, but also because of sheer anticipation. Three more years until she could go out and experience the world like her mother did. Three more years until her destined life actually began. Faith finished sweeping her kitchen floor, disposed of the pieces and finally tended to her phone. It had seven missed calls and 15 messages from an overly protective aunt. The thought of still being treated like a child made her smile. She was okay with it, as long as it was her aunt. She replied to the messages and then took off her garments. 

The walk to school took a surprising ten minutes. For the first time, Faith didn’t have to wait for trains or over-crowded busses. She could spend time enjoying nature and picking out scenes in her mind to sketch later. She was even half an hour early. Something her friends and high school mates would have never believed. They would rather be convinced that pigs could sprout wings and fly than believe Faith was capable of being early. Even if it was to save her life. She felt pride and joy fill her heart. People from all sides of the street glanced her way and she enjoyed it. A group of guys sitting outside a cafe even whistled at her but she didn’t mind. Even if she was such a tardy person, the whole world still loved her. People would walk up to her and compliment anything that had to do with her. Girls would ask her for advice on fashion. And even on boys. Hailey would stand proud with her chest out like her aunt’s former boyfriend, Chad, and cunningly give her followers all kinds of advice. Even on subjects she was yet to experience. She reached the entrance and lauded her work ethic once again. Although, her celebration came to an abrupt end when she realized she didn’t know what building her department was in. Faith felt despair overwhelm her to the point where she began to imagine things. All those admiring looks she got turned into smiles of scorn. The group of guys, who had whistled at her were now laughing. She felt so hopeless that she wanted to go home. But she couldn’t because she had already been seen by people. Besides, her outfit had been carefully picked for the occasion. She couldn’t go home after only ten minutes of exposure. Something had to be done.

”...me...Hello?”, a voice interrupted. Faith spun around to see a shorter girl her age nervously reaching towards her. She wore one of those granny clothes Faith and her friends would make fun of. 

”I’m sorry but do you know where building ”D” is?”, the girl asked. 

Zion Kassidy woke up with a jolt. His seemingly drenched body felt heavy and unhinged. He gasped for air as if it was about to run out and his hand instinctively moved to his chest. Perhaps, it was to fill the painful void that had appeared in it. Another nightmare, he thought as he checked the alarm clock. Its’ cracked display showed 11:30. He was late. Zion rolled back on to his bed. The wet sensation his back felt made it hard for him to fall asleep. Although, the nightmares would probably slap him back to reality again. He had given up on negating it a long time ago. Now, all he does is what he can; gather as many hours he could, even if it was a mere hour. Zion had already woken up twice that same night and was so repulsed by the thought of yet another jump scare, that he had turned off the alarm. He sighed. Yawned and then stretched. He had figured out how to operate on minimal amount of sleep thanks to his ex-girlfriend's military sister. The key was resting whenever he had the chance. Even merely closing his eyes, was good enough. He got up and brewed some coffee, practically vomiting it out the moment the liquid entered his mouth. For some reason, Zion couldn’t get used to its taste, but just getting some of it in his mouth helped. He prayed it did. He ate a slice of toast and then reluctantly ventured into his bathroom. Quickly brushing his teeth, he took off his boxers and entered the shower. The water was cold at first, but then began to warm up. He studied his body and its functions. Like a drone, he checked his limbs movement. He had forgotten what made him start doing that in the first place. He examined the scars on his torso and back. Something flashed in his eyes and he closed them. An unpleasant memory played back in his mind. He really hated his first name. 

Zion picked up his book from the small desk, barely noticing the heavily discolored, red leaf that was glued to his window pane. He hated fall more than most things. He picked up the leaf and threw it out the window, taking a short moment to study his newly acquired view. The park outside his apartment looked like a giant peach, spread open to reveal its ugliness beneath. As he had learned from his childhood days, he pulled out an old journal from under his pillow and jotted down a few sentences, pausing to read it and study the park again. Happy with his work, he nodded and put the journal away. Zion picked up his book and keys and exited the apartment, stopping as he saw her. A lady, slightly older than him leaned against the apartment door opposite his room. She looked worn out and her plain, long hair covered some of her face. 

”Hey”, he called out as he walked towards her. She jerked up and practically retreated into the wall which made Zion stop in his tracks. 

”I’m fine...sorry. I’m just reactive when I’m tired”, she fixed her hair and politely bowed. She then took out her keys and unlocked the door, hurrying into her apartment. Zion felt somewhat confused. He had run into her once, right after he moved but didn’t think much of her. Only that she was pretty, despite her plain and worn-out look. He adjusted his book and headed out. 

Faith stared unenthusiastically out the window. Something bothered her. The day had gone so well, almost too well. She had for the first time in her life, arrived early to school. She made it through orientation day without any hiccups. And she even made a friend. She examined her partner, sitting across the table. Her nervousness from earlier had disappeared and she looked livelier. She even seemed to be enjoying her parfait quite well. Faith watched as said friend stuffed her face. Almost too well, she thought. 

”So, Hailey. What are your thoughts about today?”, Faith asked as she spun her empty cup around.

”Huh?”, Hailey responded with her mouth stuffed.

Faith wasn’t sure how to explain it. But something felt off. Hailey coughed and swallowed hard. 

”Well, it was great. Went smoothly. And I got to know you. I’m glad I met you”, Hailey continued. Faith forced a smile. She didn’t disagree with Hailey, but her answer differed from what Faith was expecting. 

”I just think there should be more, you know”

”Like what?”

”I don’t know. Just. More.”

”Hmm”, Hailey studied her cup with intent. Although, it didn’t seem like she was actually looking at it.

”How about a walk?”, she asked, raising her finger, ”we could get to know the city. Besides. Something interesting always happens”

”Sounds like a line out of some B-movie”

”Hey, come on. I’m doing this for you, you know”, Hailey stood up and offered her hand. She grinned, 

”So how about it? Partner?”

Faith sighed and took it. They left the café and continued walking, with no destination in mind. 

Faith felt like a child, exploring some makeshift dungeon at an amusement park. She had lived a somewhat sheltered life and she was proud of it. Her aunt had raised her well and taught her lots of things. But walking around in the city made her feel like what she had learned, wasn’t enough. Not to mention, she was doing it without her aunt or one of her boyfriends’ acting as bodyguard. They turned and entered a narrower street. It looked different and almost ancient. Portable stalls littered the street, making it seem like a long super market that couldn’t fit indoors. Faith didn’t notice her jaw drop. She somehow felt isolated from the rest of the city. Her aunt would probably drag her away defensively. They witnessed all sorts of things as they passed each stall. People called out to them. Children ran around, chased by some elderly man holding a frozen fish in one hand. He looked upset but somehow not. Faith wasn’t sure. The area smelled of all sorts of things and it was so intense at times that Faith had to cover her nose. She wondered if this was why her aunt disagreed with her decision to move to this city. 

”What’s with your reaction?”, Hailey chuckled, ”don’t tell me this is your first time in a place like this?”

Faith remained silent. She had no satisfactory answer to respond with. Something made her stop. A rotting, wooden sign that hung over a small, cardboard house. The word on it read: “mirror”. She didn’t quite understand but her curiosity kept her from leaving. She walked a few steps and leaned forward. 

”Careful, so you don’t trip, princess”, a man, dressed in baggy clothes called out. A dark beanie, together with some hair, covered his eyes. He sat beside the cardboard house. Faith felt alarmed but also fascinated. The man looked clean but also dirty. She felt an urge to draw the scenery as strong as an itch. 

”Who?”, Hailey responded. She looked weary and reached for her bag. The man smiled. 

”The princess don’t seem like she has ever had her fortune read”, he pointed towards Faith.

”How about it?”, he asked, ”I can give you a freebie. Just this once”

She narrowed her eyes. Her aunt had taught her to never accept free things from people without knowing their motives. 

”What’s the catch?”, Hailey cut in. The man stood up.

“Potentially regular customers, I’m hoping”, he replied as he gestured towards the cardboard house. 

“What’s it gonna be, princess?”

“Don’t call me that”, Faith said in a low tone. She despised the word and how it made her feel. Hailey patted her shoulder.

“Let’s just leave”, Hailey said. Faith agreed but her curiosity kept her from leaving. The word: “mirror”, had triggered something inside of her. Perhaps, she could learn how people viewed her or maybe how she truly viewed herself. 

“It’s fine”, Faith replied and Hailey frowned. 

“Well then”, the man reached into the house and pulled out a hexagonal, marble tile. He closed his eyes and took deep breathes. Faith and Hailey stared at each other. And then at the strange man. He opened his eyes and gazed upwards.

“An unclear contrast to the leaves of the center. Don’t let the cover fool you. And don’t stare at it for too long, for you may never look away”, he said as his legs spasmed, making Hailey shiver. 

“What do you mean?”, Faith asked. 

“I’m sorry prince–, I mean mam, but that was a freebie. Anything else, will cost you”

“Just leave it”, Hailey grabbed Faith’s arm and led her away, “you’ll only get scammed”

Faith glanced back, noticing as the man happily waved goodbye. They left the street and walked towards a park. Faith couldn’t help but feel like she had journeyed to some magical realm but that thought was short-lived as the park came into view. It wasn’t necessarily beautiful, but its’ scenery was worth sketching. Although, she wondered if it was possible to do it from a high place. They reached the center of the park after a couple of minutes. There was a small, dark green lake, decorated with red leaves. Benches surrounded the lake, evenly spaced out. The bench in front of them was occupied by the body of a man, laying on it. A book covered his face and one hand rested on his chest, while the other was used as pillow. The book was blue-green with a title called; “Allures Of The Past”. She didn’t notice until Hailey called out her name that she hovered over the man’s face. 

Zion was beyond exhausted. Not only had he screwed up his first day, he had also forgotten his keys and had no way of returning home. Everyone else was already at the welcoming party – one he particularly avoided – so he had no way of entering the room, where he had left his keys. He felt his apathic nature kick in and had decided to rest somewhere. Fortunately, there was park, right beside his home. Zion laid down on a bench by the lake to enjoy the afternoon breeze. He tried reading his book but drowsiness made him close his eyes, so he had placed it over his face. It was peaceful but didn’t last long enough as Zion felt a presence right above him. It caused discomfort and he removed the book to see what it was. A girl, younger than him, hovered over his face. The wind slightly blew her hair to the side and their eyes met. Zion reached out towards her head and she froze with anticipation. He stopped and opened his mouth to say something and she watched his lips.

“Oi...Your breath stinks”, he said. 

“Huh?”, the girl responded. Silence erupted but only for a short moment as another girl, standing behind the bench, burst out laughing.