Chapter One

 

 

 December 30th, 2004

 

I woke to the rattling sound of the mail van making its routine stop at the apartment’s inbox. I yawned, inhaling the dead scent of a Light Melon candle I had lit the night before. The window pane view showed the poverty and crowded streets of Elizabeth, New Jersey. Tall trees swayed in the morning breeze, obstructing my sight of the sun high in the sky. My lower back protested when I sat up and the iron bed creaked while my arms stretched to the sky. As my childhood comforter fell to the floor, I slipped on my high school sweatpants and adjusted the loose tank top on my shoulders. The once mint green wax color of the candle had turned an ashy grey. I shook my head and exited my bedroom, walked down the short hall, and pulled open the refrigerator. My eyes scanned its bare insides, grabbed a water bottle, and sat in a dining room chair, cushioned with a cheap but soft silk.

 

The clock read twelve o’clock sharp. If I had gotten up earlier I could have seen the sun rise, but that event had passed hours ago. I sighed and took another sip of water, enjoying the cold feeling in my chest. After a few more sips I realized I wasn’t going to get the same affect twice so I threw the empty bottle in the ‘plastic only’ waste basket. I noticed, as I walked to my bedroom, that my feet were bare, exposing them to the cold hardwood flooring, but there was no sense in putting on socks before I showered. Once in my bedroom, I showered, and once I was done, I pulled a warm cottony towel around myself and danced in my vanity mirror. My damp hair flew and plastered around my face. I laughed loudly at myself and smiled brightly in the mirror. My freckles screamed wild, summer child, but my radiant ice blue eyes killed the good girl look about me. And in a towel I couldn’t imagine any female having a good girl look about them at all.

 

An hour later I was presentable enough to venture downstairs to the mail box. I bounced down the steps and hopped onto the pavement. The streets were clear, but it was cold. For once in my life I wished my surroundings were packed with people. The body heat would have been crazy. Birds chirped off in the distance. I listened to them closely, focusing every bit of my hearing on the tweet tweet sound of their chatter as I walked slowly. At last I reached my mailbox. I slipped the key from my pocket and into the keyhole. It clicked open and I gasped. A pink envelope, addressed to me, sat perfectly inside my usually empty box. Monthly bills lay inside as well. I grabbed the envelopes, slammed the box, locked it, and strolled, as quietly and quickly as I could, off to my apartment.

 

      I calmly shut the door and slipped off my shoes. My fingers immediately ripped open the envelope, but I stopped. Fear evaded my tranquil mind before I flipped the glitter engulfed paper open.

 

Dear Juliet Grace Marie Caroline,

Hello sweetie. How have you been? The family and I have decided to pull everyone together for New Years Day. Your cousins would enjoy your presence. I would even pay for your transportation here. We all want to see you.

 

Love and kisses, Aunt Marie <3

 

p.s. Call me.

 

Trembling, I settled myself securely in the chair with a hand on the table. The black inked words on the bleach white paper terrified me into teeth chattering. My mind considered the unreal possibility of my parents attending this event as well. There wasn’t any way I could attend the outing; absolutely zero chances. I fumbled to the kitchen counter and dialed my aunt’s number.

“Yes, I need to speak to Marie Carter – thank you,” I tapped my bare fingernails on the counter.

“Hello?”

“Good afternoon Aunt Marie.” I said, smiling at her name. She gasped loudly over the phone.

“I’m so happy you called sweetie. We’ve been expecting this call! When should we get you down here? Have you packed?” I heard the familiar sound of paper rustling in the background.

“Um, I have a question first. Will my parents be attending this outing?” I asked, hesitant.

“I’m afraid not. They’re on vacation.”

“Well, I’m disappointed to say that I will not be able to make it.”

“Oh, but Juliet you have to.”

“I wouldn’t want to risk infecting the family. The other day I came down with the flu.” My weak and scared voice did not hinder my act.

“Oh, dear Juliet,” She sighed loudly, “Are you positive there is no way you could come down?” Her voice sounded extremely sincere.

“I’m afraid not Aunt Marie. I’m terribly sorry,” I said, faking a cough, “but I do have to get off here now.” I set the phone on the receiver and rested my head in my palms. I sighed and opened the rest of my mail. An apartment bill, the car note, water, electric, and the occasional advertisement for a credit card darkened my mood. I could feel depression sinking into my clothes.  

 

I knew exactly what I needed; some time alone with my music. After I changed into my favorite pair of grey skinny jeans and a white v-neck, I grabbed my guitar and ipod, stuffed my keys in my back pocket, and headed out. My vans padded down the stairs when I realized I had forgotten my jacket. You would think the cold would have made me realize that is was forty degrees outside! I trudged back to my door, opened it, and grabbed my purple hoodie from atop the couch. The door slammed behind me.

 

Five Times August’s “Save It For Later” drifted from my head phones and into my ear drums as I walked down the streets of Elizabeth, New Jersey to the square. People on the streets passed me without a second glance, but I didn’t care. I found a comfortable spot on a bench and slid my acoustic guitar from its old casing. Rubbing my hands over its body gave me great satisfaction. The fact that I had kept up with it all these years was an accomplishment. I prepared my fingers and picked up the guitar pick. Strumming the first few notes, I wished I had a piano to play the second part with. My voice sung weak and soft, moaning syllables, and then picking up in pitch.

 

“I drape these nails over these strings

And I press this smile to my face.

If you were smart you’d know it’s all an act,

But what should you know from the past?

Love is an elusion, ready to turn you around

And plop you down”

          

My soul faded away; I faded away, rolling and bobbing my head to the melody my fingers so desperately loved to make. Every one of my songs was from my heart; this heart that has been through so much, but I wasn’t complaining. I loved my life and if it hadn’t of been like it was then I wouldn’t have turned out to be this way.

 

There was something in the air, something that lifted my spirits, something that made me want to smile. On the corner a man was selling roses. I chose to walk over and buy four.

“Thank you,” I smiled and sat back down on my bench, preparing to play more songs. Around three o’clock I decided to go home. On my walk home a thought occurred to me. Since I didn't have a place to arrange my four roses in my home I would have to give them away. I decided that when someone commented on them, I would hand them over. Considering I had a task at hand, I took the long way home. Walking leisurely, many women and men gave the roses longing looks, but I kept true to my word. Just as I was about to cross an intersection, a man approached me. Instantly, my body sent signals to my brain to run, but his eyes glanced at my roses, causing me to smile. As I looked into his hazel eyes, the green 'walk' signal changed to a fiery red 'don't walk'.

"Those roses are awfully pretty," he said. I noticed his voice was smooth.

"Yes, they are. Thank you. Would you like them?" I inquired. His brow pulled together.

"Take roses from a pretty like you? Not a chance."

"Oh, but it's alright. I was planning on giving them up anyway. Please, take them." I paused. "Surely, you've got a lady back home who'd like them." I winked and laid them in his hands. A grin spread across his face. Conveniently, the signal turned green, allowing me to walk freely. I strode off, never looking back, a smile working its way into my lips.

 

 

I spent my dinner time sitting in front of the television watching NCIS, but honestly, I wasn’t paying attention to the screen. An hour earlier I had cleaned up and put on my all time favorite shirt. I even worked my hair into pig tails that dangled along my collarbone like long earrings. Doing myself up wasn’t something I did often. It wasn’t something I had done since Paul left me. Paul was a unique man. He brought out the more girly qualities in me, but I didn’t mind. Every Friday he would take me out to dinner and the next night he’d take me ball room dancing. We twirled the nights away. Our passion burned through time and fate hadn’t known what hit it, but gradually I’m sure fate decided we weren’t meant to be together. After all, he was abusing me, but I never told anyone. I loved him too much. Or so I thought. The sorry soul dumped me days before my grandmother’s death anniversary; the one time I needed him he was gone. I cried for days over Paul. He had been my world, the sun in my sky. It felt as though fate had ordered a solar eclipse, destroying my beautiful, always-sunny view. Though it was difficult, I pushed through it. I went to work, kept the apartment, and lived my life. I didn’t think I would find love again. Ever. And I had believed that up until December 30th, 2004.

 

My body trembled with goose bumps. I glanced at the time. Realizing it was late; I gathered my dishes and sat them in the sink. My blank mood carried me to the bed, where I slept awkwardly till morning.

 

“Paul!” I jumped into his arms and he swung me around, smiling.

“Hey baby. You wanna go dancin’ tonight?” He asked.

“Oh, I’d love to!” He set me down on his feet and kissed me gently.

“Go change.” He smirked.

I winked in response and hurried up the elaborate stair case.  

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Taylor H]

she's madly in love with someone who abused her??? lol other then that, great job

[Jemma]

Great first chapter. The imagery was great. And the cliff hanger before the flash back left me hanging as cliff hangers are suppose to do. I didin't see the flash back as working in that place. But after re-reading it, it began to fit. Nice write.

[Stephanie]

I really liked this first chapter! Juliet's character is so relatable... I want to know why she doesn't get along with her parents but I'm sure that will come later. All her feelings are understandable and it makes me sympathize for her. Great chapter!