1 The Sunset

'What do you seek for in Stray Hearts Hill?' the question bugged Danny more than he expected it would.

I opened my eyes to witness the crystal blue sky. It was a long time since I last visited this place--the Stray Hearts Hill as most people jokingly called it. I never really understood why it was called so; its breathtaking scenery was anything but. Now, when I recall my very first time here, well… I can’t help but break into a smile.

 

 ‘And the lovers kissed passionately as--’

My writing was disrupted by the sound of crunching leaves from behind me, “Nice sunset.” A girl’s voice said, “Too bad you don’t seem to notice it.”

I glanced at the sinking sun. I took a deep breath. It was nice, really, but I can’t help but counter her words, “Maybe tomorrow. That happens every day, but…” I pointed my pen at the lovers who seem to have set their eyes to the scene as well. “You don’t see that often.”

“Don’t you?” The girl asked, “I doubt that.”

I turned my head towards her. Our eyes met.

“Hi, I’m Leah,” she said and then tilted her head, “Umm, you’re the new guy, right?”

“Err… yeah.” I tried to remember who this girl was, and then I realized she was my seatmate, that annoying girl who kept on staring at me. Why the heck was she here? Was she following me?

She seemed to have read my mind, “Before you get any weird ideas, I live just a block from here.”

“Oh.” There was some awkward silence.

“Do you mind?” she sat beside me, “So what brings you here, Johnny?”

“It’s Danny,” I said. A part of me hoped she heard the irritation there. “I live just down that street. I thought I could get some fresh air before dinner.”

“Wow. You sound old,” she joked.

“I get that a lot.” Well, not really, but I can’t think of any reply for this.

She frowned, “What do you seek in Stray Hearts?”

I stared at her, “Pardon?”

She beamed, “bet you didn’t know this place here,” she patted the grass that we were sitting on, “is called the Stray Hearts Hill. A place where the broken of hearts go to find peace and solace. There was even this rumor that lovers should stay away from this place--” Leah glanced at the couple in our front, “or else they break up.”

“What a strange story,” I commented, “all the more proof that we won’t see that often.” I finished and she laughed at this.

“You don’t back down easily, do you?” She murmured.

Silence followed.

It was getting darker now. The sun was doing its final peep over the mountains. I tightened my hold on the pen. And I thought I’d finish a chapter for once.

“What were you writing?” She asked.

“Mind your own business.”

“Sorry.” She said in a tone that sounded like she wasn’t. What is up with this girl, acting so close and clingy?

I was feeling bad for snapping, though, “It’s a story I’m trying to make.”

“Oh, is it doing well?”

“You sort of disrupted my train of thought a moment ago.”

“Sorry.” This time, it sounded genuine.

“You apologize quite often, don’t you,” I observed, “maybe you should think before speaking, and then maybe the number of times you say ‘sorry’ wouldn’t be as much.”

She smiled, “I’ll do that.”

There was another pause. This time though, it was a long one; we waited until the sun was no more.

I was thinking about her question earlier, about what I sought for. I would have answered her if I knew, but I didn’t, and that’s what’s been bugging me. “So what are you here in Stray Hearts Hill for?” I blurted out before I knew what I was saying.

“I think I asked that first.” She replied, when her phone rang. “Got to go!” she quickly stood up and ran.

“Stray Hearts Hill…” I murmured and went home as well.

 

Reviews

[Toni]

This does seem like a very different place.
I think you're off to a good start c:

[Eileenws]

Stray Hearts Hill sounds like an interesting place. I guess there will be more to come with Danny and Leah.

[Frieda P]

Rather harsh with Leah dear poet! I like this, good start, makes me want to read more and see where this one is going. So happy this is short and sweet, I never usually read stories here but this one piqued my interest...kudos.

[Monster ^.^]

Thanks Frieda :)

[Frieda P]

My pleasure Monster! :-)

[Marie]

Okay; keep the chapters this short, and Ill try to follow it.

[Monster ^.^]

I'm glad to know that miss Marie :)

[Marie]

I just read the second chapter but didn't comment on it. I will probably leave my reviews till the end of the book, unless I see something I think needs to be addressed.

[Monster ^.^]

Thank you Marie :)