A/N - I'm pretty sure this will be my main story for now, so this will update more frequently than Unexpected Meetings but UM will still update. I am really excited for this one and you guys are in for a treat! I know it seems like this has nothing to do with Umbrella Academy, but just wait, and pay attention, some of these details are important later in the story! (Also sorry if there are any grammar/spelling errors, enjoy!)

The Spiral

I had a rough day, I got my second strike for late work at my job, one more and I'm fired. Next, I found out my sister was moving to live in a house across the country, she had always been there and I never expected her to leave me behind. Finally, my roommate moved out and the bills have been piling up without her to help pay them. At this point, I felt like my life was balancing on the edge of a cliff, one more push and I would be sent spiraling down into the darkness below.

I had my hands the pocket of my white hoodie, keeping my head down I continued down the sidewalk, staring at my red sneakers as walked. While I headed back to my apartment I had time to reminisce on memories from my childhood. Playing board games with my sister, having lunch with school friends, birthday parties, but that's when I remembered a strange boy that I had encountered while on my way back from school. I stopped, it wasn't just one boy, it was a whole crew of them, they all sported masks and what seemed to be school uniforms. I recalled watching them rush through the streets, and standing there, bewildered. I shook my head, I had no time for foolish memories about masked children, but before I brushed it off I remembered the joy I had upon seeing them.

When I arrived at the complex I pushed open the glass doors, I nodded my head to the manager and headed up the stairs. My room was on the second floor so it wasn't too much of a hassle to walk up the staircase instead of using the slow elevator. I walked over to my door and rummaged in my pockets for the key, I felt my hand grasp the cold metal and unlocked the door. I pushed it open with my other hand and returned the keys to the pocket in my black shorts. I shut it with my foot and plopped down on the couch.

The familiar musty scent filled my nose, the faint sound of music emitted from the wall behind me. I sighed and pulled out my phone, 'One Missed Call From Jamie', I quickly dialed the number to return the call. Please pick up, please pick up, come on sis, I need to talk to you!

"Hi, Jamie Teravira is currently unavailable, please leave a message after the note." I ended the call and set the phone on the coffee table. Before I could stop them, tears streamed down my cheeks. Why is it that whenever I need you, you are always busy. It's like you don't even see me as your sister! I set my face in my hands, my elbows resting on my knees. I stayed like that until the doorbell rang.

Who could that be? I hadn't ordered any packages recently. I quickly wiped the tears from my face and went over to the door. I took a deep breath before opening it.

"Gosh, you don't look to good…" In front of me stood a women with short red hair.

"Maria! Thank goodness your here!" I flung my arms around her and started to cry. After a few seconds she wrapped her arms around me too and we stood there. I then pulled away, "Up for a drink?".

Maria looked at me, disappointment flashed across her face, "Actually I'm here because there are job openings at my cafe and I was wondering if you were interested, we are in need of more helping hands.".

"Couldn't you just call me?" It was a nice offer, but my heart still sank, she wasn't here just to hang out. What I needed right now was some time to vent, also to get advice on what I should do. Although, that job might really be able to help me get out of this debt.

"Yeah I could've, but I wanted to make sure you weren't passed out." Maria glared at me and walked away. "Think about that offer Noel! Goodbye.".

I closed the door, leaning against it I slid down until I sat on the carpet. Even my best friend doesn't care about me, she acted as if I was an annoyance to her… It's all because I drank too much that one time. Whatever, I'll take the job to earn extra cash to pay rent, I just hope we can be on good terms again.

/

I woke up early the next day to go to the job interview at Maria's cafe. It went well and they hired me on the spot since they were really short on workers. I had some experience with making coffee since my mom taught me how to make all different kinds in my teenage years.

"You start tomorrow, here take this." The women who interviewed me handed me two pairs of folded clothes. I took them, two identical pale yellow dress and and a black apron. "That's your uniform, remember to wear black socks and black shoes, otherwise boss will yell at you..." Her monotone voice droned on about rules and how to treat customers. When she finished I thanked her and started walking out of the cafe. The aroma of pastries and coffee intertwined and sweetened the air, I can't wait to work here!

Luckily I had Wednesdays off, so I strolled over to the nearby park, hoping to clear my mind. I soon spotted an empty bench and sat down, relishing the feeling of the cool morning breeze. My eyes fell upon a dog and their owner playing with a frisbee, I smiled, enjoying the sight of the energetic animal happily bringing the toy back to the person each time they threw it. I let this moment of peace wash over me, for the first time in weeks I felt calm and at ease, it felt amazing to not have my constant worries plaguing my mind. As I listened to the happy shouts of children playing tag, someone sat down next to me. I glanced over, he was wearing all black complete with a harness, he looked like he was about to commit a crime.

The atmosphere grew awkward, and I debated leaving, until I noticed tears coming down his cheeks "You okay there buddy? Relationship issues? Yeah I've been there… it really messes you up, right?" I tried my best to comfort him so I could go home without this whole fiasco weighing down on my conscious, but as soon as I mentioned relationship he started to sob.

"Woah, uh, touchy subject? Sorry…" Just be quiet you're making it worse Noel!

"No, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have caused a scene…" His voice trailed off, I was surprised, I didn't think he would respond, let alone apologize. I looked over at him, his eyes face gave away the fact that he was in pain. I recognized that look all to well.

"Look, I'm only going to say this once, so you better listen. I've been in your shoes, and to cope I just drowned myself in alcohol to numb the pain. All that did though was delay the inevitable, once I was sensible enough to know I shouldn't waste my life drinking, I still had to heal myself. That included reliving the past, trying to fix the broken things so I could move on with my life, and all that took time, and yeah sometimes it sucked but I didn't want to spend my time sulking everyday. It's different for everybody, but for me personally, the pain never went away, it only dulled and faded, it's still there, just not as prominent as it was before. So just make your decisions carefully, and don't throw your life away. It's more valuable than you think!" I smiled and went to leave, but before I did I a stole a glance at him. His face was a mix of astonishment and pain, I just hoped if I ever saw him again that his face would be free of the sorrow that haunted him now.

Turning my back to him, I walked away, "Wait! Uh, thanks, for the um… advice!" the man called, happiness filled my heart knowing I had brightened someone's day.

Once I left the park I headed to my apartment complex, I need to get out of this blouse, it's really uncomfortable, not to mention this skirt!

/

I now had on a red sweatshirt and black sweatpants as I lay on my bed, scrolling through the news on my phone. 'Local Police Officer murdered at a motel, culprit still unknown.' I sighed and put my phone down on the blanket.

5 years ago

"Are you really going to drive around in that for another three days? I thought you scheduled an appointment with the mechanic for today!" I teased as Simon grabbed his keys and headed out for work.

"Don't worry Noel! I'll be safe, I'm sure it was just a fluke when the ol' thing acted up last week. Love you!" I smiled as Simon waved goodbye, he shut the door and I went to the bedroom to get changed.

Once I looked more presentable I collected my phone, wallet, and keys and slipped them in my purse. I walked out of the complex and headed to the nearby bakery. I planned on buying a treat for Simon to celebrate our two year anniversary.

We got together when I was 19 and he was 20, and I still couldn't believe that he asked me to be his girlfriend! Our friendship started three years prior to that, and we got along really well.

I picked out a small cake and left the corner shop, walking toward Maria's house. I was excited to share my plan with her and get her opinion on it! A few blocks later I spotted her home and sped up.

I stayed at her house until I had 30 minutes to when Simon got back. I said goodbye and headed out, arriving at my place seven minutes later. Placing the cake on the counter, I threw the box away and wrote a card, setting that on the counter too I sat on a chair to wait. 12 minutes, 8 minutes, 5 minutes, 1 minute, any second now Simon would walk through that door.

Then 20 minutes passed, I flicked on the TV. 'Recent car crash killed one and injured six.' my heart stopped. Simon's face popped up on the screen, everything was happening so fast I didn't believe it until they said his name. Sobbing I crumpled into a ball, tears streaming down my face. After a few minutes I lifted my head and glanced at the cake on the counter.

Just a fluke huh? Maybe you should've taken the bus today Simon, maybe then I wouldn't have to lose you.

/

Work the next day was the usual boring routine, I changed back at my apartment and headed out to start my job at the cafe. Things went smoothly as customers filed in and out, the calm atmosphere helped me relax since I didn't have the best sleep last night. It was a great change of pace from my day job, and the people here were better too.

That night I had a peaceful nights rest for the first time in a while, so maybe, just maybe my life was finally turning around. At least, that's what I thought.