Chapter One: Hope as Inspiration

Rain has such a lovely sound when you really think about it; the way it hits the windows and slowly rolls down. For the first time, I realized how beautiful it could be, how gracefully it fell on my face and rolled down like tears. I reached up to wipe my face and did so. My emerald colored eyes were fixed on the grey sky, with openings where sunlight would leak through. I smiled, thinking it was a beautiful symbol of hope still existing. Still hope for the weak, hope for the needy, and maybe even me.

I stepped inside from the rain and grabbed some wood to add to my small fireplace. The apartment was awfully messy, so I was forced to step over piles of belongings and drawings. The kitchen was just as I left it, perfectly clean with a cold cup of cheap tea. My nose wrinkled at the smell of something burning, and I ran to the oven to find my scones all burnt and ruined. With a frustrated sigh, I checked the clock—which read 4'o clock—and grabbed my coat. I had no food, and I needed some more pencils and wood.

Trying to keep this mental list of things, I walked around town looking for a coffee shop and found one. Bloody lord, I'm exhausted. I opened the door and was greeted by comfy warmth. One of the tables in the corner had a chair and newspaper, and was seated next to the fireplace. I could never have prayed for better. I got in line and let out a quiet yawn.

The coffee shop wasn't too big—being a Starbucks and all. It had a very tidy cashier's desk, and the kitchen was full of assorted coffee ranging from pumpkin cappuccinos, to peppermint mochas. It was my turn to order and was greeted by a handsome young man. He couldn't be more than nineteen years of age, and his eyes. His eyes were like looking at the sky on a sunny day; I literally felt the sun on my face just looking into them. His skin was tan, like that of a tourist and I stared. Suddenly, I recognized him as Alfred F. Jones, or as many called him, Al. He worked here in the coffee shop to repay a debt to a sibling, whose name I couldn't recall at the moment.

"May I take your order?" he asked, his voice interrupting my thoughts.

"I'll take a dark chocolate mocha, with a blueberry scone." I replied.

"Okay, your name?" He pushed some buttons on the cash register and looked up from it to meet my eyes.

"Arthur." I couldn't and wouldn't say much more.

"Fancy seeing you here," he wrote my name on the cup and smiled even brighter; if that's even humanly possible.

"I come often, nice to see you." I nodded thanks, paid for my coffee and scone, left a tip for good measure, and went to my seat. My eyes fixed on the sugar packets in the tiny box at the table. The man got to work and started making the coffee. I could smell the delicious smell of fresh cocoa beans from where I was and my eyes couldn't stand it any more, and neither could my weak body. I felt myself lean forward and fall on my side, I heard glass break, but I didn't care. I was just so exhausted.

Hearing a voice calling my name, I sighed softly. The man started to shake me and said my name a bit softer.

"Arthur?" he called worriedly.

My eyes fluttered opened as I heard my name clearly. Mr. Jones assisted me by offering his hand. With a relieved sigh, he smiled. Oh but his smile; so bright and bold, yet calm and nurturing in its own way.

I took his hand and got to my feet. Embarrassed, I let out a small cough and looked down.

"S-sorry about that, I seemed to have gotten caught up in a daydream."

"No problem dude." He smiled. "Do you need any help getting home?"

"No, I'm quite fine." I nodded in reassurance.

"Alright then. I'll get your money back—"

"No, its ok," I interrupted, "Just keep it…I'm sure you need it more than I do."

"God bless you Arthur," the young man smiled radiantly, yet again.

With a nod, I made my way back home. The sidewalk was slippery, and empty of the usual fuss of people. It would be lovely on a sunny day; amazed tourists pointing at the Big Ben, the families walking about, occupied businessmen chatting away on their cell phones, and street vendors smiling brightly and tipping their hats occasionally. With a smile, I remember the blissful smells from the bakery, and the jovial baker who always gives me a free loaf of French bread just because.

Reality wasn't nearly as close to these nice recollections. Blinking, I realized that the sidewalk indeed was empty. The sound of car wheels speeding past me make me flinch, for I don't pay mind to the cars. A small hope arose in my heart that the small art shop around the corner would be open. Its small blue and red lights shining on the days it was open, and a fine display of art and tools I'd never be able to afford. Sighing softly in defeat as I rounded the corner to find it was closed, I sat at the bus stop, waiting for a bus. I couldn't remember where I was, or what route I had taken, so I would have to wait for the bus. Rain…it kept falling.

—Time Skip—

At the late hour of midnight I arrived home because of the rain. No buses were in service today, and it took me a few hours of wandering through the streets to find a decent taxi. I walked beside the fireplace and blew on the still burning wood and it sparked into a decent and warm fire.

When I was content with the fire, I organized a few things and heated a canned soup for dinner. My hair and clothes were soaking wet, so I dressed in my nightclothes and hung my clothes to dry. I grabbed a towel to dry myself and went to eat the not-so-plentiful dinner.

The sound of drizzling rain echoed quietly through the house, and feelings of sadness boiled somewhere deep within. Excusing these feelings, untamable by me, I closed my eyes and thought of the summer sun. How it shined so bright in the vibrant blue sky, and on some days, fluffy white clouds decorated the sky. Just by thinking of it I felt the warmth, then I thought about his eyes.

His eyes were incredibly blue…so proud, so kind, so...

full of hope.

Author's Notes:

Yes it's short, but definitely a good start to something I plan to continue. :)

I'm working on Chapter Two as you read this. I'm trying to make it longer, and more visual so stay tuned!

Thanks for reading!

- U.D.H.