Huff… huff

Tiny clouds of air escaped my mouth as I bent over slightly, bracing the palm of my hands on my knees, trying to regain a normal breathing pattern after the long run in the frosty air. But it felt almost imposable with how thick the smug of the city was, Like I'd used up all the oxygen in my body.

Hiss, sputter

The loud surprising sound of the bus hydraulics jolted me back to where I was. I took a quick look around the dirty stone building. The sidewalk of the bus station lightly littered in cigarette buds and trash from the overflowing bins, tumbling lazily across the way. Panicked I might have been followed started to creep in.

This was a dumb idea… This was a dumb idea! I mental yelled at myself. If Ashe finds out— When Ashe finds out. I looked down at the few old burn marks and bruises on my arms. Wincing just looking at them. "No… This is why I'm running away" I quietly told myself out loud, pulling out a folded envelope from my pocket.

The envelope in question had been given to me in secrete by my late grandfather. He hid it in one of my favorite fairy tale books, Sleeping Beauty. I'd found it a few weeks ago while going though an old box of stuff. Opening to find a letter, will, and deed to his land. Black Haven Farms in Pelican Town. I had only remember being there a few time as a very young girl. Being on that land was some of my happiest memories.

After finding the letter I decided to secretly buy a one way ticket with what limited money I have been keeping in case I'd ever have the chance of freedom. To start somewhere new… to be free of Ashe.

Once upon a time Ashe use to be good to me. Gentle, kind, understanding. Trying to get me away from parents that never seemed to understand, or really cared. They told me they would disown me if I moved in with Ashe. They really didn't like him. Maybe that's why I liked Ashe so much at first?. If only I hadn't moved to Zuzu City with Ashe… because everything changed.

It started out with just small arguments, Then Ashe accusing me of being unfaithful if I was a minute late from work. Timing how long it took to walk the distance of everywhere I was going. Really it was anything that could set him off.

It was just harsh words and yelling at first, but it turned physical quick. I had to give up on any friends I made and had to stop working. I couldn't keep lying about the marks. If I stayed home there was less to fight about. I was a caged up bird in a tiny apartment with no one to turn too. Parents blocking my number, friends staying away. Just as Ashe wanted a broken little play thing for him, and him only. He convinced me that it was all my fault and if I'd stop being bad he'd be able to stop punishing me.

"Last call for Pelican Town." A smoke filled husky voice called out. Looking up to see a rather stubby, permed curly blonde haired woman in the drivers seat. She looked a bit older than what she truly was due to years of smoking and drinking.

Now or Never Trinity… I thought as I grabbed my duffel bag and stepped onto the run down bus, the doors behind my closed.

Freedom. The city grew smaller and smaller into the distance as I traveled down the freeway.

It was more than a little embarrassing that I ended up in this sort of relationship. I was always so strong willed and stubborn. How did I let Ashe control me that way. Break me down to the fragile mess that I'd become.

Squeaky breaks filled the air as the bus came to a jerky stop after a few short hours of driving. "All right toots, here we are." She called as The woman killed the engine. "By the way, names Pam, if you ever need a ride back to the city you can find me at the bar."

I scrambled to slide on my backpack and grab the duffel, carefully climbing off the bus to a sun filled, grassy clearing. Birds singing filled my ears as a cool spring breeze danced around me. Right away I took a deep breath. Clean… clean air. I almost forgot air could be this light.

Pam had already walked away before I could ask anything. So I just followed the path until it came to a sign reading

Town Square Turn left, Black Haven Right.

And with that I turned right and followed the dirt path until I reached a very overgrown patch of land. Stones, tree limbs, and weeds. How long as it been since someone was here? I thought as I followed the narrow clearing up to the porch of the old cabin. Only to see a huge lock on the door. Of course.

A heavy sigh escaped my pink lips as I tapped my foot in thought about where to go. "Guess I need to go into town first and let them know I'm here?" The thought bothered me and caused a bit of panic to swell up. I really didn't want to let anyone know where I was, so scared that some how Ashe would find my whereabouts.

"Okay… we are Okay. We are safe and all we need to do it let someone know I'm here. I get the key annnnnd we are done. Yes? yes! cool, great pep talk self. " I then picked up my things and started to walk into town.

It wasn't a far walk per say but with hauling all my stuff in tow, it was a little much. The town wasn't much to look at it. It was small, cozy, obviously much cleaner. Spring flowers beginning to bud. The general store attached to the doctors office. Down a bit farther the saloon, and houses littered around. Pretty much how I had remembered the town. It definitely felt warm and inviting compared to the grimy cold of the city. And faintly I could hear the crashing of the ocean waves in the distance.

Wow the ocea— "AH!" I cried out as I felt a force bump into me causing me to topple over. I looked over to my right, seeing a figure next to me.

It was a boy with spiked golden locks and pricing blue eyes, he looked to be around the same age as me. His skateboard flipped over on the ground next to him. "What the heck man. That would have been an awesome trick if you hadn't…" He quickly shut his mouth once he had looked over and saw me.

"Hey, you must be new here, names Sam." His tone was different then from just a couple of seconds ago. When he had been complaining about tripping over me. It was now chipper and friendly. "Sorry about that normally no one is out this time of day." He finished, offering a hand to help me up.

I looked at Sam then his hand and took it. Once standing I dusted myself off. "Yeah, um, I was just looking for the Mayors place, do you think you could point me in the right direction?." I asked still a little taken back by the blow.

Sam made a face at the mention of the Mayor, Almost like they didn't seem to get along great. That made me a bit more nervous.

"Point, sure but I think this is where we part ways my dude." Sam started to hop back on his skateboard. He turned and looked back at me.

My eyebrows pulled together as my face scrunched in confusion. The boy seems nice enough just a lot of energy.

"His house is just down this lane, it's the big house next to the graveyard." His lips then pulled upwards. "But you know what, if you're free tonight you should hangout with me at the Saloon." Sam started to skate off again after his quick invite, halted and turned back around and called out. "Hey what's your name mystery girl?"

"Trinity" I said. Still trying to process the speed this conversion had went.

"Trinity…Rad, See you later." And with the he zoomed off.

Welp that was an interesting way to possibly have made a friend?


Once at the mayors house I took a deep breath in and knocked on the big wooden door. An elderly voice called to come in and I turned the door knob letting myself into the home. It was fairly large home with what looked to be antique furniture filling it up. It smelt old, but in a good way. As if time hadn't touched the inside of this house in years.

"Oh a newcomer, what brings you to our lovely slice of paradise, Pelican Town?"

I sat my duffel bag on the floor and rumbled in my pocket for the envelope. Handed it to the man. He opened it and looked back at me with a sparkle in his eyes.

"Oh I'm so delighted that you've finally came to take over your Grandfathers farm young Trinity. You've grown quite I bit since the last time I saw you, but I doubt you remember me. Hard to blame you." He turned to rummage through a draw with papers. Pulling out an old photograph of me sitting beside my Grandfather as he was teacher me the basics of gardening. "Names Lewis, I was pretty close to your Grandfather." he said softly.

I gingerly took the photo that was offered, looking over it. I did look the same for the most part beside how I'd grown and filled out. Same heart shape face, pale skin, steel blue eyes, Cooper locks. You could tell I was intensely listing to him. I missed him terribly and never understood why I never got to see him more.

My fingers felt something cold on the back, flipping the picture over to see a key taped.

"That is the key to the lock on the cabin. I'm going to give our carpenter a call to meet you over there so she can make sure it's safe. No one has been taking care of the place sadly. "

I nodded her head and gave a small smile. "Thanks, uhm, I guess i'll get going now so I can get settled in." I grabbed my belonging and turned, Leaving the house.

Lewis still had a smile on his face. So excited at the possibility of farm fresh goods again. He quickly went to his phone and dialed Robin and filled her in.


As I walked up the path I could only assume that the thin, average hight woman on the porch was Robin. She wore a kind smile and held out her hand for a handshake. "So you're are new owner of this hunk of junk?" She playful laughed. "I'm guessing you're Trinity from what mayor Lewis told me.

I could only give an awkward smile and shrug after the handshake. "Yep, guess That's me."

"Robin, lovely to meet you hun." Her eyes then turn to that of concern, her tone matching in a very motherly matter. "But in all honestly please be careful when we get in there. I have a feeling there might be some rotting floor boards." Robin stated as I began unlocked the cabin.

Robin walked in first and switch the lights on. "Good, electricity still works." The woman called as she started her inspect on cabin.

My steel orbs rolled over the room to take it in. It was just a large room. The bed, kitchen, everything just all together in one room. Along with a small bathroom, you could tell that was an add on. Everything was cover in sheet protecting it from dust and so it would be easy to remove.

I walked over to the mattress, placing my bags on top. I quickly noticed it was still new and wrapped in plastic. That's exciting I thought to myself. It been a while since I'd laid on a soft bed. Let alone a new mattress.

Robin walked up beside me. "Well I do see some holes near the kitchen so maybe stay away from cooking for now." She then looked down and saw my one backpack and small duffel bag. Her eyes sadden. "Is this all your belongings?"

I hadn't put much thought in it. This morning after Ashe left for work I just quickly threw whatever was near by and ran out. "Y-yeah." I replied sheepishly. Realizing I didn't have much, just a lot of random clothing thrown together in hopes it get me by.

"Oh!, I remembered." Robin went to grabbed something from her bag. "Lewis had me hold on to this, it was the money your Grandfather left you. It isn't much but it should get you by for a little."

I slowly took the tiny box and opened it to find some cash. Counted it out, it added up to about $500. I'd be able to get a thicker blanket at least and figure out the rest later.

Robin placed a hand on my shoulder in a reassuring way. As in it would be alright. My body langue quickly tighten up on instinct. Luckily Robin didn't seem to notice the change. "I believe in ya kid. If you need anything or have idea's on things you'd like to do with this place let me know. I'll be back at some point this month to fix the floors." She lightly patted my back before removing her hand and heading towards the door. Turning around once outside. "Take it easy and I'll let you get settled in." And with that she left.

A sigh left my body has I plopped on the bed next to my things. My mind reeling. I had run away to a town I barely remember. Had only $500 dollars to my name until I figured out what the hell I was going to do. What was I doing? Fuck…

I laid there for a moment longer before actually sitting up and going through what I brought with me. It was just the normal suspects: shirts, tanks, jeans, some how a dress or two. Most of the clothing was black with some purples and blues sprinkled in.

Then something shiny caught my eye on the bottom of the book-bag. My ipod and headphones. Oh thank heavens I thought as I quickly reached for it. When Ashe took away my phone all I had left was this ipod with my music. Ashe thought it was a piece of junk and didn't seem to mind if I had it. Couldn't use it to talk to anyone so no harm. This was my lifeline. Got me through so much.

When I powered it on I notice the time. 6:47. How had it become so late so quickly? My stomach growls a bit, finally realize I hadn't eaten all day. Robin said to not use the kitchen which leaves heading to the bar for something.

"if you're free tonight you should come met up with me at the Saloon." Sam's voice rung in my head. I sat there toying around the idea. I'd planed on just ignoring the invite. My stomach rolled again, adamant it needed food. I sighed, giving into my basic needs of a human.

I hadn't been out in a really long time. Was I going to be able to handle myself. Ashe will be so angry if I go. That thought made me wince then shudder. My abuser wasn't even here and they still had control. This made me angry, getting over this was going to be harder than I thought. Of corse it was naive to think just riding away was going to undue the crossed wires. But it's a start in the right direction. We have to try.

I decided to change into some fresh clothes. A dark plum long sleeve cold shoulder top with some old black ripped jeans, paired with my old doc martins. Sliding my leather jacket on as I reached for my iPod and placed my plan black headphones on my head as I headed out the door. The Wombats- Bee-sting cued up.


I killed my music as I reached the entrance of the bar, slipping my headphones off so they hung around my neck. Its crowed was the first thing I noticed as I swung open the door. Next, smoke, alcohol, and fried food filled my lungs. The smell of food turned my stomach once more. It smelt good, what ever it was I'm smelling.

I started to weave around a few people. Noticing the side with the bar was the main entreatment area with a huge stone fireplace and serval tiny table and chairs. With more sitting at the bar. They even had a jukebox that was playing some older tunes I reconciled. A few people dance around, enjoying themselves.

I turned my head to the right where my eyes spotted the golden hair boy. Sam was over by the pool table and arcade. Sam was in the middle of a pool game. There was two other people on that side with him.

A girl with long bouncy purple hair. She was about average high for a girl and looked young. If not still in high school she must of just graduated. She was focusing on one of the arcade games.

The other person was a taller male, Sam's opponent. He was maybe around six feet or six one. With raven hair. Longer bangs swept to the left framing his faces as the rest of his hair was shorter. He was gorgeous. He had that dark and mysterious thing going for him, and he wore it well. I lightly dig my nails into my palm to stop the butterfly rolling around.

The crack of the cue ball rang as I could hear the other balls shuffling along. As I made my way over I watched the black eight ball find it's home in the right corner pocket. The other boy wore a sly smirk. "I win."

Sam quickly wined with a plea. "One more round, winner takes all?" It was at this moment he realized I was there. His quickly went from slumping over the pool table pouting and B lined to my side.

"Aye, Trinity. You showed up. I knew you wouldn't leave me hanging like that." Sam had the excitement and energy of a puppy. So happy and eager. I had no idea what for what, it was just me.

The girl with long purple hair walked over. "Hi, my named Abigail, Sam told us he ran into someone today. We don't get very many new people here. It will be really nice to have another girl to talk to." She chirped.

I started to shift my weight back and forth between my legs slowly, fidgeting. I started to feel a tad uncomfortable. I didn't do well with the spot light on me. Lightly biting my lower lip a caught the mysterious man smirking out of the corner of my eye. He apparently noticed I was a bit uncomfortable and seemed to find that amusing.

Abigail didn't waste anytime and fired a question my way. "So, Trinity, where you from?"

I turned my focus back to the girl. "Oh, The city."

"Wow, I bet that's a fun place to live. Must have more things to do there than here anyways." Abigail stated. She wasn't wrong it didn't looked like there was much to do in the Valley. But it seemed like a nice enough place to try and find peace.

Sam Jumped in. "Hey I'm from the city too. Lots of great shows to go see every weekend. Really miss that." Sam trailed off as he was now reminiscing over shows he had seen.

Mr. Mysterious was now on the other side of me. He was looking down at my headphones with his one eye brow raised. "What music do you listen to?" He asked.

That was a loaded question. "Well I do love most all music." I started. "But my heart belongs to darker synthwave , alternative, or I love me some 80's." I ended with a smile. I had to have some cheery music in there somehow. He seemed rather surprised but pleased by my answer and gave a simple nod of approval.

Right then my stomached made one of the loudest nosies ever, reminding me. I. . along with the rest of the group. The three of them burst out laughing. I could feel my face heat up and could only imagine how many shade of red I had turned.

And I broke. My fragile, tried mind didn't seemed to have the power to cope with this calmly. I panicked from my embarrassment and just bolted for the door and ran. I could not deal with this and was sure to later regret running out. But that was for future me to deal with. Right now all I could do was run, and run I did all the way to the edge of a shore.

I walked down to the end of the pier. The moon shined brightly, hanging the the middle of the clear night sky. I sat down with my legs dangling over the edge. three feet separating my feet from the water below. Wonder how deep it is right in this area. I thought as I looked down below. A tear drop falling onto the bear skin exposed from my ripped jeans.

I had't realized I was crying. All these dramatics just from not eating? I've gone without food for longer. So it couldn't be the only reason. A heavy sigh escaped my lips. "God what a mess I made of things. Maybe Ashe is right about me… Sure everyone thinks my weird and won't talk to me again."

"Weird isn't always a bad thing." A voice stated casually from behind me

Startled, I quickly turned my head to see Mr. Mysterious making his way towards me.

Shit, shit, shit I really don't think I have the emotional control to deal with this at the moment. I thought as he made his way towards me.

"This seat taken?" he asked as he sat next to me not waiting for my reply.

We sat silently next to one for what felt like forever. But was probably only a minuet or two. My mind was racing, trying to figure out what to say but only coming up with blanks. Say something! I mentally screamed at myself. I then felt a gentle nudge of his elbow bumping mine. I looked over to see him holding a small styrofoam box. He extending it to me.

"Not sure what you like. but I just asked for whatever they had right at that moment." He said softly.

I took the container and opened it to find some chicken tenders. They smelt divine, whether that was from being hungry or just because they were I really didn't care. I began eating a piece and once chewed and swallowed I looked back on at the raven hair man. "Thanks." I said sheepishly. "And sorry for just kinda—"

He shook his head, cutting me off. "Really, don't worry about it. Keeps things interesting."

I started to eat my second tender. It felt odd not being met with anger when I had messed up. The corner of my lips pulled into a soft smile. "Thanks for seeing it as a good thing Mr. Mysterious."

He let out a soft chuckle. And immediately I felt my embarrassment come back. Why did I just say that out loud? "I— I, just never got your name and-" I was so fluttered and blushing so brightly. Why was I so horrendously awkward. I just grabbed another piece of my food and placed it in my mouth and began to chew just so I'd shut up.

"Mr. Mysterious, eh?" He said slowly, another soft laugh rolled behind his words. "Can't say I hate it, In fact I find it pretty endearing. " He brushed his bangs back to the side after they got a bit messy from his laughing. His deep purple eyes then just looked out over the ocean. He fumbled in his hoodie pockets for moment before pulling out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.

"You smoke?" I asked?

"Does that bother you?" He replied with.

"No, not really. Can't say I'm surprised either. Fits with the whole thing you got going for you." I causally stated as I finished up the last of the tenders.

"You mean the 'Mysterious' thing?" He gave me a cocky smirked. Ugh, that smirk did things to me I just couldn't explain.

I could feel a sting of heat on my cheeks again. "So do you have a name, or will I be forced to acknowledge you as Mr. Mysterious for the test of time?" I asked a little annoyed.

I watched as he contemplated which option he wanted to go with. " I guess I could let you call me Sebastian." A thick heavy layer of fake exacerbation in his voice, complete with eye roll. He took a drag from the cigarette.

"Oh, well thank you, Your majesty, for finding it in your heart that I am worthy enough for thy name." My tone became hoity-toity and my words playful. Laughter came from the both of us.

The gentle sent from the cloves of his cigarette danced in the light breeze. It was spring, so the air still had a bite to it, but it was so nice. Sitting on a dock, clear starry sky, not bad looking company to spend it with. My stomach fluttered again as I looked over at Sebastian. Lucky enough a big yawn escaped from me. pulling my mind into a different direction.

"Woah, don't take my head off." He lightly ribbed at the yawn. But then his face turned to that of curiosity "Wait… do you, you have your canines sharpened?" He asked. He seemed pretty interested.

Instinctively I ran my tongue over my teeth. I had forgot I got that done a few years back. I'd got them done for myself. But I had been tease for being a day walking vampire most of my life. So I complete the look? Personally I loved them. But I could feel myself becoming a little self conscious. Not wanting to ruin the mood. I decided to opt for a cheesy line. "Ah, yes, all the better to eat you with." I grinned, flashing my teeth back at him.

Sebastian took another hit from his cig as his lips pulled into another smirk. His purple orbs locked on mine. I couldn't really read him. Which as someone that had become super sensitive to reading the room it made me a little uneasy. But something about the way be looked at me caused goose bums to rise on my arms. Not in the way Ashe did. I didn't feel threaten. In fact I somehow felt really relaxed with him. Even if he did cause my heart to skip a few beats.

Maybe it was the scenery or the corny dialog of our conversation, but I felt at peace. Until the tiny voice in the back on my mind piped up. Everyone seemed nice at first, don't be a fool Trinity. I quietly sighed… the voice wasn't wrong. Just not what I wanted to hear.

Sebastian had finished his cigarette and also let out a sigh of his own. Like he too was in thought. A moment passed with silents before he broke it. "Trinity is a pretty cool name, very Sci-fi. Makes it harder to believe you're not a real vampire." He playfully nudged my arm again. "But I can't say it wouldn't be cool to become friends with the strange new girl that magically appeared to a remote town."

I smiled again. "The way you're spinning it, it's like am a cliche beginning to a book."

"Hey, just calling it as I see it." He lightly smiled, starting to stand up. His hand lightly brushing mine as it passed. I swore I felt electricity for just that brief moment. I took his lead and stood up as well. I wasn't too much shorter than him maybe by three or four inches.

Sebastian fiddled with his hair again before lighting another cig. "Where you staying?" He asked, blowing a smoke ring. I started to walk back into town with Sebastian at my side.

"Black Haven farms." I replied.

"Mind if I walk that way with you? There is a path behind the farm that leads to my home in the mountains." He asked casually.

"I guess I wouldn't mind having the company of Mr. Mysterious taking a stroll with me in the moonlight." I jested. But I could feel a blush rising across my cheeks. I hope he didn't notice.. I was trying hard to just be casually but I had a feeling I was flirting.

"Well, Mr. Mysterious is glad that he can accompany the possible secret vampire back to her home." His tone matching mine.

We both let out a laugh again as we headed down the cobble stone path together.