Chapter One

The storm in the summer skies had ceased and became and little less darker abyss. I sat there on the bench. It all started with this bench, this pond, and this dark sky overhead. I sat there staring off into the rippling waters when leaves started falling into the pond more feverishly. I brushed the hair out of my face... that's when I saw you. You, looking so lovely by the cherry tree, smiling and walking toward me. Is it possible for a heart to beat so fast you feel like it would just burst out of your chest.. and for it to stop at the same exact moment? I drew in a breath as I gazed at your beauty. Your smile shined so bright I felt like I could go blind. Is this how Romeo felt when he found his Juliet? I glanced to the pond again. It was so clear and so pure with few ripples. I felt like the pond, my love for you so clear and pure. This truly did feel like Romeo and Juliet -- Love at first sight. I looked back up and you stood before me still smiling. Every body of water has its ripples like every relationship and nothing can stay beautiful forever. Nor can it be perfect. I never believed in perfection because perfection is fake -- it doesn't exist. I begin questioning my beliefs... You smile and extend your hand towards me.
"Greetings. My name is Aoi."
I look towards the voice making that sound. It sounds so much like velvet. I shake my gaze away from the pond and look up to you. I notice your hand is extend and I fumble with my words.
"Ah.. um... my name is... Reita." Your smile is so blinding I had to look back over to the pond. You kept speaking but the silent sounds of the pond drown out your every word.
"...I'm sorry if I disturbed anything.. it's just..."
It's just what? Why did you stop? I shift my gaze towards you to find you also looking upon the same pond I was just entranced by.
"It's beautiful," you silently whisper and look into my eyes. I feel you search my eyes for something, for anything. I look down at your hands and feel so stupid. You must think of me as rude, don't you? I was so mesmerized by everything I forgot to shake your hand. I bite my lip momentarily and you furrow your brows.
"I must be going home.. there is work to be done and nothing is happening. Reita, it was nice sharing this scene with you." You stand. "Until we meet again?"
I nod as you extend your hand and this time I shake it but something clashes with the soft skin. Something rough.. and you force it into my palm. You smile and bow to me. In return I bow my head. As you gracefully walk off below the dark skies, I look into my palm. It's a piece of paper with neatly scribbled numbers on it. I lean my head back and look into the black sky and a smile slowly spreads across my face. This is just like modern day Romeo and Juliet.