Lyrics to My Heart
Hello darkness my old friend
I've come to talk with you again…
Simon and Garfunkel's words enveloped me as I walked through the crowded halls of Storybrook Community College. I was listening to Sounds of Silence on my IPod, their haunting voices singing in my ears as I walked with my head down.
Why was my head down? I had several reasons for that. One, my grandmother always told me to keep your head down in life, and just muddle through the difficulties as best you can. It's honestly the best advice she's ever given me. Two, I had just gone through the WORST breakup with my now ex-boyfriend, and having to face facts with the people who knew us as a great couple. Yeah, it's the best feeling in the world to fail at something, and then have to come to terms with it.
Anyways, I opened the front door of the building, and walked the long trek towards the parking lot. Everything around me moved in slow motion, the students that walked past me, the cars that whizzed by, even the squirrels that were climbing the trees.
A red Chevy sped off, not allowing me to cross within the crosswalk, and I froze like a deer in headlights. My throat closed up. My eyes welled up with the memory. Him and I, sitting in his red Chevy Cobalt, laughing and having a great time. The long drives we'd take to the beach in the summer. The way he'd turn to smile at me when we stopped at a red light.
I clutched at my chest, and fell to the ground, the pain too immense. I curled up in a ball on the sidewalk, sobbing from those painful memories that I just couldn't get rid of.
"Miss," said a voice from above me. "Are you alright?"
My ear buds had fallen out, and I blinked through the haze of tears. I made out the face of a distinguished looking man wearing an impeccable suit and carrying a cane. "I-I will be fine," I stammered as I got to my feet. "It's nothing."
"Are you absolutely sure, dearie?" asked the gentleman. He looked me over, concern spreading across his face. "You look very pale."
"I'll be fine. Just a few more steps until I get to the car." I forced an "I'm okay" grin on my face, and the man seemed to have bought it.
"May I at least get your name?" asked the man.
"Jo," I said quietly, not really wanting to tell him. "And… you are?"
"Mr. Gold, at your service," said the man with a small bow. "And if there is anything I can do to help you, please don't hesitate to ask, dearie."
"I really must go," I said as I dusted myself off.
"Farewell, Jo," said Mr. Gold. "I have a strange feeling we will meet again very soon."
"Fat chance on that," I muttered under my breath as soon as I reached the safe confines of my car. I turned the key in the ignition, and sped off towards home.