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Disclaimer:
The story plot is owned by me
However, I do not own the characters
or Shugo Chara, all rights go to Peach Pit
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-Empty-
Chapter 1
~*~
Amu sat underneath the twinkling stars. She was alone. She sighed mournfully and stood to her feet. Her footsteps were gentle yet they echoed throughout the almost vacant planetarium. She slowly, with no haste, strode down the numerous steps and across the hall. The planetarium was her sanctuary; where she could think freely and have some tranquil. No one was ever there, apart from the occasional lost visitors and the planetarium keeper. Today was no different.
Everyday, Amu lived her life in anguish. Ever since he left, everything else she ever loved vanished with him. Her friends, family... her heart. Nothing was left of hers but a future she couldn't control. She didn't want a future. She wanted a life. Yet, there was nothing she could do about it. She was helpless. There was no one else to aid her either.
Amu took a shaky intake of breath. Then stuttered towards the exit.
~*~
Amu sprinted to her apartment, fumbling with keys that were buried deep beneath the contents of her bag. She entered her refuge to take shelter from the flurry of droplets that stained the concrete. "Luck … ?" she muttered then chuckled sarcastically. There was no such thing as luck. Not for her anyway. But one thing she was glad about was that she still had somewhere to live. Sure, her apartment was small. But it was only her anyway: a moderately sized living area, a bathroom, one bedroom and a kitchen. It was all she needed.
Amu stumbled to the comfort of her couch. Turning the TV on and flicking through the channels. She stopped at a news programme and looked at the screen intently, no matter how tedious the news was to her. She trudged lazily to her small kitchen and opened a cupboard full of snacks. She took out some chocolate fingers and dragged her feet back to the living area. She sat there in a ball – like shape and quietly chewed her chocolate.
Lounging for hours – that was what she would do after work. Devouring the chocolate fingers she groaned to herself. Oh, Amu. Get a life. With that, she pressed the 'off' button on the television, set aside her chocolate fingers on the coffee table, and in one fluid motion, put on her coat and slammed the door of her apartment.
~*~
Darkness blanketed the streets. Flickering streetlights and placid moonbeams lit up the black night. The roads we're glazed with water that glistened like fragments of crystals. There were a few civilians roaming the streets, including herself. She sighed, her breath appearing as a wisp of smoke. It was like following the same pattern, the same path, everyday. She was walking on the same road. The same street. There was no change. Her life wasn't moving. Yet time didn't – couldn't – wait for her. It was like her whole world got sucked into a black hole.
Amu stopped in her tracks in front of a building signed; 'The Starlight'. It was where they met. That serene autumn morning. When the coffee and tea were brewing hot. The leaves raining down, the bare trees. The icy wind, the soft murmurs. The silent heartbeats. Her mind retraced those fragile memories, feeling every flaw and every texture. That day was one that was unplanned, unexpected.
She took a soothing intake of breath and entered the cafe. It looked the same. The creamy walls with paint peeling off. The lemon scented aroma. The creaky floorboards and the polished tables. It was like it was before, seven years ago. Seven years, huh. Amu bit her bottom lip and took a seat by the shop's fogged up glass window. It's been seven years. She chuckled bitterly. How did she end up like this? She looked outside, at the moon. Shining brightly among billions of stars. She could almost see his silhouette. Almost hear the notes flowing from the strings of his instrument. She sighed.
A waitress strolled over to her table. Her uniform bouncing up and down like a ball. She looked a little younger than Amu.
"Ma'am, may I help you with anything?" She asked politely. Amu slowly shook her head, still facing the window.
"No, thank you," Amu muttered.
"Okay, let me know if you need anything."
"Yes. I will."
With that, the waitress left to tend to the few customers they had. Amu sat there for a while in a moment of reflection. Then left the cafe and headed back home again.
~*~
Amu was woken up by her alarm clock, which rang repeatedly the same vexing tone. She opened her eyes to the pale streak of light that burst through her curtains. It's morning, another day. Let the stress begin .Rather dishevelled, she groaned and reluctantly emerged from beneath her duvet. Goosebumps traced her arms and legs which were exposed to the slight chill of the morning breeze. She stretched her arms out and yawned in an un-lady like fashion. Then, she lazily got ready for work.
Amu works as a magazine editor for some of the most popular magazines in Japan. She's been working there for only two years, yet she was very successful. However, she wasn't happy nor boastful, despite her success. Instead, she was the complete opposite: humble and alone. Still, she didn't dwell on facts, but she marveled on hope. That was one of her motto's that kept her going.
Amu left her apartment sluggishly. Obviously not looking forward to another day. She arrived at her office only minutes later, since it was nearby. But as soon as she appeared at the slick glass doors...
"Amu!" An enthusiastic voice shouted.
"Ugh, you rang?" Amu turned and replied in an annoyed tone.
"Ooh! Looks like someone got up on the wrong side of the bed today!" Amu twitched.
"What do you want, Ran?"
"Well, there's this new intern. I want you to-"
"Show her around, make her feel welcome and blah blah blah ..." Amu finished.
"Correction, it's a him. But other than that, you read my mind," Ran smiled, pleased, "He's coming at nine o'clock so be sure to be at reception by then."
"Okay."
"Thanks Amu! I owe you one!"
"Correction, you owe me lots," Amu smiled slightly, using the same tone Ran did.
~*~
Amu was sorting through papers and documents about articles to be published and new proposals. Her fingers rapidly punching the keyboard keys. All her focus was on her work. She lost track of time. She didn't remember she had to meet the intern at the reception until she took a quick glance at the clock that read '9:42'. Her eyes bulged and she gasped. Shit! She quickly rushed out of the office, leaving all the documents behind in a messy state.
Amu darted through the hallways, her stilettos clicking and echoing throughout the corridors.
"Ah! Amu, can you plea-" A small voice started.
"Sorry, Su. Later." Amu quickly muttered.
"But Amu-"
"Sorry!"
She kept running until, at long last, she could see her finish line. She stopped, slamming her hands on the reception desk and panting.
"The intern?" She asked breathless.
"Yes, we sent him to the waiting room." The receptionist smiled.
"Okay, thank you!"
~*~
Amu fixed herself before entering the waiting room. Even though she was already an hour late, she had to at least look presentable. She knocked on the door twice and carefully opened it. Completely oblivious to the fact that what she was about to see was going to surprise her to the extent of loosing her mind.
~*~
Chapter 1
END
AN:// Chapter one, hallelujah! It's still quite short but I thought that this would be a good cut off. It'll add to the suspense, hopefully. I was going to update earlier but my internet wasn't agreeing with me. But I'm so happy to have nice feedback and story alerts as well as sotry favs and author favs. It's the best encouragement for a writer. Also, when I looked at the story traffic, I was astounded to see so many views, visitors and hits. That also made my day! Please keep reviewing! To those who are reading but not reviewing, please do ~
Sorry for the rather lengthy Author's Notes, I'd be surprised if you read all of it :)
Review if you like cookies ;)
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