Hello, again! So, in my last update, I mentioned that I had a couple of flashbacks prepared, and since this one is so short, I thought I'd add it in a few days earlier than usual. Enjoy!
One Year Earlier
He had been waiting for the late train, one of the only people left in the normally crowded tunnel, when he saw a slight movement in the shadows. The dim lights set off her face perfectly, highlighting every angle and reflecting off her wide, vibrant brown eyes. He didn't notice the dirty clothes or the messy hair at first, but when he did, he immediately pulled a wad of cash out of his wallet, walked over, and placed it firmly in her hand, keeping eye contact with her the entire time.
"Thank you," she murmured, smiling broadly. Even her voice was musical, he marveled.
"It is my pleasure, Miss..."
"Calliope. Please, call me Callie," she answered, obviously surprised. It had been her experience that "normal" people didn't bother to strike up conversations with homeless women in subway tunnels.
Internally, he scoffed at her gullibility - just like that, he'd managed to get her name - but he still flashed a dazzling smile at her. "That's a beautiful name. Calliope, Greek muse of music and poetry."
She chuckled. "Yes, well, my parents loved music. I guess it's becoming somewhat of a tradition, because I named my daughter Aria."
Daughter? "You have a daughter?"
She shifted over a few steps, revealing a young girl - twelve or thirteen, he estimated - curled up behind her on the ground, eyelids fluttering as she slept, one arm across her stomach, the other cradling her head.
That complicated his plans, because he was always very thorough in adding new pieces to his collection - he'd have to deal with the daughter, too, in order to finish the job properly. She wasn't anywhere near as pretty as her mother yet, especially asleep, but she'd do.
Yes, he thought. They'd both do quite nicely.
Reviews always make my day! *wink wink nudge nudge* Also, because this is a really short installment, expect another update this Sunday or Monday. :)
xoxo,
DoeEyedDarling
