PROLOGUE II
Disclaimers in Prologue II have noticed something different about her almost everyday now. It started about two months ago, and since then, she has been different. Almost new, even.
As if some part of her spirit has been lost.
And the sad part about living in this tiny town is that while everyone else is aware of each other's private business, they ironically never have the insight to look beyond the gossip and see deeper and even darker secrets of their fellow townsfolk.
As the town pariah, I have an enormous advantage in being the observer. Maybe Lionel had a point in sending me to this vast practice field for reading human behavior. I have learned how to read people's strengths, faults and fears.
And I know that something is bothering her.
It is hardly surprising as to why I find myself intrigued by her. After all, she is possibly the closest to an intellectual equal that this town could offer, and she has defeated me in the past. Small victories as they may have been, but they brought a huge blow to my ego.
While I have expected myself to be vengeful, I feel rather proud. Of her for having such gumption to stand up to me. Of myself to find such a worthy adversary.
That is why I intend to keep this one within my reach. My father loves to quote that overrated saying in which you keep your friends close and you keep your enemies closer. In this case, Dad, I just might follow that advice.
Except in this case, I have no malicious vendetta against this adversary. In fact, you could even say that I am enamored with her.
Yes, I am attracted to Chloe Sullivan.
Now what should I do about it? Certainly, you can't expect me to say nothing. Something in me is pushing me to play hardball on this. If my attraction to her is this strong, then who am I to stand in the way of fate?
Besides, there is no such thing as impossible.