Chapter 1: It's Only Just Out of Reach (Tony)
Tony continued restocking the shelves and mindlessly listening to the street noise outside. Valentina had left to run errands, leaving Tony in charge of the store. He just prayed no one came in while she was gone. Truthfully, it was only one person he hoped to avoid: Riff. Since Tony's release, Riff tried to pretend like that night never happened and that life with the Jets was all that mattered. He didn't see the change in Tony; or rather refused to see the change. Regardless, Riff still stopped by unannounced trying to convince him to come back to the Jets. His "pleas" always fell on deaf ears.
Since it was dead in the store, Tony decided to go out behind the store for a smoke. He had wanted to quit, but he figured it was one vice he could indulge occasionally. As he sat on the back steps he tried to relax, even for a moment, as he closed his eyes and tilted his head towards the sun. Just as he was beginning to feel the tension leave him, the wind picked up and something suddenly slapped against his cheek. It was a red hair ribbon. It was also at this very moment that something, or rather someone, collided into him.
Tony and the person rolled off the steps and landed in a pile on the sidewalk. As he began to sit up, he turned to see if the person was alright. Suddenly he froze. He was met with the richest dark brown eyes in existence. Tony instantly forgot how to speak or even breathe. Staring into these eyes that seemed full of wonder and comfort, he felt that familiar twinge he had the other night. He wondered if it was possible for a heart to seize and beat rapidly at the same time. Without realizing the girl with the beautiful eyes had said something, Tony came to his senses and help the girl up.
"Are you alright, Miss?"
"Exscusa, por favor. I didn't mean to run into you. I lost my hair ribbon, and now it's gone. I hope you are alright…" the girl said frantically.
Tony held up the ribbon he still had clutched in his hand, "You mean this?"
"Gracias! I thought I had lost it.". The girl began to tie the ribbon into her long dark hair. "Please, forgive me. It's just this ribbon belonged to my mother… it's very special to me. I know it seems silly…".
"Yes… No, I mean I understand. It means a lot to you. And no harm done", Tony stumbled to say.
"Thank you again…", she said
"Tony… my name's Tony"
"Thank you, Tony."
They continued to stare at each other for who knows how long. Tony wanted desperately to ask her, but nothing would come out. It was like his mouth had sealed itself shut. Suddenly, the girl glanced at her wristwatch and said, "Forgive me, I'm late for work. I must go!". The girl began running towards the subway entrance.
"Wait! What's your name?", Tony shouted after, but it was too late. The girl had already left, without one utterance of who she was. Tony could do nothing but sit on the steps and stare after the beautiful girl who had left as quickly as she appeared.