As we drove in the car, I watched the familiar streets of Oliver, Canada fade away outside the window. It's me, Sara, and my parents, Mom and Dad, along with my little brother, Charlie, who's just a year and a half old. We're on our way to a new place called North Carolina in the USA. It's a big change for us, and I can't help but feel a mixture of emotions swirling inside me. See, I had a boyfriend and friends back in Oliver, and I'm really going to miss them. It's tough leaving behind the people and places I've known for so long.
But the reason for this move is my dad, Jason. He landed a great job at a big company, and they're paying him really well. Mom, whose name is Sasha, told me that she'll find a job there too, so we'll manage. I know they're excited about this new adventure, but all I can think about is what I'm leaving behind. And to make things worse, I've heard that it rains a lot in North Carolina. Rainy days have never been my favorite, and the idea of constant rain doesn't sit well with me. But as the car glides along, I can't help but wonder what this new place will be like, even if I'm not exactly thrilled about the whole situation.
Once we arrived at our new home, it wasn't one of those fancy places you see in movies. It was a regular house with a garage and a lawn covered in nice green grass. As soon as we pulled up, I took off the headphones I had on during the journey and looked at the house. My dad tried to ask me if I liked it, but I hurried inside, avoiding him. I wanted to make it clear that I wasn't happy about this change. Mom, though, comforted my dad, telling him that I'd adjust with time. She carried Charlie inside, and he was so joyful, kicking his legs and making happy coos.
The house was already furnished, and it had everything we needed. I headed upstairs to my room, separate from the others. I sat down on my bed and started listening to music, letting it drown out the newness around me. Suddenly, a text popped up on my phone from my boyfriend, Carl. Seeing that message made me smile; he was missing me already. I told him how I felt about this place, how I didn't like it and how much I missed him. It felt good to share my thoughts with him, even though he was far away.
Late at night, the rain pounded on the roof like a drum, and the thunder rumbled in the distance. I was deep in slumber, lost in a dream that quickly turned into a nightmare. In the dream, I was running as fast as my legs could carry me, my heart racing with fear. Someone or something was chasing me, and I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't escape. Suddenly, the thing caught up to me, and before I knew it, it sunk its teeth into my neck, sending a jolt of terror through me.
I woke up with a start, my heart still racing. The sound of raindrops hitting the roof above me filled my ears, reminding me of the storm outside. I grabbed my phone from the nightstand, hoping to find a comforting message or a sign that Carl was online. But there was nothing. As I gazed out the window, I spotted an owl perched on a tree just outside. Its eyes met mine, and to my surprise and fear, they were a sparkling shade of purple, like precious gems in the darkness. The owl was drenched from the rain, and I couldn't help but be captivated by its unusual eyes. In a rush of excitement, I reached for my phone to capture the remarkable sight, but as soon as I aimed my camera, the owl took flight and vanished into the rainy night. Disappointed, I sighed and settled back into my bed, eventually finding sleep once more.
Morning arrived with the chirping of birds and a radiant sun. I woke up to the cheerful sound of my alarm, thankful that the rain had finally subsided. It was a new day, and the sun's warmth pushed away the shadows of the night. I got ready for my first day at the new college, my brown eyes meeting their reflection in the mirror. As I glanced at my black hair, I couldn't help but think that it needed a change, maybe a new color to match this new chapter of my life.
Downstairs, I found my little brother Charlie already waiting, his giggles echoing in the air. He wanted me to pick him up from his chair, but I playfully declined. Mom had prepared breakfast for me, and I quickly devoured it before we headed outside. Mom and Charlie sat in the car, ready to go, while I took a final glance at myself in the mirror. With determination in my heart, I joined them in the car, and Mom drove us toward the college.
In the morning breeze, a wave of nervousness washed over me. As my mom drove us to the college, my anxiety became more palpable. She noticed my unease and reached over to reassure me with a gentle touch, her words a soothing balm to my anxious heart. "Don't worry, sweetheart," she said. "You're going to do great. It's a new beginning, and you'll make wonderful friends."
After a short ride, we arrived at the college. Mom's wishes for a good day echoed in my ears as she and Charlie left me at the gate. My heart raced as I walked toward the entrance, a mix of excitement and fear surging through me. At the front desk, a friendly girl introduced herself, and we exchanged pleasantries. She kindly guided me to my new class, but just as we started, a man, presumably Michael, the biology professor, interrupted us with a warm greeting.
He welcomed me with a friendly smile and started chatting about the subject. We discussed the curriculum, and he assured me that he'd be there to help catch me up, as they had already covered a lot in class. His kindness eased some of my worries, and I felt a little more at ease about the challenges ahead.
Walking through the hallways with him, we caught the attention of the other students. Upon entering the classroom, he announced my arrival to the class, causing a ripple of curious gazes. I felt the weight of their collective eyes on me, and my discomfort grew. Amidst the sea of faces, my gaze locked onto a figure at the back with full dark hair and those enigmatic purple eyes that had captivated me in the presence of the owl. My heart raced, and I quickly looked away, my face flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and intrigue.
The professor gestured toward an empty seat near the back, but he didn't mention the name of the enigmatic guy. As I approached that vacant spot, my hands trembled, as if signaling my internal turmoil. Just as I was about to take the seat, a voice boomed, "Hey, you can sit here." I turned to find a blonde guy moving his bag from the chair, his casual demeanor contrasting with my nerves.
Glancing toward the back once more, I found those purple eyes locked onto mine. In that gaze, there was an aura of mystery that both intrigued and unnerved me. Trying to regain my composure, I took a step back and opted to sit next to the blonde guy, whose name was Alex. We introduced ourselves and chatted about our backgrounds while the lecture began.
Despite my efforts to focus, my gaze occasionally wandered back to the enigmatic figure. It was as if his presence held an undeniable pull on my attention, drawing me into an inexplicable connection. As the lecture carried on, I struggled to concentrate, my mind drifting to those purple eyes.
When the bell finally rang, releasing us from the lecture, a sense of relief washed over me. As everyone gathered their belongings, Alex leaned in and extended an invitation to a party at his place later that evening. He mentioned it was a chance for me to meet others since I hadn't had the opportunity yet, except for our brief conversation. We exchanged contact information, and after thinking it through, I agreed to attend the party.
As I glanced back one last time, the purple-eyed guy was nowhere to be seen. With a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty, I left the classroom, a new adventure unfolding before me.
Stepping outside the confines of the college buildings, I was greeted by the calming embrace of the gentle breeze. Its touch seemed to soothe the restlessness in my heart, offering a brief respite from the whirlwind of emotions. As I stood there, waiting for my mom to arrive, I noticed the purple-eyed guy approaching. He walked toward me, his gaze directed downward, not quite meeting mine. An inexplicable mixture of excitement and trepidation swirled within me, as though a flock of butterflies had taken residence in my stomach.
With each step he took, he drew nearer, until he was close enough for me to sense his presence. The scent that enveloped him was unlike anything I'd ever experienced before – intoxicating and intriguing. He came even closer, and I found myself almost frozen in place, my heart pounding loudly in my ears. Then, in a hushed tone that sent shivers down my spine, he whispered in my ear, his words an unexpected intrusion into my thoughts. "You shouldn't go to the party tonight. Alex's intentions are not right."
The words hung in the air, like a secret shared between us. I mustered the courage to speak, my voice wavering slightly. "How do you know?" I asked, my curiosity mingling with a sense of unease. He met my gaze briefly, his eyes locking onto mine before quickly diverting his attention downward. "I can... sense his intentions," he replied, his words leaving a mysterious echo in the air.
The distance between us seemed to blur, and suddenly he was so close that his presence enveloped me entirely. His whispered words and the aura surrounding him cast a spell that held me captive. Our proximity was overwhelming, and I could feel the heat radiating from his body. My breath caught in my throat, and I struggled to find the right words to respond.
"You shouldn't be around him," he murmured, his voice a mere whisper in the wind. His gaze met mine again, those captivating purple eyes seeming to hold secrets beyond my comprehension. A rush of words came to me, and I blurted out, "Your eyes... they're beautiful." The compliment hung in the air, my cheeks flushing at my own audacity.
In an instant, he pulled back, distancing himself from me with a swift, almost abrupt movement. His sudden retreat left me momentarily disoriented, as though a spell had been broken. He glanced at me once more, his purple eyes shimmering with an indiscernible emotion before he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, my heart racing and my thoughts in disarray.
Before I could fully grasp the encounter, I saw my mom's car approaching. With a mixture of reluctance and anticipation, I walked toward the car. As I was about to enter, I turned to steal one last glance. And there he was, his eyes locked onto mine, even in the daylight, his purple eyes seemed to shine with an otherworldly brilliance. With a heavy heart, I closed the car door, the memory of those enchanting eyes lingering long after the moment had passed.
Lost in the reverie of her thoughts, I was still grappling with the words the purple-eyed guy had spoken when my mom's voice brought me back to reality. "Are you okay? I asked you a question," she inquired, repeating her query about my first day. "Good," I replied, my voice a little distant. She pressed further, asking if I'd made any friends. I offered a vague response, diverting the conversation away from college.
As we reached home, Charlie was waiting for me with the babysitter, the sight of my little brother Charlie's smile melted away some of the uncertainty that lingered within me. I playfully pinched his cheeks, relishing in his innocence. Later, in the quiet of my room, I deliberated over the party invitation. I couldn't shake off the memory of the purple-eyed guy, nor the scent that clung to my hair, a constant reminder of his presence.
Thoughts of him consumed me as I lay on my bed, replaying our encounter over and over in my mind. There was an undeniable pull that drew me to him, an inexplicable attraction that left me torn. While my heart danced at the mere thought of him, guilt gnawed at my conscience. With a boyfriend already in the picture, I was struggling to reconcile my feelings.
In the midst of my internal debate, the idea of guilt served as a catalyst. It wasn't just his compelling allure but also the uncertainty that urged me forward. I couldn't merely accept his words without question. Without even knowing his name, how could I trust his caution? As the evening approached, I made up my mind to attend the party.
I adorned a beautiful blue dress, taking my mother's car and driving to the party location. The vibrant atmosphere greeted me with music and laughter, the energy palpable. Though nervous about the sea of unfamiliar faces, my heart held a secret hope of encountering the purple-eyed enigma once more. Alex welcomed me at the door with a warm hug, but a question from another guest about our relationship made me uneasy. Despite my reassurance, unease still crept within me.
In the midst of the crowd, my search for familiarity led me to a red-haired girl named Veronica, a fellow classmate. Her infectious humor eased my nerves, providing a welcome distraction. Yet, the pull towards the purple-eyed guy remained, like a thread connecting us across the room. I was oblivious to Alex watching me from a distance, observing my every move.
A strategic whisper to Ron, and Veronica was suddenly called away, a move that didn't escape my notice. It was evident that Alex orchestrated it, though his intentions were unclear. As the night progressed, he offered me a drink, and I politely declined. Alex insisted, urging me to embrace the spirit of the party. However, just as his persistence was growing, a voice emerged from the shadows, familiar and resonating. "She doesn't want it," the voice declared.
Turning towards the source, I squinted into the pitch-black hallway, my heart racing. The darkness seemed to obscure everything except those piercing, iridescent purple eyes. Emerging from the shadows, he confronted Alex with an intensity that seemed to ignite the air between them. An apology from Alex and the tension was momentarily diffused, but my heart thudded in my chest as he took my hand, guiding me out of the house.
The intensity of the night grew even more profound as he led me away, leaving behind the pulsating music and vibrant lights. Our steps seemed to echo in the silence, and the air was thick with unspoken words. As we walked, I stole glances at his face, those enigmatic eyes holding mysteries that I yearned to unravel. With every step, a newfound sense of exhilaration and trepidation intertwined, marking the beginning of an extraordinary connection that defied logic and reason.
As we moved away from the cacophony of the party, the night wrapped around us in a soothing embrace. The distant thumping beats of music and the laughter of the crowd faded into a distant hum. The obscurity of the woods nearby caught my attention, a realm of shadow and mystery. His fingers slipped from mine, and he turned his back, as if grappling with an unspoken dilemma.
"Why didn't you listen to me?" he asked, his voice holding a mixture of concern and something else I couldn't quite decipher. Caught in the maelstrom of my emotions, I struggled to find my voice. He repeated his question, his words echoing in the stillness. Taking a breath, I finally replied, my words colored with both curiosity and a hint of defiance. "Why should I listen to you? I don't even know your name," I challenged, my gaze searching his profile for any reaction. He seemed to deliberate for a moment, his reluctance to meet my eyes palpable. "Why are you avoiding looking at me?" I inquired, my voice tinged with uncertainty.
Turning towards me, he exposed eyes that held a storm of emotions, secrets I was desperate to unravel. "Because I couldn't control myself when I'm with you," he confessed, his words leaving a resounding echo in the night air. Stepping closer, I felt my heart race, an undercurrent of gratitude surging through me. "Thank you for what you did back there," I murmured, a sincere acknowledgment of his intervention that saved me from an uncomfortable situation.
His sudden pivot back into the shadows caught me off guard. "You shouldn't be here, not in this darkness. Go home," he urged, his words laced with an earnest concern that both confused and intrigued me. Yet, despite his warning, his presence was an intoxicating lure I found hard to resist. The breeze carried a scent that was uniquely his, stirring a heady mixture of emotions within me. As the intoxication grew, I felt my resolve waver.
"You have to stay away from me," he implored, his voice holding an intricate web of longing and restraint. I shifted my gaze from his eyes to his lips, an unspoken yearning passing between us. The space between us became charged with an unspoken understanding. We were poised on the edge of a precipice, our hearts and desires laid bare. His words lingered, hanging in the air like a fragile promise.
"Why?" My voice trembled, the question escaping my lips as a plea for understanding. Just as our lips were on the brink of meeting, he drew back, a chasm forming between us. His words, heavy with a conflict I could sense, dangled in the air. "Because I'm not right for you," he confessed, the weight of his turmoil heavy in the words he chose.
The intoxication, the yearning, remained even as he distanced himself. I took a step back, my mind and heart in disarray. Just as the gap grew between us, he crossed it again, his lips meeting mine in a gentle, sweet kiss. It was a moment suspended in time, a connection that transcended words. My eyes fluttered closed, and I surrendered to the sensation, the taste of the kiss imprinting itself on my senses.
When I finally opened my eyes, he was gone, leaving behind only the rustling leaves and a swirl of confusion. I stared into the dark expanse of the woods, the wind whispering of his sudden departure. He had vanished into the very obscurity that had captivated me earlier. The air held a trace of his essence, a memory of that ephemeral kiss and the promise it held. I stood there, a maelstrom of emotions swirling within me, a riddle waiting to be deciphered in the enigmatic tapestry of the night.