A Little Broken

CHAPTER-1

JULIET

I found myself being held in a tight hug, tears streaming from my eyes, soaking my pillow. Firm yet soft hands held onto me like my life depended on it. 

"Shh.. you'll be fine baby girl. You gotta be strong. I know you're hurting, but this will pass trust me"

The next thing I know is I'm passed out in my parents bedroom. Sunlight filtering in from the huge glass windows. My hand still caught in a tight grip as if I would just melt away into the distance. So it wasn't a nightmare. I had actually been to hell and back.

I look at my mothers face. Being so caught up in my own shit I didn't realise what I had done to her. She looked pale weak and years older than when I had last seen her. She stirs and smiles faintly at me hiding all the pain and humiliation she feels. The pain I gave her, even worse the public humiliation I caused her. She sits up

"Morning baby girl, wanna catch some breakfast?"

I can feel tears welling in my eyes. 

"I think I'm gonna pass. Besides I haven't slept for days." 

Seeing her walk into the kitchen is a blur as I'm dozing off to sleep. It's dark and cold outside... 

"Mom... mom. Where are you. Anybody. Please help me. I wanna go home. I'm not playing this game anymore. I need to get home." Panic seizes me. Its like I'm being smothered. I can't breathe. I'm sinking onto the cold ground, I'm gonna die and my family will never know where I am.

My eyes open, my mothers concerned face above mine... I'm drenched in sweat, tears rolling down my cheeks. 

"It was a nightmare sweetheart, you're safe. You're with us. It's okay. Try going back to sleep"

How I got here, in this situation is an even bigger mess.

* * *

CHAPTER-2

THE BEGINNING

Juliet Dimmesdale, a normal 16 year old.
Actually below normal... a geek in modern terminology. But if anyone had to look closer, she was beautiful, not only in mind but also in soul. But it's only the good who face trials. She faced hers.
Talk about the three mistakes of ones life.. it took her only one before her perfect solitary world came crashing down.
Her mistake was known by the name of Armen Percy. The Casanova of Springtown High. The heartthrob of all the girls and finally the reason for their heart breaks too. But Juliet she wasn't his type, she sure as hell wasn't anyone's type. Not the hot cleavage showing skimpily clad straight haired girl. She was the kind you would befriend cause she did your homework but never date.
Teachers pet. Lonely soul. A loser according to her cool classmates. Her life would seem a total mess to others but she was perfectly happy.

* * *

CHAPTER-3

ARMEN.

First day of the last year at high school. New chicks rolling in from the convent two blocks down. Perfect day of my life. So that girl has the perfect legs oooo... 

"Dayumm man, look at those legs" calls out my brat of a best friend right into my ears. 

"Seriously Roger, it's not worth my attention" I lie trying to sound cool. I guess she heard it cause she scowls at us as she walks past us.

"Hey Armen I'll just be back I got to ask Ms. Smarty Pants for my homework" he says pointing in the direction of a little girl walking down the hall. 

She is tall but little in her body structure, almost petite. Her skirt below her knees, hair combed tightly back in a low ponytail and a loose shirt. But I can literally visualise her tiny body under all those oversized clothes. Snap out of it.she's not even your type dude says the voice in my head.
She smiles, a set of even sparkling white teeth. The most angelic smile ever. Her lips soft and pink even without any gloss. She hands Roger some notes and I can not get my eyes off her as she hurries along the corridor. 

"Hey man, you lost" snaps Roger.

"Hey who's that geek man. I didn't know you do her type." I smirk wickedly to avoid suspicion.

" Shut up dude, she's a friend. Actually a friends friend. She's in our economics class. Science kid but switched to eco. Just helped her make friends in class so she returned the favour by doing my homework. Big deal." He winks. "And for your kind information we're late for football practice coach gonna kick your ass star player Armen Percy" he mocks.

She's in my eco class and I never once noticed her. But football... that made me forget her... temporarily off course.

  * * *

CHAPTER-4

JULIET

I can totally swear to God I saw Armen staring at me a while back. Maybe cause I look so weird. "Hey JD what up?" Tami's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. Tamira Shah, my best friend from India. She's the most popular girl in class... head cheerleader and all. Wonder why she even hangs out with me at all. I'm glad she doesn't judge me or make fun of me at least.
"Hey babe, just handed Roger his homework."
"Oh that reminds me," danced Tami, "after school we're going to Armens place for a partyyyyy. Hope you have something nice to wear"
What, a party! I never party. And a dress. Shit that's a problem.
Somehow Tami guessed what was playing on my mind, "I knew you wouldn't have a dress so I went ahead of myself and got you one." She buzzed feeling happy with herself. "So I'll pick you up after class we'll go to my place to get dressed and then head to Armens place. Cool?"
"Cool! See you after class Tami."
"Ciao babe"
So I'm going to Armens for a party. Shit.Armen... like Greek god Armen. I think I'm gonna be sick.

* * *

CHAPTER 5

ARMEN

   

 So football time is up and its time to head home and shower up before all those hot cheerleaders walk into my house. 

" Hey man, Rog, why don't you get your new geek friend over too." I just couldn't get her out of my mind. "I bet this moment could change her life for a moment at least"
   

 I stick my tongue out at him. I can see him almost go red in anger... 

"Hey what's your problem dawg, told ya she's just a friend. Don't you get it?" 

I could tell by the tone of his voice that now he was just pissed. "Chill mahn I'm kiddin"
    

 I wasn't I really wanted to see her, get to know her talk to her. I was going crazy... was it my hormones or was I in love... I was yet to find out.

* * *

Part II

ARMEN MEETS JULIET

CHAPTER-6

ARMEN

    

 I pick up my truck from the parking lot and as I'm exiting who do I see... Tamira... Tamira was from India... I don't mean to be racist but yeah she was an exquisite oriental beauty. Enchanting just like the east. Jet black hair tied up in a high ponytail. Her cheerleader outfit and her full form made her stand apart from the crowd.
      

She had me mesmerised. Today it wasn't her charm however that drew me to her... but her companion.. she had my full attention. It was none other than... man I don't even know her name.

"Hey Armen" she smiled.

"Hey babe, will I be seeing you at the party?"

"Why state the obvious. Hey listen this is Juliet. She's not on the squad but she's my bestie... hope you don't mind me bringing her along?"

"Not at All Tami."

Hmmm... Juliet... just like Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Damn it what's wrong with me. 

"Hey J. Juliet is too long a name"

"Friends call me JD. So J is just fine" she smiled.

She's got that sweet voice of an angel. I got gooseflesh when I heard her speak. Her warm smile made my stomach flutter with anticipation. She's totally getting under my skin. I can't wait to see her at the party.

I got to look my best today. I want her to see me in my full glory... but first I need to get away from here.

"Hey.. umm.. Tami I'll catch up with you guys later. Got to get the last minute preparations in order"

Tami kisses me... I can see Juliet look away. An act that always made my knees go weak had no effect on me today. Everything was a blur the only thing in focus was JULIET.

* * *

CHAPTER-7

JULIET

Tami introduced me to Armen. He's as charming up close as he is from a distance. Strange I didn't know Tami was dating Armen. She never once mentioned it. 

"Hey Tami how long have you two been dating"

"Almost a year" she replies non enthusiastically.

Tami has her back to me, she's busy getting her makeup kit and hair straightener ready. 

"OK JD I'll finish your makeover first... you ready?"

I hesitated. I've never used makeup before.

It took what seemed like an hour for Tami to get done with me. She turned me around in my chair to face the mirror. It wasn't me who looked back at me. I seemed different. I seemed new. My deep cut dress enhanced my not so large bosom. The dress hugged my body enhancing the curves of my sleek dancer like body.

Yeah I'm not the geek people think I am. I dance and sing and do both pretty well for one who hasn't had any formal training. I had discarded my huge spectacles and had lenses in their stead. So I dreaded looking all dolled up but what I saw pleased me a lot. It was a very light eye shadow and some mascarra and a nude shade of lipstick. I can't believe it but I actually looked quite a sight.
I couldn't wait to see Armen's face when he saw me like this.

* * *

PART III

THE PARTY

CHAPTER 8

ARMEN

I don't know what to wear. Will she like me in formals or casuals. If formals will it be a tux or a normal suit. God dammit its not a date. I think I'll settle for a casual shirt and a pair of jeans. I take a quick shower and I'm in my room getting dressed. Oh damn this shirt is so crumpled. I'm in my jeans ironing my shirt when I hear:

"Purrrrrrrfect..." I turn to see Tami standing in the hallway looking at me as if I were a lick lolly and she a Fatboy waiting to devour me.

"Hey babe, damn you look stunning."

"Back atcha lover boy." She cooes with a fake flutter of her eyes.

My eyes move past her... Juliet isn't here. My heart sinks a little. 

Without realizing what I say next I say to Tami "Hey Tami do you mind going out for a moment I need to get ready."

I blurt these words as if I wasn't standing in front of her shirtless for the past 10 minutes.
Her mouth drops and then she opens it to say something but I shut the door before she can utter the words.

"Where's your mojo man?" I'm scolding myself. "Juliet what have you done to me woman... you're not even my type."

I breath deeply. Prance like a boxer. Throwing blows at an imaginary foe. "OK bring it on ladies." I say in the sexiest huskiest voice possible.

* * *

CHAPTER-9

JULIET

"That bastard!" I hear someone curse almost into my ear.

"Woah God dammit Tami! What's the matter hotshot?" I ask concerned.

"Armen."

That name just sent a stray flutter to my heart. What is the matter with me. I'm definitely not falling in love with him. I mean I hardly know him right. Plus he's dating my best friend.

"Calm down Tami, what did the poor chap do now. I'm sure as long as you didn't find him shirtless on top of another girl you guys should be cool." I stifle a giggle.

She looks at my face red from not laughing and almost instantly we're hugging each other for fear of falling off our chairs giggling.
That's when I catch sight of him. Its pretty dark in the dimly lit room, yet I can make out that tall muscular body drift gracefully across the hall. I make a dash for the bar but before I know it I trip over a drunk couple making out on the floor. I was sure to have broken a couple of teeth had it not been for a strong arm gripping my tiny body.
Instead of the cold floor I felt a warm, rock hard muscular body against mine. I straighten out awkwardly... without looking up at my rescuer I mutter a quick thank you and head to the bar.

* * *

CHAPTER 10

CALEB

So this is how girls say thank you by running away. I'm still looking at her sitting on the barstool. She hasn't ordered anything. She's embarrassed or disturbed... I guess its both. So I decide to walk up to her.

"One soda please" I say to the bartender.

She hardly notices me. I can tell by the look on her face she's not used to these parties. Just like me she doesn't like noice and dirty dancing.

Then almost suddenly she says "one neat vodka please."

I look at her over my coke. I don't drink. Absolutely repulsed by the idea of drinking. She swallows it in one go... and by the way she chokes on it I know its the first time she's done it.

"Hi I'm Caleb" I say.

She looks at me funny. "Caleb... Caleb Winchester... from across the street."

Oh my God, this girl is Juliet.
" Juliet Dimmesdale..?"

"Hi," she looked away, "ummm... ignore the little drinking antic back there."

"OK as you say" I tipped my glass at her and turned my gaze to the dance floor.

She sat quietly in her stool. Then turned to face the dance floor as well.
She was looking at something and not looking at anything at the same time.
Wow she looks absolutely stunning. Her hazel eyes shining in the dimly lit room. Her hair, the way it fell half way down her bosom. The way her chest heaved each time she breathed in.

I cleared my throat. She started. "I'll take your leave."

"You're not staying?" It seemed like more of a request that I should keep he company. "OK cool, catch ya later, hopefully." She corrected.

"Later . Hopefully." I winked and made my way out of that noisy party.

* * *

CHAPTER 11

JULIET

WOW! Caleb is really grown into a handsome lad. I remember him as the kid in the neighborhood who would bully me all the time, that tiny bit of a crush that I had on him brought back fond memories of my childhood. I was so immersed in reminiscing that I didn't notice Armen and Tami walk up to the bar. They were sweaty and thirsty from all the dancing.

"JD?" I heard a someone ask.
I knew the voice so well. I reluctantly swirled in my barstool to face him, Armen.

"Hi" I said trying to sound cool.

"When you did get here. So good to see you."

"I've been here all this while, since the time you've been dancing on the floor with Tami." Oh my god was that the jealous tone that just escaped my mouth. "I'm sorry I got to run. Please tell Tami I've left. Bye."

I stumbled into the street, glad to be away from the hot and sultry room. Hot partly because of the large number of people cramped into the room and partly because of the blood that rose to my cheeks with Armen standing inches away from me. I slowly sauntered down the road. There was a light drizzle. I let it wash down all the makeup Tami had applied. My hair was back to its curly self. Drops of water curled up at the end of my hair strands.  I was in no hurry to get back to my room. Suddenly a car stopped next to me. I hadn't noticed it following. Someone swung open the passenger seat door. I was ready to attack my assailant but who do I see grinning at me... Armen.

"After you left I realised it was raining. Tami is too drunk to drop you home. Jump in I'll escort you home."

"No thank you, I love the rain. I'll walk home." I thought this would be enough for him to leave me alone.

I don't know if I should be excited or dismal but Armen jumped out of his truck banged the door shut and said "I hope then you don't mind me walking you home."

I shrugged, a gesture he took as approval for his request.

* * *

CHAPTER 12

ARMEN

She looks even more pretty. With all the makeup gone, her beautiful curls... She's not like the  cheerleaders I've dated in all my 'Casanova' career. I'm way out of her league, but I'll drop my standards for her. I wonder what she's thinking.

"Hey so, I didn't know you Tamaira were friends."

"Best friends." she corrects me, "Yeah, girls like me don't get noticed by boys like you. You're a league above all of us"

"Haha," I laugh, "Geek and funny."

She turns sharply, I guess she didn't like my joke.

"What do you want Armen, You're the last person to bother about someone like me getting drenched in the rain, especially with all that awesome-ness..." she said making imaginary quotation marks with her fingers, "...going on at your place."

Woah, the bitch! So much attitude. No one speaks to me like this.

I was furious by the way she spoke to me. "Calm down, What the Fuck is wrong with you."

"I'm sorry." she looked away , turned and began to walk away from me.

I jog upto her, getting hold of her wrist I spin her around. She is facing me, flushed and embarrassed. The rain drops dripping off her curls and rolling down her neck all the way down to her bosom. My eyes follow the water droplets. She looks at me and purses her lips. I can't take it anymore and before she knows it I have my lips against hers. Kissing her furiously in the rain.

* * *

CHAPTER 13

JULIET

Oh my good god did I just scream at Armen. Shit I should apologise. 

"I'm sorry."

Before I know it I'm in his embrace and he's kissing me. Slowly he moves his hands to my bosom caressing, that's when I realise what's actually happening.

"Stop," I pull back "This is not right, you're Tami's boyfriend." 

I say this though I don't want him to leave. But much to my disappointment he turns and moves towards his truck. Backing it up he speeds off and I watch him go. My knees are trembling and the minute he is out of sight I collapse. I sit there long enough to get a grip over myself and my palpitating heart.

The drizzle has stopped, I get up and walk home. It's 3 a.m when I reach. Opening out the hot water in my tub I slowly slip out of my wet dress and leave it in a wet bundle on the floor. I immerse myself in the water slowly sipping the wine. The warm water reminds me of the heat emanating from Armen's embrace. That and my sore lips the only reminder of what had surpassed between us that night.

Wrapped in a towel I move to my dressing table. Brushing out my bangs, de-tangling them I go over the incidents of the night. I try to drown my thoughts by turning up the radio. My favourite song is on "thinking out loud". I sway slowly to the tune and end up dancing furiously. That's all I remember before I'm woken up by a loud banging on my door.

* * *

PART IV

THE BIG BREAK

ARMEN

I need to see Juliet. I just can't get her out of my mind. It's 3 a.m. I don't even know where she lives. Wait Tami will know, but she's so drunk I don't think she'll remember her own name right now. The yearbook will have her postal address. I was right, it was there. She stays a few blocks from mine

To be continued.
P.s suggestions are welcome

Dare to Dream

"Jabse tumne pyar ko samjha hai, pyar ko jana hai ... sirf us hi se pyar kiya hai

(Ever since you have understood love, known love ... you've only loved him)

The rain poured steadily outside. She had seen this movie umpteen number of times, yet she never missed any chance to re-watch it. The new year had brought forward with it new problems. She craved a fresh beginning. The rain drops painted pictures on the large glass window. She frosted the glass with her breath and drew hearts and stars in it. 

"Sometimes I think of what life was like before it got complicated?" she thought to herself.

Her dreams were larger than life. She had mapped out her whole life when she was just seven. She wanted to go to Oxford. She wanted to make it big in life. She had just begun to realise her dreams and then one day it all came to a halt.

"I don't think she has much time" he said.

She was struggling with her studies and friends. Staying in the hostel isn't easy, careless as she was it made it even more difficult. With the severe winters and the approaching exam she thought the stress gave her a mild breathing problem. 

"It's nothing much."  she thought, "It'll be fine by tomorrow."

However, it wasn't going to get fine ever, something she hadn't thought was possible. Her life had just begun. She had just taken the first tiny step towards her dream. She wrote her exams and headed home. A trip she would never forget. She got off the train and took in a breath of the fresh chilly mountain air. Her chest hurt a little.

"It's cold and I must have slept awkwardly." she dismissed.

Picking up her baggage and her guitar she climbed the flight of stairs leading to the footover bridge. Exiting the Railway Station she hailed an auto. After bargaining and still settling for thrice the actual amount she got in and headed home.

"Madam ji, Thand hai. Flap khol de kya. (It is cold. Should I unfurl the protective sheet)" asked the auto driver.

"Nahi daar ji, Iss thandi hawa mein hi toh saara maza hai. (No sardaar ji. It is this cool breeze that renders this morning so beautiful)" she dismissed.

The cold breeze hit her face, bringing tears to her eyes. Her skin had turned pale with the cold. Her hair kissed her face, occasionally it caressed her cheek. The pain in her chest grew, yet the cold outside numbed her. Her house was fifteen minutes from the station.

"I'm Home. Open the door mamma. Look your super crazy,super talented daughter is here," she screamed loud enough to wake up the whole colony.

The door opened. It was too early for anyone to have woken up. Her mother still in her night clothes welcomed her with tears of joy.

"Sit Naina, I'll get you some warm  sweat tea."

"NO mamma, You know I don't eat anything till after I shower and I haven't even brushed yet."

"The geyser is on. Go shower up."

"and you mamma dearest get back to bed, I'll sleep for a few hours more."

She turned on the shower. Letting the warm streams of water run down her hair and body. The water mingled with her tears. The pain was excruciating.  She didn't want to work her  mother up and hence told her nothing about it. She got out of the shower and went straight to bed.

It wasn't till later that afternoon that she realised she was pretty messed up. She had just woken up and walked out to sit in the warm lazy  mid day sun when she realised she was getting a blackout. She often got these and thought they were because of some sort of weakness. It generally lasted a  few seconds. But not this time,she felt dizzy and light on her feet. It was like she was sinking in sand. Naina called out to her mother.

"I feel dizzy maa. Hold me."

"Naina. Naina? What happened?

"Just a Blackout, It'll pass."

"Can you walk a little, Let's go inside. Lie down."

"Hmm..."

She had barely taken two steps than she sank to the ground. She had passed out. Her mother tried in vain to restore her for a good 5 minutes before rushing her to the nearest hospital, where she regained consciousness after a full thirty minutes.

"Doctor, what is the matter with my daughter."

"Has she ever had any such incidents before, fainting? dizziness? blackouts?"

"She would blackout often but we thought it was because of a low hemoglobin."

"No. She has a rare heart condition. I don't think she has much time. A few years maximum. I'm Sorry."

*-*-*

She sulked, angry with god, angry at her destiny.

"He only tries me all the time. All the sorrow of the world is in my share only. I cant experience even a single moment of happiness."

She went for her regular weekly check up to the hospital. On her second trip she met a girl of seven. She was dressed like a little bull fighter from Mexico, high boots, a scarf around her head and a round hat. She came and sat next to her with her parents waiting to be called in to meet the doctor.

"Hi, I'm Sneha."

Neha was perturbed, she was way to upset to be abruptly addressed by a random person that too in the hospital. But the cheerful voice and innocent smile forced her into replying.

"Hi, I'm Naina."

"Are you unwell too?"

"Yes." Naina looked away

  The conversation ended abruptly. Naina glanced at the mother, her eyes were bloodshot and there was a swelling under them.

"Don't worry,she'll get better." said Naina though she didn't believe a single word she said.

The mother of the child just smiled. Sneha's name was called and they went into the cabinet. Naina saw Sneha exit and walk upto her.

"Where are your parents Sneha?"

"Doctor Uncle wanted to talk to them. Which class are you in?"

Naina giggled, "I'm in college. I'll start working soon."

"You know I want to be a scientist and I pray to god everyday to make me one."

"Wow. All the best with that Sneha."

"Thank you.", she said playing with her doll's hair, "God already heard my prayer."

Naina was a little confused now, "Did he?"

"Yes I wanted to go to space and mummy says I don't need to wait till I grow up to go to space. God will call me soon, when I'm ready. I've already packed my clothes and dolls  to take with me."

* * *

The hearts and stars she drew, slowly faded out. The stars reminded her of Sneha. Sneha was dying but Naina she was already dead. Her dreams, her fighting spirit, her soul were dead.

"hum ek bar jeetey hai, ek bar martey hai aur pyaar wo bhi ek hi bar hota hai..."

"(We get life once, we die  only once, and Love also happens once in a lifetime)"

"What Nonsense, Rahul fell in love twice. Then how can he say we fall in love only once?" protested Naina.

Ever since she knew what love is, her only love had been her writing. A pretty face attracts many followers. It was true in her case. Many boys liked her, and many left her hurt and hateful.  She never could trust anyone completely for she knew she would always be misunderstood. And now with  every passing breath she was moving closer to her end. Destiny had taken away from her the one thing she truly loved... Her Writing.

It was the first rain of the season and she was reminded of her younger days when no amount of scolding could keep her indoors. She would get drenched to the core in such torrential rains. Her courtyard outside had ankle deep water. An unknown force drew her to the courtyard, she stepped out slowly. The water was ice cold, perhaps it was snowing in the hills. The cold  drops of water stung her face,  they hit her chest right where it hurt. The rain drops soothed her pain. She felt the burden lift off her shoulders. Just like the clouds had shed their water, her pain was shed too. The sky was lit brightly and there was a rainbow right over her. Like an epiphany, she suddenly smiled. She took out her scooty and drove to the hospital, Sneha would be there.

She had just entered the hospital when she saw Sneha's mother. 

"Hello Aunty, is Sneha in the room? How is she?

Naina had heard that chemotherapy was a painful proceedure, but Sneha was a brave child. She endured the pain and always came out smiling. Naina often wondered how could a childof such tender age be so mature in her outlook. Naina had got Sneha a doll, her favourite doll from her childhood collection. She wanted Sneha to have it.

"Yes Naina, She is in her room. She is rested."

Naina did not quite understand. She went into Sneha's room. The little angel was lying there her eyes lightly shut, an angelic smile on her face.

"She is not with us any longer Naina." her mother was standing in the door tears in her eyes. "Her suffering here has come to an end. She is in a much better place."

Naina was too stunned to say anything.

"You know Naina right before she breath her last she said to me, mamma, Naina didi will come, she's very sad because she and god had a fight. When she comes I want you to give her this..." said Sneha's mother handing her a picture.

It was a drawing, a drawing made in a very shaky hand. Sneha must have been in a lot of pain when she drew it. It was a drawing of a night sky, it had stars and planets and a moon. On that moon was a girl "Naina didi" and below it all were three words

"DARE TO DREAM"

The forlorn journey

I walked along a winding path,
A path forested and forlorn,
Occasionally I heard the call,
Of some prowling night animal,

I walked until I came across,
A gay troop merry and drunk,
Drunk not on the wine from fruit,
But on the wine of life.

They warmly invited me,
To sit and dine with them,
Danced and sang all night long,
And finally dropped to sleep.

I thought I needn't travel alone,
But Stirring from my sleep,
I found my jolly company,
Had also forsaken me.

Standing up, I dusted myself,
And made this mighty clear,
Alone I came, alone I'd travel,
Atleast in my life here!

THE GOLDSMITH

THE GOLDSMITH

PART 1

5.30 a.m, the smell of fresh earth surrounded her. It had been a stormy night but she slept through it like a baby. Not once did she stir. Now as she lay there on her bed, the only light emanating from her Tablet, reading the messages with one eye open. She knew what was coming next. Expected yet unexpected. She seemed calm on the outside. She said not a single word nor shed a single tear. Just read the alphabets on the screen put it aside and turned to her side. Yet inside her the wind billowed sweeping away with it everything that came in its path.

   Jamie's life was never an easy one. It was always a stormy sea, but she always sailed through the raging waters. For the first time in her life she felt the fear of being shipwrecked. The fear of being isolated from the only reality she knew... Mikhael. Jamie had met Mikhael at one of those charity balls that happened every year before Christmas. A ball where she was hired to sing, while the guests danced. She had heard the manager give instructions to his crew to take special care of a certain Mikhael Smith. All she heard for the rest of the evening were the praises of Mr. Smith, most of which came from the tongues of the womenfolk in the hall.
    Mr. Smith was apparently a man who was the sole heir to a large fortune and each bachelorette wanted him for herself. He was a celebrity even before he entered. When he finally did enter and Jamie set eyes on him her heart felt jolts of sparks. He was the handsomest man she had ever laid eyes on. Brown eyes, curly hair and a wheatish complexion. He was an American citizen but definitely not of an American origin. Women fluttered around him like  butterflies but he either seemed to busy to notice or honestly didn't care.
       Everyone waited for him to come to the dance floor but he didn't. He just sat sipping his soda (for he didn't drink alcohol) and watched with a keen eye the lady singing on stage. Jamie's shift for the night ended and her replacement was ready to hog the limelight. Jamie walked down to the back of the hall where she kept her regular attire. She had to get out of the dress that belonged to the club at which she worked, but the zip wouldn't budge. In her struggle she hadn't heard someone walk up to her. A large hand yanked the zip half way and stopped.  Jamie jumped out of fear and anger to face the miscreant. But what she saw made her stumble and she had to be steadied by those large, warm hands.
  "I.... I'm sorry..."
   He chuckled, the deep throaty voice, "Actually I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you."
    "It's ok. Please don't apologise."
     He chuckled again closing the distance between the two. He bent forward so that she felt his breath on her bare shoulders, "I just came to compliment you. You sing beautifully." He grazed his hand ever so lightly on her collar bone.
Jamie held her breath, her eyelids tightly shut. She heard him chuckle again and when she opened her eyes he was gone.
    "Was this a figment of my imagination. Whatever that was it was creepy."
    She changed into her jeans and t-shirt and made a dash to the bus stop. The clouds loomed in the sky threateningly. Call it her bad luck or call it fate she had missed the last bus on that route. She decided to walk to a friends house as there was no way she male it to her apartment (an hours drive by the bus) and she didn't earn enough to afford a cab. She had barely walked twenty steps than the downpour began. Jamie made a dash for a shed across the road but as she did a car screeched to a halt a few millimetres away from her. The chauffeur jumped out immediately and began hurling curses at her.
    "I'm really sorry. I know it's my fault...."
    "You really love apologising don't you."
    Jamie turned to face Mikhael. She didn't know what to say. But she didn't need to.
    "Allow me drop you home."
    "I...." she hesitated.
    "Get in, it's raining pretty heavy. "
    She obeyed his command as if by magic.
    Her white t-shirt now dripping with rain water and transparent clung to her body.
    She was cold and awkward. Not a person who could comfortably engage in small talk
    "Where do you want to go?" He asked.
    "I don't know."
    " Para la mansión" he barked at the driver who suddenly swerved the car into an alley and back to a wider and apparently richer neighbourhood.
    He came to a halt outside a huge mansion in an affluent uptown locality. The car drove into an underground parking. Mikhael jumped out of his seat and went around to where Jamie sat. He opened the door and with a firm grip on her arm pulled her out and dragged her to the elevator. She was pale her lips blue with the cold and she was shivering. Her legs couldn't carry her anymore and she sank to the floor. Mikhael effortlessly swooped her into his arms and took her to the room on the second floor. He laid her down on the couch while he started up a fire in the fireplace.
    Jamie needed to get out of her wet clothes, he patted her cheeks in an attempt to revive her. She didn't budge he knew what he had to do next. He lifted her shirt up and over her head making no effort whatsoever to look away. He did the same with her jeans. Laying them near the fire to dry. He lifted her holding her close to himself and lay her on the bed. She was cold and shivering. He covered her with a soft blanket that lay at the foot of the bed, and made his way to the bathroom.
    He turned on the hot water faucet and stood under the shower.              "She's so beautiful." He thought to himself."
    If it was any other woman I wouldn't have held back, but something about her makes me yearn for her not physically. It seems like my soul beckons to be united with hers. Darn it what spiritual nonsense am I rambling."
    He turned off the shower, slipped into his boxer and walked into the room. Slipping inside the blanket besides Jamie. Just then she stirred and unconsciously moved closer to Mikhael. Her palm on his chest. Mikhael couldn't hold back anymore. He moved in and kissed her. His hands in her hair and on her back. He crushed her to himself. There was no space on her body that he left unexplored.
                                          *-*-*

PART 2

   Jamie awoke the next morning.  It was still dark outside the pitter patter of the rain still occasionally heard. She wasn't in her own apartment. She stirred and saw her clothes near the fireplace.  The events of the previous night came flashing before her eyes. A sense of fear crept in. She checked her tab for the time and saw she had one new message. She opened it.
"Hey Jamie, it's me Mikhael. I'm sorry about whatever happened last night. I had an important meeting had to leave for California. I shall be back soon. Take care. M.S." 
She knew what was coming next. Expected yet unexpected. She seemed calm on the outside. She said not a single word nor shed a single tear. Just read the alphabets on the screen put it aside and turned to her side. Yet inside her the wind billowed sweeping away with it everything that came in its path.
Jamie hurried out of bed. Her body still ached with whatever had transpired. She had to get away from him. Leave and go where? Anywhere he couldn't find her. He won't even remember, why do I need to run? Is it him, or am I scared of myself. Her phone rang. It was him.
"Hello..." it was his voice.
Just then there was a sound of car tyres screeching and a loud bang after which the phone went dead.

                                     
    "Jamie... Jamie? ... Jamie!..."

    The driver jumped out of the car, "You stupid female, can't you look where you're walking?"
    The woman lay there unresponsive.
    "Oh my f***ing god, don't die on me. C'mon lady get up!"
    Still nothing.
    The driver carefully scooped her off the road and put the bleeding woman in the backseat of his car. He started his engine and zipped past the slow moving vehicles leaving he dust billowing behind his car, making a stray dress or two fly up to reveal a few underclothes. However he was too preoccupied saving the lady he almost killed to even notice such otherwise pleasurable moments.
    "Please I need some help here!"
    Almost in a jiffy a team of doctors had the woman on a stretcher and were rushing her to the emergency room, while one of the staff members had the police come over.
   "It was an accident.... She walked right onto the busy street.... It wasn't my fault! No I can't wait till she regains consciousness. Today is the final hearing of my divorce in the courthouse and I'm already late..."
    He tried everything possible but they weren't letting him loose that easy.
    "How do you know Ms. Jamie?"
    "Jamie?" He laughed, a self mocking laugh, "What a white trash name. "

   

                                                             *-*-*

PART 3