New Hope

i can't help the way my mind keeps sinking into depths where i feel nothing matters. i struggle a lot with my mood and thoughts these days, but i suppose everyone does. i'm more vocal about it, because i'm largely a "center of attention" type of woman.

or maybe not everyone feels that way, and i'm wrong.


The girl's cold hands absentmindedly toyed with the pendant around her neck. Sighing, she pushed long hair over her shoulder and leaned against the worn brick wall.

Where was he? He was late. He was always late, but would it have killed him to send a message?

Where ru??? 

She sent the text, but moments passed without a reply. She stared unflinchingly at the screen before moving onto other messages.

Still no reply.

"Hey."

A voice piped up from beside her. Of course it sounded male. She inwardly rolled her eyes; only men had the nerve to bother her all the time. Women never did.

"What?" she responded, rather rudely. She swung her gaze up to his face, mildly surprised by the pretty face before her. He looked young, couldn't have been more than sixteen. Her tone softened slightly. "Do you need something?"

"Are you Vanessa?" the boy asked. "I was asked to come find you."

"He sent someone to come and fetch me?" She couldn't help smiling to herself in amusement. This was new. "All right, then. Let's go."

The boy led her to an abandoned strip mall lined with various shops. He stopped in front of a storefront named "Noire Island Bakery". The choice of location amused her further.

Inside, three staff members wearing matching bandanas greeted her with nods and grunts. It was a small establishment, with only three tables.

She saw him sitting at the table closest to the window. He watched her as she entered and waved her over.