Chapter 1
Chapter 1:
I never thought much about the definition of a normal life. Now sitting hear on the floor of this room watching the scene unfold before I can't help but recall the events that lead me to this point.
'This is an amazing chapter Clara.' my friend Rudy says as he hands the pages back to me. We are sitting in a small coffee shop not far from my house grabbing a quick breakfast.
"Really? You didn't think that it was to emotional of a chapter? I mean she looses her mother and her love interest in one chapter"I respond sipping my coffee.
"Well technically her love interest doesn't die though..." Rudy comments before diving into his breakfast.
"I am aware of that Rudy I did write it remember." I responded still uncertain about how I felt about latest chapter.
"Look you asked me for my honest opinion and I gave it; if you still don't like it than just change it" Rudy said matter of factly.
"I just don't know Rudy, I wrote it last night when I had too many glasses of wine and feelings about my past started bubbling up so I just started writing as a way to deal with my emotions." I stared at the table the whole time I spoke.
"Clara... " Rudy started but stopped short at my name unsure of what to say.
"Anyway I think I will rewrite it tonight as see if a different version will fit the story better." I said sipping my coffee.
"It happens in real life you know." Rudy pointed out.
"What happens in real life?" I asked.
"Experiencing great loss." Rudy explained.
"The story doesn't have to be that real though." I said.
"People like a element of real Clara, thats what draws the readers in; if they feel they can somehow relate to a situation or a charector it gives them more reason to keep coming back chapter after chapter."
"Sometimes books let you escape from reality like in the case of fantasy genre books." I pointed out.
"Yes it's true not everyone reads for the same reasons." Rudy agreed.
"How's Savanna by the way?" I asked as a comfortable silence fell between us.
"She is good I guess, we haven't seen each other in a while..." Rudy trailed off.
"You dumbed her didn't you?" I asked already knowing the answer.
"It just wasn't working." Rudy said.
"You are an idiot you that, she was crazy about you not to mention smart and sexy so I'm going to need a better reason than that." I replied.
"It was boring, I want the person who I choose to spend all my time with to excite me not make me feel like I am settling. " Rudy said, I couldn't quite place the look on his face while he spoke.
"Well than I hope you find that excitement with someone who will appreciate how amazing you are."
"You think I'm amazing?" Rudy asked but there was a double meaning to his question that I didn't really understand.
"Of course I do, you know I think the world of you which is why you deserve someone who treat you with only love and you can do the same." I replied honestly.
Rudy Daniels and I have been friends for many years. We met on the first day of high school in a writing class and have never parted ways. Rudy works at the news station 'Silver Swan' in town as a investigative journalist. He is about 5:11 in height with short chopped brown hair and blue eyes. He is smart and funny not to mention a rather handsome man. Many people have asked me why we never dated seeing as we spend all our time together. Most honest is I do feel as if we went down that road we would loose what we have now.
"Are you listening to me?" Rudy's suddenly broke through my thoughts bringing me back to the conversation.
"What? No sorry I was lost in my thoughts again I'm sorry." I replied honestly feeling guilty for completely ignoring what Rudy had been saying for the last few minutes.
"I was saying that you should trust your gut on your chapter if it doesn't feel right than rewrite it and I will proof read it for you." Rudy replied patient as always.
"You know I really dont know what I did to deserve such an amazing friend as you ." I smiled warmly at my best friend knowing that I would be completely lost without him in my life.
"I know I'm amazing." Rudy replied winking at me.
____
"Something is wrong." I said for what felt like the 100th time reading over my chapter again. I had read it over and over again trying to understand what could possibly be bothering me so much about the chapter that I couldn't added to my story.
"You are being ridiculous." Said to myself for the 2nd time. When I looked up I realised that my anchor wall clock read 9. Deciding that I had tortured myself enough for one night, I went over to the kettle to make myself a cup of tea before I go to bed.
I had just taken my teacup out of the cupboard when my phone started ringing. Strolling over to my phone I cursed as read the caller ID. Taking a deep breathe I answered the call.
"Good evening Minerva." I said polightly. Minerva Smith, definitely earned that name, is my publisher who has asking me for my complete book a week now.
"Clara, I do apologise for the late phone call but I needed to speak to you immediately." Her voice sounds distant as if she has been drinking.
"Are you alright?" I asked slightly worried.
"Yes I'm fine; I am calling to hear about the progress of your book because I have been given the opportunity to work with another auther who has just completed their 2nd novel." Minerva spoke very quickly, her words slurring a little.
"Another auther?" I replied confused by what I was hearing.
" Yes and result if I have not recieved your completed manuscript by the end of the week, I will have to push publication for a year."
"What? A year? Minerva I know I have been taking a while to get you the book but this is really important to me, I have given up alot to write and publish this book so please dont give up on me." I replied.
"My dear I can only give you two weeks after that you will have to wait I am sorry Clara I hope to read your story before the end of your deadline." And with that the line went dead.
I wasn't sure how long I stood in my kitchen going over and over the conversation that I had just had with Minerva.
I have been given a deadline of 14 days in which to finish my book.
"That's not possible." I said out load. It had taken me weeks to where I was and I still only had 14 chapters.
Deciding that I would write all night if I had to but I would fix chapter 15.
When I looked up from my writing again it was well passed 2 in the morning.
With a sigh I give up on writing for the evening. As i make myself a cup of tea before I go to bed, I realised that today was indeed my birthday.
Slowly I make my way toward the fridge and take out the birthday cupcake Rudy bought for me earlier.
With my cup of tea made and a single birthday candle in my cupcake I make my way to my couch.
Places the cupcake infront of me I closed my eyes and said "I wish that I knew how to finish my story." And I blew out my candle.
After a few minutes I laugh at myself for thinking that I could wish for an answer to all my problems.
As I climbed into bed that night and turn off the light, I fell asleep with the hope that tomorrow will bring me some clarity.
Slowly I start drifting off as my thoughts drifted back to my book and my deadline.
In my dream I walking down a long dimly light corridor. The moonlight creating shadows on the stone floor as I walk. As I walk passed a mirror and my eye caught sight of my reflection and I frozen on the spot. The face in the mirror was not mine but yet felt so familiar. The person in the mirror had long soft curls that framed her face. She had red lipstick on and her eyes were a striking colour unlike I had ever seen before. It was as if an artist couldn't decide on what colour to use for the person's likeness so they mixed green and blue to create a new shade I wasn't familiar with.
I slowly lifted my left had and gasped in surprise when the woman in the mirror did the same.
"Just stay calm, this all just a dream and any minute you'll wake in your bed and this all be a memory." I say to myself as I slowly start stepping away from the mirror.
"There you are I have been looking everywhere for you." A female voice from the other side of the hall. As the shadowy figure approached me I found myself holding my breath until the figure stepped into the light. The woman wore an evening gown the stretched to the floor. The green dress sparked in the light of moon shining through the windows as she approached me. A beautiful warm smile was painted on her face.
"I'm sorry, you were looking for me?" I asked in confusion certain that I did not know this woman.
"Yes, now come along your brother is about to make his big announcement and we can't miss it." The woman said walking towards the other end of the room grabbing my hand and pulling me along with her.
"Wait I don't understand what is..." My sentence trailed off as she pulled me into a massive room filled with dozens of beautiful woman being spun around by their beautiful dates.
"Come a drink will make you feel better. " The woman said handing a glass of assumibly red wine from a passing waiter.
"I dont understand what is going on." I said instinctively taking the glass. There was too much happening that I didn't understand.
"Ladies and gentlemen could I please have your attention for a moment. As some of you have guessed already but I wish to confirm these rumours; my dear sister has returned home after being gone for so long." A man with friendly features spoke on the stage, he seemed to demand the rooms attention as we spoke.
Many people in the room suddenly turned to me and whispered among themselves.
"Please help me in welcoming home my sister, Miss Everheart." The man on the stage made direct eye-contact with me, smiled and than the whole room seemed to erupt in applouse. Everyone turned to greet me at once.
"Welcome home, Miss Everheart." A couple of strangers said to me.
At this point the room started spinning so much that I had to force myself to keep breathing in an attempt to not faint. I smiled politely at the people who had greeted me.
"Told you that everyone would be glad to have you home." The man from the stage said appearing by my side.
"What?" I said startled by his sudden appearance.
"You look a little pale are you feeling alright?" The man asked concern painted all over his face.
Panicng and feeling the urge to vomit suddenly I looked for a way out the room.
"Yes I am fine thank you Ummm brother I just need some air, I'll be right back." I said before all just flying out the room.
I ran from room desperately searching for an exit. As I rounded a corner I literally ran into someone.
"I'm so sorry I didn't see you." I Said lifting my eyes to the man standing above me.
"It's not a problem, allow me to help you up." The man said as stretched out his hand to me and helped me to my feet.
"Thank you for the help, maybe you can tell me how to get outside." I said still feeling dizzy.
"You are looking very pale, I'll show you to the courtyard, it's much closer." The man offered.
"That would be wonderful thank you." I replied and followed him as he lead the way to the courtyard.
"I don't personally blame you for feeling overwhelmed by all the attention you are receiving upon returning home."
"What? Oh yes it's very overwhelming indeed." I replied.
"Everyone will loose interest in you soon enough, here we are." The mystery man said leading into the courtyard.
It was like something out of a movie.
The courtyard was laid with beautiful pebbles all placed in beautiful circles and geometric shapes. There tall fruits trees grown all around the courtyard. Best word to describe it was magical.
"Thank you, I didn't get your name?" I said turning to my helper.
"It's Martin Strange." The stranger said introducing himself politely.
"Haha that's funny." I replied smiling at the name.
"Padron me? What is so funny?" The man from the stage said appearing suddenly.
"Your sister seemed faint and asked me to show her the courtyard so she could get some air, Lord Hill." Martin said turning his attention away from me
"I believe she doesn't need you to keep her company though Martin, you may return to the party now." A clear level of dislike was obvious as he spoke.
"Alright I don't know what is going on here but I would like to go home now, so please tell me where I am." I said hands on my hips, finally having had enough of this crazy dream and wanting to wake up in my bed.
"You are home dear sister." The man referred to as Lord Hill said.
"No I'm not... Please just tell me where I am and who you are?" I said as my dizziness that had momenteraly disappeared came back.
"Sister you are home, would like me to show to your room so you may rest ?" Master Hill said taking a step towards me.
"I am not sister." I stammered struggling to stand straight anymore.
"Of course you Amber please tell me how to help."
" You can tell me... Wait? What did you call me?" I asked making eye contact again.
"I called Amber that's your name." Lord Hill replied confusion in his eyes.
"No you mistaken my name is Clara Not Amber..." I said starting to back away from the two men.
"No you are Amber, Amber Everheart, my younger sister." Lord Hill said.
"What? No I'm not...thats just a charector name from my book." I said slowly starting to shake.
"What story? You dont look well I'll call for help" Lord Hill replied two minutes before my vision started going black. I tripped over my dress and landed hard on the pebbles. I saw the two men rush to my side moment before I vision went black.
