Chapter One
Chapter One
Arborview - October 2
Brass leaves hung from the trees throughout the autumn like ornaments on a holiday tree, gold, crimson, and brilliant.
Much like an ornamental tree's embellishments, each leaf reminded the bystanders of time - the particular time of the year.
Citizens nodded at the harvest festivals and sidewalks dotted with eternal leaves. Autumn. The year, much like people, went through phases of the typical winter, spring, summer, and autumn.
Time and people weren't very different from each other and Moss knew this. As the seasons changed, so did the denizens of Arborview. Moss let out a simper as she watched her hometown from the window, ivy entangling the wooden cottage. People change, Moss reminded herself, and like the seasons, I will too.
I never related much to people in my hometown. Ever. My family was deemed weird for their jobs and I was no different, the child of two people who, from the outside, seemed like socially inept hermits. (How they ever met up and survived a wedding is beyond me.)
I grew up alone, growing shy and awkward without any attention. I love my parents, don't get me wrong, but I had to grow up by myself. They were perfect for each other though, both so quiet and detached from reality. I couldn't wait to move out, to witness normality and all that it contained.
Moss Nerissa Mermier, M n' M or "Mossy" as they used to call me. In school, kids teased me with names like "mermaid" but I didn't find them very insulting. I smile at my face in the mirror, dark hair covering my collarbone. I'm a mermaid child.
Everyone else my age had moved out, had found their own places nestled in the Arborview countryside or another town altogether, while some went to college. Awkwardly, I stayed behind and continued to live with my parents.
I never thought I'd be able to get out of the house, to live on my own. It isn't that I haven't learned the ins and outs of independent living, but I lack the social skills. I blame it on my parents - no, on genetics, but I wasn't going to let my downfall ruin my life.
These were my golden years, the years of beauty and youth, and I wouldn't let any problem spoil my time.
Note: Because this chapter was so short, I've added chapter two as well.
Return to Prologue
Continue to Chapter Two