Hope -New Chapter 7/26-

by <3--[Emily]--<< 6/3/2010, 8:24 pm

Hello!

Welcome & Enjoy(:

Maturity - Mild
Fantasy - None

Chapter 1 - A Red Dress Against a World of Newspaper

When I first saw the child, I could have sworn that I was seeing a ghost. I was just checking out of my job in Downtown Orlando and headed towards the dog park, when I spotted her. She was skipping down the cross walk, headed for the bench beside the bus stop.

I stopped in my tracks and watched her, feeling a sense of familiarity, though I knew we had never met before. She was young, maybe six or seven, and completely alone. Her peach blonde hair was streaked with a silky caramel and her skin was pale to the extent that it was luminescent. With eyes such an icy blue that she could be mistaken for a blind person, she looked like someone picked out of a magazine.

It was mid-May in Florida, the time of year where the air was humid and the sky was dreary and grey. Plus, it seven and darkening in a way that it was eerie. With a bright red raincoat and rain boots, along with an unusually beautiful appearance, she stuck out like a sore thumb. Even though it was Spring and everything was fresh, green, and leafy, she looked like a red dress against a newspaper.

It was clear from the start that she was in her own blissful life, seeing how she was humming and swinging her legs on the park bench. "I wonder why she's all alone," I thought to myself, seeing how we were just a walks way from Downtown Orlando, which isn't the nicest place in the world.

Originally, I had planned to just walk away, but my feet deceived me as they carried me towards the park bench she was sitting on. "Hello. I'm Emma, what's your name?" I asked bluntly in a state of curiosity and kindness. With a closer view of her, I saw that she was very frail, without an ounce of fat on her. She seemed just a little too lean to be healthy, though. "Hi, I'm Vivian," she returned with a bright, toothy, smile.

"How are you today?" I asked, smiling at the child's bubbly personality. "I'm great! Just waiting for mommy to get home," she chirped, her cheeks rosy from the humidity's spritz. "Don't you think your parents will be worried that you're here alone?" I continued further on, trying to reveal the answer of her. Or maybe my nosiness was getting worse...

"Daddy used to, but I go home before he notices. Mommy hasn't found out, but it's a secret," she explained as the held her finger up to her mouth in a keep-quiet gesture. My smile grew as I nodded my head, promising to keep quiet.

Gosh I loved children so much. Maybe one day I'd have my own... But probably not. Not at this rate, anyways. I was twenty one, in college, with a part-time job at Hollister. I'd only had a couple of boyfriends and none of them lasted long. I mean it's not that I was ugly, since I was pretty average, I just never really had the opportunity I guess.

"Well, I have to go or else Daddy will find me," she giggled, ending our brief introduction. Springing from the bench, she dashed off, with a lot of bounce to her step. Sighing, I stood up and headed towards the doggy day care, a part of my daily routine.

I owned a wolf hybrid named Koning, who despite the name, was the biggest sweet heart. He was hardly aggressive, well trained, a good comforter, a good listener, and more than anything incredibly smart. Like when I broke my ankle and passed out last year, he barked at our neighbors until they came and checked on me.

Walking in, I could already see my monster of a dog wagging its tail, waiting for me to bring him home. Imagine a full grown golden retriever, now multiply it by three, and that's about the size of him. He had a shaggy white coat with streaks of brown on his sides, with these amazing hazel green eyes. I rescued him as a up, after he was abused by his previous owner. Now he's my best friend, no matter how pathetic that sounds.

"Hello there baby," I cooed, signing the check-out paper and paying the weekly fee, since it was Friday. "That reminds me, I have to wake up early tomorrow for work," I thought to myself, before being tackled by my furry beast. You see, I worked Friday through Sunday all day, then Tuesday and Wednesday for half of the day.

If it wasn't for my jerk-of-a-co-worker Aaron, I would love my job. But every day, he somehow ends up ruining it. From making fun of me, making me do more work, or just ignoring me, he excels at making me feel like worthless crap. He was the meanest, most ignorant, self absorbed, useless, pain in the booty, humiliating, rude, and awful guy in the WORLD! He would go out of his way to ruin my day, but it's not like he even has to try.

Koning licked my face, sensing my stress, as I smiled. Oh well, forget about him. I loved my job anyways and I had an okay life. Clipping his leash on, I left and headed towards the dog park. I mean Aaron was extraordinarily hot, but he was just like every other good-looking guy. After letting Koning(which was Dutch for King) sniff around for a second, I let my mind wander back to the girl. She reminded me of someone, but I couldn't put my finger on it, so I just let the memory loose.

After a few minutes, I finally left, heading home. Feeding Koning his dinner, I nestled into my bed, where I eventually fell asleep. I wasn't completely sure why, but I was really hoping to see Vivian again tomorrow. Though it wasn't much, at least I had something to look forward to... She was a breath of fresh air. A red dress in a world of newspaper.

Chapter 2 - I. Hate. Aaron. Douglas.

Apparently while I had been sleeping, Koning found it a perfect time to sleep in front of my shut door. So when I woke up, I couldn't open the door without moving him. Remember, he was one heck of a dog, being part wolf, and after trying to push him for half an hour, he still wouldn't budge. So going into my bathroom, frustrated, I decided that I might as well just start getting ready for whenever his lazy self was ready to move.

Changing into a pair of skinny jeans and a coral colored cami, all from Hollister since I got a huge discount, I started doing my hair. With a barrel curl iron, my hair easily twirled into six grand, frizz-free, and bouncy curls. Spraying them down with a high-quality hair spray, I teased the top a bit, before admiring my own work.

Looking into my reflection, I was for once somewhat pleased with the person that looked back at me. My hair was just dark enough to look like the color of an ancient bonzai tree, with streaks of a softer brown against it. My eyes were a hypnotizing emerald green, outlined with a hearty jade, and speckled with brown. My lightly-freckled face looked a bit tanner and less spotted, while my nails were chip-free and strong.

Pleased, I applied one layer of mascara, traced my eyes with a black eyeliner pencil, and went back to the Koning-problem. I checked my clock and realized I'd only have five minutes to get to work, which was impossible because it was a fifteen minute walk for me, so I texted Aaron, explaining that I'd be late.

"Move it, Koning," I growled, as he lifted his head to look at me. I pointed to my bed and in reaction to my order, he heaved his large body up and climbed up onto my bed, which he once again slumped into a sleeping position. I rolled my eyes at his laziness, though he also made me smile.

In the foyer of my apartment, I slipped on my white flip flops, grabbed a coat, and dashed out of the door. Outside, I found out it was really windy today, seeing how my hair was just about in every direction. Forcing it down, I sprinted down the side walk, towards downtown Orlando. Once I got to the dog part I was panting, but still speed walking. Just as I was turning the corner to pass Koning's Day Care(he didn't go on weekends), my heel got caught on a crack in the side walk, where I plummeted down, landing in a puddle and hitting my head.

Groaning in band, I stood, lifting my hand to my nose, as something trickled down my face. Yep, it was bleeding. Oh gosh that had hurt so bad, I had landed right on my face.... Pulling myself up, I saw something beside me glowing. It was a young girl wearing a green shirt and a white skirt. I studied her as she offered me a hand, realizing that it was Vivian, the little girl from the day before. "Are you okay?" she asked, looking scared out of her mind as she stared at me. "Yeah, I'm fine, thanks. I just, uh, fell," I stood up, trying to cover my nose with something. "But... But your bleeding!" she pointed to my nose, the most innocent look on her face.

Since it wasn't raining, everything was the some old vibrant green, about the color of her jacket. And even though she blended well into the scenery, she still had her own inner glow, radiating off of her and leading people, like me, towards her. "It's just a little scratch, honey. Now what are you doing running around today?" I asked her, since it was a Saturday. "I'm at the park with my friend while daddy works," she explained to me. "Vivian?" I heard a worried adult voice call out, though I couldn't see who it was past the trees.

"Looks like you should go head back. Have fun with your friend, sweetie," I smiled, wishing even more that I had a kid. A kid just like her, that smiled and laughed and was care free. "Alright, I hope your boo boo gets better!" she smiled, before darting off.

I sighed, my nose still throbbing, as I stumbled into the nearest bathroom. I held paper towels up to it until it had stopped bleeding, as I noticed I had a big scrape on my forehead. It wasn't bleeding, but it was bright ride. I washed the dirt off, though it stung like the bite of a hornet, as I looked over my clothes.

I excel at having crappy mornings like these. But today I was even more excelling at making my day crappier. I had managed to fall right into a puddle from the rainy night before, my shirt now clinging to me, sticky with mud. The heel of my shoe was torn off and my nail was chipped, from where I had tried to pull myself up. Fixing my hair, I angrily combed my fingers through it in a fit of rage, even though it was curled. Luckily, my hair hadn't been totally screwed up. Whipping off my mascara/eyeliner that was running down my cheeks from the puddle, I finally left.

The second I stepped foot outside, I got tons of looks from people. I felt like the whole dang population of Florida was staring right at me. Some people shook their heads, while others giggled. But still, with my head slumped in embarrassment, covered in mud and water, and wobbling because I was missing a heel, I made it to Hollister.

When entering Hollister, I bumped into Aaron. "Great," I growled under my breath, waiting for his reaction. It only took him a split second before he burst out into laughter, as I shuffled past him and all of the customer's, grabbing the same cami I was wearing from a shelf, along with a pair of navy flip-flops, as I went to the counter and bought it.

After getting even more stares and hearing even more whispers, I hobbled over to the dressing room to change. Tearing off the price dogs with my mouth, I spit them out and threw the clothes on. Searching through my small bag I had brought with me, I had unfortunately left my foundation at home, so I'd have to go through the day with a bright red nose and forehead scrape.

Oh well. At least I had clean clothes on... Even though this left a dent on my budget, seeing how I spent 60 dollars on two things. Walking out, I saw Aaron still laughing about it, as the manager passed me. "Oh, you decided to show up today, Ms.Johnson?" he growled at me, as I stared wide-eyed in awe. I thought I had already explained it to Aaron...? "Sorry, I had a rough morning..." I apologised, as he shook his head. "Don't worry, Aaron already explained. Next time you're going to be written up, though," he growled, walking off.

I turned to the still laughing Aaron, as stomped up to him. "What the heck? I told you to tell him I was going to be late! What's your problem?" I asked in a hushed, but angry, tone. "Oh, sorry. I told him you were skipping," he shrugged, starting to laugh AGAIN. I whacked his head, my cheeks reddening in anger. "Oh, don't throw a fit, princess. It was funny," he snorted.

"Why do you do this?" I finally asked, my eyes more hurt than angry. "What do you mean?" he asked, glaring. "Why do you like try to ruin my life? I mean really, I get enough crap without you in it. You don't have to ruin my job," I shook my head. "I-" he began, but I just turned and walked off.

Work was slow and long. After what seemed like days, we were finally let off. Leaning against the counter, I finally sighed and got up. I shoved past Aaron at the front, who threw my muddy close at me on the way out. I could feel the pre-tear sting from frustration.

When I got there, I was glad to see that Vivian was waiting at the bus stop. Right when I started walking towards her, she turned around, as a huge smile formed on her face. "Miss Emma!" she giggled. "How do you feel?" she asked as I sat next to her.

"Good! I'm all better," I smiled, as her smile returned. "That's great! Guess what?" she asked, swinging her legs, as I smiled at how polite she was. "What?" I asked, expecting that her mom had come home. "Daddy's bringing me to the zoo tomorrow!" she squealed, jumping up and down on the bench.

"Oh, how fun! I hope you have a good time!" I smiled, realizing we were still on the bench. "Are you waiting for your mom again?" I asked as she nodded her head. "She must work in Orlando," I thought to myself, shrugging.

I noticed Vivian's eyes looked distant and reserved for a second, before she hopped up. "I need to go home before Daddy gets here. By Miss Emma!" she grinned, skipping off. So following my daily routine, I walked to the doggy day care, picked up Koning, and headed home.

Chapter 3 - A Break from Reality

I woke up the next morning, my eyes still bloodshot from crying the night before. Sighing, I rubbed them, tossled my hair a bit, before going into the bathroom and putting in my contacts along with eyedrops. After that, the pain and redness lessened just a little.

It was only six in the morning, but I knew that today was going to be better than yesterday. Actually, I was pretty sure it HAD to be better, since I knew it couldn't get much worse. Then again, it might.

After taking a shower and scrunching and styling my hair, I had two hours left before I had to leave for work. "At least I'm an hour ahead of time," I thought to myself, changing my clothes. Today I was wearing a mini skirt with a black Cami, a loose white jacket over it all. On my feet were petite black Mary Jane flats, along with a black headband smeared with white polka dots, pulling back my curls which seemed a little lighter than before, though I left my straightened side-bangs down.

The only make up I wore was New York City mascara, since I didn't want to irritate my eyes anymore. Grabbing my pina colada chap stick, I smeared it across my lips, before rubbing them together as I slid it into my pocket. Grabbing a small purse, I left, with Koning to my side. Taking the quickest route there, I was suddenly so relieved that I had Koning at my side as we passed the alleys. All sorts of mischievous looking guys just stopped and stared as I walked past and I instantly felt the need to run and cover myself. Kind of like a fish beside a shark or a deer in the headlights. But with my head held high, I walked past, pretending not to notice them. Luckily, they did the same.

When I got to work I saw Aaron with a big smile on his face, which meant that he was leaving early. He always did weird things, like go to the carnival, or to the park. Huh? "Probably hanging out with his niece," I thought to myself, knowing he probably didn't have any kids. I scowled at him, darting away when he tried to approach me.

Sure, maybe I was over dramatic. But honestly, I'd rather not be publicly embarrassed every chance he had. Besides, I was so through with him. I didn't need a sour attitude and sarcastic remarks from him, because honestly it didn't benefit me at all. I didn't know a thing about his over sized ego, but I did know that my ego wanted absolutely nothing to do with him. Helping a customer, I turned around to see him staring at me, one of his brows arched as if to give me a, "what are you doing?" face.

"Can you please move?" I asked, the smile on my face so forced and my tone so sugar-coated that it made him flinch. The smile quickly transformed into a satisfied smirk, as he stepped back and I walked past him. "Hey sweet cheeks, what's with the attitude?" he asked, following me to the clearance shelf, where I started refolding shirts.

"Just leave me alone Aaron," I mumbled, though it was kind of a plead. "Come on, so I teased you a little. What's the big deal?" he asked, his hand on my shoulder. "Honestly, I don't want to know jerks like you," I rolled my eyes, though he couldn't see it. "Yeah and how am I?" he challenged and I could hear the anger stirring in his voice, thickening with each breath.I thrived off of that kind of reaction, the kind where I felt like he might just get mad enough to do something stupid and then I could get my revenge.

"The obnoxious jerks like you who have hardly worked a day in their whole life and go on with their perfect little worlds, like nothing bad is happening. Oh and also you have such crappy self asteems that you have to take it out on the unfortunate people like me. Go find something better to do with your life," I tried to shove past him with my elbow, but he caught it, his eyes so dark and furious that my eyes widened a little bit. "You don't know a thing about me. You don't know what I've been through and you sure as heck don't have the right to criticize me. I tease you because I thought you were kinda cute, but also because I hate stupid girls like you who think they're so much better than everyone and can label people they clearly do not know," he growled, shoving past me and storming off.

I stood there for a few seconds, not sure exactly what to say, or how to react. For the most part I stayed still and quiet, because I knew that he was mostly right. The rest of the day was a blur, but mostly because my head was elsewhere. I felt awful. He really wasn't that bad and I really didn't know him... Part of me wanted to hit me, but another part wanted to bury my face into the valley of shame and never come back. I saw him a few more time, but we didn't make anymore eye contact. About half way through my day I saw a familiar face outside of the front window, surprised to see Vivian standing outside.

Dropping what I was doing, I shuffled outside, to where she was. "Honey, what are you doing out here?" I asked, worry lines creasing on my forehead. "Daddy was supposed to bring me to the zoo today, so I'm waiting for him," she explained, as I noticed there was more color in her face than usual. Still, she still looked transparent next to the rest of the world, which kind of freaked me out but kind of amazed me. "Sorry, Vivi," I heard a familiar voice and my head snapped to see Aaron walking out, taking her hand.

"But..." I mumbled, still confused. She's looking for her dad, why was Aaron taking her... Then I remember all of the strange days he took off and the childish places he went to. I remember Aaron telling someone he was single, but wasn't interested in dating again, while Vivian waited for her mother to come home every day, though I know understood her mother was never coming home. "Ohmygod," I whispered under my breath, my head spinning.

by <3--[Emily]--<< 6/3/2010, 8:26 pm

[reserved]

by 4everme4everbeauty 6/3/2010, 9:48 pm

I love it! I can't wait for more! Boy do I know what days in Florida are like!

by <3--[Emily]--<< 6/3/2010, 9:50 pm

Haha I know what you mean... *shivers* I hate humidity. And frizz.

Glad that you're gonna keep reading. It's a really touching story. (:

by **leah_hope92** 6/4/2010, 11:16 am

Haha. I'm really glad you posted this, Em. (;

by <3--[Emily]--<< 6/4/2010, 5:06 pm

Thanks. Should I change the title to "A read dress against a world of Newspaper?" I'd have an idea for the plot, then... o_o

by •○•[Lemon-Licious]•○• 6/4/2010, 7:08 pm

I really like it!

by **leah_hope92** 6/4/2010, 8:11 pm

<3--[Emily]--<< wrote:Thanks. Should I change the title to "A read dress against a world of Newspaper?" I'd have an idea for the plot, then... o_o

You could do that. But Idk if that'd fit the whole plot, unless you figured something else out. (:

EDIT: After reading it again, I think it would fit. nod

Since it describes the little girl, and I wanna know the plot. >:3

by <3--[Emily]--<< 6/4/2010, 8:14 pm

[I think it would fit pretty well.]

by **shadowsowner888** 6/4/2010, 9:42 pm

I like it so far, Em! :3 My favorite character has to be Koning. applause

Dogs are so sweet.

by **leah_hope92** 6/5/2010, 8:57 pm

<3--[Emily]--<< wrote:[I think it would fit pretty well.]

It's whatever you want. (:

by <3--[Emily]--<< 6/5/2010, 11:50 pm

[Chapter 2 is up!]

by •○•[Lemon-Licious]•○• 6/6/2010, 11:25 am

I wonder what Aaron was going to say. XD

by <3--[Emily]--<< 6/6/2010, 1:11 pm

You'll never know... (: Chapter 3 will be posted in an hour or so.

by Dawn 6/7/2010, 10:14 pm

Cool story. I cannot wait for more. Smile

by 4everme4everbeauty 6/10/2010, 1:02 am

Poor Emma! I'd hit everyone in the face, unless of course it was work because you should never argue, or wrestle, with the customer! LOL!

by Mandy-Love 6/10/2010, 5:47 pm

Really coo Em... xD

by <3--[Emily]--<< 7/14/2010, 12:03 am

Thanks everyone! Working on the next chapter!

by The Newms 7/14/2010, 12:20 am

It's a cool start! I dunno why, I just really liked the way you wrote the first half of the first chapter; maybe it was your tone, but you sounded very professional. Your descriptions are good, and I like your characters = D

My only nitpick is that you wrote "tossed my 'close' at me" when it shoud have been 'clothes'. Other than that, it's great! = D

by <3--[Emily]--<< 7/14/2010, 1:03 am

[Thanks xD I tend to do that a lot, since 90% of the time I'm writing when I'm tired xD I'll finish up the next chapter soon.]

by Shadow of the Moon. 7/22/2010, 11:33 am

I love this story! Thanks for posting it! Smile

by MarielofRedwall 7/22/2010, 5:41 pm

That's a really nice story, it got me hooked!

by <3--[Emily]--<< 7/24/2010, 6:33 pm

Thanks guys xD I'm working on the next chapter... I really need to update it more often.

by <3--[Emily]--<< 7/24/2010, 7:38 pm

[Chapter 3 is up! It's shorter than I hoped, but it's still up xD Surprises!]

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