Chapter One.

Khaalida's POV:

Waking up to a new day to do the same thing. I'd been stuck in the same cycle for the past 7 years. Don't get me wrong, working as a co-founder with my parents is great and all but it wasn't my original plan. As a young kid, I've always been interested in painting and literature. But since I graduated from high school I was forced to deal with life's tough decisions, my parents had given me the so-called 'choice' to either start working immediately or study to be join them in the family business. I know what you thinking, I wasn't given the best of the bunch to choose from and I was not planning on working. The conversation that day still plagues my mind but I've managed to convince myself that because they were going to be paying, it was okay. Even though I was the youngest in the family, I was constantly reminded by my family friends and parents of my classmates of my mom and dad's success. I've grown accustomed to the 5 am alarm, some days I'd wake before the alarm and, others I'd have to give myself a quick pep talk before getting out of bed. Today was one of those days- where I'd try and convince myself again that listening to my parents was the best decision. Waiting for my alarm to go off my phone starting ringing. Grunting I picked my phone to see who'd call at this time off the morning, low and behold the famous Dr.Miller the medical director.

Summoning my most polite voice I answered 'Good morning Dr. Miller I was just about to get ready for my shift, I'll be there in the next 30 min-'.Expecting to hear the famous "great, but let us make it 15 minutes thank you". I mentally prepared myself for it but to my surprise, he'd interrupted me "No need Miss Michael's I just called to let you know that you've been given the weekend off, Mrs. Clinton will be taking your shift, good day." Mentally thanking my lucky charms I replied, "Thank you for letting me know sir, good day". With that, I placed my phone back on the bedside table and turned to lay on my back grateful that I won't need to get out into the cold, all I wanted to do was cover my head in the warm blankets and savor this time and rest. Although my eyes cried for more sleep my mind already started forming plans for what to do. After what felt like an eternity I decided to ditch the idea of getting more sleep and lazily got out of bed, removing the covers only to be greated by the cold winter morning.

I hastily made my way to the bathroom and got ready to take a warm shower, stepping out of the shower I took advantage of the sunrise, opened curtains, and made a pot of coffee. Absorbing the sunlight I sat on my sofa facing the neighboring buildings admiring the lights left on and cars passing by. Taking the last sip from my coffee I decided it was time to do some cleaning, I put some jazz on to help make the awful task somewhat easier than starting with the dishes. Knowing that I would be dedicating the entire day to clean my messy apartment.

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Before I knew it half the apartment was clean, glancing at the time I decided it was time for some food but I couldn't decide what I wanted for lunch. Between having a roll with ham, lettuce, and butter or simply having some leftover pizza from the night before. I opted rather than making more dishes for myself I could just warm the remaining three slices in the box. While waiting for the food to warm up I looked towards the window. I've grown accustomed to the noise from the morning rush, it had become somewhat calming. Lost in thought I hadn't realized the food was warm. Turning towards the counter suddenly the atmosphere in the room changed, the hair on my forearms started to rise, I turned to where it felt as if someone was watching me only to find my reflection in the glass, that was odd. I looked to the pile of books in the other corner and read the title of one of the books I've been putting off... Nuntium ad does ( A message from the Gods)... An Elderly woman back when I traveled to Cuba with my family, it to me as a gift. Walking to the trash bin I thought back, that women were strange, to say the least, with her multicolored hair and vintage-styled clothes she'd always watch me walk along the beach every morning, to sit and watch the waves crash on the shore. If I remembered correctly, it was a Wednesday morning and I was the first person on the beach, my family had still been asleep due to their late-night talking session. Just before I got to my spot there she was waiting for me, I'd wanted to pick another area but she'd called me over. She greeted me with a warm smile and just placed the book in my hands not saying a word when I looked down to read the title she put her hand on my shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze when I looked up to thank her she was gone and to this day I have no idea what happened to her. Shaking my head I finished preparing my meal and sat in my reading corner. Glancing back to the book I contemplated whether or not I should finally read it, about two days after the mysterious woman had given me the book some weird things had started to happen.

For one it always felt as if someone would constantly watch me every time I'd want to start with the book and in the evening the house would be filled with voices I`d be too scared to get out of bed to look and all this went on about a week, it was then when I decided to pack the book away and read it when I got back home and since then there hasn't been another incident until now... I tried to recall what the book was about but nothing came to mind. Gazing back towards the book, it felt as if something was pushing me towards it.

I got up and walked towards the book. Placing it on my lap I noticed that the cover was filled with complicated detailing. The material felt rough, it felt old but well-taken care of. The colors were a mixture of ash grey, gold, and specks of white, the title was written in crimson red. Taking a bite from my food, I opened the first page of the book.

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[Chapter Quote: "Her soul belongs to words and books. Every time she reads, she is home ."]