Record Store.

{POV: Jess} -----

Once I was told life is a series of choices. Then I was told it's a series of tests. Another 'wise man' said it's just a series of lessons.

But my question is; How do they know?

How do they know your life. You are living it. How can someone tell you how it's supposed to be, how it's 'planned'?

Well I don't know either.

But I do know that life is about more than just survival, lessons, and choices etc. etc.

I've been living my life in the shadows. Hiding from people who want me dead. Killing those that needed to be dealt with. Living on the edge of the world.

Sure I saved a lot of good people from some bad guys by just doing my job.

But isn't that what every war criminal always says? Okay maybe not war but let's face it, life's brutal at times.

Anyways back to my point. I already had a plan for my life.

I was an orphan, a nobody.

Then I was sort of adopted into a secret 'special' organisation by the boss herself.

I was her second, meaning I was to become what she was if/when she retired or otherwise died.

I became what she wanted me to be, I became well.... empty in a way.

Then everything I ever had planned was erased... when I met her.

Erin Shaw.

She changed my world into one that revolved around her. I couldn't understand what I felt. So like any good detective, I investigated.

I went through every reason as to why I found her unique out of every person I've ever seen.

Obviously her appearance was a factor, but then I ruled it out as just infatuation. Weeks passed and I could not shake the thought of her out of my head.

After more research and some denial along the way. I came to the conclusion that I was possibly... in love with her.

It was frustrating dealing with these unknown feelings while also trying to pull off a mission. Which by the way became tricky.

Why? Because the person I'd have to eliminate was this girl's Father. I had to kill my love interest's dad.

I know right. It's messed up. But I had a choice to make. (I'm not saying I believe life is made up of choices though, I stick to whatever belief I do not have at the moment.)

I had to choose between staying on my decided path of living on the edge, watching the world pass by me.

OR...

Accept my fate as a lovestruck puppy and take my chances in the real world. Which risked having the only person I cared about to possible hate me and try to kill me.

Haha.... you probably already know which I picked.

Yes, I chose an uncertain path full of risks. I had to, if I didn't I would have regretted it forever.

So after several pep talks, a few stalking cases, and a lot of sleepless nights... I found the courage to talk to that anomaly of a girl called Erin Shaw.

I am a social enough person. I've had very long conversations with people that are about to meet their end.

But I've never really had one where I'd meet my beginning.

My first (official) encounter with her was... well just see for yourself...

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[- Riley's Records ~ Friday. 15:47pm.

I saw her walk into the record store. Wearing a casual jean short, paired with a plain black t-shirt and white vans.

Waiting for another 5 minutes on the other side of the street. I decided it was time, now or never I thought.

What I was not expecting as I entered was to find her singing along to a song that was currently playing inside. Might I add she sings beautifully.

I was frozen on the spot. I followed her with my eyes as her slender fingers skimmed along record artist names, in search of one to her liking. She continued to sing softly, not even paying attention to a certain someone staring directly at her.

After regaining my senses and the ability to move again, I made my way to her. Surprisingly I didn't trip over my own feet. Keeping my demeanor cool, I acted as if she wasn't there and started scanning through a couple of records.

After seeing one with an appealing cover I took it and flipped it over to check the price. I was very aware of the person next to me who just gasped. Me, not knowing the reason for her sudden gasp turned to her with a raised eyebrow in question.

"Hi, sorry... but that's a Maroon 5 record, right?" I glanced at the artist name on the record I was holding. It read; 'Maroon 5 - Songs about Jane'...then nodded a yes to her.

"Oh, I guess I'll have to hunt for it online somewhere... sorry for troubling you." She sighed sadly and started to leave.

"W-wait!" I rushed to her before she could exit. She turned to stand in front of me, with her green - grey eyes looking at me I noticed a height difference. Smirking to myself I realised I'm a few inches taller. Hehe perfect for a little spoon. Shush don't think like that Jess, focus.

"*Ahem*... You should have it, I don't know much about music, besides I can't have a beautiful lady like you leave without a smile on her face." That came out better than I expected.

She smiled widely at me. Causing the tips of my ears to warm up rapidly. I looked at anything but her to avoid further loss of control over the situation. I handed over the record to her.

"Thank you, Ms..."

"No problem, if I tell you my name would you go out to dinner with me?" It's 16:15 pm so I hope she says yes.

She thought for a second and her response was positive. I already knew her name but she never needed to know that. I gave her mine and we agreed to meet for dinner later at 20:00 pm. I planned on taking her to Mariano's on 5th avenue, they have great pasta there.]

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That's how I officially met the woman I love.

What? You were expecting us to meet in the middle of a shoot out of police vs. criminals and I just happened to be there to save a civilian which was her?

No... that happened way after I met her, okay not that long afterwards. I tried to tell her to stay home but she insisted on meeting me since she missed me, aww ain't she sweet... but let's not get into that right now.

Currently I'm having my wounds checked by this amazing girl in front of me.

After last night she hasn't talked much... I don't blame her though. I did just tell her my past and I guess she's processing the information.

I wonder if she heard what I said to her when she was sleeping. "*Sigh*" she probably didn't. Well I might as well then...

"Hey Rin.." She looked up from my arm to face me, her expression was unreadable.

"I meant what I said last night, I Love You, Always." I noticed her left hand ball into a fist then release slowly. She just looked at me for a while, as if choosing what to say.

"I heard you, but I need some time before I can answer you in the way you want me to.." She looked at the painting hanging on the wall in the living room.

I turned her to face me by lightly holding her chin. Her eyes refused to meet mine. It's fine if she doesn't say it. If I can still have her close to me it's enough.

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End Chapter Eight.