Awakening the Wild

ELIZA

Change. Change was coming and I didn't know how to handle it.

My life wasn't exactly a fairytale. From the moment I was old enough to remember, it felt like the world around me was made of cracks.

Growing up in a small, chaotic home, I learned to stay out of the way. My parents were always at odds, fighting loud enough to rattle the walls. But long silences were somehow even worse. If there was happiness between them, I couldn't see it. 

My safespace became my room. I'd sit for hours, making up stories, pretending to be anywhere else. Despite the mess I'd seen growing up, I was a hopeless romantic at heart. 

I failed in love many times. More times than I can remember. I was someone who believed in holding out for the right person, someone who would make me believe in fairy tales again.

Well, I learned the hard way that fairy tales are just that...fairy tales.

But that day at the local park changed everything. My life took a whole new turn and surprised me with things I wasn't ready for.

The park had always been an escape for me to clear my thoughts. The familiar paths stretched out before me as I walked. I took my time, letting the crunch of gravel underfoot and the crisp air calm my nerves. This was my place...the one corner of the world where I could think freely or not think at all.

It was a long stressful day. I spotted an empty bench under a sprawling oak and sat down. The gentle sway of the branches above me made the world feel calmer. I leaned back and exhaled, trying to let my worries wander away. 

Then, out of nowhere, a man appeared.

He wasn't just anyone...he was strangely handsome. Tall, maybe 6'4", with a strong build. His black wavy hair was tied back with a leather band, and his face looked like it had been carved with precision. 

Handsome didn't even begin to cover it.

I glanced at him as he sat beside me. It was hard for me not to stare but I still tried. He set a sleek black briefcase on his lap and pulled out a piece of paper and then started to write something.

Who even writes on paper anymore?

But then, my thoughts betrayed me as my eyes flicked back to him. I've never seen anyone so...attractive.

I shook my head. Keep it together Ellie. 

I just turned 19 a week ago, and he looked like he was in his late 30s. He must've been married. Or engaged. And even if not these two, then he must've had a woman in his life.

I tried to be discreet, but it was impossible not to notice the way he carried himself; the confidence, the jawline, and those crystal blue eyes that practically glowed when the sunlight hit them.

Before I could stop myself, I was staring. Again.

He stopped writing, turned his head, and looked right at me. I couldn't even turn my head away. For a moment, his eyes locked on mine.

My heart stuttered. Busted!

"Do I know you?"

Gosh that voice. How do I respond? Do I say no Sir? Or...

"Eliza..." For a second, I couldn't even remember my own name, "But everyone calls me Ellie."

He nodded and continued writing. I knew it was time for me to leave. 

Ellie get up and stop embarrassing yourself.

"And what about you?" those words came out of my mouth without me knowing. His eyes shifted to me. "I...I mean your name."