The Troubles Begin

Chapter 1 - The Beginning

I ran through the woods, my cheeks stinging from the cool wind as it bit at the tears running down them. "Girls!" I call desperately, my voice haggard from yelling too much. I stumble falling to my knees in despair. They were gone. Really gone. 

Gone. 

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2 months Earlier

Sofia

A camera snaps in my face, a white flashing going off as dozens more follow, the sheer mass of the crowd overwhelming as I push through it, my hand in front of my face. Security helps clear the way, and I manage to take a few steps forward. 

"Sofia! What's it like to be single!" A man shouts at me, and a chorus of 'yeahs' sound, the camera snaps increasing. I ignore the question, pushing forward. After a few moments have gone by I finally reach the car, climbing into the back seat as the door slams behind me, people crowding to the window. The driver quickly speeds forward, and until the mass was far behind me was I able to take a breath. 

Leaning back in the seat I bite my lip, the voice still echoing through my head. 'What is it like to be single'. 

My eyes burn, but I quickly blink back any possible tears. There was no way this was happening now. The car drove through the crowded London streets, passing the beautiful tall buildings as dusk began to fall, the last warm shafts of sun glinting off the glass towers. 

It was perfect. London always had strangely felt like a second home after America. I really had no idea why. I tuck my straightened black hair behind my ear, my full lips slightly parted as I look out the tinted window, observing the familiar city before me. Ever since I had made the huge move to the UK, I had been even more in love with it than I previously thought possible.

"Ms. Carson?" A voice says, and I look to the front of the car, where my driver, Hank, looks back at me, the thick black sunglasses he has on covering his eyes. "Is it alright if I take a slight shortcut to your house? There is heavy traffic ahead." 

I nod, giving him a small smile. He dips his head in return, looking back to the road, until he veers off the large parkway onto a smaller street, dark shadows from the surrounding buildings cast across it. Unconcerned, I continue to look out of the window, my chocolate brown eyes scanning the scene. As my body continues to fully relax, I became aware of an urge. 

Clearing my throat slightly, I tap Hank's shoulder gently, my cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "Would you mind terribly if I could use the restroom quickly?" I ask him, and he smiles, amused, but nods none the less. He pulls over at the nearest shop, one I would normally be hesitant to enter without security but at the moment I didn't see any other way. 

Stepping out of the car, I was immediately aware of my outfit, which was perfectly acceptable on the Red Carpet, but in a normal setting... probably not. The puffy, short black dress was nothing short of revealing with a deep v neck, but I hurry into the cafe anyway, the door ringing as I enter. Trying to avoid the numerous stares I receive from the people seated inside, I head to the back of the small restaurant, finding the restroom. I enter, closing and locking the door behind me quickly. 

Letting out a breath, I turn around, only to let out a shriek as I notice a figure seated in the corner of the small tiled room. The person lifts it's head, and it takes me a second to realize the figure is small. Very small in fact. And piercing blue eyes stare back at me, paired with a pale complexion and defined jaw line. 

The small girl scrambles to her feet, her magical eyes wide in shock. I stand frozen for a second before I carefully kneel down so I am at her level, making sure my eyes are filled with warmth. She had to be only six or so, but she was dressed in an old t-shirt and ratty jeans.