In the Shadows

Winter Night

     Quick disclaimer, if you think this is a story about romance, stop reading it. This is a story about a girl and man who changed how they both see the world. You may think this tale is ridiculous and cheesy. However, it may surprise you. It all started on a cold winter night in a small town called Falton.  It was in the middle of no where and six hours away from any where. That's where Conner lived. Conner Jackson or CJ  as he liked being called was a very respected man in his community.  He owned the best cafe in town. Well, technically it was the only cafe. Truly the only reason why they respected him was because he was the sheriff's son. If no one showed him respect, someone would answer to his father. CJ never knew this and he never even thought about other people or their problems.  What issues people had were their own. He was like a child, ignorant to the whole world. In a way he had a very child like look about him. He had bouncing brown hair and big bright blue eyes that saw the world cloaked in happiness and rainbows. CJ was tall and chubby. At times, he would look down at someone with a child like smile. He always tried to be confronting but it really made much of a difference. However, this was all about to change on this cold winter night. CJ was walking home from a long day at work when all of sudden a stranger bumps into him.  This stranger was none other than Kelly Hilt, the quietest person in town. She had only moved to Falton five months ago. Many people find her weird and they always gossip about her. It is never anything kind or worth saying out loud. It is actually were cruel what they say about her. Kelly was truly a kind and loving girl. Her brown showed that warm kindness. However, her long black hair shadowed it and hid it from the world along with her city attitude. Kelly never believed that anyone should be entitled to anything, not even the sheriff's son. She always expected people to show the same amount respect as they receive to everyone. "Excuse me," Kelly said as she walked passed CJ. "Hey, you're Kelly Hilt right?" CJ asked as he stopped and looked at her. "Right now, I'm almost late for work. However, yes, my name is Kelly. I would love to stay and chat but I have a job to get to," Kelly said before she walked completely away from CJ. "Okay, goodbye to you too," he shouted to her. He continued to walk back home and everything went back to the way it was for a moment.  As CJ continued to walk home, someone crept behind him and covered his eyes. "Guess who?" she teased. "Oh, Wendy Becker," CJ teased back.  She took her hands off his eyes and pushed him. "You're so mean, CJ," she said. "Oh Nikki, it's you," CJ said.  Nicole Jackson or Nikki as she liked to be called was CJ's  older sister and she was very different from him. Nikki always lived like there was an infinite amount of tomorrows and the each day could be her last. Everything that she did, she did it for the sake of making the world better for the next tomorrow. She was a strong believer of forgiveness and second chances. However, she did have her limits on that as well.  For example, if you continuously take advantage of every second chance you get, you don't deserve another. In her opinion, you deserved to learn a lesson. Oh how, she believed her brother needed to learn a lesson. Nikki knew that her brother was always treated like a baby because he was the youngest. However, she also knew that the world crushes the hearts of children. Nikki always hoped that someone would come and teach him a good lesson on the world. Nikki and her father always disagreed on this. In fact, Sheriff  Jackson was terrible about shielding CJ from the horrid truths of the world. He wanted his son to stay innocent forever. It made no sense to Nikki. In fact, she was absolutely appalled at the idea. I think that was the reason that Nikki and her father never got along.  It was really a shame. Nikki was truly an amazing woman and how sad it was that her father didn't see that. Nikki looked quite a lot like her father. Her hair was short and golden blonde like her father's. Her complexion was milky white like her father and her brother. She was also tall like her father. However, her eyes were the same color as her mother's. They were a beautiful and lively green like the color of summer grass. She often would brag about them. Trust me, Nikki would do no bragging tonight. "So little bro, I saw you bump into Kelly Hilt," Nikki said. CJ shrugged his and gave his ever so famous "I guess" look. "I mean you can say that literally. She and I really didn't talk. She was actually very rude to me," CJ said as he looked at her. She gave him a look of frustration and sarcasm. "Oh, worship the great Conner Jackson. The whole world lives to serve the mighty one," Nikki shouted sarcastically.  Everyone looked at her and CJ felt embarrassed by Nikki. "Nikki, come on knock it off," CJ said as he pulled her jacket. "CJ, not everyone is going to be nice to you. Kelly was probably busy ever think of that. In fact, have you ever thought that some people are judged for being different from the crowd. Not everyone is well liked like you are. You have no idea what's it's like to be outside your bubble and have nothing but silence. It's devastating," Nikki said before she walked off. "Where are you going?" CJ asked. "Home to take care of your nephew. Someone has to or no one will," Nikki replied before she disappeared into the night. CJ walked straight home thinking about Kelly, the rest of the way.