Aster

Prologue

After having a rough day at work, Saren went to the local cafe to relax with a cup of tea. She of course ordered her usual, a medium size black tea. Saren got settled down at her favorite table in the back corner of the cafe, and pulled out a book to start reading.

"Do you mind if I sit here?" a young man, early twenties maybe, with chestnut colored hair asked.

"Oh no, not at all. Go ahead," she smiled warmly. Her cheeks already burning from the simple interaction.

"Thank you," the man said, getting himself situated into his chair. Saren nodded her head and turned her focus back onto her book.

She was hoping to finish it tonight, as she only had about 20 pages left. She was so engrossed into her book, she didn't realize the young man staring at her. He studied her hair and eyes, as they flickered back and forth following the words on the page.

"I'm Finley," startled, Saren looked up to find Finley's green eyes piercing into her own.

"Saren, nice to meet you."

"What book are you reading? You're really invested in it," he chuckled.

"Oh, um. To Kill a Mocking b-bird," she stuttered out, blushing.

"Ah, nice classic read. How far are you in?"

"Last chapter."

"Saren, are you on vacation or something?" he asked noticing her accent. 

"Um no. I'm actually here for school and work. I'm from Manchester."

"Oh cool! I've always wanted to visit there. When did you move up here then?"

"A couple of months ago. I did three years of school back home, but I transferred here."

"So, are you planning on staying here after you're done?"

"Um. I've been thinking about it. I don't really know anyone, but I do like it here. I do miss my family though."

"You don't know anyone here! I feel offended," he laughed.

"Well I've only just met you, Fin," she chuckled softly.

"Well considering you just gave me a nickname, I say we know each other pretty well."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"Well, Finley, tell me more about yourself."

"Ok. Well, I was born and raised here in the great city of New York. I have one sister, I'm the youngest. I live alone in an apartment with my dog---"

"You have a dog?"

"Yes. He name is Prince. She's a german shepard. Why, do you like dogs?" By now Finley was smiling brightly towards Saren, as she was now very interested.

"Yes! I have a german shepard too. Oh and I'm um here studying to be a veteran."

"Very interesting."

"Yeah, and I really hate to cut you off, but I need to leave so I'm not late."

"Oh no, that's fine. Wouldn't want that to happen."

"Do you want to, um exchange numbers?"

"Yeah! I'd love that," he smiled. And with that the new friends exchanged numbers. As Saren headed out she had a smile plastered on her face, as well as Finley. Saren had never felt this way before. She thought of it as almost her heart was fluttering. All day at work Saren couldn't stop thinking of Fin, and she was eager to learn more about him.