Short Story / The Match-Maker [Part One]
The day outside was lonely and warm, snow covering the ground like a grandmother’s hand-crafted quilt covers a small child, snuggled up in bed. The naked limbs of gently shifting trees stretched out, some touching the ground for the weight of the snow that rested on them, their branches like twisted fingers with nothing to do, just growing out of boredom and duty. Crisp and clean, the scent of winter was everywhere, reminding you that it was time to wrap up in a warm jacket. The sparkling snow was untouched, pure and glistening under the dying rays of the setting sun, and there was no one out at this time of night to disturb its calm exterior.
Trudging through the snow, a pale figure clad in black flicked the ashes from the end of a smouldering cigarette with the natural ease of many year’s experience. The tip glowed a sickly orange, brilliantly contrasted against the colours of the approaching night. The pale fingers that gripped the cancerous stick were unnaturally deft, moving with supernatural grace to bring the cigarette to waiting lips. The figure smelled of smoke that seemed like it was permanently implanted into its skin. Large green eyes bordered by dark circles and fatigue brought on by boredom stared out across the snow as it walked slowly. Deathly pale and thin features carved the shadow’s face, his outward appearance like the perfect painting of the macabre character.
He took one last, long drag from the cigarette and cast it aside where it sizzled to its death in the cold snow. Pale hands adjusted an old, black toque on top of his head and then came to rest in the deep pockets of a black, knee-length jacket, complete with black buttons to attempt at blocking out the cold. Quickly, he reached the cracked pavement of the street’s sidewalk, futilely attempting to shake the snow from his shoes before shrugging and continuing on his way.
There was a reason for the odd figure to be out at twilight, wandering through the snow and down a city street. A certain rendezvous had been arraged between himself and an acquaintance, and the hour of the meeting was nearly here. It was not too long of a walk to make the journey wreckless, but it was just long enough to be substantially annoying. He approached the street corner where a lopsided street light illuminated the the corners of the night. Loud music blared from a night club across the street, the people inside undisturbed by the weather.
A woman with bright blue hair and stormy gray eyes like those of a cat’s adorned with black make-up flagged him down, waving a pale hand dramatically in the chilly air. She was cloaked in a black jacket that touched the ground, large boots protruding from beneath it. Her hair often made him think of her as a rebellious shadow, trying to deny her obvious addiction to dark clothing and high, gothic boots. She smiled as he approached, leaning against the street light post as he stopped in front of her, the dying light casting funeral-like shadows onto his face.
‘Hey, Tobias. You made it,’ she said.
‘Yah. What did you make me walk all the way out here for, Ana?’
Tobias waved his hand in the air, gesturing about the exagerated length he had been made to travel to reach this deserted street corner. He had known Ana for a long time – a very long time – and they had become close friends. Anastasija, as was her full name, was a year younger than Tobias in terms of second birth, but far from being his equal.
She grinned widely, a mischievious glint slowly making its way into her bright eyes. Ana laughed lightly, sighing dramatically as she easily shifted herself away from the light post to a standing position, keeping her gaze on Tobias. She poked him jovially, glancing toward the night club with booming music that lay across the street.
‘I thought you might need some time out,’ she said. ‘Besides, I’ve got a friend in there you might want to meet.’
Tobias’ face was a picture of pessimism as he took his hands from his pockets to light up another cigarette. After a few short puffs to bring it to life, he returned his eyes to Ana, contemplating for a moment. She was always trying to set him up, and it made him think that perhaps she was a little too bored and had nothing else to do with her spare time. Although she was a great friend, sometimes she was just a bit too meddlesome.
‘You’ve never been the best matchmaker, you know.’
‘But I know you’ll like her! Come on,’ she persisted.
Tobias sighed. He knew there was nothing to do but give in and go with her. Ana was not going to give up until she got him through the club doors, whether it was by force or persuasion. She knew his weakness for any form of caffeine and he hated that she had something to bribe him with. Tobias nodded, letting the cigarette drop to his side, resting deftly between his pale fingertips. He began to make his way toward the doors of the night club where red light was creeping out onto the street.
‘Fine. Let’s go.’
‘Great! You’ll have fun, I promise. I mean, us undead people don’t have to be serious all the time,’ Ana commented as she followed closely behind Tobias.
They slipped through the doors, away from the cold and snow, and into the toxic atmosphere of blaring music, tempting alcohol and smoke as thick as tar. Ana left her jacket in the small, locked coat room and led Tobias to a table in the dark corner, where a woman sat, back turned to them. Long chestnut hair, perfectly styled in loose ringlets cascaded down a porcelain back, a brilliant first impression. Ana smiled as Tobias watched the figure ahead and hurried on toward the table.
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This 31 word review has not been unlocked.
This is well written and pitch perfect yet nothing about this story is making want to read the next part. I think we need a bit more of a tease as to where this may be going even if you mislead us when you do it.
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