Like Cherries and Chocolate || Introductory Chapter

That first step off the Greyhound into Chicago is one I will never forget. I was born and raised in a small town just south of Knoxville, Tennessee. Where I'm from, it's almost always warm; even in the "winter."

So, nonetheless, it's safe to say that the abrasively cold, whipping wind I walked into was a complete shock. It was mid-October, and I was not ready for the adventures that would befall me. My entire trip to Chicago had been a spur of the moment kind of thing. I've never been anywhere outside of my county, let alone to such a different place. As I stood there, looking like a deer in the headlights, someone behind me gave me a rough shove.

"Hey, move it," growled an annoyed voice. The man behind me was rather tall. He had on a large, black zip-up hoodie and a lip ring. His hair was short, and he wore his facial hair sculpted, but in a gruff soft of way. As a whole, he would have been very attractive were it not for the deep scowl etched onto his face.

"I-I'm sorry!" I swallowed, stepping out of his - and the other passengers' - way. He shoved on, ignoring me. I sighed, nodding. I knew I wasn't really interesting to someone who lived here, and by my guess, he was just getting back from a long trip. "Oh well, I guess I should find a place to stay," I murmured to myself, chuckling.

Now that the climate shock was over, I started on my way to the nearest hotel.

The small blonde made her way down South Main Street, headed for the nearest Best Western. She hadn't made any real plans when she left her Tennessee home, just "get there and see what happens." The girl made her way a long, shuffling with the busy crowd.

At the hotel, she payed for a week upfront, hoping to have found an apartment by the weeks end.