Chapter 1

Are you the devil? 

The words flew out of her mouth before she could stop them. Her body remained frozen in time yet, she did not seem to notice her current state of being. Her complete attention was devoted to the shadowed silhouette standing before her. The shadows appeared in the form of a man and she suspected there was more to him than the eye could see. His long, jet black hair fell past his shoulders, his pupils glowing bright yellow in the dark. Though his gaze was fixed on her body remained silent for long moments without saying a word. What could he want? Agnes wondered. Was he going to hurt her? 

From the corner of her eyes, Agnes could tell that she was no longer in her bedroom. In fact, she seemed to be in a place far from home. She felt the clean grass under her feet, a subtle breeze and the sound of insects chirping in the night. She wanted to look up and confirm the stars above her head. Perhaps she was stuck in another dream but, she also wanted to keep the man in her line of sight. He simply stood still—watching her watch him. Her arms wrapped protectively around her bare shoulders. Her small, revealing, lace nightgown seemed no longer fitting. They were completely shrouded in darkness and though her instincts told her to run, she remained still, not wanting to provoke him. 

She examined him a little more carefully. The young male seemed to tower over her petite frame and from what she could tell, possessed a strong physique. His eyes continued to glow yellow while Agnes’ eyes settled on the rest of his features, she realized that the man in front her was smiling. His smile reached the corner of his cheeks showcasing a small dimple in the corner of his left cheek and beautiful pearly whites.  Small fireflies danced around the two, creating a beautiful scene and despite the freckles of lights surrounding the two, he seemed to only have eyes for her. The speckle of lights illuminated her face adding a radiant glow to her smooth brown skin. 

So far, stranger showed no sign of malice. In fact, he seemed to be genuinely happy to see her. His confusing reaction insinuated that they had met before but how could this be possible? Her eyes squinted in his direction. With further inspection, his clothing seemed a bit odd. Surely the 80's and 90's had rushed in a new wave of fashion and artistic expression to the world but, he appeared too different. He sported a pair of black trousers that reminded her of ancient times. His chest was free of clothing and adorned by several tattoos. Each of his wrists were covered by a large black cuffs. He was really strange indeed, like a man out of time. 

“I will not harm you,” the stranger finally spoke, as if to appease her thoughts. His deep, sultry voice came to her as another surprise. She could not identify his accent. Was he 

perhaps a foreigner? Searching through her memory, she doesn’t recall ever meeting such a person. In this small, unpopular city, Agnes doubts she could ever forget someone as intriguing as him. As she continued to inspect him and stare from afar, the man standing in front of her appeared more and more mysterious. The visual details she collected gave no further insight on how he appeared to be in her presence. She could admit that the stranger possessed a strange aura around him—like a familiar charm but her guard forced her to remain cautious. 

“Who are you and why have you brought me here?”

“I can assure you that we are in a safe place,” he explained. He slowly approached her, a gentle gleam in his eyes. His hand reached outward, inviting her to join him. 

“Come.” When she showed no response, he continued.

“I have waited so long to meet you. Tonight, your spirit seemed to have finally opened up to me.” Agnes carefully took a few steps backwards, creating more distance between the two, her head shaking in denial. This must certainly be a dream. 

“Agnes,” Her name rolled out of his mouth like a gentle caress. There was this charming accent again. 

“I have missed you.” 

“I don’t know who you are and I don’t want any trouble so, I should get going now.”

A hint of sadness spread across his features when she took another step backwards. 

“Surely, you must be confusing me with somebody else.” Agnes insisted. Even though he knew her name. Surely this was still a mistake, she foolishly denied. The man took a moment’s pause.

“It seems as though, you do not remember me at all, my love,” he observed. “After all, it’s been so long since we were…” his last words trailed in a broken whisper. 

Remember? She was undoubtedly confused. 

With a final sigh of defeat, his gaze found hers again before he spoke. “You are not ready but we will see each other again Agnes, soon. For now you should get some rest.”

Seconds later, the man disappeared before she could ask him what he meant. Her body was then suddenly enveloped in a warm, tingling sensation before everything went black. 

“Another, stranger dream," Agnes thought as she found consciousness in her bedroom. Her hand absently ran through her tight curls as she made a recollection of what happened. She was perturbed by how real it felt, how happy and comfortable the man appeared in her presence. She had seen him before—in previous dreams though he had never spoken to her before. 

At nights when she slept, she caught glimpses of his face and what appeared to be flashes of events. She saw the face of a stranger that seemed to reach out to her desperately but could not come to an understanding of what it meant. Agnes released a deep sigh in frustration. Was she starting to overthink this? Were her reoccurring dreams something to brush aside? After all, she did have an overactive imagination.

“Wake up honey!” Her mother’s voice screamed from the hallway. Agnes’ mother, Tina, was naturally up before the rest of the household, tending to her morning tasks, ensuring that everyone would get a proper breakfast and reach their destinations on time. 

“Tsk. Spending all that time fantasizing and you’re going to be late for work,” She teased. 

“I’ll be down in just a minute Mama,” Agnes replied and she hurriedly made her bed. 

Her morning routine was quick but efficient. Unlike many other girls, Agnes did not apply powders, shadows and lipsticks since it would add too much time to her morning routine. Working as a library assistant, she spent many hours with her nose buried in a book —often outside of work as well. She avoided wearing heels and went for a comfortable pair of shoes that allowed her to move freely throughout her busy days. Today her natural hair was tied in a traditional low chignon held together by a clip. The mirror standing in front of her showed that, per usual, her looks and clothing were nothing out of the ordinary. She always made sure to go for a more simple and presentable look though sometimes, she wished there were more occasions, or a special someone to doll herself up for. 

Grabbing her book bag, she made it down the stairs to find her family already sitting at the table. 

“No classes today?” Her father queried. He was dressed in a work suit and tie, today’s morning news paper at hand. Joseph worked for a prestigious publishing company. While Agnes favored her mother Tina in looks, both father and daughter shared a keen interest for the literary world and art. 

“I have a late start.” Agnes bounced around her sleepy younger brother to grab a small french toast. “I’m heading out to the library now.” She was going to spend a few hours finishing some homework, help organize some of the shelves before heading out to her afternoon class. 

Tina watched on, amused as her daughter managed to chew down and few pieces of toast, a quick sip of juice before she was out the dinner. Her child seemed to often be lost in her own little world or rushing to make up for lost time. 

“Don’t be late for dinner, ” Joseph hollered “Tonight is family game night!” But she was already gone. 

Adjusting her old pair of black glasses on, Agnes’ right hand moved swiftly as she inscribed the final sentences of her dissertation. She finished earlier than expected which meant that she could then carry on to another task. The library was her sanctuary and Agnes has always had a passion for books. At a young age, her curiosity led her to explore and discover what lies within the parched white pages. World history? Poetry? Fiction? If the subject sparked her interest then she devoured the words on paper. She, sometimes, found it very hard to explain to others how one could enjoy disappearing from the world at a time, only to find out what happens at the end of the last chapter. As a child, Agnes often relinquished on the birthday parties and other outdoor activities. She, instead, would be found in her bedroom with a copy of one of her favorites. Her parents, Tina and Joseph, seemed to always understand—especially her father. He encouraged her healthy habit and still provides great literary suggestions ‘till this day. 

As time went on, Agnes learned to balance out her favorite pastime with other social activities and gained new friends. But, deep down inside, she was still the same little girl who fell in love with stories. School work completed, Agnes began at task on a secret project. In truth, this was her real incentive for coming to the library everyday. In the last few months, when she was not fulfilling her duties as an assistant or completing assignments, Agnes was researching ideas for her book. While earning her degree in English, she also studied ancient history and mythology to learn about the ways of the old world. In this she found the inspiration to come up with new ideas and create characters of her own. 

“How did I know that I was going find you here,” a familiar voice chuckled from behind her.

“Hi Matt” Agnes greeted her friend. He sat on her left and reached for a notebook and pen. Matthew Jacobs was an upperclassman majoring in History. Both students were also recipient of the same honors scholarship but had never crossed paths until the two began working on a group project for one of their courses in a Biblical and Classical Literature. Matthew was instantly drawn to her intelligence and beauty, while Agnes admired his wittiness and overall charming attitude. The two spent some time outside of school, hanging out with mutual friends. 

“You know, a pretty girl like your shouldn’t spend her days confined to this old, dusty place,” he teased, eyes gesturing to their surroundings. A small blush crept up Agnes’ cheeks who decided to ignore his advances and looked on to her pages. She could hear his nervous chuckle without staring back up at his face.

“But, I…like it here.” She pouted. 

“I meant that you should socialize a bit more Agnes. You rarely come to my parties,” Matthew noted before he changed the subject. “Well, now that I have you, I was really hoping I could pull in a favor.”

“Favor?”

“There is this old document I need that contains a rare statement from Jefferson.”

“Okay.” 

“It’s an off-the-shelf piece.” He looked on as Agnes came to realization to what he was asking. 

“Agnes, it could really help with my upcoming thesis.”

Built in the late nineteenth century, the school hosted one of the oldest library in the country. It housed quite a large amount of first-editions, rare books and documents that only approved scholars could have permission to access. As an assistant and as part of her job, Agnes was able to browse through several areas, which aided greatly in her own personal research. She has always been careful when browsing by never taking an important book home and putting everything back in its rightful place. But could she extend those same privileges to her friend? Matthew’s always been a genuine friend but granting access to such restricted areas, academic purpose or not, still made her nervous. She really liked having this job and did not wish to risk termination. She also understood how this could help advance his studies…

“Oh Matthew, I don’t know if that’s such a good idea…” She began. 

“Please,” he begged. “It would really mean a lot,” he flashed her one of his undeniable charming smiles. 

“I don’t know, I have to think about it.” Agnes muttered. She really wanted to help out a friend but didn’t want to risk getting in trouble. 

“Sure, no problem.” Matthew agreed. The two continued to work quietly, sneaking glances at each other unbeknownst to the other. Matthew silently admired Agnes’ ability to devote her attention and focus to whatever task she was currently dealing with. Though Matthew preference usually called for girls who liked to “play”,  something drew him to Agnes who was shy, hard working but full of passion and ambition. He allowed his eyes to linger on her long lashes, her beautiful soft brown skin, her full rosy lips… He had to look away and regain focus on his own assignment. 

As the two continued to work, Matthew wondered if the oblivious and studious beauty sitting next to him could, someday, ever see him as more than a friend. He knew that, with her, he had to take things slow. Soon, he was going to find the courage to ask her on a proper date but for now, he should gain more of her trust. 

Later on that night, Agnes sat on her bed doing some light reading while everyone else slept. She’s never been a fan of those monthly fashion and lifestyle magazines that her mother subscribed to. Fiction and fantasy were more up her alley. Flipping through the pages, a small section had briefly caught her attention:

Pisces. February 19-March 20

Your ruling planet, Neptune will be in full effect! This month your sign rules the subconscious and dreams. You will feel more intuitive so do not be afraid to embrace new creative and artistic ideas. If you feel stressed out, keep a dream journal near your bed—this should help you discover some clues to solving life dilemmas.

Gentle and ever caring you may often feel the need to put the needs of loved ones before your own. Hang out with people who are as sympathetic as you are and exercise more self-care. Find peace in prayer and meditation. 

Continue to focus on your dreams and goals. This will help you stay on your ideal path of happiness and financial comfort... 

“I never thought I could relate to one these silly things,” Agnes joked as she close the monthly issue. Taking a deep breath, she briefly wondered how these weekly and monthly horoscopes came to prediction. Securing her night wrap around her curls, she laid on her pillow, waiting for today’s events to wash off and take her to sleep. 

The slow, steady rhythmic tic-toc of her bedroom clock faded into silence.

“I am yours and you are mine, for now until the end of time.” Two voices echoed in unison. 

Agnes took a quick look at her surroundings and confirmed that she was indeed in the middle of nowhere. Staring at this couple in the middle of what felt like a very intimate moment made her feel more out of pace than the fact that she did not exactly know where she was. The man and woman did not seem to be alerted by her presence. She wondered if they were too engrossed into each other to care. This dream felt so real, as if she was transported to a moment in time. The wind sang past her long tight curls and 

Agnes watched as a young couple stood on a high cliff while the waves beneath them crashed onto shore. The sun was setting and its final rays left a radiant glow on their faces and skin.

Agnes tried to discern their features as both of their faces were covered by their long hair. They both stood barefoot. A small pile of fancy armored clothing and a large, silver sword laid beside the young man as if he’d rid himself from the items just a few moments before. He was now left with a thin white shirt and common black trousers. The woman’s, thin white dress, flowed along with a few hair strands in the wind. Her upper arm and neck were adorned in simple golden jewelry. 

Despite the beautiful scenery surrounding them, the two never one broke from each other’s fixed gaze. 

“Zina” the man began. “On this day, I swear to protect you with my life and my entire being. No harm will ever come to you in the name of men and the powers above.” The man spoke with passion as his hands locked in hers. His dark eyes were full of intensity. His spoken promise released into the universe as nature were their witnesses. 

“My love,” the woman hesitated for a moment staring into her lover’s eyes. Her trembling fingers reached for his jet black hair before resting on his right cheek. Agnes recognized him as the same man from her other dreams. 

“I swear to devote myself to you and to give you only my purest of love. I pray the gods that no harm will befall upon your being for choosing to love me in return.”

“Zina…”

“You’ve saved me and given me a reason to live and fight. For that, I will always be grateful and I promise to love you.” A silence pause. “But..”

“No,” her partner quickly interjected as he brought her face closer to his. “I have taken an oath and the gods are our witness. You will have nothing to fear, trust me.” he assured her.  Her eyes searched his for a linger of uncertainty, regret or fear as he held her gaze with pure conviction.

“You will be safe by my side, I swear it.” He whispered as he tucked her hair behind her ear. His eyes fixed on their target before their lips met in a sensual kiss. As he brushed more of her hair to the side, Agnes was able to get a closer look at the woman while the two lovers kissed passionately. 

“That’s…He” Agnes could not finish the words as they caught in her throat. Her breathing halted, her senses numbed down by the sight before her eyes. The woman's face was now in clear view. Her thoughts rushed and filled in what she couldn’t articulate. That woman was...

“He’s kissing me!”  Her mind screamed before she suddenly woke up. 

One thought stuck in the back of her mind. The resemblance was too uncanny. The man in her dream was romantically involved with someone who could pass for her identical twin. Agnes tried to wrap her mind around what this revelation could possibly mean. There was no denying that the two lovers were also intimately close. ‘Perhaps our resemblance caused him to have mistaken me for his lover,’ Agnes thought. She had seen him in her dreams multiple times before, and he always addressed her in a familiar way. Despite the difference in their clothing, the woman had looked just like Agnes with a striking similarity that shook her to her core. It is no wonder that even this woman’s lover could have been fooled. 

Agnes recalled the details of her dream. The woman's eyes were full of so much pain and hesitation, but somehow Agnes knew without a doubt that she had loved him. She could simply just feel it. She had watched them as they made their vows to one another. It almost felt like she had witnessed a secret wedding. Her curiosity grew and she wondered what ever happened to the two two lovers…  

“So, in your dream, you saw a woman who could be your doppelgänger, a knight in a beautiful but foreign place?” Jasmine recounted. She was Agnes’ long time best friend and schoolmate. 

The two frequently met at their favorite cafe on Saturdays as their work schedules and school duties left them little time for leisure activities during weekdays. They shared similar interests in several subjects including music, and books. Jasmine was currently enrolled in the same university, pursuing a degree in Art History. 

“It all started a few months ago, in the summer, shortly after my trip to South Africa.” Agnes explained. “These dreams at first, began with flashes and blurry images, recurring while I sleep.” Agnes had received the opportunity to study abroad in Africa at minimal expenses and this gave her the experience of a lifetime. She got see a different side of the world, improve her studies and had learned so much. So many wonderful things had happened on that trip that she could not recall them all. 

Agnes took a moment’s pause before she confessed. 

“The more I dream, the clearer I can picture things. Last night, for example, I saw the man accompanied with his lover on top of a huge cliff and it all felt so incredibly real. It felt as thought I was somehow transported to their world and when he kissed her…”She sighed quickly discarding her final thoughts. 

“Maybe, I’m overthinking all this. This could all very well be my imagination playing tricks on me I don’t know…” Agnes buried her face in her hands. 

“Right…” Came her friend’s short response. “ I don’t know what to say either Nessie.”

Jasmine didn’t exactly know what to make of her friend’s story. Agnes is a brilliant writer and thus happens to have a vivid imagination but the young brunette had never seen her friend in such a state of puzzlement before.  The young girls sat around a small, brown, low rise table,  cozied within the calm ambience of the cafe. A soft jazz tune played in the background as people went about placing orders while others quietly chatted or occupied themselves with reading material. 

Jasmine decided to make light of things. 

“Was he handsome, this dream man of yours?” Jasmine teased as she took a sip of her coffee. 

“I couldn’t see his face very clearly.” Agnes replied shyly, looking down to her knees. He indeed was very handsome. 

“This man wouldn’t happen to bear resemblance to a certain, dashing, upperclassman you’ve been spending time with lately, right?” Jasmine teased. “Tall, dark brown hair, with a bit of a classic charm…” 

“Who? Matthew?”

Jasmine’s right eyebrow quirked.  Agnes seemed to know exactly who she was referring to. 

“So you’re not completely oblivious to him then…”

“The man in my dream is not Matthew.” Agnes denied. She knew where this conversation was headed. 

“He definitely fancies you.” 

“He’s a great friend.” was Agnes quick reply which caused Jasmine to roll her eyes. 

“Look, all I’m saying is you should stop worrying about these dreams of yours and maybe go out on a real date.” She continued. 

“Matthew’s charming, handsome, smart, overall a great catch and he talks about you all the time.” Jasmine stated. “Not in that nasty way that guys do. Just the other day, he was telling Charles and I how incredibly smart you are.” Agnes’ cheeks flushed. 

“He did?” 

“Totes did.” 

A real date does sound nice, Agnes thought. She was a wallflower and at the age of  nineteen, had very little to no romantic experience.  Sipping on her hot chocolate, Agnes thought about their exchange at the library. Matthew was an all round decent guy whom she felt comfortable around. His classic good looks paired with his intelligence would make any woman lucky to have him. If he was truly interested in her, she could begin to see him as potentially more than just a friend. The introvert inside screamed that she do nothing and wait for him to come to her instead of making the first move. 

“Before you jump the rails,” Jasmine began. “I hear he’s organizing a gathering this Thursday for Anthony’s birthday. This will be a good time to get to know him a little more.”

“He didn’t mention anything to me at the library. Do you think it would be alright for me to show?” Agnes questioned. 

“It should be no problem since Charles and I will be going as well.” 

“Alright…” A large smile appeared on Jasmine’s face.

“We’re going to find you a pretty dress and with a little bit of makeup, you are going be stunning!” She exclaimed excitedly. 

A few days later, Agnes and Jasmine chatted and sang along to their favorite songs as they got ready for Anthony’s party in Agnes’ bedroom. Piles of clothing, hair accessories, shoes and makeup were spread out all across the bed and dresser while the two ladies stood in front of the mirror. Their bodies swung from left to right to the sound of the eighties pop tune. Agnes, in her robe, slowly removed each roller from her hair, revealing beautiful sets of natural brown curls.

“You know,” Jasmine began as she applied a bit of rosy blush to her pale skin.  “I actually didn’t tell him that you were coming tonight. I figured we could make it a happy surprise for him and once he sees you in that dress…What’s wrong?” She queried, noting the sudden, hesitant look on Agnes’ face.

“About what I said earlier…” Agnes mumbled. “Matthew’s quite handsome, I just don’t know if I’m ready to date a guy like him. He seems to prefer girls with more…experience. What if he thinks I’m too boring?”   

Jasmine slipped into a pair of heels, attentively listening to her friend’s concerns. For a while, she had secretly wished that the two would eventually come together.  They would make such a lovely pair although Agnes seemed to have much reluctance in the matter . The young scholar was clearly not oblivious to Matthew’s charms, but Jasmine now understood why she might not want to go for a mature guy like him. 

Turning to face her friend, she continued. “No pressure. Just try to have fun tonight and go with the flow.” Jasmine grabbed a brush, foundation powder and began to apply a light coverage on her friend face following with a bid of brown shadow and sheer gloss. Jasmine made sure to maintain the natural look since Agnes preferred little makeup unlike Jasmine’s full coverage. 

“Now, look at that gorgeous face.” Jasmine complimented her friend as she admired the finished look. 

“You look ravishing Nessie. Now let’s hurry up and get ready, Charles will be here any second.” 

They arrived fashionably late to Anthony’s birthday event which was already full of energy but not much like a typical college party. Matthew chose to gather everyone at the Lotus lounge, a popular spot for upperclassmen. Located in the heart of town, the Lotus Lounge was a very spacious room with enough entertainment options to satisfy its regular attendees. In lieu of drunken chaos, people stood around in small groups, nodding along to the live band, drink in hand. Some kept themselves occupied with a game of pool or cards in the dim-lit corners of the lounge. Others helping themselves to some of the food available. 

Upon arriving, they spotted several of their friends. Dragging Agnes along, Jasmine made her way over to say hello and grab them drinks. Though her friend certainly thought nothing of it, Agnes always admired Jasmine’s popularity and her ease of fitting into many crowds.

“No Alcohol, please.” Agnes reminder Jasmine who passed her a can of pop. She scanned the room for the birthday boy, Anthony. Though she didn’t know him very well, she managed to bring him a small gift because she was, technically, crashing his party. It was simple and inexpensive enough. While Jasmine assured her that her presence would not be unwanted, it was the least she could do. 

“Remember what I said,” Jasmine’s voice whispered directly in her ear. “Relax and have some fun.”

“Right” Agnes nodded. “I’m going to find Anthony.” She spoke in her friends ear waving the present she brought him in her hand. She didn’t want to carry his present for the rest of the evening. 

Leaving her friend behind with her beau, Agnes began to walk around the room, greeting her upperclassmen along the way. The boy in question was nowhere in sight. Shrugging, she made her way over to the small stage where a few musicians were playing loud enough to cover the chatter in the room. The air was filled with a groovy tune and Agnes’ body swayed from side to side. For a few minutes, she became distracted by the music. The small audience applauded to the final notes of the upbeat sound. A few seconds later, a softer tune began to fill the room. A few people joined in pairs in front of the small stage. Agnes felt a warm body stand behind her, a pair of strong hands grazing each shoulder. She slowly turned around to face the handsome young man who was smiling down at her. 

“May I have this dance?” Matthew’s voice sang to her ears. His smile accentuated his well-defined jaw. No mo words were needed as Agnes slowly but daringly wrapped her arms around his neck and the two began to sway along to the music. Everything else happening around them slowly became irrelevant. She could not tell what he was thinking as he eyes never left her face. She too admired his handsome looks and took notice of his presence for the night. A casual long sleeve shirt, unbuttoned at the top, damp hair and a subtle scent of his cologne. She’s always been comfortable around Matthew but in this moment, she realized that there are many things she quite liked about him, physically and intellectually. Their slight height difference made it so that she could perfectly rest her head on his chest, if she wanted to but her eyes found their way back to his. They remained like this until the song came to an end, the chatter noise replacing where instruments sounds had once been. Taking a few steps backwards, they allowed for a little space between the two, unwillingly so. Before the awkward silence could float its way in, Matthew seized the opportunity.

“You look beautiful tonight, Nessie.” The innocent use of her nickname reddened her cheeks and sent butterflies into her chest.

 “You’re not so bad yourself.” She hoped her voice would not give her away. 

“I know how important your studies are to you but when I invited Jasmine to this party, I secretly hoped that she would bring you along.” he confessed. “I’m glad to see that my little ruse worked.” He chuckled.  

 “A bit of fun once in a while is not so bad…” Agnes smiled shyly. “Umm…This is for Anthony.” She handed him the gift she’d been holding.  

“Great. I’ll make sure he gets it.” 

“And Matthew…”Agnes called out to him before he could leave her side in search for his friend. “I thought about the favor you asked and…” She took a deep breath. “As long as I am there on supervision, you can browse the restricted section in the library.”

“That’s great news, thanks! I promise to make it up to you.” He genuinely exclaimed before giving her a quick hug. Agnes felt his lips rest on her cheek and once again, she caught a whiff of that cologne. Despite the shortness of the action, she prayed he would not notice the immediate effect it had on her. She did not think her cheeks could get any warmer.  

“Give me just a moment.”

Matthew disappeared within the crowd, assumedly to deliver her gift, but swiftly came back to her side a few moments later. For the rest of the night, Agnes enjoyed her time in the company of the handsome upperclassman. Several times tonight Matthew held her hand in his as they talked about college life, among several other topics. At no point did she feel the need to run away back to her friend or feign fatigue to leave the party early. In the past, she had used such tactics when feeling socially drained. She would rush back home to find the comfort of her bedroom and her books. He somehow made her feel at ease and in return she wanted to hear his thoughts and views on the world. Time seems often too short, especially when you’re having fun or in the company of such a well spoken and engaging man… 

Prior to her departure, Matthew left her with another, this time slower, kiss on the cheek. They had danced a few more times, throughout the night, and Agnes took note of his subtle, yet affectionate gestures. Perhaps he was intentionally taking things slow when it came to her. She hoped to not have misread his company tonight. She fell asleep thinking of the next time she would see him. She hoped she had not misread his intentions at the party because her heart told her that not only had Matthew taken a real liking to her but she was beginning to feel the same way. That night, when she closed her eyes, there were no confusing or strange feelings out of place or time. That night there were no strange dreams of the tattooed man with the bright yellow eyes.