Stay positive.

''I guess, if anything, it's about taking chances, even when you think you're all out chances. It's about giving forgiveness and unconditional love, even when it seems like you should only do the opposite. It's about trusting that God puts people in your life at certain moments so that you can capitalize the opportunity. It's all about the possibility. It's all about what you do with those possibilities. Life is short, but it moves so fast. Hand on and enjoy the ride. And when someone comes along with whom you enjoy spending the ride with, hold on tight.''

Love and lanterns.

Chapter 2.

   It was not long before Laura was back with a big glass of water. She handed it to me and left. I drunk it all in one drink. I was still thirsty. I looked at my phone again, 10:40. I glanced at my food, and suddenly my appetite was back. I ate everything, even had an extra blueberry and lemon muffin. My stomach seemed to thank me.
  Just as I was about to get up and leave, I remembered Megan was supposed to come back. I kept on peeking inside the cafeteria to see if she was coming or if I should reschedule with her. After about five minutes, I took out my notebook again. I looked around, when I saw John clearing tables. Again, my heart skipped a beat. Unconsciously, I began drawing him. His broad shoulders, his long arms, his angular hands and jaw, his eyebrows, his deep brown eyes, his black and curly hair, his lips, his eyelashes, his ears, his back, his neck, everything - absolutely everything - about him seemed perfect to me.
  I was almost done, when I saw Megan heading out to the terrace, walking towards me with some scones and what seemed like a chocolate custard. I closed my notebook and shoved it in my bag, blushing. I hope she did not see me. She placed the tray with the scones on the table, pulled a chair closer to me, sat and stared intently at me as she smiled.
  ''What?'' I ask, giggling.
  ''Nothing.'' She backed off a bit. ''So, how are you doing? How's work?''
  ''Well, I'm fine. Nabyi's grown quite a bit. Work's nice, although I did not picture myself writing and illustrating kid's books when I came here.'' I sighed, but then smiled a bit. ''Still, I love fan mail.'' My smile broadened as I recalled all the letters I got from the children who liked my stories, how I laughed when I read them and how they included their own versions of my drawings.
  I looked at the scones Megan brought. ''What's with those?'' I asked.
  ''Oh,'' she smiled mischievously. ''They're ... a little experiment.''
  ''An experiment?'' I was curious.
  ''Yep. Try this,'' she said after she took one, cut it in half and smeared some of that custard, and handed it to me.
  I looked at her uncertainly, but reached for the scone anyway. I closed my eyes as I took a bite of the fluffy bread. Megan looked at me expectantly.
  ''Chocolate and ... raspberry?'' I looked up at her and smiled. ''It is raspberry, isn't it?'' I took another bite. At that instant, my eyes opened widely. ''Cinnamon! There's cinnamon in this as well!'' I said eagerly.
  Megan laughed. ''Yes. In fact, there is raspberry and cinnamon in the chocolate custard. It's my newest invention. Do you like it?''
  ''I love it!'' I said as I reached for another scone and smeared even more custard than Megan had. She looked pleased. ''But, tell me about you. How's Pennsylvania? Did you like it? Did people treat you well? Did you learn a lot? How ... ''
  ''Woah, woah. Calm down. One question at a time. Let me see ...  Well, Pennsylvania's nice. I visited Philadelphia. Go Philles!'' She laughed. ''I've kinda become a baseball fan. What else ... Everyone was really nice. People at the restaurant were so patient. They helped me with everything I needed. Oh, actually, that's where I met John. He was my roommate back there and also a waiter. He came back with me. He's a really nice guy. Very nice.''
  ''Yeah, he seems that way.'' I took another scone.
  ''Anyways, wanna go out tonight?'' She asked as she grabbed a scone herself.
  ''Sure, that sounds ... Oh, sorry. I just remembered I had plans. I'm having dinner with this guy ... Remember Robert?'' I asked quizzically.
  ''Your neighbor?'' She clapped her hands and smiled. She asked enthusiastically, ''Are you finally together?''
  Just when she said that, John approached the table and grabbed a scone.
  ''Mind if I seat here? Business a bit low.'' His voice resonated in my ears.
  ''Not at all, go ahead.'' Megan said, signaling a chair next to her. Then she turned back to me. ''So, you and this Robert guy ...'' She smirked at me. ''My little girl's grown up!''
  I blushed. ''That's not it. We're just friends. That's it.'' I kept on glancing at John. He wasn't looking at me. Again, he stared at the bird that posed near us. I turned to Megan. She was looking at John, too. ''Are you two ...'' I thoughtlessly began asking. I stopped when I realized what I was doing. Luckily, they didn't seem to hear me. Thank god for my low voice. ''Anyways, it's getting late. I have to go home.''
  They turned to look at me when I said that. I left the money in the table, plus Laura's tip. I grabbed my coat and put it on. The flowers I bought almost fell. It was John who grabbed them before they did.
  ''Oh,'' I said. ''Those are yours, Megan. Your welcome back present.''
  John looked at me. I nodded. He turned to Megan and handed her the flowers. She was thrilled. She kept on thanking me, saying how thoughtful I was and that they were her favorite flowers. I just smiled and waved as I left the cafeteria. I looked up to the terrace and saw John smiling and waving. I blushed and smiled back.
  It was after twelve thirty when I arrived home. Nabyi greeted me with his usual high-pitched meow. ''Did you enjoy yourself while I was gone?'' Another meow. I laughed. I started putting away the groceries. ''Guess what? ... I met this guy today. He was ... he was really cute.'' I smiled to myself. I tended to to that, talk to my kitten. When I was done, I headed to my studio. Well, I call it a studio but it is actually the living room. Half of it. The other half has couches and coffee tables and stuff like that, though they are completely covered with canvases, paint tubes, and brushes.
  Making children books was nice, but what I really wanted was to have my own art gallery. So, every chance I had, I spent it there, painting and sculpting. I remembered when I first moved to Charlotte. It was miles away from everything I knew, and I was only nineteen. Just a girl, well not quite, but being on my own so far away from my family was scary. Now that I think about it, it was Robert who helped me get by the first year. I would've been lost without him helping me.
  I decided to paint today's sketches on canvases. So, I took out my notebook and opened it, looking for the drawing of the bird. Instead, I stumbled upon the drawing of John. I looked at it for what seemed like ages. I was mesmerized by it. He really is handsome, I thought as the tips of my hand stroked the drawing. This is it. I picked a big canvas and rested it on the wall. I styled my hair into a ponytail and rolled up my sleeves. Then, I began painting him.  Again, every single feature about him seemed perfect. I was so at ease doing it, that time flew by real quick. When I realized, it was already 7:50 pm. Gosh, I've been hours here. And I'm not nearly done. I looked at the time again. 7:50 ... 7:50! Robert! All of a sudden I remembered that I had to go to Robert's for dinner. I've gotta change, I thought as I run frantically around my home.
  When I was ready, it was 8:05. I left my house. ''I'll be back in an hour,'' I told my kitten. I could hear him meow outside the door. I turned left and walked three steps, before I reached Robert's apartment. I knocked. He opened immediately.
  ''Hey,'' he said trying to look cool. He leaned on the door and almost fell.
  ''Hello.'' I laughed. ''What are you doing?''
  ''Nothing, nothing.'' He fixed his shirt. He sure had dressed formally.
  '' ... Are you gonna invite me in?'' I asked, peeking inside.
  ''Oh, yeah. Sorry. Come on in.''
  He seemed flustered. He always did. Once inside, he guided me to the dinner table and helped me arrange my seat. He was always very courteous and polite with me. He offered me wine, which I declined.
  ''I don't really like wine. I'd rather have ...''
  ''Cinnamon tea,'' he interrupted and smiled. ''I know. Which is why I prepared some.''
  ''Really?'' I smiled. How thoughtful of him.
  Dinner was very nice. He made lasagna and a simple salad. Delicious. We spoke all throughout dinner. About my work, the weather, our families, just about anything. When we were done I leaned over and began looking for something in a paper bag I brought. He seemed curious as to what was there.
  ''I said I was bringing the dessert, remember? Nothing too fancy or complicated though. I'll borrow your kitchen,'' I said as I stood up and headed towards it.
  I already knew my way around his house. I had been over some many times the past years. Whenever I was alone, he'd invite me over. I returned and he smiled when he saw what I was carrying - a tray of plates with sponge cake, whipped cream, strawberries and a bit of chocolate.
  ''My specialty, deconstructed strawberry shortcake.'' I said happily.
  He smiled at me and helped me place the tray in the table. I had just sat down when he stood up.
  ''Now, my present.'' He demanded that I covered my eyes. ''I know it's a bit early but ... Happy Birthday, Anna. Open up.'' When I opened my eyes, a small music box lay before me. I opened it and the sweetest melody begun playing.
  ''Robert this is ... this is perfect.'' I was speechless. Every single detail in it was exquisite. ''Thank you. Really.'' I looked up and catched a glimpse of the clock on the wall. It was almost midnight. I stood up and turned at him. ''It's late. I'll go back.''
  ''I'll walk you,''  he said quickly.
  ''It's three steps away,'' I laughed.
  ''Then I'll walk you three steps.''
  When we arrived at my door, I opened it and turned. ''I had a lovely time. And that present was perfect. Thank you, really. I'd like to repay you.''
  ''So did I. And don't worry about it, you don't have to.'' He looked down. ''Well ...''
  ''Yes?'' I asked eagerly.
  ''There's one thing ...'' He took my hand and looked at my eyes. ''Please go out with me.''

Love and lanterns.

Chapter 1. 

     I covered my eyes. Gosh, it was too bright. I turned and tossed in bed, below my hand-sewn quilt. I sat up and saw my kitten sleeping next to my feet. 
    ''Hey, little guy,'' I said as I stroked it gently. The small, fuzzy black ball looked up at me and meowed gladly. It came closer to me and began kneading my thighs as it purred. I laughed. ''Well, good morning to you, too!'' I stayed in bed petting the warm creature for a little while, before getting up and heading to the kitchen.
   I left the room, and it followed after me. He always did that. Sometimes, he was too excited to go after me and almost made me trip. I tiptoed my way to the kitchen. Spring was barely beginning and the cool morning from winter were still a bit present. I sneezed and sniffed. I was still a bit sick.
   I reached out for a kettle, filled it with water, placed it on the stove and dropped in a broken cinnamon stick. It wasn't long before the smell of cinnamon filled my small home. I sneezed again. I went to the bathroom and turned the tub's faucet on so it begun filling with warm water. I headed to the sink and washed my teeth and face. I heard the whistling of the kettle just when I was done. The tub was almost filled as well. Perfect timing, I thought as I turned off the running water.
    Back at the kitchen, I grabbed a cup with cats on it. It was my favorite, the first thing I had ever made. I poured the cinnamon tea in it, added a couple of teaspoons of sugar and mixed. Then, I opened the refrigerator and began looking for some milk. It was practically empty. ''I've ought to do some shopping today,'' I said. Finally, I found a small milk carton behind two boxes of blueberries. Just as I opened the carton, my little kitten began meowing. Swiftly, it climbed onto the counter top and meowed frantically at me until I served a small plate of milk for him. I then poured a small splash of cold milk in my tea. And mixed again, I tasted it, and it was just perfect.
   '' 'Kay, now, a bath.'' I went back to my room and got a towel, then headed back to the bathroom, my cup of tea in hand. The water was still very warm, so I slipped out of my clothes and got into it. I poured a bit of rose-scented salts into the water. It was Saturday, early in the morning, and I couldn't be more relaxed. I stayed resting in the water for about ten minutes, eyes closed, thinking about everything and nothing at the same time. After that, I cleaned my body and washed my hair. When I got out, I wrapped my body in the towel and walked to my room.
   ''Nabyi,'' I called out. Then, from under the sheets, my kitten appeared. ''There you are. Do you think it will be cold today? What should I wear?'' I asked it as I stared intently at the bunch of clothes I had. I ended up with a pair of jeans, boots, a white t-shirt and a light green sweater. I turned to my cat again, ''How do I look?'' It just blinked at me. ''Well, that's good enough,'' I said as I giggled and pet it.
   I walked up to my dressing table, opened one of the drawers and took out a hair drier and well, used it. I couldn't go out with my hair wet and risk getting sick again. I'd leave my hair down. When I was done, I did my makeup. Nothing too heavy. All I ever wore was lotion, a bit of powder, maybe concealer, and this amazing cream blush I had bought a few weeks ago. That's it. Oh, and lip balm. No mascara, no lipstick. Nothing like that. My friends thought I was weird - a twenty-two year old who wore almost no makeup at all.
   I took my phone and checked the time. Fifteen to nine. Perfect. I took my bag, checked that everything I needed was there - wallet, gloves, hand cream, notebook, pens, and colors. Cell phone in hand, I put on my coat and scarf and began heading out.
   As I unlocked the door, I turned and watched the small mess my apartment was. It was so tiny, it was just me, and it still was very messy. I'll clean it when I get back. Yes, I'll do that. I glanced at my feet and saw Nabyi. ''Take care of the house, will you?'' I asked it as I smiled and closed the door after me.
   I took the stairs instead of the elevator, I just felt like walking. Then again, it was only three floors. I reached the main floor and walked towards the door. I noticed one of my neighbors was just coming in.
  ''Morning, Robert. '' I said with a smile.
  ''Morning, 24b.'' He teased, as he struggled with a box full of flower pots.
  ''Stop calling me that. The name's Anna.'' I hissed playfully. ''Need any help with that?''
  ''No, no. I'm fine. Oh, but I do have something for you.'' He smirked.
  ''Really?'' I asked, excited. ''Gimme gimme!''
   He looked up and down at me. ''It looks like you were about to go out. I'll give it to you when you get back, drop by my place. Let's have dinner. 8 o'clock?''
   ''Again with the dinner thing, Robert ...''
   ''It'll just be dinner, I promise. Can't you have dinner with a friend?'' He pouted. ''Plus, you'll love what I got for you.''
   ''Well ...'' I said hesitantly. ''Okay. I'll bring dessert then.''
   ''Sweet,'' he said. He had this huge grin on his face.
   He was cute, that I can't deny. ''See you later, then. Bye bye!'' I said as I left the building. I hurried out, and looked back after a while. He was still there, and when he saw me he waved. I smiled, and turned again to keep walking. 
   I walked for around half an hour until I reached the market. Things were just so fresh there, I loved it. It was  Robert who showed that place to me when I had first moved in and knew no one. I bought lots of vegetables, some fruits, even dairy products and a bit of meat. Rice and pasta as well. The good thing was, though it was a lot, it didn't feel like it. I could carry the bags by my own perfectly.
  I begun walking back home, when my stomach begun to grumble and make weird noises. I just had tea that morning. I looked at my phone. A quarter after ten. Great, I guess I'll drop by then. I smiled at myself and began walking again. I passed by a flower shop, and stopped to buy some daisies. Then, I kept on walking.
  After about ten minutes, I arrived at a small cafeteria called The Starry Night. I entered and wind chimes rung. I loved it there. It had a very rustic and homey feel, among the city. I sat on the terrace, a couple of people were there. I left the grocery bags in the seat next to me, along with my coat and the flowers. A few seconds later, a girl arrived with a notepad and a menu arrived. She smiled at me.
  ''Good morning, miss. I hadn't seen you in a while. Would you like the usual?'' She asked politely.
  The usual. I smiled. ''Absolutely. Oh, and could you tell Megan I'm here?''
  She smiled back. ''Sure. I'll be right back with your order, then.''
  I nodded and glanced at the menu. Some things were new, but I'll stick to ''the usual''. I laughed. How many times had I come here in the past three years? I noticed something next to me. I turned and saw a small bird. It had reddish feathers and a white belly. What type of bird is it ... ? I wondered. Well, it doesn't really matter. I reached my bag slowly, as to not scare it away, and took out my notebook and some sketching pencils. I begun drawing it, so my view shifted from it to my notebook to it again and so on and so forth. I drew and painted it with some aquarelle pencils I had. I was almost done when it flew away.
  ''Wait!'' I yelled at it, as I stood up. Disappointed, I sat again.
  ''Don't worry, it'll come back. Always does.''
  I turned and saw a red haired woman standing there. She smiled warmly at me.
  ''Megan!'' I hugged her with no second thoughts. ''I heard you had finally come back from Pennsylvania, so I thought I'd pay you a visit.'' I fixed my hair and tied it under my ear, blushing a bit. I backed off a bit when I saw a guy behind her.
  ''Cute as ever, Anna.'' She noticed my surprise and apologized. ''Sorry. Anna, this is John. He just begun working part-time here. I was giving him a tour when Laura said you were here.''
  ''Hi.'' John said in a deep voice.
  ''H-Hi ...'' I said, as I looked down. I was nervous for some reason.
  He smiled widely at me. ''Relax, I don't bite.''
  And in that moment, I relaxed. I dropped my shoulders and took a deep breath. I looked up at him and our eyes met. My heart skipped a beat. For a second, I couldn't hear or see anything else but his smile and his voice. What's this? 
  ''Well, Anna. I've got to finish giving John the tour. I'll be back in a moment.'' Megan said, bringing me back to reality.
  ''Oh, sure.'' I said and sat again. I glanced at John. He was still smiling, though he was not looking at me. I followed his gaze and realized he was watching the bird. ''It came back ...'' I said faintly.
  ''Told ya'.'' Megan said triumphantly. ''Well, later. Come on, John''
  John nodded and turned to me. ''It was a pleasure, Anna.'' He smiled again.
  ''Y-Yeah ... Later.'' My gaze was fixed on his back until he was no longer there. My heartbeat had gone crazy and my throat was dry. I remembered his deep voice and smiled to myself. John ... His name felt so good in my lips.
  ''Miss?'' The girl, Laura, I suppose - from what Megan had told me - looked at me. ''Here's your order.'' She placed a plate of scrambled eggs and sausages with parsley flakes before me, as well as some toast and a cup of green tea. ''Is this okay?''
  ''Could I have some water, too?'' I asked.
  ''Sure., I'll be right back.''
  She left. I stared at my food. My mind was blank. Well, except for one thought ...
  

Love and lanterns.

Anna is a twenty-two year old girl living on her own in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her passion as a painter and sculptor brought her there when she turned 19. Since then, she has somehow managed to get by. Friendships, though difficult at first, flourished. She's content with her life. Or so she thought, until she met him ...

''He entered my life with no warning. He turned the empty fields of my heart into colored flower carpets. The skies once filled with clouds cleared, and the sun shone brightly. He ... he stole my heart.''

Will her innocent heart be able to withstand heartbreak to reach love? Or will the pain force her to back off and leave, as she did once before?

Writing skills.

So apparently, I have great writing skills. Well, that's what my friends say. And my boyfriend's been encouraging me to write a book. I've been toying 'round with the idea lately, and it seems quite fun.

So, I suppose I'll give it a try. Wish me luck, I guess?

Time with you.

Time sure flies by.

It was just three months ago when you first whispered ''I love you'' to me.

But my feelings for you go way back before that.

They go back to our first time hanging out.

To your first smile directed at me.

To the first time I heard your voice and thought,

''Gosh, that's the most beautiful sound ever.''

These past few months have been amazing.

And it's all thanks to you.

I feel so incredibly grateful that you are a part of my life.

You have truly become the meaning of it.

Everything I do is because and for you.

You're the why of all my smiles. The one behind my sighs. And who makes me blush.

And what makes me smile the most is

every little comment you make,

every allusion to our future together.

There is nothing I want more, than to grow old next to you.

To wake up next you and greet you with a ''Good morning, handsome.''

And the best part of it is

we are only fifteen.

We have a whole life before us.

Years of being together,

if you'd let me stay by your side.

I do think we are able to do so.

We will get by together.

Despite the discussions we may have,

or fights between us,

we'll get through it.

Thank you for being who you are.

And thank you for loving me,

even if I may be a handful sometimes.

I love you, darling!

Todo esto pasó tan rápido.

Es divertido como todo esto pasó tan rápido.

Jamas creí que me enamoraría de alguien tan profundamente en tan poco tiempo.
¿Cuanto tiempo ha pasado desde que mi corazón fue tuyo por primera vez? ¿Seis, ocho meses? 
No lo se. Lo único que se es que tu existencia en mi corazón crece cada día más.

Recuerdo tu sonrisa. Siempre tan brillante. Creo que eso fue lo primero que me atrajo de ti.
Eso y tu sentido del humor. Toda una tarde contigo hizo que riera más de lo que lo había hecho toda esa semana.
No parece tan difícil, considerando el hecho de que soy muy risueña y que hasta las cosas más pequeñas pueden animarme, pero creo que fue simplemente el hecho de que fueses tú.

Es en serio. No sé como paso. Siempre estuviste ahí, pero jamás me había fijado. Te veía pasar pero no me era relevante. Ya había hablado contigo, hace uno o dos años, y mi corazón no latió como ahora lo hace. Ni éramos amigos. Simplemente conocidos.
Entonces, ¿Qué cambio? ¿Fui yo? ¿Tu? ¿Nuestro alrededor?
No lo sé. Y francamente no me importa. Solamente me alegra el hecho de que ese cambio ocurriera porque 
gracias a eso estamos juntos.

El tiempo que pasamos juntos es tan maravilloso que a veces me arrepiento de no haberme dado cuenta de que te amaba antes. Me refiero a darme cuenta de que siempre estuviste ahí, y de que si te amo como eres ahora es por ser la persona que eras antes.

Me hubiera gustado conocerte de pequeño. Me has mostrado fotos y te ves tan tierno. ¡Le agradezco a Dios que creciste para ser tan guapo! Y te lo seguiré diciendo cada vez que te vea, como lo hago ahora, siempre. No entiendo porque dudas de eso. Siempre he pensado que eres guapo. ¿Sera porque siempre te he visto con ojos de amor? Creo que sí. Los demás no concuerdan del todo conmigo. ¿Pero que importan ellos?

[First thing I ever wrote. Seems like such a long time ago.]