Chapter 1

Quentin

I was definitely out of my element. I hated parties and I hardly ever showed up to them. I sighed before I took a sip of my water. I needed to leave this place I was at my limit to the amount of social interaction I could take for the night. Even though I spent all my time standing in a corner of the room, my energy was sucked out by watching other people socialise. Was that even possible?

I got up from my seat in search of my sister. I could not leave without telling her goodbye. She would kill me for sure. She was the reason why I even showed up in the first place. I spotted her at the centre of the dance floor as I expected. Elbowing my way through the sweaty and sticky bodies reminded me why I hated coming to overly crowded areas. When I reached her I gently touched her shoulder to catch her attention. “Clara I’m leaving now call me or message me as soon as you get home.” She nodded and gave me a thumbs up indicating that she understood. I did not hesitate to make my way out of the building.

That was when I saw her. You wouldn't notice if you just glanced past. You had to focus to see her. She sat under the tree just outside absent-mindedly staring at the stars. It was at that moment I knew that I was doomed. I did not even know the name of the woman that could drag me ruin me with just her words. I smiled as I slowly approached her. It would not hurt to talk to her before I left. “I’m Quentin Devaux and you are?”

She looked up at me with a blank expression her eyes suddenly lit up as if she realised something. As quickly as it came it left. “My mother told me that I shouldn’t talk to strangers and frankly I think you classify as one.”

My mouth opened slightly in shock. Of all the responses she could have given me she chose that. She was very peculiar. “I just introduced myself so the only person that remains a stranger is in fact you. Also, how are we to make friends if we don’t talk to strangers?”

If my response surprised her she didn’t show it. She stared at me titling her head slightly as if trying to solve a puzzle. Was that what I seemed like to her? A puzzle that could not be solved? If I was not staring at her I probably wouldn’t realise that she had spoken. “Sarcastica Bitchnelle.”

My smile grew wider as I took a seat near her. As I expected she was not at all interested in my actions. She seemed more interested in the fallen leaves than me in general. I gave enough distance between us as to not make her uncomfortable yet close enough that she could hear me if I talked softly. “Interesting name what’s the origin?”

A her lips curled up into a slight smile before she let it disappear. “It expresses my greatest qualities being a sarcastic bitch. Usually chases the guys away but there are very few that stay after my introduction.”

“Do not call yourself a bitch. It is extremely degrading. No female should be degraded whether as a joke or not.” Her eyes widened. Before she could reply I continued. “You are very delightful company I do not understand what could possibly deter them from getting to know such a pleasant person such as yourself.” I meant that in all honesty.

She shrugged nonchalantly. “They must not like my sense of humour.”

I chuckled. It was extremely obvious that she wanted to get rid of me but I was not about to let that happen. “Do you live far from here?”

Her eyebrows furrowed and her lips pursed hard in thought. “Not really just around the corner of 1 2 3 Sesame Street. Big Bird just so happens to be my neighbour.”

My smile never faltered. This woman was impossible and making it extremely hard to get to know her. I was enjoying every moment of it. “What about your phone number?”

“9-1-1 I suggest that you call in an emergency.” She smiled for a split second. If you weren’t looking you wouldn’t have realised it. She thought that she had me stumped.

My eyes roamed around her face searching for any slight shift in her expression. I was just as stubborn as her. “Okay what about your occupation, life goals and favourite things to do?”

The blank look on her face returned as she replied. “Full time hot and sexy, I want to be a hermit and it was going along just fine until you ruined my solitude. As for my favourite things to do I have none. I hate everything equally.”

My eyebrows furrowed. “Why are you being so difficult?”

She remained silent refusing to look me in the eye. Eyes wandering everywhere but me. “Why are you asking so many questions?”

“I simply wish to know you.” I had no ulterior motives. Did she expect me to?

She stared at me silent once again searching for something on my face. “Then do not wish to be known. I want to remain a stranger to everyone.”

She got up, dusted off her jeans and left without a goodbye. I sat there staring at her retreating back. She baffled me yet intrigued me. Just who exactly was this woman?