Chapter 1 Excerpt from Time Stops
A descending chromatic scale devoid of harmony, Jaime spiraled down, not unlike the unmistakable taste of euphoria. His entire body lurched, and his organs twisted and sank within him, as if he sat in a plane dropping to its demise. When his eyes opened, he expected a dark world after death, but he stared up at the same weirwood tree he had just touched. Yet, it felt like he traveled far away.
He blacked out many times before, but never like this. Jaime inhaled, half expecting no more air in the world to breathe. Am I dreaming? His heart pounded, unsure of what just happened. His eyes told him nothing happened. Jaime clenched his fists full of the grass beneath him before sitting up. Breeze washed over him and blanketed him with an unexpected chill. This fucking place was worse than he thought.
Jaime stood and glanced around him. Hidden photographers tried embarrassing him before, and he expected more of them. He had enough bad press. As much as he tried to pretend he didnât care what people thought of him, in actuality, he cared a great deal. Upon scanning the desolate tip of the island, he remained alone. Jaime regretted sneaking onto the sacred island in the first place; just to see her. She wasnât there. She likely wasnât ever there. How so very like you. Did you stand me up? The mere thought of her left him longing. Often, lyrics floated through his head:Â
Youâd never worry about what Iâd do
Iâd be coming home back to you.
Jaime dusted off his suit trousers and pulled out his mobile phone. He needed to call her. He knew he shouldnât, but he couldnât help himself. Jaime scoffed and tapped her number while he ran his other hand through his short blond hair. Eerie silence stole away his hopesâ not even a dial tone. No service? Goosebumps waved up his exposed arms, and Jaime bit his lip at the unexpected weather. Summer wasnât supposed to be this cold.
