Twist of Fate - Chapter 10: A Fresh Start [an original novel]

The next day, Lizzy's phone buzzed away in her pocket. Since her hands were full she decided to check on it a little later. Besides, it was most likely Sidney with another update.

Her contact was arranging a place for Lizzy in St. Louis, where property seemed within her budget and Lizzy was sure the sights would offer her no shortage of inspiration. It was quite a distance away, but she chose the location particularly because she felt a change of environment was in order. She had deeply contemplated her ties to this place, and in spite of the tinge of nostalgia that gripped her heart every now and then, Lizzy felt that she needed a new scene. She had assured herself that it was the best course of action to start anew in a different place with different people where she'd be able to map out a new path.

Lizzy had updated her blog and received many supportive comments that wished her luck in her new endeavor. As for her mother, Mrs. McShaw was glad as long as Lizzy promised to call in often. Today would be her last day at Flourish. Her colleagues were busy re-dressing the mannequins with new stock, while Lizzy stuck decorative stickers in the platform cubicle where the new range was meant to be displayed. She smiled to herself as she thought about the bagel with extra cheese she found waiting for her in her workspace that morning. Josh had his moments. He seemed a lot more agreeable to his juniors ever since receiving news that he'd be a father soon.

As she peeled off the stickers, her mind once again drifted to the night of the wedding. A keen interest was expressed by some of the guests who were impressed by the bride's gown. Lizzy played around with the idea of making her boutique focus on wedding apparel, well aware of how ironic it was.

Rapid tapping on the glass ripped her out of her reverie, nearly causing her to jump from fright. The source of the sound was a figure with jet-black shoulder-length hair, tinted glasses, and a tacky shirt. What caused Lizzy's eyes to pop, however, was the fact that he was gracing the public with the sight of the ridiculous looking top-hat on his head.

When Chase heard about Lizzy's relocation he felt a sense of urgency. Dancing with Lizzy that evening had shaken him out of his stupor. Irrespective of unresolved matters, he decided to live up to his namesake and take the leap to go see her again. He was committed to making himself a nuisance if that's what it took to be a part of her life again. However, being in her vicinity awoke his inhibitions. As she stared at him in bemusement from the other side of the glass he found himself speechless. Chase raised his hand, waving his fingers at her.

The demure gesture clashed so badly with his eccentric image. Lizzy found herself bursting with unrestrained laughter.
And then a light flashed.

She blinked, her vision gradually coming into focus again. Quizzically, she looked at the man on the other side of the glass. The man who was exceptionally unskilled in reacting to social cues and who had the worse sense of style Lizzy had ever seen. The culprit held his camera in his hands. Somehow managing to give her an unashamed yet apologetic look, he mouthed the words, "Sorry, I couldn't help myself."

As Lizzy looked at the weirdo on the opposite side of the windowpane, she felt the opposite of what she'd have expected. Her nerves relaxed, and she felt her inhibitions evaporating.

There was a lot that had to be said. There were miles that needed to be walked. Despite impending explanations, and the risk of awkwardness, Chase stood there and gave into his endearing habit, having stolen a candid photo of a scene he would describe as timeless.

Lizzy spun around, stepped off the platform, and briskly walked towards him. Chase stepped closer to meet her, raising his hand to touch her shoulder.

"Lizzy," he started, but Chase was stopped mid-sentence when she raised her cell phone to her eye-level, and with a Snap, captured his bizarre aesthetic. A spur of the moment revenge, and a precious souvenir as a new chapter of her life was about to come to the fore.

The end.

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