Chapter 1: Central City

I can feel the sleep slowly eating away at me, as I drive on the highway toward the apartment I'll be staying in Central City. I left Kansas at 4 in the morning since it will take me about 4 hours and 40 minutes to reach the City.

A friend of mine who arrived in the City a year earlier than mine recommends this cafe that's in dire need of people after it got rebuilt recently. She gave me a number and I applied for a job on it online. I'll be meeting the assistant owner at ten. She said that I'll start tomorrow Monday morning, and we'll only meet so she can give me the assessment and roundabouts in the Cafe.

It was already 9 when I arrive at the apartment. It was entirely much bigger than the ones I saw in the pictures. More than enough for one person. The owner I got to talk in the phone said that she'll be out for so long, and needed someone to look out for the house so she put it in rent.

The rent wasn't really expensive that's why I was glad. The owner was kind too.

I noticed another car pulling into the driveway as I pulled in front of the apartment. A tall guy with a dark complexion steps out of his car the moment I did. I wasn't about to say anything but I may have caught his eyes because he smiles in my direction.

I smile back at him and watch him walk in my direction.

"I'm Joe West. I live right beside your house. Are you the one who rented the house? Mrs. Campbell told me about you." His kind stature brought another smile to my lips.

"Yes. Thora Fallon. I just arrived." Joe glance at my car and gave me another smile.

"I see. Well, if you need help with moving I'll lend a hand."

"Oh, thanks. But I only brought a few things. I can manage. Besides, Mrs. Campbell allowed me to use all the furniture inside."

"That's great then. Well, nice to meet you and see you around." He lends out a hand which I immediately shake.

"Thanks. Nice to meet you too."

I watch him go inside his house before I started taking out my luggage. As I said, I only brought a few things. Like clothes, paperwork, records, and a few picture frames and albums.

It was already 9:45 when I finish settling them all inside the house, which I opened with the key left by Mrs. Campbell under the gnome decoration in front of the door.

I hurried back to my car after locking the house and drove back to the highway. It was 9:58 when I parked near CC Jitters. I run towards the café and poise myself before calmly entering at exactly 10:00.

A tall woman with dirty blonde hair approached me with a broad smile.

"You must be Ms. Fallon. Right on time." She stated after she glances down at her wristwatch. "Let's sit and have a small talk."

When she said small talk, she precisely means small talk. I think it only took five minutes then she was back at her work inside.

She only told me of the things I would be doing starting tomorrow. Like refilling coffees if the customers who dine in want so. Cleaning the tables, moping the floor, then assisting people if they ask about something.

Not that bad for payment of the above minimum.

I look down at my phone to see the time and sigh when I realize I won't be sleeping since I don't feel drowsy anymore. I happened to glance at the hanging poster above my head when I looked around.

It says 'Try "The Flash" A brewed coffee with a shot of espresso to keep you running all day.'

The Flash? I thought. Remembering how Lora mentioned the name. She told me that it's what they call the hero who saves Central City from the phenomenon that happened six months ago.

Wanting to kick away the remaining drowsiness, I decided to get in line at the counter and grab myself one of the said coffee.

I was near the counter when this tall guy turns around, carrying four mugs of the Flash coffees. He bumps into me, probably because he didn't see me there. I quickly grab both of his hands that were holding the tray to keep it steady and prevent it from spilling on the both of us.

"Woah!" we both exclaimed, as I let go of his hand.

"Sorry. I didn't see you there," he expressed, finally allowing me to see his face.

Tall lean guy, with strong jaws. Wearing a checkered polo under blue sleeves and a suit above everything. A charming smile plastered on his face as he looks at me with his bright blue eyes.

"No. It's my fault. Should have moved aside first." He gleams at me and shakes his head.

"Well, thank you. Uhm... I'm Barry. Not that you ask for my name." I shake my head, before looking straight at him.

"Well, I'm Thora. I know it's a weird name, don't mention it."

"No! No! I... I mean... it sounds pretty." I raise a brow at him, which he answered with a small clearing of his throat.

"As you say so, Barry. See you around I guess."

"Uh, yeah. See-See you." I smile at him, before walking to the counter.

I ordered the 'The Flash' coffee, which didn't take that long. Just a few minutes and I'm already holding it. I turn around and caught Barry with a few more people staring at me from the table a few feet away from where I stood.

They all look away when they caught my eyes. Barry even lowers his head to avoid my gaze. I let out a smile before finally walking out of the café.

⚡

I spent my whole day placing my things neatly in the bedroom I'll be using for as long as I'm staying in Central City.

I ordered two boxes of pizza for my dinner, and eat it while watching movies. It was already 9 in the evening when I decided to grab another drink from the kitchen.

That's when it happened.

I accidentally bump the glass on the table. I was expecting a loud shattering sound the moment it fell off the table, but when nothing happened, I look at the glass and saw it still falling. Slowly.

I panic and quickly grab it. The moment I went back from sitting properly, I heard the sound of the movie playing once again. As if it stops playing when the glass fell.

Staring at the glass in my hand, I shake my head and breath calmly. Thinking that I might've drunk a lot of wine more than I intended to. Settling it down back on the table, then turning off the TV, I decided to head into the bed and sleep the weirdness away.

It might have been the alcohol then the lack of sleep earlier that is finally catching up to me. Besides, I still have to check in on my first day of a job tomorrow at exactly 7 in the morning.

Tucking myself into the warm bed after taking a shower, I ready myself for the morning...