Chapter One

When I was younger my brilliant father used to tell me that whoever breaks my heart, will never have a penny to his name and will regret the day he ever met me. I was 10 years old then, and today I am 21.

My father is a bygone man, who puts his money where his mouth is. He is short and stubby grey haired male. He is the most stubborn person I ever met, but has a beautiful heart to match.

"Effy, Luke has arrived. He wishes to speak with you my dear." my father said, trying to catch my attention.

My mind was once again racing through dreams. I was pondering my deepest wishes, that one day I would travel to Dublin, the charming city with magnificent mountains and vast green valleys that haunt my fantasies.

Luke has been to Dublin. He never forgets to tell me of his adventures he's experienced there. And I never forget to listen and capture every detail.

"oh, oh I'm sorry father, you know how my mind likes to wander about." I said, retreating to the door.
"yes, I know Effy darling, but Luke is waiting for you in the drawing room. It's best not to keep visitors waiting!" my fathered uttered almost to a yell.

I left the sitting room and made my way across the extravagant foyer to the drawing room, where my beloved friend Luke Morris was awaiting my arrival.

Luke is my closest companion that I have. We both love reading books about adventures, but with a dark and abrupt ending. We love the concept that everything isn't perfect and unexpected, that nothing ever turns out absolute every time.

There he was, Luke, sitting in my grandfather's hand carved rocking chair. He wore long sleek black pants with a white cotton tunic. His hair was a flaxen yellowish blonde, free flowing and gentle. My eyes move lower to his matching eyebrows and his gorgeous iris eyes. They behold me motionless in awe. Then I transfer me gaze to his generously ample pale pink lips that make me shiver every time he speaks my unworthy name.

There I was again, lost in thought of my best friend who I've know since I was a young girl of 3 years old.
Luke stands up immediately as I walk in and offers me a magnanimous smile. I accept by smiling back in a coy way.

"Hi Effy," Luke says as we both sit down across from one another. "Hi Luke, thank you for coming. I don't know how I could make it through this coming of age ball without you!" I replied out of the kindness in my heart.

My father thinks it necessary to behold my age of 21, so he is having a "coming of age" ball in honor of me. It's quite stressful and disquieting. But Luke is here to assist me.

"it's my pleasure darling", Luke replied. "I am honestly bewildered! You are 21 years old. I remember when we were only 5 and we would recite our poems out loud for our families to hear. They always seemed to like your story better." he said laughing.

I blushed and giggled remembering the us being so close.

We both sat there laughing and admiring our jovial childhood that we so cherished. But every so often I caught myself gaping at Luke for a second too long. He would notice and only grin on the right side of his face.

Then I would blush at the sight of his slate smoky eyes piercing back at me. I then glanced down at my clammy hands fumbling around with the skirt of my pale blue day dress.