•prologue•

A lot of people say California is overrated. And a lot of those people are correct. It's really not all that people have made it up to be. I like it enough here, but in all honesty I miss my place back in Seattle. I'm constantly telling myself that I do like it here in Hollywood, that it's so fun. And it is fun, there's always something to do and the beach isn't horribly far at all. Something just feels off though.

I park my old dark blue Ford Explorer in the parking lot for my apartment complex and shut the engine off. My music keeps playing until I open the car door, and it abruptly stops. The heat of the summer day hits me as soon as I'm out of the car. It's already bordering ninety degrees despite the fact that it's only ten in the morning. I trudge up to my apartment, tired for no real reason.

My phone goes on a counter along with my coffee. Today is an odd day for me and I can't quite put my finger on why it feels that way. I'm staring at the city out of the window when a loud buzzing rips me from my thoughts. Quickly realizing it was my phone, I ran to the counter.

happy birthday sweet girl! wish i could be there with you :( i need to see you soon! i sent you a surprise within a surprise and it has been so hard to keep it a secret! call me when you find it! love you emmy :*

I'm confused for a moment before I realize that today is June 17th. My 22nd birthday. I smile at the text from Lauren, but feel a twinge of disappointment. I shouldn't though; I should know that he won't message me. I doubt he even remembered that today was my birthday. I quickly reply to her text and flop onto my couch, staring at the ceiling.

22, I think. I am 22 years old. I have been on this earth for 22 years. I wonder if my mom will remember; doubtful. I almost laugh at the fact that I'm actually completely alone on this day. Before I can wallow in more self pity and try to decide if I should go out to dinner tonight or not, I hear a knock on my door. Thinking it's the landlord or a Girl Scout or something, I answer the door.

"Can I help-" I start to say, but stop as soon as I see who's face it is. "W-what...what are you doing here?"

"Emma," he replies. His voice sounds different from last time I heard it. "Emma...," he breathes out my name.

"Niall," I finally reply, my voice just above a whisper. "What are you doing?" I ask again.

HI this was short but the chapters will be longer. this is just a short introduction sort of. i will update every weekend and maybe more if i get the chance. things will make sense as the story goes along and i really hope you enjoy it and i will do my best! i'll put up another chapter tonight! this story is partly inspired by many things, mainly the song "medicine" by daughter. thank you for reading!🌞

-emily