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Fiona stood at the cliff’s railing, feeling the cold wind blow through her hair. The waves crashing against the cliff below her seemed to call to her, beckoning her closer. She closed her eyes, leaning over the railing slightly and feeling her heart race. Part of her wanted to know what falling would feel like. Would the ocean accept her, or would it reject her broken body amongst the rocks? It was times like these that Fiona wished there was something else to catch her attention. Something other than the endless call of the void. It was getting stronger these days; more insistent.
“I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s one messy way to go.” Fiona settled back on her heels, turning to look at the woman leaning against the railing nearby. When had she gotten there? The redhead looked the stranger over. She wasn't from around here. That much was painfully clear from her mannerisms alone, though her dress made its own point.
“I wasn’t gonna jump,” she said, rolling her eyes, “just wanted to feel the wind.” The stranger looked at her, raising a brow.
“There are easier ways to feel something like that than to nearly fall off a cliff,” she pointed out. Fiona smiled, turning to lean back against the railing.
“I know,” she said, “but sometimes it makes me feel alive.”
“The waves are certainly beautiful,” the stranger said, turning to look down at the water, “though just as dangerous.”
“Everything can be dangerous,” Fiona said with a laugh, “no need to be scared of it.”
“Oh believe me, dear, I’m not afraid.” Fiona paused, surveying the stranger once again. She was interesting, not like most of the other boring people in town. She was more...exotic in her thoughts. More willing to entertain such a strange conversation with someone like herself.
“Tell me, what’s your name?” Fiona asked. The stranger chuckled, giving her a mysterious smile.
“That’s a bit forward no?” she asked, “After all, there is plenty you can learn just from a name. A name holds power. Dominion over the being the name belongs to.” Fiona grinned at her, feeling excitement flood her veins. This stranger was interesting. She wanted to know more.
“I’m Fiona,” she said, “does that make you feel better about sharing yours?” The stranger laughed, the sound bright and joyful. It made her heart sing with the sound.
“You are a very strange girl Fiona,” she said, “but if you must know, my name is Patricia.” Fiona smiled, feeling like she’d accomplished some glorious mission. The waves below were long forgotten, nowhere near as interesting as the beautiful soul before her.
“Tell me more about yourself then Patricia,” She said excitedly, “what kinda stuff are you into? Do you have any siblings? Are you single?” Her brain caught up right after the last question popped out of her mouth, wanting to silence it. Yet Patricia didn’t seem fazed let alone upset.
“I do a lot of reading nowadays. Mostly on old myths and ancient civilizations,” she said, “I don’t have any siblings, so there’s no fun stories there if that’s what you’re looking for. And no, I don’t have any stories about the rest of my family either. I figured I should say it now before you ask.” Fiona flushed, embarrassed of her own lack of control.
“Sorry for that,” she said, looking back down at the waves, “you don’t have to answer that last one. It just kind of slipped out.” Patricia only chuckled, smiling fondly at her.
“No worries dear,” she said, “your blunt nature is actually quite refreshing.” She turned to look out over the water, a far off look on her face. “And yes, I’m single. Have been for quite a long while. Mostly by choice.” Fiona looked at her for a moment, trying to read her to no avail.
“Me too,” she answered, gripping the railing tightly, “I ah...haven’t found anyone either. Guess no one wants to put up with my unique brand of crazy or something.” The waves called to her again, louder this time. She stared at them as they crashed against the rocks as if answering her own inner turmoil.
A hand laid on hers, snapping her from her thoughts. She looked over to see Patricia staring down at the water as if trying to question it. Their hands are overlapped on the railing, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Something about that simple contact calmed the voices bouncing around in Fiona’s head. She wondered if Patricia knew how much she needed even that simple touch.
“If you haven’t met a guy willing to give you a chance, perhaps you simply haven’t found the right one yet,” Patricia said simply. Fiona laughed nervously, shaking her head.
“Oh no. I haven’t looked at a guy in years,” she said. Patricia raised a brow, glancing at her curiously. “Not because I’m not still looking but because I ah…how do I put this? Guys aren’t really my thing anymore so-”
“Fiona?” She forced herself to cut off her stream of thought, swallowing.
“Yeah?”
“You’re rambling dear,” Patricia said with an amused smile, “You could have just said you were into women. I’m not one to judge you.”
“Right,” she said with a sigh of relief, “What about you? Haven’t found the right guy or gal?” Patricia chuckled, shaking her head.
“Well, I did find an interesting girl,” Patricia said with a smirk. Fiona leaned forward, ready for this juicy bit of gossip from a complete stranger. The other raised a hand, tapping her nose with a finger. “But she seems more interested in the waves than the person next to her.” Fiona blinked, turning to look at the water for a moment before her brain caught up with what she said.
“Oh! I’m sorry I didn’t even notice!” She flushed bright red, staring wide-eyed at Patricia. “But ah...why? Why me I guess?”
“You seem interesting,” she said, “a free spirit full of life and love. I find myself...intrigued.”
“Oh um...thank you?” She could have smacked herself for that. What kind of response was that?! Thankfully, Patricia only laughed.
“How about we go grab a bite to eat?” she offered, squeezing her hand, “my treat. It’ll give us a chance to talk without being drowned out by the waves.” Fiona nodded enthusiastically, nearly buzzing with energy.
“I’d love to.” Patricia let her hand go, waving for her to follow as they headed down the street. Fiona smiled excitedly, chancing a glance back towards the waves.
Maybe this was exactly the thing she needed to catch her attention.