Of The Hourglass(Original Novel)

Ð'* Ð'Ò' Ð'* . Ð'Ñ' . Ð'* Ð'o Of the Hourglass Ð'o Ð'* Ð'Ò' Ð'* . Ð'Ñ' . Ð'*

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We can never turn back the pages of time;

Though we may wish to relive a happy moment

Or say good-bye just one last time,

We never can

Because the sands of time continue to fall,

And we can't turn the hourglass over.

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Christoffer Raleigh was currently sitting at their table alone. He decided last week that he had better things to do than to attend his Senior Prom but his friend, Victor, would not just leave him alone at the house. Christoffer knew he was meant to enjoy the night and make unforgettable memories with his friends but he could not bring himself to even smile.

Something was missing.

Dressed in a neat tuxedo, he looked absolutely charming. He had attracted so much attention from the female population when he entered the ballroom as a third wheel for Victor and his girlfriend, Meg.

Everyone wondered why Christoffer went alone and why he did not even bother to ask someone to go to the Prom with him. Well, he was not the coldest (yet hottest) guy in school for no reason. Some actually thought that he was going to give this night a chance but they were wrong.

ActuallyÐ'... at least he showed up, right?

Victor just left the table with Meg for a slow dance. Harry and Rose disappeared half an hour to who-knows-where. Mitch and Celine were on the other side of the room with their dates. As Christoffer continued his roll call in his head where his friends were all currently located, he remembered Claire.

Meg's here so she should be here, he thought, not really dwelling on the matter.

Don't get him wrong Ð'- he cared for his friends and he was, in fairness, a good friend. But he was the type of friend who would respond when one of his friends are clearly in trouble or in need of his help. When he is convinced his friends are okay and contented, he would sit back and relax.

Just like right now Ð'- he knew everyone was here so there is nothing to worry about, right?

Except, he had not really seen Claire all night. Well, it had only been an hour. Maybe she was at the other side of the room with her date.

Who's her date again? A soccer player or something?

Don't blame him for not really knowing. He did not really pay much attention on Claire's life specifically through the years they have known each other and besides, he had already lost track of Claire's admirers throughout high school.

He was not sure whom she had said yes to for tonight.

Christoffer stared at his empty glass and decided to get a refill of his cocktail. Walking up to the bar, he ignored the random hellos strangers were sending his way. When he finally reached the bar, he sat on a bar stool and ordered his drink.

While waiting, he turned his head and faced the dance floor. He watched as the couples dance the night away. Christoffer felt awkward as he knew he should be feeling something as the scene unfolds in front of him but he felt nothing. Another person would be moved by the pleasant scene but he was different.

Why was that?

It was as if he had gone numb over the years. He was not that insensitive, right? Is it wrong to not care about everything? I don't have to, right?

In his mind, they were only dancing couples, nothing special about it. So maybe for some of them, it was a dance of true love Ð'-- a shared moment, but not really for everyone. Not all of the people out there are truly in love, so what was the point?

A sigh broke him out of his reverie. He turned to the person who made the sound and he found Claire right there beside him, watching the people as well.

She seemed dazed at the sight in front of her. How does she do that? She could easily show what she was feeling inside and not be scared to let anyone see it.

"I knew you were around here somewhere," it was out before he could stop it.

Claire looked up at him and smiled as she recognized him in his formal attire. As soon as they locked eyes, Christoffer noticed the enticing beauty that her admirers had been after. So this must be what they like most about you Ð'- your eyes.

Confused emerald eyes blinked up at him as he continued to study her face. She had light make-up on, and due to their close proximity, Christoffer could smell the hint of strawberry scent of her lips that she always wears.

"Why? Were you looking for me?" Claire asked him, her voice slightly louder as a fast song was played, ruining the serene atmosphere.

"Not really," he replied, not really wanting to prolong the conversation as it was not supposed to start in the first place but he could not help it so he continued, "well, I assumed you were with you date so yeahÐ'..."

Claire only smiled at his response. "I don't have a date tonight," she revealed.

"What?" he asked as he did not catch her words.

The exploding music coming out of the speakers were not helping conversations to run smoothly.

Claire moved closer to Christoffer's ear and repeated, "I don't have a date tonight."

Christoffer only nodded and hid his questioning look and burning curiosity. His drink was finally ready but before drinking, he glanced at Claire.

"Do you want a drink?" he asked her.

"No, thanks," she said politely and looked forward.

Christoffer just shrugged and drank his cocktail. He was tapping his foot along with the music. He was amused as Claire was doing the same and was also rocking her head with the music.

After moments of silence between the two and after finishing his drink, Christoffer decided to open up a conversation as well. He did not mean to, yet again. But it was unusual even