A Twist of Fate

I never expected my life to turn out this way. As I stood in front of the grubby little diner on the highway. Its faded sign and off color neon flashed mockingly at me. Inviting me inside to stay warm, but it wouldnt help my situation. Out of gas in the pouring rain and alone with a bag of all my belongings. I had every intention of running away from the life that lay behind me.

But I couldnt get far on an empty stomach. Shifting my bag on my shoulder. I stepped inside.

The faint jingle of the door opening alerted the few people within the diner of my arrival.

I hated the stares. So I quickly chose a booth tucked out of sight and sat down.

The smell of burgers and fries filled the diner and it made my stomach grumble even more.

It was only a minute before a bubbly redhead approached me with a menu.

"What can I get for you stranger?" She asked in a sickenly sweet way.

"Something cheap." I replied. "What do you have that is ready?"

"The house special is always a surprise but I could never say no to the apple pie or chocolate cake either." She laughed.

"Just a slice of cake then." I replied.

"Ill be right back." She bounced off on her heels behind the counter.

I shivered as the warmth of the diner began seeping into my bones. I watched the rain pour into the street as cars passed by.

Another minute passed and the chocolate cake was delivered by the bubbly redhead.

Mumbling a quick thanks, I picked up my fork and took a bite of the moist cake. My stomach grumbled eagerly, it had been two days since I had eaten anything. I had been so focused on running away, nothing else mattered.

"Mind if I join you?"

I looked up at a man i didnt know. Face half full of cake, and confused as to why he wanted to join me when there were dozens of empty seats.

Not waiting for my answer, He sat opposite me. I looked at him in his well tailored suit and patent leather shoes. His shoulder length dark hair combed back stylishly. His warm smile framed by a dark goatee.

What caught my attention most was his rich amber eyes, they flashed a gold color for just an instant. Or at least I thought they did.

"You've been hard to locate." He said warmly as though we were good friends enjoying tea and not complete strangers on secluded highway.

"I dont know you." I replied after forcing the thick cake down my throat.

"Not yet." He replied calmly. He reached into his satchel and pulled out a file. Opening it, he began to read. "Holly Bridgewell, Age: 34, Hometown: Bisbee Arizona, Relationship Status: Single..."

"How do younhave all that information about me?" I demanded. "Who the hell are you?"

The man chuckled.

"You think this is a joke?"

"On the contrary, I was just about to read that you are distrustful of strangers and prone to temper outbursts."

"The hell?"

"My name, is Corvin. I am a... teacher of sorts."

"Of sorts?" I scoffed. "You aren't sounding sure of yourself Corvin."

"I teach, but recently I have a new task. I have been searching for three special people."

"Whats that got to do with me?" I asked slumping back against the booth.

"You are one of the people I am trying to find."

"Why me?"

"Have you ever noticed that strange things happen around you?"

The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. A pit opened in my stomach, and fear made my heart race. He couldnt know my secret. Could he?

"Have you ever had the sensation of deja vu? As though you could see things before they happen?"

"Who are you?" I asked again. "Some government lackey that has been spying on me?" I demanded. "Ive seen the shows on TV, wheres the swat team? The elite forces to haul me away to some secret compound for dissection?"

He laughed again. "Im not with the government. On the contrary. I am someone the government doesn't think exists."

The doorbell jingles again as a few truckers entered the diner. Shouting their hellos to the waitstaff.

"That doesn't explain how you knew I was here." I asked in a lower tone.

Holding out his hand to me, he asked "do you believe in magic?"

"What the hell kind of question is that?" I shot back. I was not the most clever person in the world, but I was not about to be taken for a fool.

"Trust me." He said again. My hand tightened around the fork. It wasn't the most stylish weapon, but a fork to the arm would make anyone think twice.

I didnt like this Corvin.

"Come with me and I will show you things you couldnt dream of."

I hesitated. "The life you have before you has to be better than what you left behind."

I lowered the fork. Gazing back out the window and into the distance I knew he was right. There was nothing for me back there.

"Why not." I finally said and took his hand.

The world around us exploded into a whirl of color and noise. The sensations were overwhelming and my stomach churned. I hated boats and this was infinitely worse.

Moments passed before I felt solid ground beneath my feet. I dropped to my knees gasping for air. The chocolate cake continued to churn in my stomach.. "urg... that cake was a bad idea." Several moments passed before I could safely assume my stomach was settling.

When I looked up, I was surrounded by the strangest sights I had ever seen. I looked at the man and he laughed.

"Welcome to Havenside."

I rose to my feet shakily. The only thought in my head as a giant lizard flew overhead was "what the hell had I gotten myself into this time?"

"To be more precise, you have stepped into a larger world. One of myth and legend."

"If I knew what you were saying I might agree with you."

"I told you I have been searching for three people."

"Yes but you didn't tell me why."

"Have you ever heard the ancient Greek story of the three fates?"

"Old hags that determined the fate of everyone and everything?" I laughed. "Thats a story, nothing more than a myth."

"Everything you see is a basis for the myths and legends of our world. Or rather the world of the Iniquins."

"The what?"

"Iniquins... or Quins as they are commonly called, are people that cannot see the magic around them. They refuse to believe in myth and legends so they live their lives without magic."

"This is sounding like that story with the kid wizard." I shook my head.

"I assure you this is quite real. You are here because you are destined to become one of the new fates."

I looked at Corvin for any sign of a joke. His smooth polished look gave no hint of a joke. He looked at me seriously, expecting me to say something.

What could I say? Five minutes ago I was broke and enjoying diner chocolate cake, now flying lizards flew over head, building hung upside down from overhanging rocks and im supposed to believe im someone from legend.

Corvin was nuts.

"Im having a mental break. A mental breakdown from all the changes in my life." I began rambling like an idiot.

"This is a lot to take in. I still need to find the last two fates. If you believe me, meet me at the four corners monument on the 21st day of September. If not, well, I shall simply have to find you again." His smile offered warmth and assurance but I couldnt take it. "Until we meet again?" He suggested. With a snap of his fingers, I felt the rush and pull of being shoved into a washing machine before being barfed back onto my diner seat.

I looked around in a panic.

Life within the diner was unaffected by my little adventure. I looked down at my half eaten chocolate cake and let out a sigh of relief.

"I must have dozed off. Yeah that must be it. No way that was real." I muttered to myself as I slowly finished the cake. Sitting in the booth for another hour watching the rain. Soon the bubbly redhead returned.

"All finished?" I nodded and she took my plate. "You have a nice night now." She began to turn away when I spoke up.

"How much do I owe you for the cake?"

"Don't you worry your little head about that. That man you were with was a right gentleman." My heart sank. "He said to tell you food and gas were on him, and that you have safe travels."

"Did this man leave his name?"

"I think he said his name was Corvin. Have a good night!" She flashed her white teeth at me and returned behind the bar.

I sat at the table stunned. Lost for words... I ran my fingers through my hair and shook my head. "This is impossible."