Fate's Snare, Love's Turmoil - I, a Little Enchantress

Fate is like an unpredictable storm that has swept me up and left me unable to extricate myself. I know that I can't escape this fate nor can I find a place to hide.

Once upon a time, there was someone who gently called my name. That voice was so tender, as if a warm current was flowing into my heart. I turned my head and gave him a smile, but in an instant, tears burst forth and shattered into pieces as I turned away. So many years have passed, and I thought we would never see each other again.

At the age of 16, I am Serena. I am a remarkable figure in that high school. My academic performance is excellent, and I attract attention as soon as I appear. I have a pair of bright eyes, full of youthful vigor. In all kinds of school activities, I am always the one to take the lead in hosting, and teachers and students all praise me.

At that time, the high school was rather chaotic. Especially in Classes Two and Three. These two classes were known as the "naughty monkeys" of the school. The teachers turned a blind eye to them. They showed no respect for their elders and often ran wild on campus. They would also block female students on their way home and laugh at the angry faces of the girls.

One day, when I was coming back from the dean's office, I saw such a scene from afar. The panicked girl in the crowd was my best friend, Lily. I quickly stepped forward and protected Lily. At this moment, a tall and thin boy emerged from the crowd. His name is Alex. His hair is brown, and his face still shows a hint of childishness. His gaze fell on me without restraint, as if trying to see through my soul. "Move aside!" I said coolly. He slightly raised the corner of his mouth and made way for me.

The next day, news spread throughout the campus that Serena from the Fifth High School was not afraid of Alex. Alex is a troublemaker in the school. Teachers and students are all afraid of him and take a detour when they see him.

On the day of school registration, I met Ryan. In the September weather, the clouds are as pure and soft as cotton. I have a lazy expression on my face. When I turn around, I see Ryan. That always clean and handsome boy has a very gentle smile.

"The weather is nice." Ryan said to me. This is the first sentence we ever spoke. Many years later, when I recall my encounter with Ryan in my youth, it is still vivid in my memory. Outside the window, the sky is serene and blue, and the wind blows lazily. Ryan hears his heart pounding hard.

On that day, I am wearing a white top and have short hair. When I turn around, my face is pure and innocent. Like a gardenia in the southern season, it is fragrant and extremely pure and charming. During high school for three years, we are classmates. Those three years pass by so quickly that there is hardly time to recall before they become memories.

In the corridor during breaks, Ryan would gently call me from behind, "Serena," with such affection and caution, as if afraid that if he spoke too loudly, I would disappear from his world. Only when I am 23 do I realize that Ryan liked me since then. Only then do I know that Ryan is very good to me. After class, he would silently walk me home and bring me midnight snacks. For the 17-year-old Ryan, this is all the definition of happiness and love.

Lily falls in love with Alex. On a night in sophomore year, Lily is full of shyness. That night, she blooms her youth and gives everything she has. The wild Alex, with long hair, is like a demon.

"Serena, I love Alex very much. I love him so much. Now I am so happy. Alex also loves me. Do you know? I want to be with him!" Love can make a woman extremely beautiful. At the age of 16, Lily has soft hair, a face as crystal clear as a crystal, and her eyes are filled with tenderness and happiness. Like the roses on the east wall of the campus, she is in full bloom and never withers.

After a while, Alex comes to pick up Lily. Lily flies into Alex's arms like a little bird. The pure white hem of her dress is as beautiful and happy as a butterfly. But the wild Alex leans lazily to one side, looking at Lily who is running towards him with cold eyes without a trace of warmth. And his spark-like eyes fall on me standing behind.

Lily says, "Serena, if only we could be together forever. Don't grow up. Don't be separated! We could always be together. You and Ryan, me and Alex. How wonderful it would be if it could always be like this! But why do I feel that Alex is getting farther and farther away from me? Clearly standing in front of me, lying by my side, yet I feel that he is out of reach and seems so distant?"

In the second semester of senior year, so many things happen that make us a bit sad in that blooming season. Ryan transfers to a distant city.

"Serena, if there is a chance, I will come back to see you."

"Ryan, why are you always so gentle to me and always speak to me in such a cautious tone?"

"Hehe, because you are the angel in my heart. When you are asleep, you are as pure and beautiful as a baby!"

When seeing Ryan off, I only say "Take care" to him. Life returns to normal. Some students are working hard to prepare for the college entrance examination, while most students aim to get their diplomas and then go out to work with their families or friends. The future is a familiar path unrelated to academics. Seeds fall everywhere, and wherever they land is a lifetime. Puppy love on campus is a prevailing trend. Lily still plays and frolics with her classmates every day.

But I am different. I am a notable figure on campus and am destined not to settle down. I would participate in and host all kinds of campus activities. The rest of the time, I would review. I hope to study hard and get into the university I want. But every day when I return to the school corridor, I always feel someone calling "Serena," but every time I turn around, there is no one. I often think of Ryan's gentle smile.

I receive letters from Ryan, one after another on beautiful stationery in light pink, my favorite color. "Serena, I miss you. Take care of yourself." I put these letters in a locked small box but never reply.

When I meet Alex again one afternoon after being on duty, I say, "Alex, be good to Lily."

"Don't you know that I like you? What can I do with you? Serena, you are a little enchantress. You are the snare fate has set for me. I know I can't escape." Alex says these words that he has wanted to say for years in a helpless tone.

"I'm not afraid of what you will say. I just hope you will be good to Lily and make her happy."

A few years later, on an evening, Ryan finally returns. I have just gotten off work and think I am seeing things. After rubbing my eyes a few times to confirm, I realize it is not an illusion.

"So many years, Ryan, I thought we would never see each other again!"

"Serena, long time no see. Remember tomorrow is your 23rd birthday. I brought you a gift. It's a crystal shoe. The shop owner said that when an angel was flying, she lost her shoe and has since fallen into the mortal world to look for it. Serena, I only give you one." After that, Ryan takes me to eat. He carefully orders my favorite dishes and watches my satisfied expression with affection.

After eating, Ryan adjusts my collar and uses a hairpin to put up my hair. "Serena, I'm always afraid that you will disappear. I'm always worried that I won't be able to find you again... So I keep one crystal shoe. This way, you can't fly away unless I am willing to let go! Why do I always feel that you are not happy? Although you look happy on the surface, but no matter what, as long as you turn around, I will be here." Ryan gently kisses my forehead.