//------------------------------// // Chapter One: It All Started With a Lie // Story: Redheart Rehabilitation // by Emerald Omen //------------------------------// It all started with a lie. A lie I implied just to have a friend for a week. Little did I know, that lie would be the start of a life changing series of events. Walking through the mall, I contemplated the meaning of life. Or, my life at least. For you see, I was struggling. I’m twenty one years old, am struggling just to hold a decent job, and don’t have many friends. Most of my enjoyment comes from gaming, and wandering the Internet. However, that didn’t mean I didn’t want to change. I noticed a new business on the second floor of the mall. It was one of the largest in the building, featuring a white background with bright illuminated red letters showing the name. “Redheart Rehabilitation Center”. Normally I wouldn’t pay any mind to such a building, namely because I was not in need of any rehab, but I had a VERY strong feeling I needed to walk inside. That was the first decision that would change my life forever. Once I walked inside, I noticed a completely different atmosphere from the rest of the mall. It felt… calm, and friendly. I looked at the plaque on the wall, which read what this company excels at. Redheart Rehabilitation pledges to help every patron break away from the burden of smoking permanently by every means possible. I raised an eyebrow. A stop smoking facility. Not a bad thing to have in todays world. I stopped a employee who happened to be walking past. “Excuse me, but how exactly does this place help with smoking?” I felt compelled to ask. The employee smiled. “Well, it starts with assigning a Rehabilitation worker to you, and what they do is essentially live with you for a week. They stay by your side as much as possible, and try to guide you into doing things that you normally wouldn’t be doing. The reason for that is by opening up your mind to new activities, you may feel the need to smoke dwindle, or disappear all together. We have found it to be pretty successful thus far. Are you a smoker?” the employee then asked. This was it. The answer that changed my life. For I actually wasn’t a smoker, and never had been, but the sound of having someone new to hang out with for a while sounded nice, even if they were getting payed to do so. “Yes, I am a smoker, and I’m looking to quit.” I replied firmly. The employee’s smile brightened. “Lovely. It’s always nice to see someone looking to change their life for the better. Follow me please.” she said, leading me to a nearby desk. I followed, and sat in the chair. The employee handed me a form. “Please fill this out as accurately as possible. It helps us to determine your personality, so we can give you someone who can best rid you of your habit, and open you up to liking new activities.” she explained. I nodded, and began to fill out the questionnaire. The entire thing took about ten minutes to complete. Once I was finished, I handed it back to her. She looked it over quickly, and smiled. “I think I know exactly who would be a good fit for you. It’s actually kind of surprising, because she rarely gets a match. Wait here, and I’ll go and get her.” she said, walking away. I sat there in silence, pondering who I was apparently such a perfect match for. I didn’t have to wait long. A moment later, a pretty young woman walked up to me, and sat next to me. She had a lovely shade of white skin, and a head of pink hair, pulled into a ponytail. “Hello, I’m Miss Redheart. I’ve been assigned to you for your smoking Rehabilitation period.” she said in a sweet sounding voice. “Pleasure Ma’am. I’m Jack.” I said, taking her hand in mine, and giving it a kiss. Miss Redheart blushed faintly, and looked at her hand. “I’m sorry Miss. Custom from my family.” I apologized. Redheart looked from me, to her hand, back to me. “It’s alright Jack. I just… wasn’t expecting it, that’s all. Most people who come in here don’t even offer a hand shake, because they don’t think they’ll get along with someone who wants to help them quit doing something they love.” she explained. I smiled. “Well, I hope you and I can become friends.” I said. She gave me a friendly smile. “I hope so too. If you’ll just give me a minute, I have some pre-packed bags to take with, just let me go get them.” she said. I leaned back in my chair. If I told any of my few friends that I was going to go to the mall, and come back with a pretty woman who would be staying with me all week, they would have laughed in my face. Miss Redheart came back with a suitcase, and smiled at me. “Ready to go? I’ve filled out my paperwork for the next week, so I won’t have to come back until the time is up.” she said. I nodded. “Of course. Let me get your suitcase for you.” I said, taking her case in my arms. She folded her arms, and smirked. “Listen Mister, I may be a lady, but I’m still doing my job. I’m not helpless you know.” she said. I frowned. “I’m sorry Miss Redheart. I didn’t mean to imply...” I stopped talking as Redheart began to laugh. “Relax Jack, I’m just kidding. I’m grateful I’ve been assigned to such a gentleman.” she said. I chuckled. “I’ll have to keep my eye on you. Can’t have you teasing me all the time.” I said, carrying her suitcase out into the mall. She laughed. Once we got to my car, I gently set her things in the trunk, and joined her in the car. “Ready to go?” I asked, strapping on my seatbelt. She nodded. I started the car, and backed out of my parking space. As we traveled through the parking lot, Redheart pulled out a small form. “I have to ask you a few questions before we get started. Do you mind?” she asked. I shook my head. “Okay, one: How many packs of cigarettes a day do you usually smoke?” she looked at me, waiting for my reply. I wasn’t prepared for more smoking related questions. I had to think up a believable answer quick. After all, if she doesn’t catch me trying to smoke at least once, she might get suspicious. “Uhhh, about half a pack, maybe?” I casually answered. She wrote something down on her paper. “Okay, two: How long have you been a smoker?” she continued. “One year.” I lied. She wrote on her paper again. “Last one: What made you want to stop smoking?” I swallowed. That was a tougher question, especially since I don’t smoke anyway. “Uhhh, I don’t know. I just decided it would be better for me?” I said, unsure of how she would take that answer. Miss Redheart appeared to be satisfied. She put the paper away, and watched the scenery go by as I drove back home. Once we arrived, I took Miss Redheart’s luggage and led her to the front door. “It’s not a mansion, but it’s a roof to sleep under.” I said, unlocking the door. Redheart smiled. “It’s lovely Jack. Certainly nicer than my apartment.” she said, looking around the inside as we walked in. I set her suitcase on the floor, and turned towards her. “So, I’ve only got one bed, which I’ll let you use. I can sleep on the couch.” I said, gesturing to the bedroom. Miss Redheart shook her head. “No no no Jack, I can’t do that! It’s your house! I can sleep on the couch.” she tried to insist. I sighed. “Listen Miss Redheart, you’re a guest in my house, and I want to be treated as one. Please, take the bed. I want you to be comfortable.” I said. Redheart sighed. “Fine. Thank you Jack. You’re sweet.” she said. She took her suitcase and set it on my bed, then turned towards me. “So, we’ve got a week just you and I. What do you want to do first?” she asked, folding her hands in front of her. I shrugged. “Well, usually I’d just sit down and play some video games for a few hours, but I won’t do that today. Hmm… we could go see a movie if you’re up for that?” I suggested. Redheart smiled. “That sounds fun. Lead the way.” she said. We walked outside, and I locked the door behind me. “The movie theater is only a ten minute walk away, so we don’t need to drive. Is that okay with you?” I asked. Miss Redheart nodded. “Sounds great. It’s a lovely day out, after all.” she said, taking my hand in hers. I immediately noticed. “Umm...” I mumbled. She noticed what she was doing, and immediately let go. “Oh! Sorry about that! I used to go for walks with my mom when I was younger, and we always held hands. It’s just instinct for me.” she said, blushing. She was clearly embarrassed, so I decided to lighten the mood. I gently grabbed her hand, and clasped my fingers around hers. “It’s fine Miss Redheart. It doesn’t bother me at all.” I smiled. She blushed again. “You can call me Redheart, or even Red, Jack. Miss Redheart is too much of a mouthful.” she giggled. “Okay then, Red. Shall we go?” I asked. She nodded. We walked towards the movie theater, hand in hand.