The Intriguing Life Of Jaylen Johnson • Chapter 1

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Rain in London

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First chapter of The Intriguing Life Of Jaylen Johnson

warning: language, just a little tho

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Placing carefully her camera in the luggage Vivian sighed softly. Packing has never been her thing, maybe that is why she stayed in New Orleans? She couldn’t stand looking at all those familiar places surrounding her after her mother’s ing. Every playground in the neighbourhood, every park and pond, every place nearby would remind her of her family she missed so dearly. Yet she couldn’t leave, why? Her sister left, so did her brother, and she despite every intention of doing so, simply couldn’t. Maybe that’s the point, maybe she didn’t really want to leave? Well, she was leaving now, but she would be back in... how long exactly? She didn’t know, it’s not like her sister ever invited her to visit, or called to begin with. Vivian had’t heard from the other woman in years and it was indeed a surprise once she called her saying she should visit her in London. London, that’s where she lives now, Vivian didn’t even know that that’s where she moved to. She knew now, that is what matters. But why did she call her just now? After such a long time? Those questions would probably have to wait for some time before getting an answer.

She took a look around the apartment once more to make sure she packed everything she needed, or assumed she would need, the truth is she didn’t have to take her camera with her, but photography was not only her job, it was her ion and... no, she couldn’t leave her camera behind. Having made sure that she indeed had everything she needed, Vivian took out her phone and scrolled down her s list. Eventually she found the number she’d been looking for, “Jay”, she quickly tapped on the displayed “call” button and brought the device to her ear.

”Hey! I can’t pick up right now, leave a message or not, whatever. I’ll call ya back later-“

Straight to the voicemail, of course, she shouldn’t be surprised after the four previous times that she tried to call her sister to discuss the details of her arrival. After all, all she was given was an address, she didn’t even know how long could she stay there and what was the reason for the suddenly offered visit.

“Dammit Jay, you can’t treat people like this. You haven’t ed me in years, now you suddenly turn up, tell me to visit you in London of all places and now you’re not picking up. Call me back.”

She put her phone back to the pocket in her jeans. She didn’t want to it it, but she was kind of excited to see her sister. They didn’t quite get along, but it was her sister regardless, and she loved her. Jaylen wasn’t an easy person to be around, but they both matured up, didn’t they? Maybe now they could fix their relationship. She certainly hoped so.

•••

Freaking London of all places...

Vivian thought once she stepped out of the taxi straight into the pouring rain. This weather will definitely drive her crazy, or so she thought. Her mind quickly changed it’s path of thoughts for the time being as the desperate need for coffee hit her hard. Thankfully she didn’t have to wait long as she stood literally in front of a café. Vivian entered the local, still with her luggage, and took in her surroundings. The whole place felt so warm and welcoming, there were plants everywhere and the decor was definitely remarkable, it’s not everyday that you get a chance to see such a beautiful place.

She approached the counter and was met with a warm smile of a short, brunette female with dark eyes. Her hair in a low-ponytail and it didn’t take Vivian long to spot flour on the stranger’s left cheek.

“Hi! Welcome to Clement’s! What can I get ya?”

“Hey, um, you’ve got something...” Vivian pointed to her own cheek to make her point, maybe pointing that out to the other woman wasn’t the right thing to do? The stranger, Addison according to her name tag, didn’t seem offended though, on the contrary, she gasped and brought her left hand to her cheek, wiping at the white dust on her skin.

“God, that is so embarrassing. I was baking all morning, got here few minutes ago and didn’t have time to- thank you.”

“It’s fine, happens to everyone. Sorry if it’s not my place but I didn’t hear any British accent, you’re not from here are you?”

“No, and nor are you if I’m correct. I’m originally from actually. Have been living here for quite some time now. So, what can I get you? I feel like I already wasted more of your time than I should have.” Vivian took a wallet out of her purse as she voiced her order.

“Takeout coffee, black, please.”

•••

Walking down the street with a lifesaving dose of caffeine, Vivian followed the houses she was ing with her gaze, looking for a number 21, which was supposed to be her sister’s house. She had to it the neighbourhood was a nice one, definitely not where she would imagine Jay to settle in. People change though, don’t they? The weather was much nicer now, the pouring rain had stopped before she left the café, now the sun has reappeared and over all it was bearable. She reached a house number 19, meaning she only had to take the right turn and should reach her destination soon. How did Jay afford to buy a house in such a nice neighbourhood? Vivian only now realised that she didn’t even know what was her sister’s profession, she definitely had to find out.

Having taken the right turn, she was met with a sight she definitely did not expect. In fact, who would expect such a sight in front of their sister’s house? There were several police cars in front of the building, which in fact blocked most of the view. She could also spot multiple police officers enter and leave the house. The whole area in front of the house was fenced off so that the civilians couldn’t walk in, there were quite a few people gathered in distance though. Vivian increased her speed and kept on walking forward, that is until one of the older police officers approached her and put a hand on her arm in order to stop her. She only now realised just how irregular her breathing had become, why was she so nervous? Everything was fine after all, wasn’t it? It wouldn’t be the first time Jay was in trouble, some things never change.

“Miss are you alright? Miss?”

“I- I have to go in there. I’m supposed to-“ She tried to push away his hand, desperate to meet her sister.

“I’m sorry Miss but I have to ask you to leave, this is a crime scene, you cannot be here.”

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