His Pretty Storyteller

Walking through the neighborhood gave me enough time to think about the things that I wanted to do this summer. Since I'd decided not to do stuff that would pull me away from home, the only option I had was to read my books and be an emo hermit hiding in my little room, in a little reading nook that I built while embracing the huge changes in my life. What's more to do? I could go on for days without going outside my room, and just lose myself inside magical worlds created by equally magical and gifted people. Mom approved, although she had tried to convince me before that going out with new people might help me distract myself from the negative and dark things that still haunt me today. I wish that was easy. I wish I could just be a normal teenager living a carefree life and just going out, wasting time on endless parties and nonsense. But I was no normal teenager. I'm an abused teenager coping with trauma and this freaking demon called anxiety. Wow. My life is just so great.

When I reached the bookstore, the first thing I noticed is how small and intimate the place looked. Outside, it looked small and plain. Only the front part of the bookstore was visible with its glass wall front. From the outside, it definitely looked like a bookstore with small shelves lined inside. I pushed the door open and stepped inside. Warm air hit my black-clad body. I inhaled softly because, call me weird, but I love the smell of bookstores. For me, there is something comforting about the smell of paper. And wow, there was so much more than the papery smell. Coffee, too. Mom was right, this bookstore also served coffee, and I almost freaked out. Two of my favorite things in one place. It was the best thing about this town so far.
I was relieved to find out that there were only a handful of people in the place and all of them were busy scanning books and reading.

I silently walked towards the bookstore part of the place and went straight to the new arrivals section. To be honest, I felt giddy. There were so many books in here that were not in my collection yet, and that was enough to make me go crazy. I paused for a moment, considered the money I had and looked for a specific book.

"City of Heavenly Fire. Damn, this is great." I looked up the price and seeing that I could afford it, walked to the register to pay. I also noticed that this is where I was supposed to order too, so I ordered coffee. After the cashier gave me my change, I looked for a vacant table and found one in the corner of the store. I sat down and took a moment to appreciate the ambiance of the place. I went through my book while having small sips of my coffee. Man, I was loving this place. I was almost through the first quarter of my book when I heard a man clear his throat in front of me.

My first response to a stranger approaching me is to turn around and run. Holy hell, of course I was wrong when I thought that no one would notice me in this town. I silently cursed myself as I tried to think of a way to face the person who interrupted my quiet time. I calmed myself down. Iero, someone just cleared their throat in front of you. You're not in actual danger.

"Excuse me?" I asked as calmly as possible. As I looked up from my book to the person, my heart did a double beat. Standing in front of me was the most handsome man I'd ever seen. His hair was red, not a natural red, but a dyed blood-red. His hazel eyes were so bright. He had pale skin that perfectly contrasted with his red hair. Fuck, he was one gorgeous, dangerous-looking man.

"Uhm, didn't your mom teach you that it's impolite to stare?" The red-haired man asked. I felt my cheeks burn from embarrassment so I shook my head and stared at the book in my hand.
"I'm sorry," I lamely whispered. I was mentally cursing myself at this point. Do you really have to lose your shit because of a stranger? Dear God, Frank. Get your shit together.

"You're sitting in my spot, and that's the only thing I want to tell you." His voice was so warm, like he'd been singing. There was also some edge to it. Cigarettes? I don't know and I didn't want to find out.

I immediately gathered my things, including my coffee cup, when he suddenly grabbed my arm. I looked at him and a smirk was plastered on his gorgeous face. My heart beat wildly. I was then shaking and at the mercy of this man. How could he just grab my arm like that? This man radiated confidence, but also danger.

"I didn't tell you to get up, right?" He said. He chuckled and took the book from my hands. I tried to not let him take it, but one look into his hazel eyes made my bones turn to jelly. He eyed the title and turned to me.

"Oh, you like The Mortal Instruments series too?" He asked me, his voice suddenly full of wonder. All I could do was nod as I was still avoiding his eyes, because If I looked, I'd stare again and I didn't want to embarrass myself any more.

"Come on, sit down. Let's talk," he said, as he seated himself comfortably in the chair opposite mine. I did as I was told, putting down my coffee and book at the table. Now I was once again looking at him at eye-level. Well almost, because he was taller than me. Damn, is this what raw beauty looks like? I was so used to ignoring and avoiding people that I didn't have the chance to look at their faces. This man here, though, was just impossible to ignore. His presence literally demanded to be seen and noticed.

"Well, hello. You can talk right? God, I hope I'm not making you feel uncomfortable," he laughed. If his voice was warm, then his laughter was electric. It made me feel like I could join in his laughter too, if I wasn't the person he was laughing at. He was making me uncomfortable, yes, but in an oddly thrilling way.

Embarrassment took over, and I knew I was blushing right then. He was still waiting for me to talk, so I tried and kept my voice as steady as I could.

"I'm sorry. I should go, or just move to a different table., I didn't meant to steal this spot from you..." Way to go Frank. I internally cheered myself for not stuttering.

"Well, we can share. And besides, if you don't know that this is my spot, then surely you're new here. I am a regular customer and everyone knows this is my spot," he said as he gently tapped the table with his fingers. I watched, mesmerized, but snapped to myself because as usual, I was making myself look like an idiot.

"Yeah, I'm new here. We just moved the other day," I whispered, my eyes still staring down.
"Don't look down. I'm here," he laughed again. At this point, I got annoyed. He was seriously toying with me, so I got up and ran away from him. I didn't dare look back, even when I heard him calling out. I ran away as fast as I could with the image of the red haired man invading my mind.

Notes

Short, I know but yey, I've finally introduced the red-haired man. And if you don't have any idea who that is then shame on you! Lol, kidding. I'll update as soon as I can so I hope everyone reading this, stays. Thanks guys and I hope you're all having a good time! :)


---xoJenn