The Strings

Chapter 3

Piper

I placed the book in the table. I walked back and forth to the door having second thoughts if I'm going to read it or not. I haven't prepared myself for another heartbreak and depression, I mean, I always feel heartbroken and depressed whenever I read Cece's book. I don't think I can handle the roller coster of emotions knowing that I'm quite sensitive right now.

The book signing is tomorrow. Holy shit!

I picked her two previous books from my cabinet which is the prequel of "soulmates" and place it on the table. I bowed a little and level my eyes to the books.

No shit! Soulmates is two times thicker. Maybe that's why the price is doubled.

I hope this is not the last book in the sequel, I just can't imagine my life without these books. I grew fond of it to the extent that Cece's words echoed to my head whenever I read it. He is not an ordinary writer. He can convey his feelings to me like I'm a part of him already.

"Shit!" I jumped at the sound of my phone ringing. I look at the clock, it's already past midnight, who the hell can be calling me right now, I wondered.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hey Pipe, it's me. Sorry for calling you this late." Shelly is sobbing on the other line.

"Oh God, what happened?"

"Grandma passed away, I don't think I can go to the book signing tomorrow."

I don't really know if she is crying because her grandma's dead or because she can't go to the book signing tomorrow.

"Oh honey, sorry to hear that. Do you want me to go with you tomorrow?" I offered.

"No, no, no! I know how much tomorrow means to you. It sucks when you are stuck in a situation like this. I know that grandma is going to pass away due to her illness but I never expected this soon, you know? I hope Cece will understand if his number one fan will not be there tomorrow."

I half-smiled, "Of course he will understand, I'll take a picture of him for you. Okay? Plus I will have a book signed for you as well."

"Puh-lease. I'd really appreciate it. I gotta go. I'll beep you up tomorrow. Ciao."

I look at my phone and wondered if she is okay.

I hope she is okay.

Now I'm going alone tomorrow, great.

I think I will call James, my boyfriend. I dialed his number and it took a few rings before he answered.

"Hey babe, wanna go to Cece's book signing tomorrow?" I said as soon as he picked up.

"Cece? Book signing? Tomorrow? Are you kidding me? Why didn't you tell me earlier-----"

He continued giving me a beef as to why I never told him about the event sooner but I tuned him out.

James was the one who introduced Cece's books to me. I know he is quite addicted to the characters. He gets all girly when it comes to her books.

I acted like I'm listening as he narrates the character's story. Duh! Like he doesn't know I've read the book for like a hundred times already.

Blah blah blah.

I fell asleep while still listening to him yapping on the phone.

*****

The place is crowded though we came early. The book signing will be at 4 pm and we arrived at 2.