Emery Rose
As I walked alone, the town Gracefield growing darker and colder, I found myself battling back tears, my heart heavy with a familiar disappointment.
A shiver ran through me, and the chilly air seemed to seep into my bones. I hugged myself, trying to retain whatever warmth I could, but that wasn't enough.
I regret putting a black mini skirt, coatless, to show off my outfit. The morning's fashion choice now left me shivering with every step. My mom's warnings about the freezing weather were dismissed with a shrug.
It won't be that cold, mom. Famous last words.
Welp, perhaps, my mom knew a thing or two about the weather. But in my defense, my boyfriend promised he would be there to pick me up after work—a promise that, like the absent coat, had been left hanging in the frosty air.
I divert my attention to the quiet street unfolding before me, trying to think about something else and ignore the fact that im freezing to death.
I usually get scared walking home alone, especially when is getting dark, but the Christmas lights that adorned the town square became beacons of comfort, guiding my way home.
The emptiness of the town square, usually bustling with activity, made the twinkling lights even more pronounced. The quaint shops stood adorned with colorful lights and bows. The air was filled with the sweet scent of cinnamon, a fragrant reminder that Christmas was just around the corner. It was tranquil. Peaceful.
A soft smile found its way to my lips as I immersed myself in the beauty around me. I remembered when my parents used to bring Amelia and me here every year to see the Christmas lights and eat ice cream.
Amelia and I would walk hand in hand with our parents, our eyes wide with wonder at the dazzling lights and we couldn't stop smiling and laughing. It was our favorite thing to do. Those evenings were magical...
A pang of longing accompanied the fond memories.
It had been four years since Amelia left us, and the tradition of those enchanting evenings had faded away with her absence.
"Come on, Amelia, admit it! You're going to miss me terribly when you go off to college," I teased, a mischievous grin playing on my lips as I keep poking her shoulder.
She laughs and slaps my hand away "Miss you? Pleaseee, I'll be living my best life without your constant nagging"
I rolled my eyes and thought about throwing my chocolate ice cream at her face but it's too delicious. HA! My intrusive thoughts didn't wn this time.
After a while of just eating ice cream and watching the Christmas lights, I cleared my throat before speaking again"But seriously, do you realize this might be the last year we watch the Christmas lights together before you head off to college?" My voice caught, a subtle tremor betraying the struggle to hold back the emotions.
Amelia teary eyes met mine "Don't worry, I'll always be a phone call away. No matter where I am, we'll still share those moments, even if we're miles apart." She promised.
I need that phone call, Amelia.
I couldn't escape the haunting question that gnawed at my conscience – why did I survive while Amelia did not?
The car crash that claimed Amelia's life had become an indelible stain on the canvas of my existence. The traditions that once defined our family's holiday season had crumbled, and it was all my fault.
My fault.
The weight of guilt pressed on me, a burden I had carried since that night.
Without realizing it, I had started crying. The tears flowed freely down my cheeks, mingling with the raindrops that began to fall from the sky. I couldn't hold it anymore. The tears that I had held back for so long could no longer be contained. I shivered not just from the cold but from a penetrating loneliness.
Today was supposed to be different.
Today I was going out with my boyfriend. I wanted to have fun and forget about everything. About school, about cheerleading, about that night, about my sister. But Justin stood me up. Again. And now memories of Amelia settled on my thoughts. The ache of missing her became an unbearable weight on my heart.
Oh, and Im also freezing to death because I didn't bring my stupid coat. My day is going great.
As if the heavens conspired to amplify the melancholy of my day the rain intensified and I quickened my pace, looking for refuge.
A bookstore appeared on the corner. When im there, I quickly opened the door with a heavy sigh and the doorbell chiming softly as entered.
My eyes glanced around, quickly wiping away the remnants of tears.
The place was deserted. Which was good because I look like a mess. My white shirt and pink jacket stuck to me, and the black mini skirt clung to my legs. My hair was soaked and my face was probably all red because of the cold and all the crying.
I strolled through the aisles, not out of a desire for literary solace but drawn by the tranquility that permeated the space. The soft glow of reading lamps and the books created an atmosphere of calm. The rhythmic tap of rain against the windows and the soft instrumental melody played in the backgroun provided a soothing backdrop to my exploration.
I'm not much of a bookworm, but there was something oddly soothing about being surrounded by more pages than problems.
Weirdly, It eased the weight on my shoulders.
With each step, the outside world faded, and the cozy atmosphere of the bookstore enveloped me. As I perused the aisles, the comforting silence of the bookstore wrapped around me. My fingers trailed over spines, reading titles.
Curiosity propelled me forward, and I found myself drawn to a random shelf. With no particular genre or author in mind, I picked up a book to read the title.
How to get a sugar dadd-
"Okay, maybe not that one" I immediately put it right back where it was.
"Can I help you with anything, sweetie?"
Startled, I turned to find myself face to face with an older woman, her blue eyes sparkling as she regarded me with a warm smile. The first thing that struck me was the sheer abundance of white hair framing her face, an impressive display that rivaled even the fluffiest of clouds.
Would it be rude if I touch her hair?
Before I could reply, however, the woman let out a dramatic gasp that made me jump, her eyes widening in exaggerated concern as she noticed the shivers coursing through my body.
"Oh, my goodness. You're freezing. Come, come, let me get you something warm," the lady with a lot of hair said with an immediate concern that felt like a comforting embrace.
I managed a weak smile, wanting to cry at the unexpected warmth.
My god, im an emotional wreck today.
The lady with a magnificent mane of hair led me to a cozy corner of the bookstore, where I sank into a plush green couch that brought to mind the iconic seating from Friends.
"I'll be right back," she assured me before disappearing into the labyrinth of bookshelves.
After what felt like an eternity, she returned with a steaming cup, the rich aroma of coffee wafting tantalizingly through the air. I couldn't help but feel a swell of affection for this woman who seemed to anticipate my needs without a word spoken.
I love this lady.
"Here you go, sweetie." she said, her voice a soothing melody in the midst of my emotional storm. I noticed that my hands were shaking when I took the mug from her.
"And this" To my surprise, she draped a black coat that's twice my size over my shoulders "It belongs to my grandson, it'll keep you warm"
I was really touched by the gesture. Entering to this bookstore was the best choice "Thank you, you're so kind"
"No need to thank me" she sits next to me as I sipped the coffee, feeling the warmth seep into my soul, or maybe it was just burning my tongue a little.
"Now, what's on your mind? Are you okay?" She inquired, an invitation to share my problems with her.
"I'm okay" I shrugged, faking a smile.
Liar.
"Really? What got you all bundled up and teary-eyed then?" She asks, concern etched on her wrinkled face
"Well... you know, one of those days" I said as i wrapped myself in the worn coat, that it's oddly comforting. And it smells amazing.
"Ah, yes. I've had many of those days, believe me" she chuckles. Despite my attempts to resist, a surge of tears threatened to escape, and I suspected she saw the struggle.
"You know, sometimes it's easier to talk to a stranger. No judgment, just... understanding" she says, her voice as smooths as her white hair.
I let out a sigh, looking down at the mug in my hands. I wasn't one to share my burdens, especially to a total stranger, but there's something about this lady with great hair that makes me reconsider.
Maybe I can share a little.
"It's been a terrible day, actually" I finally said after a while, letting out a chuckle "Work, relationships, everything. And I didn't expect the rain... Now im stranded without a coat and a ride home...." I sniffed "And my cat probably misses me"
Well, I miss my cat. Joey is probably playing with his toys, completely unbothered.
She nodded knowingly, her blue eyes filled with empathy "sometimes the rain brings more than just gloom. It brings connections, sweetie. What's your name?"
"Im Emery" A brief moment of recognition crossed her face, only to be deftly replaced by a determined look of indifference.
Yes, that Emery.
Every time I said my name, it's a reminder that I'm not just Emery Rose; I am the girl who lost her sister. Im the girl who survived. Im the living embodiment of a tragic event.
She chose not to dwell on it, steering the conversation into a different direction "Well, Emery, life's storm can catch us off guard. But they also wash away to reveal the sun. And... sometimes we need them to appreciate the sunshine that follows"
Her words wrapped around me like a protective cloak. Im pretty sure this lady with great hair is my fairy godmother.
She's too good at this. Maybe this is like a normal Friday for her, dealing with a random teenage girl crying.
"I hope so. Thank you, um..."
"Donna-" your fairy godmother "-The owner of this place" she waves her finger, smiling brightly. She's clearly proud that she owns this bookstore, and she should be. It's beautiful and so cozy.
"I love it" I said sincerely "and it's nice to meet you, Donna"
"Nice to meet you as well" with a warm smile, she glanced at the rain outside and she offered a solution to one of my problems "The bookstore is closing soon, but I can't leave you in this rain. My grandson works here too. He could give you a ride home!"
Surprised by the generous offer, my brown eyes widened "You really don't have to do that-"
Donna, my fairy godmother, chuckled warmly, waving her hands "Nonsense, sweetie. I can't have you catching a cold on top of everything"
Donna insisted with a warm chuckle, waving off my concerns. Before I could object further, she hurried off to find him, leaving me alone with the quiet companionship of books.
Gratitude swelled within me, feeling a glimmer of luck in the midst of my troubles, thinking perhaps luck had finally decided to grace me.
Thank you, universe.
Moments later, the sound of approaching footsteps caught my attention. Donna returned with a big smile on her face. Rising from where I was sitting, I placed the now-empty mug on the little table next to the couch.
Behind her was a tall figure that made my heart skip a beat and time seemed to freeze as our eyes met.
Oh, you have to be kidding me.
My heart quickened its pace, its beats echoing in my ears. The air suddenly felt heavier and an unexpected shiver rn down my spine. And it wasn't because of the cold... It was because of him. The look he gave me was unmistakable—a blend of surprise, discomfort, and perhaps a tinge of anger.
"This is Grayson. He agreed to give you a ride home" Yeah, I bet that was before he knew it was me.
I swallowed hard and masked my surprise with a polite smile, though im sure it looks like a grimace.
Shit, shit, shit, shit.
"Well, I'll see you around" Donna gave me a quick hug, oblivious to everything "it was nice meeting you, Emery. And you know you're always welcome here"
I shifted my attention to Donna, trying to ignore Grayson's eyes burning the side of my face "Thank you, Donna. For everything. It truly means a lot to me"
"Of course, dear. That's why we're here. Anytime you need a ride home, just swing by Donna's bookstore. We've got your back" she claps her hands together and turns to Grayson, who is still glaring at me.
"Now, take care of her, Gray. And drive safely" seriously, her obliviousness to the tension only magnified the awkwardness that hung between us.
Don't go, don't go, don't go.
Before leaving, Donna looks at me and whispers "Let him be your sunshine today" She throws me wink and walks away, leaving me alone with her grandson, and the atmosphere shifted..
The last time we crossed paths, he made it very clear he doesn't like me by scoffing– a small, dismissive sound that spoke volumes...
My eyes widened when I realized that the coat wrapped around me, providing comfort against the cold, belonged to him- a detail that didn't go unnoticed by him. His eyes burned with smoldering intensity as they swept over me, his jaw clenched and his lips tightened, signaling an impending storm of emotions. I could almost feel the weight of his displeasure in the air, leaving me feeling uncomfortable.
Despite the tension, my gaze involuntarily traced him, and I couldn't help but noticed the changes. This is the closest I've seen him in years, and the transformation caught me by surprise. Grayson loomed before me, taller and broader. His dark, black hair, once unruly, now framed his face in a way that accentuated his features. His piercing blue eyes, once a source of warmth, now held a mysterious depth that intrigued me. His jawline was more pronounced and his smile that used to light up our shared moments was absent...
Our eyes collided again, and I felt my heart skipping a beat.
What had changed?
I replayed our shared history, searching for clues, for any misstep or inadvertent offense that might have triggered this transformation. But the more I retraced our journey, the more elusive the answer became. I had done nothing. It really hurts me that we are this way now, completely strangers.
Why do you hate me now?
There was a brief softening in his gaze, but it vanished so quickly that I questioned if it was real or just my imagination.
"Let's go" he muttered, a sharpness in his tone that cut through the air and with those words, he began walking towards the exit.
What happened to hello? How are you?
I took a deep breath and fell into step beside him and a shiver of discomfort coursed through me, I hastily pulled my coat- his coat- tighter, seeking refuge from the cold and the disquiet.
Yeah, he's such a sunshine.