2 | the eventful fall
present
The smell of winter approaching brought a smile to my lips. Tis almost the season for hot chocolates and cozying up to one of the many weighted blankets stuffed in my storage closet.
"Aria? Hello?" Blinking back, I quickly pressed the microphone of my earphones closer to my mouth and muttered a sorry for blanking out.
"It's fine. Are you heading to the bookstore on or off-campus?" Rebecca, my new roommate (and soulmates) asked through the phone.
We met during our freshman year of college at a party hosted by a mutual friend. I had stumbled over a drunken body on the floor and spilled alcohol on her expensive-looking heels. She'd only laughed it off and dragged me to the bathroom apologizing over and over again. Apparently the heels were given to her by her mother and she had been wanting an excuse to throw it out. We bumped into one another again at a coffee shop and I finally found someone else who shares the same passion in visiting coffee shops with beautiful artworks on their drinks and sharing them on Instagram stories.
"Off. It's actually cheaper I've heard. They might not have all of the editions though. Do you need something?"
She paused for a while. Rebecca grew up with given luxury but with a price. Her mother somehow always found errors in her ways, such as the way she sits (it was never upright enough), the way she applies herself (her dress were either out of style or her make-up was too plain it made her look pale) and more. Her father was barely home and even when he was, he hardly shows much affection.
So Rebecca grew up somewhat rebellious. She'd show respect but deny the little things her mother would want of her. Just enough to make her mother go a little crazy at the fact she couldn't control her daughter.
"Yes actually. Get me something used. The cheaper the better. I need a lab notebook for my Bio course. Let me know the price before checkout and I'll Venmo it to you."
I hummed in agreement while still searching for that bookstore in a crowded space. Huffing, oh New York, New York.
"Is that okay?" I heard her ask, her tone almost worried. "Yes! Sorry sorry, it's crowded here. Rebecca I'll text you the details okay? Love you bye."
Quickly hanging up, I rushed my way out of the crowd when I noticed the vintage bookstore sign I had been looking for.
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I had a basket full of my required books except for Rebecca's lab notebook. Walking towards the aisle for laboratory texts, I finally found the one she needed. On the highest shelf.
Pursuing my lips I took a quick glance and found a short ladder. Despite being 5′9, there were still heights that I could not reach.
I had the book in my reach when a sudden voice took me to my surprise. "I'd be careful. The ladder's kinda broken and old."
But the paranoid and clumsy ol' me was already slipping and falling. Well, this was a good day to wear a skirt.
Right into the arms of one of the most beautiful pair of eyes I have ever seen. Gulping to myself, I found that I couldn't help but stare at the eyes behind the glasses. I wasn't sure if it was the fall or just him in general, but something about this guy was... so charming.
And also red! He was red and trying his best to avert his eyes, looking anywhere but at me. Or I guess from my skirt. I wasn't too worried, I already had leggings underneath it. It was Fall after all. But it didn't stop him from stuttering a sorry and that he'd seen my skirt flying up.
I was still in his arms.
It was almost endearing how much of a mess he looked. And that hair. Those luscious curls. I was just about to reach out and find out if they were almost as soft as it looked.
A cough broke us out of our reverie. Quickly composing himself he let me down gracefully and pulled on his tie. "Sorry. Please excuse me." He muttered lowly and took a leave.
I couldn't take my eyes off him. "Did you need something Miss?"
Annoyed, I looked away and faced the older man with a manager tag on his apron. Giving him an apologetic smile, I shook my head and thanked him.
I couldn't find the guy anywhere else after. Paying my dues, I took a quick glance and found him on the second floor, watching me.
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John had only wanted to help. He didn't quite mean for her to slip and fall. Into his arms.
He especially didn't mean to stare. How could he not? The minute she had entered she had taken up everyone else's attention. With her long wave of red hair ending just below her hips, her accentuated long legs with those boots and that mini skater skirt.
Groaning inwardly he softly knocked his forehead onto the wall. He wasn't even sure if they had an interaction. All he remembered was her surprised gasp when she landed on his arms and her heavy gaze before he heard his manager.
There was also the fact that he noticed her looking for him after. And when they locked eyes before she left. It was almost as if she was daring him to come and find her.
Maybe the lack of sleep is getting to him.
"Are you done punishing yourself?"
Pushing his head up, he found Carl, the manager of the bookstore watching him in amusement. "The first day of work and already you're troubling the customers."
Looking away guiltily he was about to apologize when Carl chuckled and patted his shoulders. "You're good son. Don't worry about it. If anything she seemed annoyed that I interrupted you guys."
That was that too. Why did she keep looking for him? And it wasn't in the way someone would look for to give a good beating or lecture. It was as though...
Shaking his head out of the silly thoughts he smiled at Carl and continued about his day doing his job.
His thoughts still filled with the girl with those beautiful hazel eyes.
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my desire to be carried like a princess still remains. but like from the couch to bed bc i don't wanna get up.
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Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone