I WAS OVERTHINKING it. I never saw the guy again for the past weeks since my encounter with him. I almost thought he was just a product of my imagination— a story suddenly appeared in my head because I was writing a romance novel (which I decided not to continue because of my lack of experience on the subject matter).
Anyway, it had been a month since then. And I'd reached my promise of 70,000-word updates to my beloved readers. Two hundred and thousand words in total— yet, I haven't finished it. I wonder when this novel will say goodbye to the readers. Hopefully, my beloved reader will cry their heart out once that time comes.
After uploading all the chapters at once, I left my room. Looking at the living room illuminated by the sunlight, my heart suddenly felt giddy. After a month of hibernation, seeing nothing but darkness and the light coming from my computer, I was suddenly so glad I was born human. If not, how am I supposed to admire all things given by our mother nature? Animals might respect it and worship it even, but it would take intelligence to appreciate it.
"I'm glad you're finally willing to leave your room."
I blinked. Then, I looked at my mother, who looked busy with something. She was walking here from there and there to here. My head was almost spinning from her nonstop movement.
"Mom, what are you doing?" I asked, following her to the kitchen. And as soon as I entered my favourite place in the house, I froze.
"Hi, Tatia!" greeted the woman I never thought I would see for the next few days— well, not until the wedding.
"You have a visitor, by the way," said my mother, smiling, before taking a bunch of clothes and leaving— perhaps going to the laundry room.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, sitting on one of the stools; in front of my unexpected visitor.
She rolled her eyes. The nerve. "If I didn't come, would you attend my wedding?"
I took a slice of bread and munched it. I was starving. "What made you think I'll attend it if you come here?"
While munching, I couldn't help but notice how the woman in front glowed. Her cheeks had a tint of redness on them. She looked healthy and happy. She also wore her black hair in a neat bun, and the way she wore her dress looked elegant. Ohhh~ elegant. When did she become one?
Don't get me wrong. I wasn't insulting or anything. Brittany was a woman, once upon a time, not a lady. Now, she was the exact opposite of me. I don't think I could sit on a stool with my back straight like a rod and chin up high— maybe, I could raise my chin higher than she could because of my overflowing confidence, but sitting like she was doing now? Meh. I don't think so. Just looking at her made my back hurt. To prove my thoughts, I leaned on the kitchen table like a gangster. And I almost saw her eyebrows twitch.
"I don't," she answered. I almost forgot what the question was. "That's why I'm here to take you with me." Not waiting for my reply, she enunciated, "You're coming with me, and Aunt Jas agreed."
"Oh?" I raised a brow. "I thought we're in a democratic country. What happened to 'making my own decision'?"
Brittany stood up. "Aunt Jas is worried about your social life," she said. "Hence, she was so glad I came to take you with me. She was also hoping you'll finally meet you're certain 'the one' and marry after me, by the way."
I almost gagged. "Fine," I said, standing. "You came at the right time. I just finished whatever it was I had to complete. So, where are we going?"
Brittany smiled. "Arcane Town."
—
"Where exactly is this Arcane Town?" I asked, patting my backpack while watching the scenery the running car could offer. When she told me we would be going somewhere, it never occurred to me that the place was out of town. I never even heard of that town.
"It's a beautiful place," she answered without looking away from the road. "Arcane Town is the epitome of the word vintage."
"It's old?"
"Historical."
Interesting. I love history.
"How did you come across it?"
She smiled, half-smile, but still a smile. "Wallis is from that town. But we met in the States during my vacation."
That Wallis might be her groom.
"How romantic."
"Stop saying things you don't mean," she scoffed.
"Then, 'how disgusting'."
"I hope, one day, you'll find your man and eat those bitter words you've said."
I grinned. "One day," I said, "If ever that day will come."
"Don't get cocky. I'm sure you'll regret every word you've uttered, and I'll be there saying, 'I told you so'."
I laughed. Let the woman imagine whatever it was that could make her happy.
The travel took five hours. One more hour and Brittany's car would eat my puke. Fortunately, we arrived before it was too late.
"Welcome to Arcane Town," I read the words written on the arch as I stepped outside the car. "It's," I paused, trying to find the right word to describe the place; as I couldn't think of something, I used Britanny's term, "Vintage."
"Right?" she said, walking to my side. "You'll also love the people here. They're lovely and friendly."
I nodded, not believing it unless I experienced the friendliness myself.
"Then, where should I stay?" I asked about the most crucial matter at hand.
"Where else?" she said, handing me the bag she took from the passenger's seat. "My home, of course."
My face immediately crunched in disdain. And I made sure that Brittany saw it. "I better find an inn or something. I could still afford a comfortable resting place for a night or two."
"Are you sure? My place is free, and you can eat everything in our fridge without paying."
"And who are you living with within that home of yours?"
"Well," she spread her hands for a second. "Wallis and his family."
I smiled and gave her a look. "So, look for an inn for me." I didn't wait for her answer as I began walking towards an unknown destination. Brittany followed me with an 'ugh'.
Arcane Town was your typical historical place. The walls of each house were stones designed like a manor. They looked simple but extensive and vast, enough to house a big family. The people around me would look at me with curiosity. But they tried their hardest not to let me notice their intense gazes. Unfortunately, they weren't successful in doing so.
The town had its taste of modernisation despite its houses that looked as if the ancestors built them during the 1800s. Cars would pass by, and there were also buildings.
"The way is here," Brittany took me by surprise when she suddenly held my arm and led the way somewhere.
"I'm not living with you and your husband and his family."
"I know," she replied. "That's why we're going to an inn."
I nodded in approval. After a while, we arrived at the inn. It looked strong and could withstand a hurricane. When we opened the door, a bell rang. I looked up at the top of the door and saw the bell hanging there.