#i dont have a name for this | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

kira-hikaru · 8 months ago

Text

Here it is! The full first chapter with an author's note and prologue (as well as some quotes). Hope you all enjoy this work from your Drowning Artist.

---

Note from the Author

I’m sitting here, blankly staring at the computer screen; I’m supposed to be working. I definitely have tasks needing to be done, but I couldn’t bring myself to do anything. I’m feeling a loss of passion, no drive for what I’m doing; especially with all of the changes happening in such rapid succession. As a kid, I never expected adulthood o be quite so dull. I’ve always longed for the extraordinary; delved into the fantastical worlds of the stories that I’ve read.

I’ve also felt a sense of longing at the conclusion of said stories. My heart would ache at the thought that I didn’t really know those characters and magical elements don’t exist in reality. Funnily enough, my passion has shifted to wanting to become a writer. A writer of these epic tales that really engage the reader and make them care for the characters as if they were their own friends.

Although I feel this desire, I’ve never found the courage to truly pursue it; until now that is. I don’t know if this will be a long adventure or a short walk. I really don’t even know what I’m going for genre-wise if I’m being honest. But, whatever it is, I hope you, dear reader,

Enjoy.

***

“Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It’s a way of understanding it.” – Lloyd Alexander

“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” – Tony Robbins

***

I, Eleanor “Nell” Monroe, have never been particularly special or have ever stood out in any way. So why, or how for that matter, any of these events ever happened is a total mystery to me; but they did. And I can’t say that I’m entirely disappointed with how everything panned out, but we’ll get into that later. Allow me to set the stage if you will.

Moving is never quite as easy as most movies make it out to be. But living in a town that has so many negative connections for you really takes its toll after a while; so I did it. I packed my things, settled everything with my prior living arrangements, and loaded up into my Jeep. I was leaving this boring “coastal” Texas city and heading to Forks, WA.

Now I know what you’re thinking. Really, I do. But don’t worry, we don’t have wolves falling for minutes old babies or anything like that. There may be some cliches that I am most definitely not proud of, but I believe at this point I’m past the point of caring.

I fell in love with someone who may not be entirely human, if human at all, and for some unexplainable reason, he fell in love with me.

***

I’d just finished a long day of unloading, and then organizing said boxes into the different rooms. Not to mention I have the organizational skills of a hurricane. After resting for a few minutes, I decided to take a walk around the new area. It was around 8pm, so I didn’t expect too many places to be open aside from the local bar or so.

To my surprise, there was a little coffee shop the was open nights only, and they were just opening for the evening. I decided to stop in, I felt in the mood for a nice Café Mocha. A small bell dinged as I opened the door to shop and a young man, maybe 24 years old, looked up.

“Pleasant evening, miss. Welcome in.” he said.

I was a bit taken aback; you don’t usually hear people talking like that anymore. “A pleasant evening to you as well, sir.” I smirked.

“I don’t recall ever seeing you before; I know most everyone in this town.” He mused.

“That might be because I’m new in town.” I replied, “Just moved in today, actually.”

“That might be it.” He smiled a dazzling smile, “Can I get you anything?”

I was definitely caught off guard. I wasn’t expecting to meet any quite so… handsome, especially not at an evening coffee shop. I realized I was sort of staring at him and fixed my face.

“Uh… Sorry, yes. I’ll have a Café Mocha, extra Mocha, please.”

“Certainly.” He replied, still smiling warmly, and off he went to make the sweet concoction.

I went to sit at a chair in the corner of the shop; it was a comfortable arm chair that looked out onto the street. Since it was after eight, the roads were fairly quiet. In the background, I heard the coffee machine hissing with steam and the shop started to fill with the sweet yet bold aroma of coffee. I wished I’d brought a book, this would be the perfect place to catch up on some reading with it being open so late.

I pulled out my phone and started going through different apps; Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, I scrolled through my email, even swiped through Tinder to see if I could find anyone (or a particular someone) locally. I swiped left on a few guys, swiped right on one or two, but no match, unsurprisingly. I was still new after all. My swiping was then interrupted.

“Miss? Your Café Mocha is ready.” He said.

I pushed myself out of the big chair and claimed a seat at the bar. Since there was no one else and I knew virtually nothing about this place, it couldn’t hurt to try and get to know someone else close to my age.

“Thank you.” I told him as I settled into the new spot and took a small sip. “It’s perfect!” I said, grinning at him.

He seemed to be staring at me like I was at him a few moments ago, but when I made eye contact, he nodded his head to me graciously.

“I’m pleased that it’s to your liking. I’m nothing if not an expert barista, if I may be allowed to brag.” He chuckled.

“With coffee this delectable, I’d definitely say you’ve earned the right to brag.” I complimented, “How long have you been doing this for…?” I searched for a name tag, but couldn’t spot one.

“Forgive me, many around here already know my name, and we don’t frequently get new faces. My name is Sebastian. May I ask yours?” he queried.

“I’m Nell, it’s nice to officially meet you, Sebastian.” I smiled.

“Nell..? Perchance, is it short for anything?” he asked.

I shifted in my seat slightly, I was really hoping he wouldn’t ask. It’s not that I didn’t like my name, but there are some negative associations with it for me.

“Forgive me, again. You don’t have to answer.” He said quickly, noticing my discomfort.

I studied his reaction for a moment, “No, it’s alright. Nell is short for Eleanor, but please, just call me Nell.”

He smiled gently again, “Nell it is. So, what brings you to our little town?”

“A fresh start!” I proclaimed with a wide smile and then took another drink. “I used to live in Texas, and don’t get me wrong, I love my home. But where I lived, there were plenty of unpleasant people who go out of their way to make you miserable for the pure hell of it. Bad enough that they try to convince others that your partner cheated on you with them, let alone when you can’t even drive down the road without someone being a straight di-“

I stopped myself; he was watching me and his vibrant green eyes lit up when I stopped talking.

“No, please continue!” he coaxed.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to bore you with the extremely dull details of my life.” I said, looking down at the cup.

This was the first time I really noticed his smile falter. His expression turned to one of… concern? Anger? Surely not.

“I refuse to believe a person such as yourself could have such a ‘dull’ backstory. I would certainly love to hear it sometime. You mentioned a partner… but also a fresh start. Did you come to Forks with someone?”

“No.” I shook my head slightly with a small smile, “It’s just me. I live a few blocks away, decided to take a walk around; get the lay of the land.”

“It’s getting fairly late though, will you be okay heading back? It’s fairly quiet around here, but you should still be careful.” He said, this time with an assuredly concerned look.

I did a mental check; normally I keep my protective gear in my bag, but because it was a short walk, I didn’t even think to bring it.

“I swear, I’m such an airhead at times.” I chuckled to myself, “But I think I can brave the walk home. I should be fine.”

“Famous last words.” He said light-heartedly, “Jokes aside, what kind of gentleman would I be if I didn’t offer the fair lady an escort home?”

“Oh, I couldn’t ask that of you! You have a shop to run, plus it’s really not that far.” I hastily said. It’s not that I didn’t want him to. In fact, I very much did want him to. But I didn’t want to inconvenience him.

“Nonsense. If it’s as close as you say, I can be back here in no time. I’d only be closed for a few minutes, and besides, it’s not exactly busy.” He said, gesturing to the empty shop chairs. “That is, unless you’re opposed? Far be it from me to coerce anyone into something they don’t want.”

“No, not opposed!” I said, my voice an octave higher than usual. I cleared my throat, “I’d be fine with an escort home from you. But I hope you don’t mind the walk.”

Sebastian smiled again, “Actually, I was going to ask if you wanted to ride in my car? We can walk if you’d like, though. Your choice.”

“Car?” I said with a confused look. I hadn’t seen one walking in, though I guess I didn’t account for behind the store parking. “Oh, well of course you have a car.”

“Ah, yes, it’s parked out back. Perks of owning the shop.” He laughed.

“Own? You own this shop?” I said, astonished.

He answered as he walked across the shop to the front doors to turn the sign to “closed” and locked up. “Yes, my… family has some wealth. I don’t like to flaunt it too much, but I adore coffee and refuse to buy anything but the best, so it comes in handy for inventory.”

“Emphasis on ‘too much’.” I grinned, “Do you always talk about your family’s wealth to the newcomers.” I teased as I hopped out of the seat and followed him through the back to his car. It was Mustang, that much I could tell, a Shelby at that.

“Ha! No, you appear to be a special case. Believe it or not, this is the most interesting conversation I’ve had with anyone in a while.” He said, unlocking the car’s doors.

“Well that’s not saying much.” I responded.

“Nonsense! I find you to be very interesting.” He stopped and looked almost like he was going to reprimand me.

“Or just new.” I said anyway, “That interest will more likely fade. I’m really not that interesting.”

He scowled slightly; I could tell that he really didn’t like me talking down on myself. We got into the car and I buckled up and gave him the address. He plugged it into his GPS and drove off. Music was softly playing from his radio speakers, I could make out the song that was playing, “Scrape” by Witchz.

I gazed out the window, almost straining to hear the music until he reached out to the radio and turned the volume up a little.

“Scrape me til I scream. Thoughts in silence. Paint me in your dreams. Use the light strokes, face me on your knees In the name of love.”

“TikTok got the better of me.” He chuckled softly.

“I can’t say I blame you; it’s a good song.” I replied, smiling. “You know, I can’t say what I was really expecting moving across the country, but I can say that I didn’t expect to meet someone so charming at my local coffee shop.”

“Well, I’m certainly glad to have made a good impression. Again, what sort of gentleman would I be?”

He smiled warmly at me quickly before looking back at the road. We were almost back to my new home and I had a longing feeling to stay in his company for just a little longer. He felt… safe.

The mustang slowed to a stop outside of my quaint house. My fingers brushed the door handle to open the door, but then I looked back at him. His eyes were intensely locked on mine and it felt as though we had shared a lifetime in that moment. Even now, I struggle to find the correct words to describe it. What felt like forever was really only a minute or two, but once I had collected my thoughts, I brought myself to ask the question I’d been dying to ask since I had met him.

“D-do you think I could have your number? Just because… well, I don’t exactly know anyone around here except you now and I figure… well… you seem like the good type you’d want to keep around.”

There a slight twinge of pain in his eyes. I had wondered from what, but it was gone as quickly had it had came.

He laughed softly, “Of course you can. It would do you good to have connection to someone in the know.” He extended his hand as a gesture for me to hand him my phone and I followed suit.

He swiftly enter his number into my contacts, complete with his full name. When he was done, I placed my hand out for my phone back. Instead of doing that though, he gently grasped my hand and pulled it toward him a little and then leaned in the rest of the distance to place a surprisingly cool kiss on the skin just above my knuckles.

A silent oh formed on my lips as I felt a fire creep across my cheeks. He locked his emerald hues onto mine again with the most enrapturing look on his face as he spoke,

“It was truly a pleasure to have had the opportunity to meet you this evening, Nell. I do hope that we have another chance to get to know each other more soon.”

He carefully handed my phone back to me and then exited the car. I was still flustered at the quick series of events that just happened that I jolted in my seat when he tapped on my window and then opened my door, his hand extended to help me out.

I laughed to myself a little as I accepted his help, “You certainly know how to make a woman feel like a lady, don’t you?”

To this, he gave me a devilish smirk and answered, “A lady should always be treated as such.”

I was at a loss for words now. He laid the flattery on thick, and I kind of really liked it. I gave him a grateful smile as my face was, I’m sure, beet red.

“Thank you for the ride home.” I said, almost in a whisper.

“Should you ever need another, or anything else for that matter, I’m just a call or text away.” he said, as he reclaimed his hand as his own started back towards his door.

I followed his lead and headed back to my house, but I didn’t notice his car leave until I had closed the door behind me.

So let me get this straight, he’s handsome, charming, and a gentleman to boot. He’s also well versed in flattery. He’s totally my type, Webut he’s almost… too perfect.

I pulled my phone back out of my pocket where I’d slipped it after he handed it back. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t immediately searching for his contact he’d input. My phone listed contacts alphabetically by first name, so straight down to the “s” section I scrolled.

Sebastian Silverchase

An attractive name for an attractive guy; it’s fitting, I suppose. Now the question of messaging him nagged in my brain. If I texted him right away, I’d come off as desperate. That is to say, not that I wasn’t desperate to get to know him more, but I didn’t want to come off as crazy or anything. Besides, he did say he would be heading back to the coffee shop I was sure. Maybe just a quick “hello” so that he could save my number and let it go from there.

I began to type but I had a nagging feeling; he was a complete stranger. I just willing accepted a ride to my house from a complete stranger. Sure, we exchanged pleasantries, and he seemed a decent enough guy, but I didn’t know this man from Adam and I straight got in his car and gave him a guide to my house from where he works. Crush or not, I’m not normally that brazen to just throw caution to the wind.

I deleted the few letters I’d typed and set my phone down on the kitchen counter, looking at my fridge. My stomach growled and I put my hand over it. “Brilliant, Nell. Get coffee, but no food.” I opened the fridge door and glanced over the barely stocked shelves. I had the basics, deli turkey from H-E-B (how I’d miss it so) and some Kraft American singles plus a loaf of bread, but I wasn’t really in the mood for a sandwich.

I closed the door and walked over to my recliner (technically, my dad’s, but he gave it to me); thankfully, the delivery guys got it here shortly after I got here. I let out a long sigh thinking of what to eat. There had to be a pizza place nearby, right? I groaned and got back up, the only way I’d find out is by checking my phone.

When I unlocked it, it was still on Sebastian’s contact. I thought about it for a second and figured if he’d really meant to do anything, he most likely would have. I tapped the text icon and typed out a message.

“Hey, it’s Nell :) random question, but could you suggest a good pizza place around here?”

I hit send and collapsed back into my chair, phone in hand searching Google while waiting for a response. There was a place called Pacific Pizza, but Google said they closed at 9, and was already 8:45. I didn’t want to be that person. I scrolled but was only met with one other option being Home Slice Take and Bake that closed at 8pm. I set my phone on my stomach and let out an exasperated sigh. Just then, my phone buzzed. It was Sebastian.

“Hello, Nell :) I’m not usually one for pizza, myself, but I’ve heard mention of Pacific Pizza being good. They’ll be closing soon though. You could always venture the hour to Port Angeles, I believe there’s a Pizza Hut, but it’s fairly late.”

Port Angeles? In all honesty, I probably could, but why waste an hour’s worth of gas just for pizza. Plus, he had a point, it was pretty late. I replied back to him.

“Ah, maybe another time then. I hope the Pizza Gods don’t smite me for this, but I don’t think risking my life for pizza is worth it, haha. Thanks though!”

I supposed sandwiches for the night would do. I pushed myself up and walked back over to the fridge when my phone buzzed again.

“Anytime. Can I ask, what’s your favorite pizza?”

I smiled and typed a quick response.

“I’m a classic kind of gal. Pepperoni with extra cheese.”

I sent the text and set my phone back down on the counter, opening the fridge door to gather the sandwich makings. I grabbed the package of turkey and a slice of cheese, also setting them on the counter to wait while I went to the pantry to grab the bread.

I came back to the ingredients and began putting it together, grabbing a couple of slices of bread from the bag and placing them on a paper towel. I would need to go to the store the next day, buy some basics, like paper plates and such.

I finished making the sandwich (and I use that term loosely, as it was just bread, cheese, and meat) and was about to take a bite as my phone buzzed again, Sebastian’s name popping up.

“Delivery :)”

I stared at my phone quizzically for a second until I heard I knock at the front door. I was admittedly startled, but I went to check the peephole. I had to stand on tiptoes to reach it, but when I looked, no one was there.

I opened the door and found a Pacific Pizza box. I brought it in, albeit cautiously, and set it down in the kitchen. I opened it up and saw a pepperoni pizza with extra cheese. I grabbed my phone and immediately started typing.

“Was this you?? How did you get it here so fast??”

There was no way it couldn’t have been him. It was way too coincidental if not. I decided to grab a slice and take a bite, and it was delicious! My phone buzzed once again.

“I hope you don’t mind. It seemed like you really wanted one. My expedited delivery times are my secrets, that may, or may not, be divulged in time.”

I narrowed my eyes reading his second sentence, but honestly, the pizza was so good that I’d completely let it go.

“Thank you! That was very kind to do, though I hope they weren’t too annoyed with you with it being so late.”

I tried to not think too much about it, but who just goes and gets food for someone they just met? This felt like a best friend conversation to me; Rayne could definitely talk some sense into this situation.

I ate another slice of pizza and my phone buzzed once again.

“Nonsense, I know them. They didn’t mind. I hope you enjoy.”

I smiled softly at the text, but then backed out of his thread and found Rayne’s, whose wasn’t much further down and sent her a message.

“Hey Rayne, I’m settled in a bit here, but when are you good for a call? I… met a guy here but I’m needing some advice.”

I went off to my room to change into some more comfortable clothes while I waited for her response, which didn’t take too long. As I pulled my sleep shirt on, I picked my phone back up and I saw her message.

“GIRL!!! NOT EVEN 24 HOURS AND YOU’RE MESSAGING ME ABOUT A GUY?! GIVE ME, LIKE, 10 MINUTES AND THEN YOU ARE SPILLING THIS TEA!!”

I chuckled at her text, I was definitely getting an earful when we talked. She’s always getting onto me about crushing too hard too soon, but I couldn’t help it. I’ve been told since I was young that I care and love too deeply for my own good. That’s why it was great when Rayne came into my life, she balanced me out and helped me somewhat find my worth.

I settled into my bed and scrolled through TikTok while I waited for her call. I mindlessly watched videos until the audio for one cut out and my phone started buzzing, then Rayne’s name popped up on the top of my screen waiting for me to answer.

“Hello?” I said, bracing for her intensity.

“ELEANOR LYNN MONROE!” she practically shouted, “Why is it that I can’t leave you alone for a second without you talking to me about a guy?? Didn’t you just leave Mi-“

I cut her off before she could even finish the name, “Hey! I don’t bring up she-who-must-not-be-named, you don’t talk about him. As far as we’re concerned, he didn’t even exist.” I wasn’t ready to discuss him, even with her. She knew I left, both him and Texas, but I hadn’t divulged all the details yet.

“Alright, alright, Ms. Bossy. Well then, tell me, what’s this new fascination’s name?” she asked, switching quickly back to the topic at hand, she knew I wouldn’t talk until I was ready.

“Sebastian.” I said, a smile uncontrollably forming on my lips as I did, “His name is Sebastian Silverchase.”

#current wip #story #writing #sebastian #silverchase #i dont have a name for this #reading #advice #help

0 notes