The Book Writer

4. Well that was interesting

When you're curious, you find lots of things to do~ Walt Disney

The shop was not that far away from where we had breakfast. The sun was shining, the wind was crisp, and the colours of the leaves were in full array. A perfect September day if you asked me. We decided to walk there, chitchating about the fundraiser this weekend that we got volunteered for. Our mothers are sisters. They know how to get you to do something.

Once we stood out front of the store. I got a good look at it. I never really looked at it before.Come to think of it, I never really remembered it once I passed it.The brick was painted a dark gray colour, with maroon accents on window panels and the door frame. Gold lettering, which was fading, spelled out the shops name on the window. TWISTED TWILIGHT Collections and Hobbies.

A display of porcelain dolls, old books, magazines, and lots of tools that looked torturous. Reading the little handwritten cursive writing card, Dentist Tools, 1789 ad, England. It's still torturous, in my opinion. Cat pushed open the door that rang a little bell. Now, you might be thinking that this store would be dark and dusty. Cobwebs attached to crowded items and tatered books. A musty smell that hung heavy in the air. A hunched over older, witchy person in black with a look that says only mischief was present. Was I surprised when we walked in.

Light from the windows and lamps hanging from the rafters lit up the place brightly. A nice breezy floral scent was in the air. Greenery of different plants were hanging, on tables, and the floor. There were items like we thought display in glass door cabinets, shelves on the wall, crafted wooden tables, and on the interconnected tiled floor. It was beautiful. Cat and I looked at one another in amazement, both of us giggling. Giggling? When do I giggle?

We walked more into the store, i noticed that no one seemed to be at the craved dark stained counter or that i could see on the floor. Looking at everything, not touching a thing, It had that expensive look to it all. My bank account at the moment wasn't growing any extra money-babies. Cat seemed to have gotten interested in a glass cabinet that held jars of.... Well, I'm not too sure what was in them, but they glowed. I wondered over to tables lined with containers marked red eye, snake eggs, marbles, twisty straws, and more. So much more. Many items I've seen in museums or art collections. I smiled at the porcelain doll that was having tea with a monkey dressed in a vest and hat. Fake, of course, I think?

Something caught my eye as I passed another table full of containers. several stacks of books were piled high on the floor.

I began to go through them, removing and stacking them nicely on the empty table beside it. I came across one that caught my attention. The Purpose of Writing a Story. I open the hard cover to see if it would be interested in it. I always wanted to write a story. Be a famous author who can whip up fantasy and heroes in no time.

"Now, that book is a very interesting one." The voice came from behind me, a hint of an Italian accent. I jumped, almost dropping the book. I turned to see a slender woman dressed in an 1890s outfit but with a modern twist. Her blonde hair was done up like that from Anna of Green Gables. Her face was one that you couldn't tell her age.

" Oh! Umm,.. I uh.. , " I stumbled out. I feel my face getting red, I was not expecting anyone to be behind me. I feel like I was caught red-handed with my hand in the cookie jar. A gentle smile formed on her face.

" I did not mean to startle you." she gently put her hand on my arm. I felt calm throughout my body. nice and relaxed. Must be that floral scent. Lavender, yeah, that's it! "I thought you knew I was there." She pointed to an armchair with a faded floral pattern that you would see in the 1900s. Her name tag said 'Vittoria '

"I'm sorry, no, I didn't." I put the book down on the pile. "Sorry for going through the books." I apologized.

With a raised eyebrow, she had an amused look on her face. "How else would I sell them if others did not look at them?" She chuckled.

Picking up the book, she looked it over and ran her hand down the spine of the book. Looking back at me, she handed it over with a smile on her face.

"I think you might like this one. It has an unusual plot to it. " She mentioned.

"Oh, I thought it was teaching on writing a book." disappointment could be heard slightly in my voice.

"Ah, well, it is that as well. A story and teaching how to write one." Vittoria informed me.

'Well, that's interesting,' I thought to myself. If the price is right, maybe I can purchase it. "How much is it?"

Before she could answer, Cat came speeding over."Grin!! you have to see this cabinet. you're not going to believe what's in there." She pulled on my sleeve and dragged me towards the cabinet. It was filled with everything from Big Foot to Bat Baby. News clippings, old photos, and pieces of items which belonged to them, I think. "Is that a mermaid?"

Cat points out other creatures or articles. We looked through all the stuff, not really touching but admiring. We all have been big on the strange and unusual. We watched a lot of documentaries, shows, and other teaching on these. I reminded myself to tell my Dad and brother. They would be more excited than us, especially my Dad. He is a huge fan of the supernatural.

"There are more books, photos, and items of this sort over by the front window." informed Vittoria. "Just by the Dentist Tools." She pointed an index finger towards the front.

Cat went over to look. I was about to go over, but Vittoria asked if I was still interested in the book? The price on it is 20$. Well, that got my attention. "I'll take it," I smiled.

"Good, I'll bring it to the counter. When you and your friend are done looking around, just head over to the counter, and we will get you all set." She smiled.

I nodded and turned to look for Cat. However, I ended up looking at more books. I grabbed a few more to purchase, as well as a book marker. Glancing around, I was ready to get a move on. Cat came over to me , carrying a few items in her arms.

"Hey, what books are you getting?" She inquired.

"One for my folks," I moved the book around to show her. It was an autobiography of the Rat Pack. "A couple for Becka and a writers book for me." She looked at the ones I got Becka and smiled.

"I got Becka slime that glows," she laughed.

My brother hates, I mean HATES slime. I'm not sure if it was due to us slimming him for a month after watching Ghostbusters. He wanted to be Peter. Nah, that couldn't be it.

We head to the counter to pay for our items.

Vittoria packages all our items in cloth bags.

She smiled and wished us a happy day. Before leaving, she called out, "If ever you need information or looking for something, I'm always here." Odd, I nodded, adding a smile I use when I feel awkward.

After Cat says goodbye with a huge yawn, followed by a huge hug. I make my way over to my vehicle. I move to the bench off to the side and sit. Looking out at the town, which is like every small town that belongs in a Hallmark movie. I know everyone says that, and it's cliche. However, they literally film the movies here.Theres a whole warehouse and company that is dedicated just to those films.

I sigh. I'm done schooling, and I have the highest degree in my field. My job restarts at the end of November. I feel kinda lost. I laugh to myself at that. I don't believe I have ever not had anything on the go.

I reach into the cloth bag and pull out the book. Its worn faded colouring was what caught my eye. An unusual blue. One, I don't really recall seeing. The binding to it felt raised, and old. I open the cover to look inside, noticing that the pages are a bit yellowed.

Reading the index, I swear I hear tapping. Looking around the little park and down the street. I can't see anything out of the norm.

My phone starts buzzing, playing the ring tone Dancing Queen by Abba, alerting me that my Mom is phoning. In case you're wondering, my mom loves Abba. When I was younger, she would play the records and dance around with me. Also, Neil Diamond and a few others.

"Hey Mom, how's it going?" I pause to listen, roll my eyes."Yes, Cat is doing the fundraiser. Aunty already asked her." I wait for her to finish, closing the book and placing it back in the bag. "I can come over for supper. Anything you want picked up?" Pause." Yeah, no trouble. I'm downtown, so I'll stop at the bakery." Pause" ok, see you soon, love yah!".

After grabbing the items from the bakery, I hop in the jeep and head over to my folks. Something is nagging me, though, and I'm not sure what.