A Peak Between Realms (Short Story Collection)

She Calls Me Esmeralda

It was a gloomy-ish day out, why do we say gloomy-ish you ask? Well it was raining, more like storming out as I sat down in a random seat near the back of the college class. I was soaked in rain. I mean the rainbow out was beautiful and the sun peaking over the clouds was like the hope that forever shone in life. But I hated being soaking wet. That's what she said I thought, glad I didn't think out loud like I had a tendency to do. I quickly sat my stuff down and went to the bathroom to fix my makeup and straighten up my clothes as I peered at myself in the mirror.

I had long pin straight hair. I had half dyed the color of emeralds and the other half was black. I had hazel double lidded monolid eyes, and soft Ivory skin that had neutral undertones. I was dressed in an off white dress that had lantern sleeves and a square neck that reached my calves with a petticoat underneath and a black corset over the dress. I paired the dress with black Victorian heeled boots. I dressed like this every day, the corsets were tiring to tighten properly sometimes, yes but I looked magnificent.

I quickly cleaned up my makeup and left the bathroom, returning to my seat with a sigh. Of course, it stops raining when I go inside the building, I soon got out my notes as the professor entered the room, quietly tapping my nail on the desk. That’s when I heard something, it was like a rustling then a tapping on the bottom of my chair which threw me off for a second making me look behind me only to find no one. What in the f**k? Was the first thing I thought as I felt under my chair to find a sticky note the color of emeralds. How do they know my favorite color? Was the first thought I had when I saw the sticky note, scanning the contents.

Come to this address and use the name ‘Esmeralda’ .

Wear the dress I mailed to you

-Your Admirer

‘Your admirer’ who in their right mind would have the hots for me? Was my first thought after reading the note and stuffing it in my bag. Noting the address jotted on the note, ultimately deciding to go. When classes were over, I checked the mailroom for a package and lo and behold, there was an expensive looking emerald green and silver box that had ‘For Esmeralda’ written on the top in silver which made my cheeks warm up. However, on the box was another note in the color emerald.

You thought I was kidding with the note?

Everything you need for the event is here.

While there look for someone in the same color as you.

-Your Admirer

With my face bright red I speed walked back to my dorm room to see the contents of my package. Once I was inside the room I quickly opened the box to find an emerald green masquerade mask that had emeralds and pearls that decorated the edges of it and lace around the outer edge. Underneath the mask was a pair of black heeled boots and a small box. Inside that box was a set of Emerald earrings that had teardrop shaped pearls that dangled down off a chain of silver with a matching silver necklace. Underneath that was a beautiful emerald green gown that came with a white corset to put on underneath.

I hesitantly put on the expensive looking corset, gently tightening it so it cinched my waist but it wasn't hard to breathe. Soon I put on my boots because I know that it would be hard to put them on before the petticoat and dress. Next, I put on the petticoat then, the dress which fit me perfectly, it had an off shoulder top with bishop sleeves and the bottom was a normal ball gown. I looked beautiful.

I soon did my makeup and my hair, placing on my necklace and putting in my earrings. I was breathless as I looked in the mirror and soon I got a text.

UNKNOWN NUMBER: A car will be sent to pick you up shortly, please wait in your room

Read

5 minutes later

UNKNOWN NUMBER: The car has arrived, please leave your room.

Read

Well that was quick was my first thought as I turned my phone off and grabbed a small purse that went with my ball gown as I put the necessities in it like my phone, cash, etcetera etcetera. I soon stepped out of my room and rushed out the front, praying I wasn’t seen as I spotted a fancy car parked “way to be discreet” I grumbled to myself as I walked over and gave the name that was on the note to which they stepped out and opened the door for me. “Thank you” I mumbled out as the driver helped me in the car, I sat down and my dress puffed up making me huff as I got situated and they closed the door with a chuckle. I let out a small huff as I buckled in and watched the lights of my city fly by as they drove and the quiet hum of the music hummed as we approached the destination.

What have I got myself into was my first thought as they pulled up in front of an extravagant mansion. I stepped into the line of masked strangers all dressed in an arrangement of different colors as I hurriedly put on my mask and once it was my turn was scrambled then I remembered the note “Esmeralda” was all I said as I was let inside. The mansion was beautiful as I roamed, staring at the Victorian mansion in complete awe. I then remembered the note as I searched for someone wearing the same shade of emerald green as me.

I then locked eyes with a beautiful yet handsome woman dressed in a white button-up, emerald green vest and black leather pants. Her curly red hair was down and behind her mask I could see emerald green eyes. She paired a set of emerald earrings and an emerald brooch on her button up which brought her outfit together. Her mask matched mine and she had on boots that matched mine.

When I noticed she spotted me my face heated up to a bright red as she made her way over to me with a glass of champagne in hand “Care for a dance, my dear?” The woman said as she lifted my hand to her lips with a bow, making my cheeks heat up to a deeper shade of red. Her voice was as soft as a raven's feather with a soft rasp to it and the Scottish accent made me want to fold right then and there. “You're such a bonny little lass y’know that?” the woman said as she brought me close to her, her compliments made my heart race more as we danced in each other's arms. “Are you the owner of this mansion?” I asked shyly “Not that I care if you have money, it’s just the mansion is beautiful” I added in a quick panic as I averted my eyes making her chuckle.

“No, however I am the host of this ball” she says with a smirk as she twirled me around to the music then pulled me close again. Her statement made my eyes widen behind my mask. Just how loaded is this woman was my first thought as she let out a laugh “you’re adorable lass” was all she said. “Also it might be wise to say, I’m the one behind the notes and the dress, you may call me Emeraude” she said with a devilish smirk. It was that moment that I felt my gut churn, had this beautiful woman been stalking me? I asked myself as I stepped back, Emeraude stepping forward until I was backed up against the wall.

I was trapped as she put one arm by my head to trap me there, heat rushing to my face as she brought a stray strand of my hair to her red stained lips. “Darling don’t you know I’ve been in love with you for quite some time now, I’m not letting you get away that easily~” She whispered in my ear as she let go of me and soon after that the ball ended leaving me flustered beyond words as I made it home.

It had been three days since I last saw Emeraude, her green fox-like still in my mind. The devilish look on her pale complexion still stuck with me as well. It was like I was a mouse trapped in a raven's claw as I stared at the dress in my closet and the matching earring and necklace set. Stop thinking about her! I thought as I gently slapped my cheeks, I mean f**k focusing, she was the only thing on my mind.

Three days and no note, three days and not a word from her. I bet she’s enjoying watching me squirm, I thought with a sigh as I went out to check for any mail and lo and behold I had a letter assigned to “Esmeralda” which made my heart jump in my chest as I scrambled to gently open the emerald green envelope. Inside was an emerald green handkerchief with an E embroidered into the corner in silver thread. The handkerchief itself smelled like roses and honey. She must bathe in honey and roses I thought with a stupid grin on my face when I soon realized what I was thinking. My face heated up as I took another look inside the envelope to find a letter.

Dear Esmeralda,

It has been three whole days since I last saw you, yet I cannot get you out of my head. I desperately need to see you again and long for your touch and pray that you might just feel the same way. I love you so much I would give my everything for you. If you feel the same, please meet me at the Emerald Cafe at 3pm sharp tomorrow.

Signed with love,

Emeraude

I grinned to myself as I saw her lipstick stain on the bottom of the letter, it was the same shade she wore to the ball. I smiled as I gently refolded the letter and placed it back in the envelope along with the handkerchief. I then went to class with a lovesick grin on my face, I was in an unusually good mood due to this small date invitation. I was excited to see Emeraude, this happy floaty feeling rising in my chest as I smiled.

Emeraude had me wrapped around her pinky finger and she probably enjoyed it. The day went by in a blur as I happily stood up to waddle off to my room to do my nightly routine since I had no classes tomorrow. When morning came around I smiled as I got out a champagne colored dress with a square neck and bishop sleeves that cinched at the waist then flowed down into an A-line skirt that came to my shins and an emerald green corset. I set out the emerald and pearl earring and necklace set that Emeraude got me along with Victorian boots to wear with the dress. I then set out the final piece of the outfit which was a petticoat.

When about 2:30 pm rolled around I started to get ready with a smile on my face. I even put my hair up in a braided bun and placed a diadem of emerald and flowers on my head as I grabbed a handbag which I put my necessities in and soon left. It was 2:55 pm when I left as I walked to the Emerald Cafe. It was in an old Victorian home the color of emeralds. The flowers that surrounded the house were green hellebore and ivy lined the walls around the house. I smiled as I went up to the door which had a sign that said ‘The Emerald Cafe’ with a lotus flower over the part of the sign that said emerald.

Under the sign for the shop it had a sign that said open and I opened the door to the inside. It was a beautiful cafe that was based on the Victorian era as I went up to the front desk. “Hello, I’m supposed to be here to meet a woman by the name of Emeraude” I say as the woman out front smiles and takes me to a table that was upstairs where A woman with long curly red hair, fox-like green eyes and she had a mole under her eye. When she saw me, she smiled and pulled out a chair for me. “I’m so happy you actually made it!” the woman said with a smile as she then ordered an iced chai latte and a matcha cupcake and I ordered a matcha cupcake as well with a matcha latte.

“I see you also like matcha” she says with an awkward smile making me giggle “yes I do, what happened to your confident demeanor~” I teased with a grin. “Well, my dear the mask makes me a whole different person” she teased back with a grin. I giggled as I played with her hand and soon our order came. I then had a feeling this would happen more often.

It was around 12am and Emeraude and I were cuddling in my dorm room while watching horror movies when I sat up with a stretch. “Yes, my bonny lass?” Em says with a smile as she rests her hand on my hip “I’m hungry. Wanna see if any grocery stores are open?” I asked as I leaned down to give my lover a kiss. We had been together for three months now and I was happier than ever with Emeraude who I had learned her real name was Astrid. “Sure thing Philomela” Astrid said which makes me blush “Aiyaaa I to call me Mela” I said with a pout, making her giggle.

“You always react like that when I call you by your full first name~” she teased, making me huff as I playfully bit her hand. “So mean to me” I huffed out as I got out of bed and put on my coat, grabbing my wallet in the process. “I may be mean but you love me Mela” she said with a kiss on my cheek before we headed out to my local grocery. When we entered the store there was a group of men just loitering around and looking us up and down as we shopped.

It was as if they were undressing us with their eyes and soon Astrid snapped. “If you’re gonna undress us with your eyes then leave.” She said as she slipped an arm around my waist. “Aww it looks like kitty’s got claws~” one of the men cooed, making me give them an icy cold glare. “I’d leave if i were you” I say as I step forward “or what? What will a couple of dykes do?” another one says and Astrid quickly pulls out the throwing knife she kept strapped to her thigh “You’ll miss a few jewels” she hissed at them as they stepped back and walked off, cursing us out. “That's what I thought” she says and puts it away.

We soon got our stuff and left. The confrontation with the group of men had made us uncomfortable to say the least as we quickly made our way home, however something in my gut said the night wasn’t over as I felt a sinking feeling making itself comfortable in my gut. “Baby I have a bad feeling about tonight” I said as I held my lover's arm as she just smiled softly and pats my head “it’ll be alright my dear lassie. I’m here to keep you safe.” she says as she leans down to give me a quick kiss which makes my stomach erupt in butterflies. I never want this love to end was my thoughts as I smiled with a bright blush on my cheeks.

“There's my lassie that I know” Astrid says with a smile “now, come along, these arms feel empty without you” she says with a dumb grin on her face. This grin was infectious as I grinned as well and wrapped my arms around her, making us fall back on the bed. I happily nestled myself into her arms as I yawned out a sigh of relief. “Tired lassie?” she asked and I nodded in response, nuzzling myself into her chest as I felt myself fade into slumber.

I don’t know what time it was as I jolted awake to a knock on the door as I sat up, however that’s when I couldn’t shake the feeling in my gut that something was wrong. I looked at Astrid and shook my head “I got it Mela, you stay here.” she says as she swiftly grabs the knife she had in a harness on her thigh. She then hid it behind her back and cracked the door but didn't unchain the lock at the top so they couldn’t open the door and get in. “Who is it Azzy?” I asked as she tried to close the door only to get a hand slammed in it.

“s**t!” The male on the other side screamed out “well, we don’t want your pig face arses here so go away” she says with a glare. “You went through all this trouble to find my girlfriend's dorm after I threatened you at the store, now shoo” she hisses “or else my threat will become reality” she added. “Oh really?” he says as he brings out a gun that was when I got into my lock box and got out my shotgun and c****d it. “Now I believe Astrid here said to get the f**k out of my dorm plus I don’t think my dorm mother would take too kindly to you trespassin’” I said as I let out my natural accent, I may have had a Vietnamese father and Greek mother but I was born in Appalachia.

“Now scram before I tell my dorm mother you’re trespassin’ and believe me you don’t wanna deal with a pissed off Miss. Perri” I say as I glare at them. “And I better not hear from you for the rest of your lives unless you want shot, got it. You won't just be missin’ a p***s you’ll be missin’ half your brain” I say as they run off and I unload my gun before putting it away in my lock box. “I never knew you had that side to you” Astrid said with a smile and gave me a kiss.

“Well now you know” I say with a smile as I happily gave her a kiss.