Alina
I sipped on the hot coffee slowly, savouring the taste. It was not often that I came to town since I usually come to either do errands or meet some friends. My circle of friends was not that big and even with most of them, I was somewhat careful. I had to be if I wanted to survive.
It was a lovely, warm day today. The sun was shining brightly but it was not too hot. There was a light breeze that let you enjoy walking down the street without getting all sweaty. It was just the perfect weather for going to town, even if I did love the rain, wind and thunder.
I heard the doorbell chime and I turned to look to see if it was her but instead, I saw a young couple walking in, hand in hand. They were human, at least, that was my first guess.
For the human eyes, we all looked the same unless there were obvious differences, but for us, we could see the subtle ones. Creatures like myself, we carried ourselves differently. There was something about the way we walked and the aura that surrounded us. Hunters tended to pick on it too – after all, they trained to hunt people like us.
The young couple who could not be older than their twenties, looked happy and in love as he pulled the chair out for her. She smiled at him, thanked him and in return he kissed her cheek before he sat down. He definitely was earning the gentleman card. She blushed, a pink tint colouring her cheeks while he chuckled and reached for her hand. He definitely was a romantic too, or he simply could not keep his hands to himself. I would not blame him; the girl who was with him was absolutely gorgeous with her button-like nose, big, warm smile, long, wavy blonde hair and big, ocean blue eyes.
I couldn’t hear what they were saying but I could guess he was telling her sweet things from her reactions. She was giggling but it was true, not the forced, awkward kind. His smile grew bigger as his fingers curled around hers more tightly.
I heard the doorbell chime once more and turned my gaze towards the door. I smiled as I saw Solania walking in, her heels ticking away on against the ground. She went to the counter and ordered before I saw her turn around, looking for me. I waved at her and she instantly smiled and hurried towards me.
I stood up and let her engulf me in one of her hugs. ‘Hey!!’ she exclaimed loudly as she swayed both of our bodies. I could not help myself but laugh as she let go and we sat down.
‘Hello Sol, it’s been a while,’ I said as I took a sip of my now colder coffee. She scoffed as she settled down on her seat.
‘And whose fault is that hmm?’ Solania asked as she adjusted her blazer, that looked a little tight. Then again, Solania loved wearing everything tight against her skin and she certainly had the figure for it..
‘Well you know why,’ I said, raising an eyebrow just as the waitress came over with Solania’s expensive and complicated drink which probably included a ton of sugar and whip cream. I never understood how she could eat so much food and sweets and remain looking like a model.
‘Thank you,’ Solania said, offering the waitress a sincere smile. Solania may be rich and posh but she was always humble and grateful. The waitress nodded, smiled and left and Solania turned back to me.
‘How do you manage to stomach all that?’ I asked, laughing a little as I saw her face change as soon as she took her first sip. She looked as if she had tasted heaven. She giggled and set down her drink and shrugged.
‘I need my daily intake of sugar otherwise I'll just crash or burn or bite somebody's head off, now more than ever,’ she said and I nodded.
‘Of course. How’s the promotion going?’ I asked as she smiled and shifted in her chair so she could sit more forward.
‘It’s definitely more work. It's hectic and crazy and our boss is splendid but can be a pain in the ass sometimes, but it’s amazing Alina. A dream come true,’ she said, her eyes growing big and seeming to sparkle with excitement. ‘I can’t believe I just became the main manager for the publishing company,’ she said.
‘Well you certain deserve it Sol,’ I said. ‘So, mentioning work, I brought you to the final draft of the latest book I was working on,’ I said as I grabbed my bag and took out a hardcopy of the novel along with a pen drive.
‘Ahh I’m so excited to go over it again and start the publishing process. Your stories are always the best Alina,’ she said as she took another sip of her drink. She seemed to jump on her chair, making me laugh out loud.
‘I’m glad you like them and that my readers like them too,’ I said with an honest smile.
‘They don't just like them Alina, they love them. The stories feel real. The way you describe things is just phenomenal. It makes the reader able to see everything that you write,’ she said.
‘Well, I do have an advantage, being part of that world,’ I said with a wink to which she giggled. It honestly felt good to have a human friend who knew of my truth.
‘That’s true,’ she said with another giggle before she started pouting. ‘I wish I was special like you. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have powers or be like a werewolf or vampire,’ she said, her eyes growing even bigger.
‘Yah! It’s not as magical as you make it sound to be,’ I said, thinking of all the problems people like us face. We’re constant targets for hunters for one and humans would turn on us if they knew of our existence, not to mention war between species. ‘Also, vampires and werewolves are like mortal enemies. It’s rare that you find some who are allies,’ I said.
‘I guess the stories and legends got that part right. Are werewolves really hot and vampires handsome like the movies?’ she asked, making me laugh.
‘Well, I have to admit that they are. Vampires tend to be very charming. It’s part of their allure and werewolves tend to be pretty hot,’ I said as I recalled some of the wolves I met in my life.
‘Aish! I would really like to meet one some day, but at least I should consider myself luckier than most,’ she said, suddenly sounding serious which wasn’t really like her.
‘What do you mean?’ I asked as I took a sip from my nearly finished coffee. She sighed as she clasped her hands together, almost as if she was fidgeting nervously.
‘I am lucky because I know the truth. I’m not blind like other humans. I know about you and I am glad you trusted me enough to use your power to heal me,’ she said.
‘You have been my friend ever since I started writing Sol. I saw you start your career with that company. I wasn’t going to let you die,’ I said.
‘You could have. You risked it all to tell me because I could have gone and told the whole world and you could have seriously been hurt,’ she said with a sad sigh.
‘Or they would have locked you up in a mad house,’ I said with a small smile. ‘Jokes aside, I know what you’re talking about. Yes, I took a risk but you were worth that risk. You still are and you always will be,’ I said.
‘Thanks Alina,’ she said as she looked me with genuine affection. ‘I just wish the world could see you and appreciate you like I do,’ she said with another sigh.
‘I don’t need that Sol, I have you. Besides, I am lucky to have thousands of people buying my books. They get to see my photo to put a face to the name but I’m lucky the company accepted my so-called social phobia to avoid doing interviews and live book signings,’ I said.
In the beginning it had been almost a problem. They wanted me to do a lot of stuff but I could not place my life on the line like that so I told them that I had a social phobia where I could not handle crowds. It was not exactly a lie either.
Many of my readers loved my stories but they had no clue how real some of them were. Luckily, Solania had intervened and advocated for me so the company accepted me and let me work from my own home. My direct communication has always been with Solania and the rest was done by e-mail with the company and other contributors.
‘Hey you’re not lucky. You’ve worked hard to earn that following. You’re just naturally gifted at story-telling,’ Solania said with a proud smile just as her phone chimed. She frowned and rolled her eyes, causing me to smile.
‘Another appointment?’ I asked as she read the message and increased the scowl on her face.
‘Ahhh boss wants me at the company to discuss a new and upcoming author who has a fascination with firemen stories,’ she said as she stood up and rolled her eyes at the same time.
‘Hey firemen can be sexy and have interesting stories,’ I said with a wink to which she laughed.
‘True that sister. Anyways, I got to run. Let’s try to meet before you finish your next book, aye?’ she asked.
‘We’ll try,’ I said as I waved at her. She waved back while juggling to hold the cup, the manuscript and her phone. I watched her leave the shop and I sighed as the waitress came back to me.
‘Is everything okay here ma’am? Would you like to order anything else?’ she asked. I looked at the counter and shrugged.
‘You know what? A few extra calories never hurt anyone. Can you please get me a white hot chocolate and the red velvet cake please?’ I asked.
‘Sure thing ma’am. I’ll bring your order soon,’ she said as she took the empty cup of coffee. I took out my phone and logged on to Instagram. My finger hovered over the post button as I looked at the picture of the coffee next to the manuscript.
I took a deep breath and posted it. At least I could give my readers that. I mostly used Instagram to communicate with them – give them teasers and snippets or talk about the process of a book. They seemed to enjoy that a lot and it was the least I could do for them.
I sighed as I reread the caption; And off it goes to the publishing house. Stay tuned for the newest story! Instantly, my phone started to ding as notifications started popping in.
I was indeed lucky to have such readers who were always so vocal about their thoughts. I enjoyed reading their theories and their comments. I loved watching the fan videos they did of the characters I invented. I absolutely adored reading messages they sent, especially ones that told me that my stories encouraged them to write more.
I put my phone down as I looked at the waitress who came back with a tray. She put down the hot chocolate along with the cake. ‘Enjoy,’ she said.
‘Thanks,’ I said as I nodded at her. I smiled, enjoying the smell of the drink and food before I started to eat.
