She explored the desolate and darkened space. Silently praying that those beastly creatures wouldn’t find her. Like a mouse, she had be careful with each step that she took. One wrong move, and she was mincemeat for the demogorgans. Or worse, that skinless thing would return to haunt her.
In Eddie’s sanctuary she finds everything that someone like him would have. Posters of rockstars, wooden crates full of records and tapes, a handmade banner with his band’s name, and a collection of Heavy Metal magazines scattered across the carpet. Everything here was so different from her room. No soft plushies, no teenage heartthrobs, and not a single hint of pastel to be seen. Despite the harsh contrast, there was something so oddly intriguing about this den of his.
Then there’s of course his impressive collection of D&D. Manuals, books, and many written notes about different characters and monsters. All Chrissy ever knew about the table top game was that it was a “gateway to Satanism and sin.” Yet looking over his writings reminded her of the fairytales she used to read as a child. Far off lands, magical spells, and grand adventures. All that was missing were the moments of romance.
Within a hidden cupboard in Eddie’s desk, Chrissy came across a little figurine. The features matched hers: Strawberry blonde locks, blue eyes, and pink lips. The ears however were sharp and pointed. She was dressed in a long, white gown; lines of golden paint decorated the floor length skirt. Upon her little head sat a silver crown with a tiny pearl glued at the center. A sword was also glued within her hand, and a red rose in the other.
No, it couldn’t be her, it was a just a coincidence. Or so she thought.
Suddenly, Chrissy came across an incredibly detailed illustration of this elven girl. A doppelgänger from another realm. The cheerleader was completely mesmerized by this lovely piece of art. She never would’ve guessed that Eddie harbored another amazing talent.
Chrissy never once considered herself to be beautiful or worthy for that matter (no thanks to her horrid mother’s abuse). Yet seeing this art healed a tiny part of her that she believed was destroyed years ago. Her once fearful heart had filled with warmth. Her overflowing tears cascaded down her face. She had to quickly swipe them away so she wouldn’t ruin his work. The fact that anyone, especially Eddie, saw her like this gave her a sense of hope in this dreary place.
If only she knew about the other illustration he made. The one with the handsome bard looking so lovingly into the eyes of the elven girl.
