Three Writers

Three tumblr writers and friends have come together to share their love of writing and collaborate on a story. It's about Josh- of course! whyi-s-m-i-l-e (Ronja) you-and-i-fiction (Lisa) boosobsession (Sheryl) sc_online_i(626675,"ffffff","2c5ee8"); Free Online Counter sc_hit(628866,0,5); Free Hit Counter

[seeking-amelia]

Dear Girls! Your story was captivating and by the end I was really wondering what are the reasons that Anya can't reveal information about herself. I like the ending! - our poor Josh finally lived to see his beloved girl! Disclosure of her real name at the end neatly relates to the title and creates a successful compositional buckle. Great job guys! It was great fun reading it. Thank you! xoxo

Paulina, thank you SO much!! It means so much to us that the story captivated you and kept you coming back every week. It was so much fun writing together, but your response makes the whole experience even better!

Again, thank you! :)- Lisa XO

[seeking-amelia]

Awesome ladies!! I really enjoyed this story and the payoff at the end! Bravo!

Thank you Raych! We are happy you enjoyed it. It really means the world to us that all of you supported our little story every week.

-Ronja

[seeking-amelia]

YEAH!!! We got some answers! Poor Amelia, she went through so much. I hope she calls him back ;) Again, ladies, thank you for being such awesome writers and for giving us this story. You're amazing. <3

Thank you Aurore! Well,we don’t know if she calls him back or not ;)

No,don’t thank us because we have to thank you for supporting this story from the beginning to the end!   

We love you! 

Ronja

[seeking-amelia]

Ladies, I really, really enjoyed this story, and I'm sorry it's over so soon. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect for the ending and this wrapped it all up so nicely. Bravo!

Sammy,thank you so much! We still can’t believe it is over - it feels like we just started to write the first chapter yesterday. 

Thank you for supporting the story. We are happy you enjoyed it :)

-Ronja

[seeking-amelia]

Seeking Amelia - Chapter 6

This is the final chapter of our story and we are so so grateful for all the support we've gotten. We hope you enjoy this chapter! - Sheryl, Ronja & Lisa

Chapter 6

I scan the room for any left behind items, doing a mental inventory of the possessions I’m about to walk out of the room with.  Suitcase, backpack, laptop and beats headphones.  I’m pretty sure I’m leaving with everything I came with, which wasn’t much to begin with.  And then it dawns on me that I’m leaving with all but one thing.  The one thing I came here for.

I bend down to retrieve my bags and shuffle towards the door, foolishly hoping that my slowed pace will somehow stop time for me and magically make Anya appear.   But I know I’m kidding myself, especially after witnessing yesterdays scene outside the pharmacy where I know she saw and recognized me.  Why am I slowly torturing myself?  

I check my watch and I still have some time left before I have to be at the airport to catch my flight. I asked Andre to schedule the latest flight possible so that I might still have a chance to see Anya again.  Somewhere and somehow. But I already know the chance is quite low.

I decide to head out for a walk after I place my bags near the door, everything ready to leave except the part of me that isn’t.  I don’t want to leave this place.  Being unsuccessful is something I have often come face to face with during the long way to the point where I am today but that doesn’t mean I am used to it.

As I walk down the now all too familiar streets of Mapleton, I decide to take one last look at the places where I ran into Anya the first time I was here.  Strolling through the park I spot the bench where she sat reading, and for a brief moment I contemplate sitting there. But then I remember that I only have a short time left and continue walking past the spot that once held so much hope for me.

The book shop is closed, which is not surprising since it is Sunday. But I stop anyway, peering through the shop window and seeing all the books it contains. I can’t see the spot I found Anya in when I was here a few months ago, the shelves blocking my view of the couch which I know is in the back of the store.

I sigh, resigning to my defeat and moving on before I start to dwell too much on the fact that she was reading my favorite book that day. I would love to hear her thoughts on it, as cheesy as that sounds, but I will just have to accept that those will always be unknown to me.

A little further down the street I make out the coffee shop where I first met her and decide that I might as well grab a quick coffee before I head back to the hotel to get my belongings.  I walk up to the front door, looking to my left and right as a last effort to maybe spot her on the streets. But luck doesn’t seem to be on my side as I can’t find her anywhere, so I pull open the door and step into the warm interior.

I place my order with a petite gray haired woman behind the counter, the usual burly bald headed guy that had been here every time before absent during this visit.  He had become a fixture in that spot as he would gruffly hand over my coffee, nodding his head at me and wishing me a good day. I shake my head as I realize I’m thinking into all of this a bit too much.  It was a trip.  Just a trip I tell myself.  And now I need to go home and move on.

“Your coffee sir,” the woman’s words jolt me out of my stupor.  “Careful, it’s real hot hun.”

“Thanks.  How much do I owe you...”

“Excuse me sir,” an angelic voice chimes in from behind, making my head snap in the direction of its sweet sound.  “Would you mind if I buy this coffee for you?  I’d really appreciate it if you would allow me to do so.”

Frozen in place and speechless, I can’t believe the sight before my eyes.  I have to do a double take, her hair and eyes changing like a chameleon once again as her long flowing brunette locks cascade over her shoulders once more.  And those eyes.  The ones that made me feel as though I was gazing into a mirror with their hazel glow and dashes of amber specks, now staring back at me.

Almost dropping my drink, I try to nonchalantly set it down, all the while not letting myself take my eyes off her.  She giggles and hands the woman behind the counter some money.  “I was walking past the shop and spotted you in here.”  She clears her throat.  “I didn’t want to leave town without having a proper conversation with you.”

“Leave town?  Why would you be leaving town?”  I question, shocked.

She sighs heavily, pointing to one of the booths to our right.  “Do you have time to sit and chat for a bit?  I’d really like to explain things.”

I didn’t have much time, but at the moment I could care less about the numbers on the clock. I still can’t believe it.  She’s really standing in front of me, striking up a conversation in the place where it all began.

I would give her every minute and every second of my time, so I follow her to a booth towards the front of the coffee shop, settling in near the window.  It’s the first time I’ve felt we haven’t been so hidden.  I silently wonder about the change.

I’m curious about what she is going to tell me. I have so many questions I want to ask her and hope for answers I can understand but I let her talk, her voice just sounds too beautiful to me that I almost don’t dare to interrupt her.

“Josh.  I know you are probably thinking you are crazy right about now or...that I am,” she gazes downward at her hands, fidgeting with torn pieces of napkin that she twirls between her fingers.  “I just want you to know that there is an explanation for all of this.  And I want to be able to tell you everything...but I can’t right now.  Only some of it.”

I just sit there in front of her and nod while I rest my arms on the table to hold my cup of coffee in both hands. My phone buzzes in my pocket and I can tell without even looking at the screen that its Andre.  He is probably going nuts fearing that I won’t make it to the airport on time so he’ll have to re-schedule not only my flight but my meetings for the next day as well.  Not caring, I turn off my phone.

The fact that she wants to be able to reveal herself intrigues me.  What has exactly been going on?  “I’m listening.”

Anya goes on to explain how she and some friends were out one night and witnessed a murder at a convenience store.  Fearing for their lives, the customers that were able to flee the scene escaped out a back door, Anya being one of them.  But in her hurry to escape, she dropped her purse and the shooter  picked it up, her ID now in his hands.

“I don’t think the guy would have ever done anything to me, just probably have stolen my credit cards and money.  But then news leaked who I was and what I had witnessed.”

My brows furrow in confusion, the lines across my forehead deepening with thought.  Other than this person I myself have been searching for, I didn’t recognize her as someone well known.  “So, where did he know you from?”

“Outside of my town, no one would really know me.  But around my area, I’m seen in a lot of newspapers and on TV.  My dad is a pretty high ranking government official in San Diego,” she explains unaffected.  She goes on further telling me of how the gunman must have seen the news broadcast and become scared that she would be able to identify him.  This person had broken into her house and smashed her car windows, leaving notes that threatened her life if she were to tell anyone.

I sit across from Anya in awe, astounded that she had been through and seen such a horrific crime.   

“They are still trying to figure out how he found me here in Mapleton, after they had to put me here in protective custody,” she says, looking up at me from her hands. “So yeah, that’s all I can tell you for now. They are still investigating, but now that they caught him it should all be over soon.”

I sit back in my chair, trying to absorb what she’s just told me. Of course she wouldn’t be allowed to talk to anyone about this. And obviously she’d have to keep her distance. Only now do I realize that my previous behavior must have scared her immensely.

“You must have thought I had something to do with all this,” I tell her. “The way I always ran into you.”

She giggles, “Oh no, I knew you had nothing to do with it, Josh Hutcherson.”

The thought that she might have recognized me had totally slipped my mind, but I’m glad to hear that she didn’t think I was some crazy stalker.

“So tell me, did you really come back to this hicksville just to maybe find me?”  A wide grin plasters across her face and I try my best not to blush.

“Um,yep. I know it sounds weird but I just had to. I hope you don’t think I’m creepy or something like that.”

“Well,it’s a little creepy,” she laughs and gives me a playful wink. “But I’m flattered.”   Her eyes survey the room, looking at the various people in the coffee shop before they land back on me.

“I wanted to tell you all this earlier,” she says. “But unfortunately I had people here making sure I didn’t come in contact with any strangers.”

Anya points across the room and I turn my head to see what she means. Sitting at the other end of the room I spot a familar face, Estelle, the woman from the book store sits at a table by herself, her face buried in a book.

“She works for the police back home,” Anya explains. “She told me you asked about me a few days ago.”

I feel my cheeks start  to blush as I am just starting to become aware of what I must have looked like running all over town looking for her and questioning people.

“And this guy,” she continues and points to another table at the opposite side of the entrance, “is a body guard that was hired to work in this shop to spy on customers and basically follow me around.”  

I remember that guy as well, he sold me my coffee when I first got here.

Gathering up her purse and starting to stand, I can already anticipate the good bye I know is coming.  “I hate to have to run once again but I have to get back to San Diego and deal with all this.  But I thought I owed you an explanation of why I was always running from you.  Even when I didn’t want to.”

I don’t exactly know how I should feel about all of this, so many emotions hitting me all at once.  Relief in finally finding her and happiness over the fact that she obviously noticed me too.  But sadness is what tugs at my heart.  After just finding her and getting a glimpse into who she really is, she’s leaving again.  

I figure I have one last chance to salvage something out of this so I blurt out without a second thought, “Hey,do you want to give me your number? I mean ..umm because that would make it a bit easier to reach you so that I don’t have to search a whole town for you again.”

She bites down on her lip, considering my question.  “I would love to but you know,with everything that is going on in my life right now, I doubt that would be a good idea.  I’m not sure they would want me doing that right now.”  She hesitates a moment and then offers up another suggestion.  “But if you want, you could give me your number. I promise it will be safe with me.”

It’s not even something I question as I immediatelty ask her if she has a pen.  She digs through her purse and hands it over to me, swaying side to side as she watches me scribble the numbers that will lead her directly to me on one of the white napkins resting  on the table.

I can see the sparklie in her eyes as she takes it from me. “Thank you,Josh!”

Before I can think about what to say next, she’s pivoting away from me as she waves, “I’ll call you soon.”

“I’m looking forward to it, Anya.”

She spins and faces me, her eyes narrowing the slightest bit as she flashes a smile.  “I should probably tell you something else.”  She leans down to whisper in my ear.   “My name is Amelia.  Just for future reference.”

I grin and shake my head, wondering exactly how many other things I will have yet to find out about this girl.  But I understand the situation and I’m willing to be patient.  If she is anything like Anya, I’m really going to like Amelia.

(banner made by joshmopolitan)

[seeking-amelia]

Frozen in place and speechless, I can’t believe the sight before my eyes. I have to do a double take, her hair and eyes changing like a chameleon once again as her long flowing brunette locks cascade over her shoulders once more. And those eyes. The ones that made me feel as though I was gazing into a mirror with their hazel glow and dashes of amber specks, now staring back at me. Almost dropping my drink, I try to nonchalantly set it down, all the while not letting myself take my eyes off her. She giggles and hands the woman behind the counter some money. “I was walking past the shop and spotted you in here.” She clears her throat. “I didn’t want to leave town without having a proper conversation with you.” “Leave town? Why would you be leaving town?” I question, shocked.

The final chapter of Seeking Amelia will be posted on Friday, August 16th at 10pm GMT+1 / 4pm EST

[seeking-amelia]

You guys are fantabulous. You kept me second guessing myself! I LOVE IT! That chapter was awesome. I saw it! I saw everything :)

Hmmmm.  What did you see Cricket???  I’m glad you formulated your theory and we will see next week if you are right when we post the last chapter.

Thank you for reading hun and for your support of our story.It means so much to us!  <3

-Sheryl

[seeking-amelia]

This is already the last but one chapter! We’re all so grateful for your support of the story, thank you so much! - Ronja, Sheryl & Lisa

Chapter 5

Rolling up a pair of jeans and tossing them into the suitcase, I silently curse under my breath for having to cut my trip...

[seeking-amelia]

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT LAST NIGHT 

[seeking-amelia]

Seeking Amelia - Chapter 5

This is already the last but one chapter! We're all so grateful for your support of the story, thank you so much! - Ronja, Sheryl & Lisa

Chapter 5

Rolling up a pair of jeans and tossing them into the suitcase, I silently curse under my breath for having to cut my trip short, a call from Andre informing me that the director of my next project moved up our meeting and I had to get back to LA as soon as possible.  Thinking that my work here in this little town still isn’t done yet, I gather a pile of shirts and tuck them under some books that I bought at the bookstore down the street, my frustration building with each piece of clothing I pack away to leave this place.  

Slamming my luggage shut and zippering it closed, I think of how I would be more comforted by the fact if I never found Anya instead of having to depart knowing I did.  Not only did she act as though I was a complete stranger, but her reaction led me to believe she thought I would hurt her in some way.  It’s all too bizarre.

Did she think that a hair cut and change of hair color was really going to make me not recognize her?  If so, she truly underestimated how much of her I took in each time we met.  Her eyes which mirrored mine, her bright smile, the tiny beauty mark on her left cheek, the sound of her voice and even the way she walked.  Every little detail had sunk deep into the recesses of my mind and planted a seed, a memory that I had no intention of forgetting.    

Sinking down onto the edge of the bed, I run my hand through my hair, angry at how defeated I feel with coming so close to what I came here for and leaving with nothing to show for it.  How did I just let her walk away knowing it was her?  I came all this way to find her and when I did, I let her slip right through my fingers.

Well, there’s nothing I can do about it now.   The opportunity presented itself and it’s gone.  Whatever the reason for her outburst, I’m sure she’s staying hidden until I’m no longer around.  Which will be tomorrow.

Accepting that I have to be on a plane in less than twenty four hours, I double check my backpack for any items I might need to get me through the flight, figuring I will busy myself with running a few errands to keep myself distracted.  I don’t need much.  Just a pack of gum, something to snack on and maybe a magazine to pass the time.  

I grab my room key and head out the door, making my way out of the bed and breakfast and on to the main street which is uncharacteristically busy. There are more people out today than I’ve encountered over the last few days, so I circle my way down the street until I come across a small market. Walking down the aisle I look for anything that I can take on the plane with me, finding the gum and magazines easily.

After paying for my items, I make my way back out of the store and stop short on the sidewalk. I still have some time to kill, but I’m not sure what to do with it. I guess I start to figure, the slower I walk, the bigger my chance to spot Anya again...somehow.

I cling onto the smallest possibility because giving up is one of those things I never do, no matter what circumstance I get pushed into. That’s the one thing I’ve learned in the buisness I am in.

Feeling a pulsing around my temples, I sense a stress headache about to come on, the strain of my worries getting the best of me.  Since I’ve already walked far enough away from the market, I scan the store fronts trying to find a place to purchase some aspirin. I spot a pharmacy a little ways down the street and continue in that direction.  

There are only few people inside, an elderly woman and a middle-aged man standing in line before me. The surroundings hold little distraction while I wait, so I listen to the faint sound of chatter from the couple behind me who are talking about their plans for the day until the sound of  police sirens somewhere in the distance distracts all of us.

As one siren suddenly multiplies into a handful, I can tell by the reaction of the locals around me that in a town as small as Mapleton it must be somewhat of a big deal when the police have to rush to get somewhere, so I wonder what has happened.

My mind is making up a scenario in which a massive Godzilla-like creature attacks the town and Batman has to come and save the people.  I’ve obviously not gotten enough sleep while I’ve been here thinking of something so ridiculous.  It’s not until out of the corner of my eye I spot three police cars rushing down the street and coming to a  stop right outside of the pharmacy.

Immediately, the man and woman in front of me turn around and move to the window to catch a glimpse of what is happening, and I follow them because I myself am curious. As we approach the front of the store, three more police cars pull up from the opposite direction, all halting and positioning themselves to block off the road.

We watch as several police officers get out of their cars, five of them appearing to wear bulletproof vests.  All of the customers, including myself, observe how the men give each other coordinated hand signals as the other uniformed men hang back.  Those five men rush to the building on the other side of the street and disappear inside of it.

Meanwhile, the rest of the officers signal for pedestrians to stay out of the way, beckoning them into nearby stores.  One officer walks down the sidewalk and it takes me a moment to register that he is heading towards us.  He enters through the glass door and we all turn to look at him. He takes in our position and says, “I just want everyone in here to stay put please. There is no need to worry, but for your own saftey please listen to what we tell you.”

The older woman next to me speaks up. “Officer, is everything alright? I have a friend that lives in there!”  She gestures towards the three-story building across the street.

“Yes, ma’am, everything will be just fine. Just please, everyone stay put,” he responds sternly and backs out of the door.

As soon as the bell stops ringing, which signals the opening and closing of the door, a few more people pile into the pharmacy who as it seems have been advised by the police to wait in here with us.

Obviously they are way too curious about what just happened seconds ago so they gather by the wide window behind a stack of body lotion a few feet away from the counter to get a better view of the scene outside.

Even though the police officer has told us not to worry about anything, that is exactly what happens in a short amount of time.  People’s eyes are searching the entire room, trying to figure out what is going on in their small town as each person starts trying to formulate their own theory as to what could be taking place just feet away.

The handful of us have been relatively quiet, standing around and idle in our movements as  nothing happens outside.  For the past almost hour, all we can do is watch the frantic pacing of uniforms from one end of the sidewalk to the other, the silent exchange of thoughts through a nod as they pass one another.   I’m beginning to think that nothing is really going to happen and that I should walk up to the cashier and pay for my items while everyone is busy staring at the street.  It’s then that something suddenly catches my eye.

Off to the side, next to one of the police cars, I see the guy from the coffee shop talking animatedly to Estelle, the woman who works at the book store. As pedestrians, they should be out of the blocked area around the building.  So why are they right in there with the officers?

This whole situation doesn’t make any sense to me.  I see them talking to another police officer standing behind his car with some kind of walkie talkie in hand.  The woman who I know as Estelle backs off, holding her phone to her ear and covering the other one with her hand to block the noise out. In a matter of only a few seconds, this little town which seems to be one of the quitest places you’ll ever find, turns into a place which is even louder than a movie premiere full of thousands of screaming fangirls.

Right at that moment, the door encased in the red brick building is thrown open, chaos ensuing as every officer bolts to some designated position, yelling directions to each other.  Inside the pharmacy the silence is broken as the mixture of voices fills the room, the volume increasing as everyone takes notice to three officers accompany a man outside. When they turn to head to one of the waiting cars, I can see that his hands are cuffed behind his back. The man tries to wriggle free from the iron grip one of the policemen has on his upper arm but it’s no use.  The three officers continue their hold on him as he kicks and yells as they accompany him to an awaiting car and guide him inside, locking the doors once he is safely inside.

After this, the scene disperses quickly. Most of the remaining police officers pile into their cars and one after the other drive off down the street into the town center while two hang back to clear the street.  Soon we are given permission to step outside again.

There is still some commotion in the pharmacy, and while people are still talking to each other I decide it is time to pay and leave. I must be heading home soon anyway.

The lady behind the counter goes back to her work as soon as possible,the shock on her face still visible.  I quickly pay for the few items I hold in my hands and step out of the door. I have never felt more awkward than in this moment, stopping and looking first to the right and then to the left ,checking my surroundings.

Stepping cautiously a few feet down the walk way, I can’t help but glance back at where all the commotion just unfolded, curiousity getting the better of me.  It’s then that I notice not all of the policemen have exited from the building, a few of them staggering out and patting the other on the back, obviously congratulating each on a job well done.  I can only hope by the revelry on their faces that anyone involved is now safe.

Smiling at such a hopeful thought, I’m just about to turn and continue my way back towards the bed and breakfast when  one more officer and Estelle exit the building, arms wrapped tightly around a female that resides in the middle of them.  My mouth hangs agape, realizing that the female is the woman I ran into just yesterday on the street.  Anya.

I’m speechless and frozen in my spot, a million thoughts swirling through my mind as I start to wonder if she had any part of what just happened.  Of course she did.  What other reason would there be for her being escorted by the man in uniform.  

I know the part she played is different, no handcuffs binding her hands and a smile and expression of relief washing over her face.  My feeling of ease about the situation changes to worry and I ghostly move a few steps closer to where the three of them are walking.  I know that’s Anya, no matter how intensly she tried playing it off yesterday.  Every fiber of me wants to run to her and make sure she is okay.  What the hell is happening?  Who was that man and did he try to hurt her?

“Miss, we just need you to come down to the station with us and make a statement.  I think you’ll be able to go home real soon,” the man smiles assuringly as he rubs her arm.

Nodding in agreement, Anya turns and gazes at Estelle who has been right at her side the entire time, both of them sighing in relief at the officers words.  Stopping, Anya spins on her heel to face the man dressed in blue, “Thank you.  I appreciate everything you and the rest of your team has done for me and my family.”  Turning once more to the woman on her left, she hugs her, lingering in her embrace as the door to the cruiser is opened.

“Miss,”  the officer holds the door open, his hand ushering her inside.  As Anya is about to bend down, her head lifts up, eyes darting to the area in which I’m standing.  We both stare at each other, her tight lipped mouth and surprised open wide eyes unreadable as to what she is thinking.  But just as she ducks down, she sends me a message.  With the upward curving of her lips, that tiniest of smiles is unmistakable.  She’s letting me know I have indeed found her.

In my stupor, I watch in slow motion as the door closes, a pane of glass separating me from the one thing I came all this way for.  And as my body starts to react to that realization, the police car pulls away, lights whirling and sirens blaring...awakening me too late.

(banner made by joshmopolitan)

[seeking-amelia]

“Miss,” the officer holds the door open, his hand ushering her inside. As Anya is about to enter the police car, her head lifts up, eyes darting to the area in which I’m standing. We both stare at the other, her tight lipped mouth and surprised open wide eyes unreadable as to what she is thinking. But just as she ducks down, she sends me a message. With the upward curving of her lips, that tiniest of smiles is unmistakable. She’s letting me know I have indeed found her. In my stupor, I watch in slow motion as the door closes, a pane of glass separating me from the one thing I came all this way for. And as my body starts to react to that realization, the police car pulls away, lights whirling and sirens blaring…awakening me too late.

Chapter 5 of Seeking Amelia will be posted on Friday, August 9th at 9pm GMT+1 / 3pm EST

[seeking-amelia]

I'm thinking twins? but why the mystery, hmmmm......

Hmmm.  I don’t know.  There have been all sorts of theories so far from people.  You’ll find out in 2 chapters because that is all that is left.  We will see if any of your guesses were correct!

Thank you for reading hun!

[seeking-amelia]

I love the scene in the restaurant! I'm so happy to see that she was actually interested in him too!!! But what the hell happened in the street?? Was that her evil twin or something?? I can't figure it out! Ladies, you sure are geniuses.

Just when we give you a little happy time- we have to mix it up on you.  And yes- what did happen in the street?????  There are only 2 chapters left in this short fic so you will all find out soon enough!  

Thank you for reading Aurore- we are so glad that we are keeping you guessing.

[seeking-amelia]

Well - I though I had an idea what was going on - but now I'm confused again. WHAT ARE YOU THREE DOING!?

Confusion is our middle name ,haha :D 

Thank you for reading and for your support,Raych! We are so happy about all the feedback we get. 

-Ronja

[seeking-amelia]

Seeking Amelia - Chapter 4

Thank you all for the continued support of the story, it means the world to us. Enjoy the next chapter! - Sheryl, Ronja & Lisa

Chapter 4

I plop myself down onto the comfortable leather of the booth placed in a nice corner of the cafe.  Today is no different than the other ones, so it is safe to say that my feet hurt and I’m exhausted from walking up and down numerous streets. Even though this search is taking a lot of effort, I am still willing to put everything I can into it.

I started in the morning, never losing my focus as I looked through crowds of people along the street and in stores.  She could be anywhere.  I spent the majority of the day stopping in every possible store I came along, no matter how random each place was. By now I’m an expert when it comes to telling someone where they can find whatever item they need and in which local shop they can find it. I have visited every spot.

The owners of the shops didn’t know anything about her either. I asked if someone had spotted her recently, giving the best description of her that I could from memory since that is all I have. I’m beginning to think she only exists in my own mind since no one seems to know her. But it can’t be.  I spoke to her, exchanged words with her and they were real. It wasn’t just my imagination. She told me her name and that she lived in town.

I pick up a menu and scan the various dishes they serve for lunch, trying to decide what I want to order.   If I remember correctly, the tomato soup was one of the best I've ever had, so when the waitress comes to take my order, I tell her that is what I want to start with.

The last time I was here was around dinner time, the film crew deciding to stop for a bite to eat on the way back to our apartments.  The place had been full of people, locals stopping on their way home from work.

She was there, too.  Anya sat in the corner booth, the one that I’m in right now, her head buried in yet another book while she was eating dinner.  As she sat there alone, I excused myself from the group I was with and walked towards her.

As if sensing my presence, she glanced up just as I was coming to a halt by her side, looking at me with an unreadable expression in her eyes.

________

“Um...hey. Mind if I join you? I promise I won’t steal any of your fries.”  She nervously looked down at her plate and closed her book, setting it to her right on the table.  I anxiously waited for an answer as she squeezed her eyes shut a bit and I could almost hear the sound of a ton of thoughts racing through her head. After checking the screen on her phone, probably to see the time, she finally looked up at me again.

“Okay,” a hesitant tone still lingering in her voice.

Slidding into the opposite side of the booth, I made myself comfortable, trying hard to conceal the excitement I felt over her allowing me to join her.  I was hoping I was getting the dinner date I had asked her for just the other day.   I was trying to play it cool, but there were so many questions I wanted to ask in order to get to know her.  I realized rather quickly that upon each of our meetings we only ever had an allotted amount of time with one another so I knew to expect this time to be the same.  But I didn’t want to bombard her all at once with everything I wanted to know.

While I was still trying to figure out the best way to start the conversation and most importantly with which question to do so, Anya’s voice filled my ear.  “So, did you work on the movie again today?”

Trying to focus on her question, I became too distracted by the sound of her soft  voice and how it calmed me.   Having to think about it for a moment, I answered, “Yeah...yes I did. My cast and crew members are sitting at the table over there,” I told her, pointing to the back of me with my thumb over my shoulder. “What are y-” I was cut off before I could even finish my question to ask her what book she was reading.

“What scenes did you shoot today?  I’m sorry...am I permitted to ask and are you even allowed to answer that?“

Obviously she didn’t want to talk about herself; it was kind of like a deja-vu for me. The conversation was not going as planned; I didn’t want to be the main focus of our banter, I never did like hogging all the attention. That was something for egoists and I really wanted to get to know her.  I had to turn the tables somehow.

“Actually it was nothing special, just some stuff in the woods. So ..um, how come we are always talking about me? My life is not that interesting, believe me.” I gave her my best smile.

“I doubt that’s true,” she half-grinned, casting her eyes downward at the table.

“Tell me, what is your favorite color?”

Her head popped up, eyebrows knitting together in confusion.  “What?”

“What’s your favorite color?  I think it’s a simple enough question to answer about yourself,” I licked my lips, bouncing my leg nervously under the table as I hoped I wasn’t pressuring her too much.

As she huffed audibly, I observed how her hand flew to the nape of her neck, rubbing it slightly as ‘that look’ started to creep into her eyes.  But just as quick as that look of fear flooded over her, it washed away as she thoughtfully pondered and then answered,  “Purple.”

“Purple,” I repeated, thinking that the color would look great on her. “I like purple, too. And what’s your favorite animal?”

Anya chuckled, shaking her head in a skeptical manner, undoubtedly trying to figure out what I was trying to achieve with my inquisition.  I just wanted her to keep talking. I needed to know even the most insignificant details about her.

“Meerkats,” she replied slowly.

This brought an even wider smile to my face. “Interesting choice.”

“I just really love Timon and Pumba,” she giggled.

“Who doesn’t?” I agreed with a laugh.

I was glad that she was finally opening up to me.  It was only the simple things I was learning about her, but I’d take it.  At least it was something.  We continued with some idle chatter, nothing too pressing, just small talk when I decided to press my luck with a more personal question.

“So, did you grow up in Mapleton?”  I’m cautious in my approach, not wanting to scare her away again.  But I feel it’s innocent enough.

She hesitated for a moment, scanning  her surroundings in that usual manner when she gets nervous and then sets her eyes back on me.  Fiddling with a spoon and then twirling it between  her fingers, she smiled warmly. ”Yeah, I did.  It’s a really nice town.  Small, but cozy.  A nice place to grow up.”

Noticing the glimmer in her eye as she spoke of this place that she obviously held dear, I

pushed forward.  “What’s your favorite place in town?”

Anya squinted her eyes and mulled it over, the smile that settled across her face widening even more.  A memory bringing her some silent joy.  “The ice cream parlor.  The one on the opposite side of the street with the green and yellow striped awning?”  It’s more of a question, trying to see if I had stopped by there during one of my visits.  I haven’t, but I was  aware of where she was referring to.  I nodded to acknowledge the place she was speaking of.  “It’s got the best chocolate custard you will ever taste.”  She eyed me curiously as I took in her enjoyment over something so small.  “What?  Is the fact that I said chocolate and not cookie dough chocolate chip so boring to you,” she giggled, her head cocking to the side.

Waving my hands in front of me, I deflected any accusation over chocolate being inadequate to any other flavor and replied, “No, no, not all.  It’s a favorite of mine also.”  I couldn’t help but notice how her eyes glazed over with a mist, a thought floating through her mind that somehow unleashed this sudden reaction. “Are you ok? Did I say something wrong?”

Shaking her head and quickly wiping the rims of her eyes with her napkin, she chuckled and huffed, “No, you’re fine. I’m sorry. I’m just being silly.  Just...thinking.” Her eyes were fixed on the bracelet resting on her left wrist.

“About what?”

I recognized all to well that look she gave me when she looked up at me again, the one that said,  I’ve said enough and it’s probably best to leave.  But she didn’t.  “My dad and I used to go there every night after dinner in the summer.  Promising me a scoop of ice cream on a sugar cone was his way of getting me to eat my green vegetables.” She wrinkled her nose at the mention of her childhood distaste.  “He was a very persuasive man.”

I couldn’t tell by the way she referenced her father in the past tense if he had passed on or if she was just referring to the memory of long ago. I wasn’t comfortable asking her to explain just yet.

It didn’t surprise me when she beckoned the waitress for the check.  She had allotted me more time with her than our usually run ins and I was grateful for it.  I was silently hoping that with each consecutive visit, our time together would prolong.  As our waitress set down the check, I quickly intercepted her hand to grab the paper off the table.  “I got this.”

“Josh, no.”  Her hand dove into her purse, rummaging for her wallet.  “Let me pay for my food.  I insist.”

“Nope.” I stood and shoved the bill into my back pocket.  “I insist. A little thank you for your company.  You were a pleasure.”

As she got up from her side of the booth, she flattened out the front of her blouse and retrieved her purse, strapping it over her shoulder.  “Thank you.  I’m glad you joined me for dinner.”  I couldn’t help but feel the excitement run through me.  She actually enjoyed my company.

Walking together up to the cashier, my hand raised and came to a halt just before I placed it on the small of her back.  I was tempted to touch her, to feel the warmth of her body on my skin.  But at the last second I pulled back, not wanting to be too greedy with how far I had come in my interaction with her today.  The talking was enough.

After paying for dinner, I opened the door for Anya and walked out onto the sidewalk  to say my good-bye.  She had her way to go and mine led me back into the city.  I still had two weeks left up in this part of the state before we were heading elsewhere for shooting and I wanted to make sure I could see her again before I left.  

Spinning on her heel to face me, she opened her mouth to say something but I interrupted. “Anya, do you think I could get your number?”  The words tumbled out hastily.  “I’m not going to be here for much longer and I would love to see you again.  If I could.”

My hopes were dashed even before the response fell from her mouth, her smile fading and her eyes casting downward as a saddened expression covered her face. “Josh.”  I didn’t want to hear what she was about to say. “I really want to give you my number, but I can’t.  And please  don’t ask me why.”

I didn’t. I was speechlees and hopeless all at once, feeling like the last hour and a half just never existed.  But it did.  Stepping forward, Anya placed her hand on mine, the touch of her skin on mine feeling better than expected.  I lifted my head so I could take in her beautiful face, not knowing if this would be the last time I’d see her.  Staring at one another, we both exhaled mournfully and then she said, unbeknownst to me, the last words I would ever hear her say.  “Just know if we were in a different place and a different time, I wouldn’t hesitate to be with you.”  And as the words registered, she was gone.  Again.

__________________________

After finishing my soup and cleanig off the edges of my mouth with the napkin, I pay the check and leave a tip, making my way out of the restaurant and back to the bed and breakfast.  I need to check my e-mails and make some phone calls, especially to my manager.  He’s probably already livid about me taking a few days off.

As I push my sunglasses back up the bridge of my nose, I notice a familiar looking figure walking towards me.   At first, I’m not so sure.  Her hair is shorter and darker, definitely different than what I knew of her. Gone were her curly brown locks, now replaced by bobbed black hair that framed her face.  I shake my head to stop my eyes from playing tricks on me.  

But when she flashes a smile towards an older lady who is walking past her, it hits me in the gut like one of Andre’s hard shoulder punches. I know that smile, I would recognize it anywhere; partly because it has been burned into my memory from the moment she first flashed it towards me.

As she continues coming closer,I doubt she will recognize let alone notice me because her head is tilted downwards.  My feet are glued to the pavement, waiting until she passes so I can get a better glimpse of her before drawing attention to myself.  I have just spent the last couple days doing everything in my power to find her, all the time unsuccessful. And suddenly the one time I’m not completely focused on looking for her, she’s right in front of me.

Anya passes me, her intoxicating scent immediately filling my nostrils when the slight breeze of her movement hits me.  She keeps walking, not even glancing up.  It’s her,I’m sure of it.

“Anya?”  The moment her name leaves my mouth she stops in her tracks, spinning around to face me. But as soon as she does, the look on her face turns into one I can’t quite manage to define.  Shock? Terror?  All I notice is the color draining from her face, a pallid complexion now staring back at me.

Slowly I approach her, my feet dragging like they are stuck in quicksand in my fear that I have mistakenly identified the person in front of me.  But as I inch closer, not even the change in hairstyle and color can mask the beautiful face I have dreamed of for the past few months.  “Anya? You are Anya.”  I breathe a sigh of relief.   “Oh my god. It -it’s me, Josh!  Do you remember me? If only you’d know how lon-”

“I’m sorry. Who are you looking for?”  Her voice interjects before I can say anything else.  I freeze, taking in every visible feature to make sure it’s her.  After only  a few seconds, I’m confident in my assessment that the person before me is Anya.

“I’ve been looking for you, Anya!” I say to answer her question.  But she is anything but happy.  With her eyes scanning her surroundings, she averts my gaze and nervously pulls on the sleeve of her cardigan.

“I’m sorry.  You have the wrong person. I don’t know who you’re looking for but its definitely not me!”   With that, she turns and fishes a bundle of keys out of her pocket while she darts towards a shiny black Mini parked on the other side of the street by the local book store I sat in only a few days ago.

Without a second thought, I dash across the street, catching her just as she reaches her car and grabbing onto her arm.  I’m not prepared for the outburst she unleashes.

“Let go of me!  Get away from me!” She struggles out of my grip, yelling and writhing more than necessary.

“Anya? What did I do?”  I throw my hands up in surrender, backing up from her to give her space.

“Stay away from me before I call the cops,” she screams, finger pointed straight at me as she climbs into her car and slams the door.

As she drives away, I can’t help but stand there in disbelief with my jaw almost hitting the ground, unbelieving the scene Anya has just caused. I finally take notice to the passer-byes gawking and whispering to one another as they try to figure out what has just happened.  Embarrassed, I escape the glares of my audience, hurriedly making my way back to the edge of town, more confused than I have ever been.

It was her, I know it was.  I refuse to second guess myself.  So what the hell just happened?

(banner made by joshmopolitan)

[seeking-amelia]

My hopes were dashed even before the response fell from her mouth, her smile fading and her eyes casting downward as a saddened expression covered her face. “Josh.” I didn’t want to hear what she was about to say. “I really want to give you my number, but I can’t. And please don’t ask me why.” I don’t. I’m speechless and hopeless all at once, feeling like the last hour and a half just never existed. But it did. Stepping forward, Anya placed her hand on mine, the touch of her skin on mine feeling better than expected. I lifted my head so I could take in her beautiful face, not knowing if this would be the last time I saw her. Staring at one another, we both exhaled mournfully and then she said, unbeknownst to me, the last words I would ever hear her say. “Just know if we were in a different place and a different time, I wouldn’t hesitate to be with you.”

Chapter 4 of Seeking Amelia will be posted on Friday, August 2nd, at 10pm GMT+1 / 4pm EST

[seeking-amelia]

Dear Girls! I love your story! It's so dreamy and there's a lot of magic in it... Josh wanders the streets of the town just like a knight looking for Sleeping Beauty :) So many allusions and mystery in that story! I don't think I need to mention how wonderfully romantic and endearingly determined is Josh. This is so moving. I look forward to the continuation! I wish you three writing mood!

Thank you so much Paulina!!!  We are so happy that you are enjoying this story.  Thank you for reading and supporting the story.  We hope that you like what we have in store for you!!!

-Sheryl

[seeking-amelia]

I'm still scratching my chin....I have my own ideas, but I know that whatever I'm probably thinking, is totally wrong. Once again, I enjoyed the chapter and am impatiently waiting for the next one!

Thank you Sammy!!!  We were really hoping that we could throw people off with this story and have them scratching their heads like- what on earth is going on with this chick.  I’m glad we are succeeding!!  

Thank you so much for reading and for your support!  <3

-Sheryl