#seeking amelia

[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]

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]

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]

Seeking Amelia - Chapter 3

We hope you all enjoy the next chapter of Seeking Amelia. And once again thank you so much for reading and showing your love! - Ronja, Sheryl & Lisa

Chapter 3

Sitting on the stoop right in front of the Mapleton Bed and Breakfast, I lace up my sneakers and double knot each of them before standing up.  I stretch my arms upward, a long groan escaping from my mouth as every bone in my body seems to wake just from this simple action.   The fact that I haven’t gotten much sleep in the last two days isn’t helping either.  Every night is the same; my mind just won’t calm down.   Every thought is spent on either Anya or something that leads me back to her.  When I try to fall asleep in my tiny but comfortable room, I start to question if this all still makes sense and if I really made the right choice in coming back to this place.

When the negative thoughts somehow fade away, I start to imagine how my life would turn out if I actually find her here and what my life could look like.  Or both our lives for that matter.  To be totally honest, I like imagining having her in my life. She might end up just being a good friend or maybe even more; I wouldn’t mind it either way. But that’s just my imagination getting ahead of myself and I have to jump back into reallity.  And reallity looks everything but the way I like to imagine it right now.

Placing my hands on my hips, I stand motionless for a moment, stuck in my frustration.

It’s just like Andre said, did I really expect her to be waiting with some welcome sign, waiting for the day that I did return.  It was my own over the top idea to come back so I could find her. Getting a little rest and relaxation was just a bonus.  I’m having no luck on either accounts.

When I woke this morning, I felt particularly antsy and I knew that heading off to sit in some shop or store all day was not going to suit me.  I needed a change of scenery and to clear my head.  I didn’t spot any basketball courts but at least there was a park that I could run a few laps around to get out my excess energy.  And that is exactly what I’m about to do.

I let myself walk a few steps, inhaling the crisp morning air, quietly thankful for the break in the overcast conditions that I have been stuck with since I arrived.  The sun isn’t completely visible but I can see it peeking out around the edges of the clouds that still clutter the sky.  It’s definitely not LA weather, but I should be somewhat used to it after having spent three months filming in it.

My walk picks up pace into a slow jog as I make my way down Evergreen, past some store fronts that are just starting to become busy with customers.  As I pass each one, I can’t help but glance in each window and try to take a quick inventory of the people who are inside.  I have only a few seconds to scan each location from the outside, so I try to only concentrate on any females with long brown hair that might catch my passing eye. She could be anywhere in this town, so I have to be as focused as possible even though I am too easily distracted by my wandering thoughts.  The question begging, could I just as easily run into her again as I did on my last visit here?   I mean, it happend almost every day when I was in town back then, so why on earth am I still having no success?   One thing is for sure.  I’m not going to give up.

I quickly come to a stop, my hands diving into the pockets of my shorts to take out my IPod.   After inserting the earbuds into each ear, I search through the endless playlist of music which always helps me calm down a bit. I finally find the song I am searching for and before putting it back into one of the pockets, I make sure the volume is loud enough so no external noise can distract me.

As I start running again, I spy the park on the other side of the street. It seems like this is the perfect place to be right now so I wait for the light to turn green before making my way across the street.

The pathway around the circumference of the park is lined with trees.  The town folk that occupy the middle grass area are either relaxing or playing with their children or dogs. The serene atmoshpere makes me take notice to the tranquil nature of the individuals around me, so unlike most of the people in LA with their hectic lifestyles. That’s why I feel very comfortable here, but that doesn’t mean I don’t miss my busy life either.

I round the pond that’s situated in the middle of the park a few times, feeling my muscles loosen up and enjoying the exercise that is long overdue.   As I make my way along the pavement  that encircles the grassy area of the park, I spy a woman, same approximate height and body shape to that of Anya, and slow to a trot as I approach her.  Her back is turned towards me so I’m unable to see her face but the length of her wavy brown hair sends my pulse racing as the possibility of this being her seems more promising.  In my mind, I rapidly play over how I should confront her and what I should say.  But within a few strides, I have closed in on her and it’s too late to form a plan.  The only word that tumbles from my lips is, “Anya?”

As the figure in front of me slowly pivots to face me, I feel every part of me set off like fire works.  My heart races, my stomach flutters, my palms sweat, and the hair on my arms stand on end.  You would have thought that with the amount of time I spent anticipating this moment that I would have had some witty banter previously prepared to sweep her off her feet the first time we met again. But I don’t and I just have to wing it.

Just as I hit the pinnacle of my excitement,  the person now full on facing me dashes any hope I have.  That soaring feeling of a journey now successfully completed, crashing and burning as she flips her hair over her shoulder and looks at me questionably while responding, “Um, excuse me? Do I know you?”

I can see now for myself that she isn’t Anya, and I hope the disappointed expression that washes over me doesn’t offend her.  Did I really think it was going to be that easy, that she would just be hanging out somewhere and we would run into one another.  Of course I did.  Why else did I come back here?  I sheepishly smile at the stranger in front of me not knowing what else to do but apologize.  “I’m really sorry.  I thought you were someone I knew.”   She’s half smiling, staring at me dubiously.

I’m about to turn around to make my way back when a thought hits me; I don’t know if this would work but I can try, it’s the least I can do. Maybe she knows Anya and maybe she could give me an answer about where I could have a chance of finding her,even just a little one.

“Sorry, this might be totally awkward but maybe you could help me. Do you by chance know a woman named Anya who is supposed to live somewhere in town?“

Her expression still hasn’t changed as she looks me over from head to toe.

“ No. Sorry,I can’t help you.”

Of course she can’t help me. I mean, it would have been the eighth wonder of the world if she actually could have told me where Anya is right now.  Turning on my heel, I put my earbuds back in and slightly start to gain speed again in my jog. It doesn’t take long though until I come to a second  stop. There, right in front of me, I spot a little  wooden bench under a large tree with a  thick treetop casting a shadow upon it.  This very tree and bench which propels me back to the time when I saw her in this exact same spot.

____________

It had become kind of a habit to stop for coffee in Mapleton. Each day after shooting we climbed into the trucks to head back to the hotel but not before veering off that little side road that would bring us here.  After getting our order one day, we decided to take a walk through town and after looking through the shop windows on Evergreen, we turned a corner and found a park.

We walked around the pond once and were about to head back to the trucks when I spotted her, sitting on a bench under a tree and reading. It occured to me that she must genuinely enjoy this activity because apart from meeting her at the book store, she also had a book clutched to her chest when I first ran into her at the coffee shop.

I observed her for a few seconds, noticing her brow crease and unforrow as her eyes skimmed the pages of the book. It wasn’t The Catcher In The Rye anymore, she had already moved on to something new.

“Josh, you coming?” My friend Andre asked as he tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and stared at his questioning gaze before saying, “I’ll catch up with you guys later. I need to take care of something first.”

He gave me a knowing smile and turned headed after the other crew members.   I quickly took a few deep breaths because for some reason I suddenly felt like I’d run a marathon even though my feet had been planted to the ground for the last few minutes. I forced them to move now, taking one step after the other as I approached her.

Her eyes lifted when I neared her and automatically a smile crept up on my face. She shyly returned the sentiment and I wondered what she was thinking right at that moment. I opened my mouth to speak but she beat me to it and said, “You, again.”

“I swear, I’m not a stalker,” I blurted out and immediately felt my face flush with heat when I realized what I had just said. Now she was definitely going to think that I was following her.  I quickly tried to make her forget my last comment by turning on the charm.  “Funny how we always seem to be in the same place at the same time.  Maybe the universe is trying to tell us something.”  Wow!  Now that was cheesy.

Shaking my head after that last remark, I was ready to abandon all hope by swiftly running the other way with my tail tucked between my legs. I had gone from debonair to dork in a matter of seconds.  Luckily for me, she seemed to enjoy my awkwardness as she giggled, her cheeks tinting a faint shade of pink.  “It’s Josh, right,” her voice was meek as she spoke in a hushed tone.

I could feel my smile widen, my face beaming at the fact she remebered my name.  “Yeah, that’s right,” I answered a bit too eagerly as I hopped forward, her body stiffening at the decreased proximity betweens us.  Slow down cowboy. Don’t want to scare her off.  I took a step back and as I did her shoulders relaxed.  “I don’t want to disturb you, but could I sit down?” I motioned to the empty spot just to the left of her.

I watched as she glanced down at the seat next her, deliberating whether she wanted to let me sit there or not.  I still couldn’t figure out how the most inconsequential requests tended to be the biggest dilemmas for her. Still, for her own sake, I’d abide by her decision of whether she wanted me near her or not.  

After she contemplated way longer than I thought possible for something so simple, she scooted across the bench to her right  and nodded, either giving me more space or distancing herself farther away from me.  With her tendency to act skiddish around me, I assumed the latter.  

As we sat in silence, I broke the tense mood by saying the first thing that came to mind.  “So...it’s Anya, right.”  I wanted to kick myself.  You know her name.  Why was I so nervous?  I huffed loudly, frustrated by my inability to just talk to her and then admitted, “I’m sorry, this is so embarrassing.  I’m usually pretty good at holding a conversation.”

“Maybe you should switch to decaf.”

“What?” I squinted my eyes, perplexed at her statement.

One side of her mouth turned upward in a smirk as she batted her eyelashes.  “The coffee,” her finger pointed at the cup in my hand, “it probably makes you all jittery.   It’s all I’ve seen you drink.”

So she had been paying attention to me.  I grinned back at her as this thought floated through my head.  Little did she know, it was wasn’t the coffee that made me nervous, it was her.

We exchanged small talk for a while about the weather and the park until I decided to push for information about Anya herself.  “This is a really small town, smaller than where I grew up.  And that’s saying something about it’s size.”  I chuckled, turning to face her head on.

“Um, yeah.  It’s tiny.”  She bobbed her head. “It’s nice.”  I waited for her to elaborate but she didn’t.

“So, do you like living here?”  I pushed farther.

She started to become increasingly on edge, her hand rubbing along the back of her neck as she scanned the grounds in front of her.  “It’s nice,” her answer was short and to the point.

Ok. I decided to give it one more try.  “So, how long have you lived here, in Mapleton.  Did you grow up here?”

Fidgeting in her chair, she craned her neck to peer around me, instead of at me.  Her hands rubbed along her jeans as she surveyed the people around us, her eyes jumping from person to person.  With a sudden glance at the watch on her wrist, she snatched the book from it’s place beside her and stood.  “I’m really sorry but I, I...have to get home. I didn’t realize how late it was.”

As she took the first few steps away from me, I stood and called out, “Anya, I’d like to spend more time with you.”  Our interactions were always way too short and it was worth a shot.  “Look, I know we don’t really know one another, but maybe we could meet up for lunch or dinner some time.”  I waited breathlessly for her answer as she blankly stared at me and then resumed scanning the surroundings.  “Just one time is all I’m asking.”

Her foot tapped out a beat on the pavement, a progressive fear building in her eyes the longer she stood conversing with me.  “I’d really like that...”   My heart lept at her words, an unexpected and welcome surprise that she accepted my invitation.  

“Great! When do you want to get together?” I interrupted her in the midst of my excitement.

My stomach began to have that sinking feeling as I watched her back away and continue with what she wanted to say before  my enthusiasm got the best of me.  “Josh.”  Her hand came up, siganaling me to stop from coming any closer.  “I’d like to, but I don’t think it’s a good idea.”  Her eyebrows furrowed together, a sorrowful expression the last thing I saw on her face as  she apologized and bid me good bye.   Once again, our encounter was curtly ended, no explanation, just her dashing away.

I settled on the bench, letting the rustling of the leaves above me drown out the last of Anya’s words that lingered in my ears.  “I’d like to, but I don’t think it’s a good idea.”  What the hell did that mean?  She was obviously interested enough to want to consider it.  But what was holding her back?

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[seeking-amelia]

Fidgeting in her chair, she craned her neck to peer around me, instead of at me. Her hands rubbed along her jeans as she surveyed the people around us, her eyes jumping from person to person. With a sudden glance at the watch on her wrist, she snatched the book from it’s place beside her and stood. “I’m really sorry but I, I…have to get home. I didn’t realize how late it was.” As she took the first few steps away from me, I stood and called out, “Anya, I’d like to spend more time with you.” Our interactions were always way too short and it was worth a shot. “Look, I know we don’t really know one another but maybe we could meet up for lunch or dinner some time.” I waited breathlessly for her answer as she blankly stared at me and then resumed scanning the surroundings. “Just one time is all I’m asking.”

Chapter 3 of Seeking Amelia will be posted on Friday, July 26th 10pm GMT+1 / 4pm EST

[seeking-amelia]

Seeking Amelia - Chapter 2

The response last week has been truly overwhelming. Thank you all so much!! We hope you enjoy the 2nd chapter! - Ronja, Sheryl & Lisa.

Chapter 2

Stretching my arms above my head, I shake the sleep from my lower limbs and yawn out loud, my eyes still closed and heavy from a restless night.  My lids flutter open slowly and it takes me a second to register my surroundings, an unfamiliar room and the feel of an even more unfamiliar bed below me.  I push myself up on my elbows and scan the room, frantic at first but then a calm soothes over my thoughts at the realization of where I am, The Mapleton Bed and Breakfast.

My head plops back down on the pillow and I stare up at the ceiling as the image of Anya, my mystery girl, reminds me of why I’m stll in this tiny remote town this morning.  Even after the disappointment of a missed chance meeting in the coffee shop yesterday and an even bigger blow that a life long local had no idea who she was, I chose to stay.  I had to. I mean running into the same person that often - some people might call this just coincidence but a part of me felt it was fate.  Maybe I’m being a bit optimistic and overly romanticized, but that’s me. I can’t help but feel something tugging at my insides is telling me to stay a few days in this place and with enough persistence, I’ll find her.

So now, what do I do?  What’s my plan?  Do I randomly just walk up to every stranger in town and ask if they know a girl named Anya?  Although it’s my best bet, I don’t want to freak  any of the towns people out with my constant questioning and I have to be a bit more strategic than that.

I sit up and swing my legs over the side of the bed, letting my elbows rest on my knees and run a hand over my forehead in frustration.  I backtrack to all the places we just happened to run into one another while I was in the area filming.  The coffee shop, the park, the cafe, and the book store.  

If I jump around from place to place, I run the risk of quite possibly missing her the minute I leave a location.  But planting myself in one spot for too long, I was also playing with the same odds against myself.

With a heavy sigh, I battle which plan to put into action until the sight of my book resting on the bedside table catches my eye. Even though I’m here to take a break and look for Anya, I still have work responsibilities that I can’t let slide.  I need to get this book read before I meet with the director again so I can give him feedback on how I think my character should be played.  And that meeting is next week.  I take the book in my hands and it becomes clear to me that my decision is final.  I’ll spend the day at the bookstore catching up on my reading and at the same time wait for a possible sighting of Anya.  

I toss the book onto the mattress behind me and stand and stretch once more as my phone starts to ring.  I glance at the name on the caller ID and upon seeing that it’s Andre, I answer.  “What’s up man?  Everything ok?”

“Yeah, was just calling to check in on you,” his sleepy voice comes through the other side.

“I’m alright,” I reply hesistantly, knowing I’m a bit down on my luck not having found what I came here in search of.  “Haven’t run into her yet, if that’s what you mean.”

I can hear a faint chuckle come over the line.  Andre’s one of the most supportive people in my life but I can’t help but feel he thinks some of my ideas are pretty off the wall sometimes, especially when it comes to girls.  “Did you really think you were going to drive into town and she’d be waiting with a welcome back banner for you?”  His laugh is a little more unreserved.  “Josh man, I back you up with everything you do.  Just don’t let your head get lost over this chick you don’t even know.  How do you know she’s still living in that town? Hell, she could be married for all you know.”

“She’s not married,” I snap back, not even knowing myself if this is the truth. I release a heavy sigh and the frustration I’m feeling becomes evident to Andre.  “Sorry, didn’t mean to jump down your throat.”

“It’s ok.  You’ve been under a lot of pressure lately and I’m glad you’re taking a couple of days for yourself.  Would have thought you’d be spending it somewhere tropical but hey, you do you man.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that.  I just need a couple of days to sort this out and I’ll be back to business.”  I had to be, no choice on that one.  “I’ll call you later and let you know if I have any luck today.”  And with that we both hang up and I jump in the shower to start what I hope will be my lucky day.

I arrive at the book store in the late morning, pushing open the glass door and stepping into the dimly lit room. As far as I can tell, I’m the only customer. The only people in here are a black-haired woman behind the counter who smiles at me when I walk in, and a man with gray hair and glasses who stocks a shelf with books on my left. The smell of the binded pages wafts through the air as I grab a seat in the corner by the window where I am able to see everyone who passes by the shop along the sidewalk. I don’t get time to read very often, even if it is for my next project, but here I have all the time I want and need.

After settling myself into a brown leather chair, I open my book to chapter one where I had placed the bookmark, the spot it’s been stuck in since I purchased it two weeks ago.  I finally start the first paragraph when my eyes glance upward to take a peek out the window, observing the few people that stroll along the sidewalk and sigh silently as none are her. I spot a few women who have the same features or the same haircolor, but it also could be my imagination.  I continue with my reading, a few more sentences down the page when I divert my gaze out the window once more, quickly coming to the realization that I won’t be making much progress on my reading today with this distraction running rampant through my brain.

I close the book and rub my eyes with the heels of my hands, trying not to let defeat wash over me so quickly.  Placing my palms on each of the armrests, my eyes dart to a comfy little reading corner to the far right of the room, just a couch and some large square pillows scattered among the floor.  A smile slowly creeps across my face as the vision of her sitting there comes to mind.  

She wore a cream colored sweater and jeans, her long brown hair was pulled back into a pony tail and hung to the side laying over her right shoulder.  I had just walked in when the sight of her caused me to stop dead in my tracks.

The crew had just finished wrapping for the day when we decided to stop back into Mapleton for some coffee again.  It was on our way back to where we were staying so it wasn’t out of our way.  While the rest of the guys waited for their orders, I happened to look out the window and saw a book store situated right across the street. It looked very inviting.  Large windows with comfy seats behind it.  I was in need of something to do at night, the television shows I had been watching were starting to bore me so what better option than to read.  If the story is great and catches me from right the first page, I could spend hours lost in a book.

I made my way across the narrow street and entered the quiet book store, a young lady greeted me and another man nodded at my presence.  It wasn’t until I took a few steps further that a figure seated on a couch caught my eye.  It was her.  The girl from yesterday.  

My heart immediately skipped a beat at how excited I was to see her again and as I started to make my way over to her, I hesistated for just a moment, realizing I still didn’t know her name.  I hoped that once she looked up at me that she would recognize me as the guy who spilled the drink all over her.  Not something I wanted to be rememebered for, but if it jogged her memory and prompted a hello from her, it all worked in my favor.

As I got closer, my nerves started to get the best of me, my sweaty palm threatening to drop the cup of coffee that was in my hand, hopefully not on her again. When it comes to girls I can turn into the shyest person on earth.  But my apprehension receded as I took notice to the book she was reading, The Catcher In the Rye, my favorite book. I laughed to myself and thought, this might be easier than I thought.  

After a few short strides I was practically hovering over her and decided to say the first thing that popped into my mind.  “Don’t ever tell anybody anything.  If you do, you start missing everybody,”  I blurted out the well known quote from the book.

Her head shot up and her eyes connected with mine, a mix of confusion and fear written in her expression.  “Excuse me?”  I noticed how her body tensed up.  

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,” I apologized, waiting for the recognition of who I was to sink in. I wouldn’t have judged her if she would have decided to stand up and leave because I’m sure I sounded like a weirdo at that moment.

She sat as still as a statue, waiting for me to speak again but because I took so long to utter another word she asked, “Do I know you?”

My bubble had just been burst.  You spill a drink on a girl and you’re still forgotten.  It was just my luck.  At that point my only saving grace was to remind her of my clumsy actions that had brought us together.  “Um, yeah.  I’m Josh.”  I swayed nervously from side to side.  “I was the guy that spilled coffee all over your blouse yesterday...at the cofee shop.”  My finger pointed in the direction of the place just across the street, the place where things first unfolded.

Her face seemed to brighten a bit at the mention of my mishap.  “Oh yeah,” she drew out the two words.  “So you’re the person I should send my dry cleaning bill to.  Good to know.”

I licked my lips, happy that she was joking about the incident.  At least I hoped she was.  Forgetting that I had a cup of hot coffee in my hand, both of my arms flailed in opposite directions as I tried to tell her I’d be more than happy to pay for the damages.  I watched as she flinched, leaning away from another oncoming disaster when the container almost toppled from my grip.

‘Great, Hutcherson ‘ I thought to myself. I had enough moments in my life so far where I was on the best way to fuck it up and this one was certainly one of them.

“I’m so sorry.”  I figured it best to set the cup down on a small wooden table.  “There.  Now no risk of me having to pay for another article of your clothing to be cleaned.”

“Thank you.  I appreciate that.”  And with her short sign of gratitude, she ascended from her seated position and slid past me.  I followed her to the stack of bookshelves that lined the back of the store and halted as she cocked her head over her shoulder and eyed me suspiciously.  “Is there something I can help you with?” I probably looked like some kind of a stalker but I didn’t care about that.  Sometimes you have to be irritating. And this girl did something to me. I couldn’t help myself.

Surprised by her tone, I tried to make my interest in her seem less creepy than it probably already was.  “I’m sorry, I’m not a weirdo, I promise.”  Smooth was not how this was coming out.  “I just wanted to say hi again and talk to you.”

She placed the book back between two others on the shelf and then folded her arms across her chest, her face stern as she gave me the once over.  “What did you say your name was?” Obviously she had forgotten my name for the second time.  I wasn’t sure  how I should decipher her tone.

“Josh,” came my response a bit to enthusiastically.  I cleared my throat and tried to play it a little smoother.  “It’s Josh,”  I repeated calmer and slower the second time as I reached forward to shake her hand, a gesture she was hesistant to reciprocate the day before.

She thoughtfully looked at it and with some reservation released one arm from her grip around herself and let her hand touch mine.  Before I could ask her name she inquired, “So what brings you to Mapleton?”  At least she was trying to start a conversation, considering I was putting her in an awkward situation. Her eyes wandered throughout the store just like they did yesterday. A few times her eyes looked into mine, but for only a second.  I guessed she was trying to be polite.

I was truthful about who I was and the movie I was shooting over in the next town.  She seemed genuinely interested as she kept firing away questions about myself and my job, not once giving me a chance to ask anything about who she was.  She started fidgeting after we had been lost in our conversation for a good half an hour and then as the day before, she abruptly announced that she had some place to be and excused herself.

I wasn’t about to let her get away again, not without at least knowing her name.  Before she made it to the end of the aisle of books I took a chance and asked, “What’s your name?”

It was just a name, but if a look could speak a thousand words, the one in her eyes did.  And it said that she was absolutely unsure of sharing anything with me.  I watched as she silently pondered my question, as though it was something that was a closely guarded secret.  And just when I thought she was going to leave me without that one puzzle piece that I craved to have, she gave me one last look and started on her way around the stack of books as the name, “Anya” trailed behind her. Her ponytail swung as she took the step around the corner and vanished from my sight.  Her voice was the last remnant of her for the day as the words, “See you tomorrow Estelle,” carried back to where I had been standing.  And just like that, she was gone.  Just like yesterday.

The name Estelle rings a bell as I remember looking at the woman behind the counter a few months ago whom Anya had referred to by name and saw a black-haired woman waving at her.   When my gaze lifts up and away from the street outside, I glance over to the woman who is still standing behind the counter now.

It’s her, I think. Estelle.  I try to remember everything from that day a few months ago, trying to find out if I am indeed right and if this is the same person.

I slowly stand up and make my way towards the counter and when I stand right in front of her, I have my answer.  Estelle, is written in thick black letters across the nametag she is wearing on her shirt.

Maybe she knows something about Anya and can give me a hint as to where I can find her; even if it is just a small piece of information. If there is someone who knows something about Anya, it must be her!  My goal could be just a simple question and hopefully a simple answer will suffice.

“Excuse me, Miss.  Can I ask you a question? “ Estelle looks up from typing something on the computer and smiles gently at me.

“Of course, you can.  Are you searching for a specific book? Do you know the title or the author?“

“Oh no, my question has nothing to do with a book. I’m searching for someone.  A woman to be precise.“

At first she’s confused, but then her face lights up.  “Maybe I can help you.  Who are you looking for?”

I chuckle lightly, “That’s the point, I’m not entirely sure.”  I realize my response sounds idiotic.  “I don’t have a picture, I only know her name and what she looks like. That’s all.“ For a moment she looks at me like I’m some kind of moron, but she humors me just the same.

“Okay, I’ll do my best to help you,” she answers emphathetically.

“Thank you, I appreciate that,” I tell her honestly, excitement building over the fact that I may soon find what I’m in search of.  “Her name is Anya, and she is probably 5’5” with long brown hair and greenish-gold eyes.”

A strange expression casts over  Estelle’s face, making me wonder if it was a good idea  to inquire about someone I barely know.  She straightens in her posture as she suddenly freezes behind the counter.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t know anyone who fits that description,” she answers curtly, squinting her eyes at me suspiciously.

“Are you sure?” I question, knowing with upmost certainty that she and Anya know each other.

“Yes, I’m sure. I’m not aware of anyone by that name,” she answers calmly. “May I ask how you know the person you’re looking for?”

Her question surprises me considering she’s just shared she doesn’t know this person, but I reply anyway, though it is probably better to not give away too much information. “I was in town a few months ago and met her then. And now that I’m back I just wanted to catch up with her.”

Estelle eyes me cautiously and then I catch her throwing a sideward glance to the man behind me stacking books. “I’m really sorry I can’t help you. She must be really special if you’re trying to find her.”

Turning my head to check where Estelle’s eyes have wandered to, I notice how both the man and woman are now eyeing me up.  And not in a good way.  “Yeah, yeah she is,” I admit nervously. “Thank you though.”

I walk out of the shop quickly without looking back, although I can feel Estelles eyes fixed on me until I am out of sight.

Something is off, I can feel it. Estelle and Anya know one another, so why is she lying to me?

I know I won’t leave until I find the answer.  And Anya.

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