Chapter 1: New Obsession
Ethan's P.O.V:
"Imphal Bookies." I read the glowing neon sign on top of the book store. "Could've been worse."
It was only 7.30 in the evening but the streets were almost deserted. This is one of the downsides of a small town. I've been here two months already but I haven't gotten used to it. But on the plus side, I can go for long runs right in the middle of the road without worrying about someone running me over.
I entered with the list in my hands, began searching almost immediately, averting my gaze from the 40 something woman who gave me a once over as soon as I stepped in. Ignoring her, I went off to buy my books. The seniors would be graduating soon and I can't prepare their question paper without the proper books.
I was in the middle of digging through the science section when I heard it. Two female voices whispering in excited voices from the isle behind me. Usually I wouldn't have bothered, but right now eavesdropping felt like the only exciting adventure I could find in this exceptionally boring down.
So without further ado, I shifted closer to the opposite isle and began listening in.
"OMG! OMG! It's the newest edition!"
"I didn't know they'd have it already! Aren't the Miller's always the first to get the newest edition?"
"Yeah! But who cares? Their loss, our gain. Let's buy this before anyone else. That way, we can tell everyone at school tomorrow. Oh! They're going to be so jealous!"
"That's tots fabulous! Isn't Ms. OG just amazing?"
"Like tots! I can't believe she started writing only a few months ago!"
"Me neither. But I'm glad she did."
I pretended to surf through a pile of books when the two teens passed by still giggling. I gathered the books I'd already found and went around the rack to the isle the girls had been at, trying to find what they thought worth bragging. Unsurprisingly, I ended up in the erotic section.
"Of course." I shook my head, what else could a bunch of teenage girls be giggling about? "Been there, done that."
But then, why was I still staring at the section with such interest? Maybe because I haven't been horizontal in a while or was it the thought that I won't be for a long while to come? Whatever the reason, I was still staring transfixed at the cover of the closest book in my line of sight. A picture of the curve of a woman's back in a red hue titled The Devil's my New Teacher by Ms. OG.
I picked up the book and added it to the pile in my hand. Oh well.
"Ah!" The woman at the counter held out the book as she was forming the bill. "Looks like even you couldn't resist the temptation either." She smirked at me.
"I just wanted to know what all the fuss was about." I told her truthfully. "Haven't heard of her before. Is she local?"
"She is." There was unhidden pride in her voice. "We don't have the slightest clue as to who she is and where she was before the last couple months but this woman is gifted. And I just don't mean about topics she writes about, it's just the way that she writes....it draws you in. Real talent, I tell you."
I didn't answer her, maybe because I didn't know what to tell her. I haven't read the book yet but from what the woman just told me, I'll definitely have to give it a try.
*
*
I was still staring at the lines I'd just read when my phone began to ring. Cussing at the untimely call, I put the book down and looked at the called id...and cussed again.
"Yes Emmy." I finally answered the phone when my breathing evened out. I'll have to take an ice bath later on but it'll be totally worth it.
"Where are my love letters?"
"What?!" My mind took a while to come out of its haze. God, when was the last time an erotica got me this hard?
"You sound breathless, did you go for a run?" She asked, curious and concerned.
"N-YES! Yes, I did. I just came back." I corrected myself. She may be 21 years already but she's still my little sister. "Um...what letters were you talking about?"
"You know what letters I'm talking, Ethan. Where are they?" Now she sounded plain annoyed.
"Well, unlike someone else I know," I paused for dramatic effect, "I don't go digging through my little sisters personal belongings. Have you checked your old-clothes-disposal closet?"
"As a matter of fact, I haven't. Thank you brother dearest!" She sounded oddly excited for someone digging up old love letters from an ex.
"Hold on. Why are you looking for those letters anyway?" I asked, taking a while to get over the ridiculous image of my best friend sitting in front of his desk and pouring his heart out on a blank piece of paper. "Didn't you say you never want to see, talk or listen to anything that has to do with he-whose-name-must-not-be-spoken?"
"Thank you for the Harry Potter reference, and yes I did say that." I could see her rolling her eyes, exactly the same shade as mine. "And no, I'm not feeling nostalgic. I just want to rip them to shreds and burn them crispy so I that I can forget that tomorrow is the 5th anniversary of the biggest mistake of my life! God, you have the worst taste in friends."
"Whoa! Chill little! You're way too little to be thinking so deeply." I sighed. How did this all become my fault? "Okay, you know what? Go ahead and burn the letters if they give you any peace of mind. But remember one thing, erasing a few piece of papers will only erase his physical presence from your life. You have to move on."
"Yeah....I know...." her voice sounded rueful.
"Good. Now hang up, I have work to do."
Not waiting for a reply, I hung up. This is precisely the reason why you shouldn't let your best friend...ex-best friend, date your little sister. It ultimately comes back to bite you in the ass.
But for now, I need more books from the mysterious Ms. OG. I don't know who she is but the shopkeeper was right. This woman had real talent.
Suddenly, an image of the red haired junior flashed in my mind. Bright blue eyes and a wide smile.
Akira Sanders.
I shook my head instantly. I don't know why I thought that but she can definitely not be Ms. OG. She's a goodie two-shoes and a teacher's pet. Everyone's always singing hymns about her in the staff room.
I haven't personally met her yet but my eyes seem to be obsessed about her. Wonder who she is? I've never been this obsessed about the women I've dated before but Akira seems different.
Plus, there's also the fact that she seems to always stalk the cheerleaders like a serial killer, always with a diary and pen in her hands. To someone who hasn't seen the scenario before, Akira appeared to be their manager of some kind, but I've seen enough to conclude otherwise. There was definitely something fishy going on.
I looked down at the book in my hands one more time and thought back to the diary in Akira's hand. Hmmm....could it be?
I know I must be throwing stones at the dark but I have this nagging feeling that there is definitely some connection between Akira and this writer.
Looks like I'll have to do some serious digging. Watch out Ms. OG, here comes Ethan Whitmore.