Since the bookstore she had worked at for years was at the peak of closing due to audiobooks, kindles and e-readers, Clara had been becoming more distant with friends and eventually depression had begun invading her life. Clara had been filling her time at work trying to encourage people on social media to support their local businesses and shop in local stores again. As much as it helped and many people began returning to the store again it was sadly short lived, publicity died down again, and the rush of sales was not nearly enough to support the business any longer. Her manager Danielle also her best friend, only a few years older than herself. Her father was the owner of the business but was unfortunately too ill to continue working and with his immense medical bills the family’s businesses were slowly being liquidated to support them. The bookstore was one of the final places they had left and had only managed to survive due to Clara and Danielle’s determination and commitment to keep real books alive.
Danielle approached the counter. “Soooooo how’s business?” She leant on the counter as she attempted to amuse herself and her colleague.
Clara sighed. “Same old, same old. You know, people come in, smile politely, loop the store, pick up a book every now and then, feign interest, then smile again and thank me before leaving empty handed… you know, the usual”.
Danielle laughed. “Well surely its better than that weirdo that keeps coming around and asking after you?” She rolled her eyes as she made a throwing up action.
Clara laughed. “Well, it’s your fault he hangs around so much in the first place, I only got stuck with him because you said you were gay, which, by the way you could have said about me as well you know?”. She prodded Danielle in the chest.
Danielle rubbed at the area. “Firstly ow! Secondly, I didn’t know you were gay. You should have said earlier, we could have been lovers! Oh how the fates tease us so”. She exaggeratedly swooned over the counter.
Clara laughed again. “You are so dramatic, you know that?”
Danielle pretended to be shocked. “Moi? Dramatic?”
Clara lifted her eyebrows and nodded her head repeatedly while holding back a smile.
Danielle groaned loudly. “Eurghhh, but you’re so much better with this kinda stuff, I mean, look at all the guys you’ve dated, surely you have a way of getting rid of them when they get annoying?”
“Well, yeah, but that’s with normal guys. Your ones on the other hand”. She shuddered. “Are a special kind of creepy, and also for the record I haven’t dated that many guys!” She prodded her chest again.
Danielle batted her hand away playfully. “Ok, again, OW! Secondly you’ve dated more guys than me therefore you’re more equipped to handle them”. She stuck her tongue out and jumped away before Clara could poke her again.
The door chimed loudly causing Danielle to jump. “Christ, if this place does go under, I certainly won’t miss that damn bell, every time it gets me, EVERY! TIME!” Clara giggled and shushed her, Danielle began giggling as well before jumping behind the counter and ducking down.
Startled, Clara moved over to give her room. “What are you do..?” She looked up from the counter as she locked eyes with a man that looked as if he were sculpted by the gods themselves. His tall muscular body was hugged tightly by his black tank top and jeans, long black hair flowed freely down his back, swaying as he approached.
“Hi there, Clara, right? I saw your post online and thought I’d try and do my bit to help out local businesses”.
“I… erm… yes, WAIT no”. Clara fumbled her words and could feel her face reddening.
“Sorry?”. He asked, visibly confused.
She looked over him, his bright blue eyes sparkled from the overhead lamp, his gorgeous smile glistened with a set of perfect teeth.
“Oh no, I’m sorry, excuse me”. Clara managed to stutter out as she turned and began moving papers around the counter to look busy. She could hear Danielle giggling beneath her, she desperately wanted to give her a kick but decided against it.
The man smiled at her and continued past into the store, heading for the fantasy section. Clara looked over her shoulder and watched him as he skimmed his fingers across the spines of various novels, before landing upon (insert book title). Removing it from the shelf he began reading the back.
Clara ducked under the counter with Danielle. “He literally just picked up (insert book title), like seriously, all those books and he chose that one”. She peeked up over the counter and stared at him in the distance as he began flicking through the pages, Danielle appeared next to her and stared in the same direction.
“Pwoar, he’s nice”. Danielle fanned herself with her hand.
“I thought you were gay?” Clara nudged her in the ribs playfully.
“For him I’ll be a man”. Danielle looked at her and winked.
Clara burst out giggling and dropped to the floor. Danielle dropped down beside her attempting to shush her while stifling her own giggles. They both began shushing at each other giggling louder and louder as quiet footsteps approached the desk.
“Hello?” A deep voice broke through the silence from above them. They both shot up to their feet to be faced with the man from earlier.
“HI”. Danielle blurted out loudly. “IM DANIELLE”. She coughed into her hand. “I mean I’m Danielle, sorry for shouting in your face, I’m going to go back down here now”. She pointed below the desk. “Just pretend none of that happened”. Danielle slowly crouched back down until she was hidden.
“Erm, ok. Bye?”. The man waved at her as she slowly vanished from sight.
“Hi again, don’t mind her, she’s just… Well she’s just Danielle”. Clara laughed to herself as she could feel her cheeks burning up. “I’m Clara, not that you need to know that, but always good to meet new people and less strangers means more friendships, which is always good for everyone you know if we all made more friends and less enemies the world could be a better place and…”. She began to go off on a complete tangent.
“I’m Fion, it’s a pleasure to meet you…I mean, both of you”. He smiled as he absently waved to the desk where Danielle was hiding.
Danielle shouted up from under the desk. “HI”.
Clara laughed. “So yeah before I join her down there after this spectacle of embarrassment. Can I help you at all?” Her face was radiating with heat as she spoke.
Fion laughed. “Don’t worry, you haven’t embarrassed yourself, it’s actually quite a nice change to meet people who aren’t afraid to be themselves”. He smiled causing Clara’s head to swoon.
“But as for your question, I was looking to buy this book, I’m pretty sure it was you who recommended it online and it really caught my attention, is there more in the series or is it a standalone?”
Clara regained her composure. “It’s currently a standalone however I’m pretty sure the author is planning on making it into a series, but we’ll have to wait to find out. He’s a new author so anything could happen really”.
Fion rubbed his chin. “Hmm, well in that case do you have anything similar that you’d recommend, preferably based on fantasy. I’ve always loved the ideas of different types of races different to the norm, the whole human on human violence gets a little stale sometimes”.
“Oh, if you’re into fantasy races then you’d probably like these”.
Clara stepped out from behind the counter and made her way over to the fantasy section with Fion in tow, she checked over her shoulder to see if he was following and spotted Danielle peeking over the counter giving a double thumbs up. Clara shook her head and laughed to herself before scanning the spines for the books and picking out a variety.
“So, this one is all about animalistic races, it has a lovey dovey story but it’s filled with action scenes and a really lovely ending. This one is mostly based about human races, but it mixes with alien weapons and technology, it’s very heavy on the action, so it depends on your tastes really. This is one of my favorites though, it’s all about this young girl who grew up in the human world but as she grows up, she discovers she isn’t human after all and is dragged into a battle of worlds and must choose between her ancestry and the world she grew up in. I’ll warn you though is very heavy on the romantic side and the action is very limited even though its literally filled with murder and betrayal as well as full on wars.”
She stacked the books atop each other before turning and being face to face with Fion. Startled she jumped back, bashing into the desk she had left the books on, sending them crashing towards the floor. Fion was there in moments catching the books with inhuman speed, he backed away from Clara and apologized handing them back to her.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to get so close. I was looking at all the titles as you were speaking and got completely lost in your words”. He reached back and rubbed his neck nervously.
“Oh no, it’s fine, I should be more aware of my surroundings”. Clara laughed it off. “So, do you think any of these would interest you?”. She nodded to the books she now held.
Fion looked down at the books. “I think I’ll take them all”. He looked up and smiled at her.
Clara was taken aback. “Oh ok, I mean that’s brilliant, thank you, lets go get them bagged up for you then”. Clara scooted around him back to the counter, she spotted Danielle duck down as she approached, obviously she had been watching them the entire time.
“So, all three?” Clara asked him as she scanned their barcodes and placed them in a bag.
“Yes thank you, oh and this one”. He placed the first book onto the desk.
Clara laughed. “Oh yeah, I forgot about that one, thank you for being honest, I wouldn’t have even noticed if you’d walked out with it”.
Fion laughed. “I wouldn’t be doing my part if I just took it, but I suppose it would have given me a good excuse to come back to talk to you both again”. He gave her a sly smile that caused Clara to become slightly flustered again. Danielle gasped loudly under the desk.
Clara giggled nervously as she scanned and bagged the last book. “You can come visit whenever you like, there’s an almost infinite number of books to choose from, even I haven’t read them all yet”.
Fion laughed. “Well, if you work here and can’t find the time to read them all I won’t stand a chance. I’ll stick with whatever you recommend”. He smiled his brilliant smile at her again as he took out his wallet to pay.
“If you like you can visit our website on social media and leave a comment about what kind of books you’re interested in, that way I can write you out a list of books I have personally read and recommend”. Clara placed a business card in the bag with the books. “Oh and that’s thirty five, ninety six when you’re ready please”.
Fion took forty from his wallet and handed it to Clara. “Keep the change for yourself for such wonderful service”. He smiled again. “And I’ll be sure to recommend your store and support the cause to bring books back to the public eye”.
Clara smiled gleefully. “Thank you, that would be amazing. Even if we can only reach one or two people a day it’s still more than we had before and that’s what matters”.
“Well, I’ll look forward to seeing you again soon Clara, again it’s been an absolute pleasure” Fion smiled and bowed his head slightly towards her. “And it was lovely momentarily meeting you too Danielle if you’re still there”. He laughed softly.
Danielle squeaked slightly and stuck her hand above the counter, waving it wildly. “Byeeeee thank you for your purchase, and supporting small businesses, see you again soon”.
Clara laughed at Danielle before turning her attention back to Fion. “Thank you again and hope to see you soon”. She bowed her head slightly as a return gesture and smiled.
Fion exited the bookstore with his purchase and as soon as he was out of sight Clara collapsed to the floor beside Danielle. They both looked at each other for a few seconds before locking fingers and squealing loudly to each other as the door chimed in the distance.
A medium height gentleman entered the store and immediately made his way towards the counter where Clara and Danielle were hushing each other’s giggles. “Hello? Clara? It’s me Edmund. Danielle? Where are you two?”
Clara and Danielle had instantly gone silent as soon as they heard his voice. Danielle put a finger to her lips and silently hushed Clara, who nodded in response as they both tucked further under the counter out of sight.
Edmund called out again once he reached the counter “Helloooooooo, anyone here?”
Clara and Danielle huddled together under the desk remaining as quiet as possible while they heard Edmund making his way around the store calling out for them. “Hello? Is everything okay?” His voice began fading into the distance as Danielle peeked her head up over the counter in the direction he had headed. Edmund was scouring around the bookshelves in search for them.
Danielle whispered down to Clara. “He’s literally searching the store for us. Seriously, I think we need to get a restraining order or something, think about what he’ll do when this places closes down, you’ll see him peeking through your bedroom window at night”.
Clara shuddered. “Don’t say stuff like that. I’m going to have nightmares now”.
Danielle tried to stifle a laugh, but a small squeak escaped from between her fingers as she clasped her hand over her mouth and ducked back down. “Shit!” she whispered. “He’ll have definitely heard that with his creepy supersonic sonar hearing”. She clenched her jaw.
“Supersonic sonar hearing? What the hell are you talking about?” Clara whispered back.
“You know, like bats have to stop themselves smashing into stuff”. Danielle replied.
“That’s echo location you doughnut”. Clara giggled as she attempted to remain quiet.
“Yeah well, I’m not a book nerd, and I’m still your boss still so do as your told and agree with me when I’m wrong” Danielle smirked, playfully pushing her.
“Oh I’m sorry, your highness, please forgive my rudeness, the bats were obviously using a submarine sonar to guide themselves when hunting in the ocean, how silly of me”. Clara mocked in return, smiling as she stuck her tongue out.
“Now listen here you lil’…” Danielle was cut off by Edmunds return, his footsteps now moving hard and fast upon the wooden floor. “They must be at her old man’s place again”. He kicked one of the tables holding a stack of books causing them to tumble to the floor. “Damn it, I’ll just have to get them when they close up later”. Edmund grumbled as he passed the desk, throwing the door open as he left causing the bell to clang violently on its pivot.
Clara and Danielle peeked up from their hiding place. Danielle spoke first. “Wow what the hell was his problem? And did you hear what he said at the end there?”
“Yeah, get us when we close? What the hell did he mean by that?”. Clara stammered.
“I don’t know but I think we’ll close up early today, that guy gives me the creeps at the best of times, but that right then, that was too much”. Danielle began logging the days takings into the computer, while Clara flipped the sign and locked the door before beginning her usual duties tidying up and getting everything ready for opening tomorrow.
A little while later once everything was ready Clara and Danielle left the building and locked up before making their way home. They lived together due to Danielle’s circumstances. Danielle had left her own place and moved in with Clara to lessen the strain on her family and Clara was more than happy to let her stay as Danielle was the perfect roommate. Clara took care of the cleaning and general house maintenance while Danielle took care of the cooking, shopping, bills and general money management.
The sun was still shining above them, not nearly late enough for the usual darkness to trigger the flickering street lights overhead. As they made their way down the long main road from the bookstore their topic of conversation led them back to the incident that caused them to lock up early in the first place.
“So what do you think stalker boy was babbling on about anyway, I mean he’s creepy and definitely got a screw loose but he’s never come across as aggressive before.” Danielle looked over at Clara who seemed deep in thought. “Clara?”. Danielle asked again.
“What? oh sorry, I’m not sure, he’s always been pretty sweet, like thank you but please don’t touch me kind of sweet, but yeah that was weird”. Clara paused again for a moment. “Do you think maybe we should tell someone, the police maybe?”
Danielle turned and looked at her in complete surprise. “The police? Don’t you remember last time I mentioned this guy, you know when he was creeping around my old place? I literally had a video on my phone and they did nothing”. She pinched her nose with her fingers and began gesturing sarcastically. “I’m sorry ma’am but there just isn’t enough evidence of this man stalking you. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait for him to come into your home and video him sniffing your underwear then can we slap him on the wrist and send him on his way with a goodie bag of your lingerie”.
Danielle’s over dramatic actions made Clara laugh loudly as she thought back to when Danielle first told her about it. “I still can’t believe you threatened the police that you would haunt them once he murdered you. Well actually, that’s something I can believe, what I really can’t believe is that you weren’t sectioned for it”. Clara laughed even harder.
“OI, don’t laugh at my potential murder, I was really scared at the time and ghosts are scary I thought it might help”. Danielle whined.
“I know, I know and that was the beginning of our lovely living arrangements so think of it as a blessing in disguise”. Clara smiled widely at Danielle as she pouted.
“Bloody creepy disguise”. Danielle muttered.
They continued to chat till they arrived at their apartment. Clara fumbled for her key as Danielle whined about needing the toilet. Before Clara could even turn the handle all the way Danielle burst past, heading straight for the bathroom and slamming the door. Clara dumped her bag on the table as a resounding sigh of relief echoed from the bathroom.
Clara burst out laughing again. “Seriously, we have neighbours you know!” She called into the bathroom as she raided the fridge in search of food. After a few minutes of staring longingly at the open fridge and nothing she wanted magically appearing, the toilet flushed and Danielle reappeared shortly after.
“That…Was…Amazing”. Danielle gripped both sides of the open door and strutted into the kitchen. “How long have you been staring at the fridge? You’re gonna burn out the bulb again”.
Clara answered without even taking her eyes off the shelves. “How much therapy is the toilet going to need after your torture?”
“Hey”. Danielle playfully pushed Clara. “I have stomach problems”. She stuck her tongue out and joined in staring into the virtually empty fridge. “Sooooooo, when are we going shopping?”
Clara closed the fridge and smiled at Danielle. “Pizza?”
Danielle grinned back and nodded. “Pizza”.
Clara passed the time making a shopping list ready for the weekend while Danielle phoned up the pizza place and ordered their dinner. They both settled on the sofa for a night of pizza and snuggles while they waited for their delivery slot.
A few hours of cartoons and comedy later Danielle sighed deeply. “You know when you think you’re being really clever by ordering the food in advance but then because you’ve set a time for delivery you’ve got no choice but to wait?”
“Yeahhhhh?” Clara responded in suspense.
“I wish we’d just gone and got it now or ordered it for sooner, I’m starrrrving”. Danielle cried out stomping her feet.
“Really? It’s like…” Clara checked her phone. “Literally forty minutes away, I’m sure you’re not going to starve to death by that time”.
Danielle looked at Clara as if she’d just insulted her. “How do you know? I could drop dead from hunger any minute and you wouldn’t even care, would you?” She turned away and cried into her hands dramatically. “Oh and if I do die promise you won’t become a crazy cat lady okay, I know they make it sound so appealing but no amount of cats would ever replace me”.
Clara laughed. “You know I’d never be able to replace you”. She smiled sweetly. “But I will be taking all of your stuff and moving in that hottie from earlier. Do you mind if we use your bed? It seems a lot sturdier than mine”.
Danielle laughed and hit Clara with a pillow. “Only because yours gets so much action I’m surprised you haven’t gone through the floor yet”. Clara retaliated with her own pillow but before all hell could break loose the buzzer to their door droned in the distance. They both jumped dropping their makeshift weapons.
“Holy crap, that scared the hell out of me”. Danielle panted frantically as Clara jumped up to the intercom to open the door.
She pressed the button and spoke through. “Come in”. She then went to the kitchen and grabbed her purse ready for the delivery driver’s arrival.
Danielle called over. “Didn’t you say it was another forty minutes?”
Clara turned to her looking puzzled and checked her phone again.
“Yeahhhh actually it’s still another thirty-seven minutes, I haven’t even had the text to say it’s on the way”.
Danielle’s face dropped a few shades of colour. “You don’t think it’s Mr. Creep, do you? I mean we never mentioned our address or anything did we?”
Clara shivered slightly before replying. “No, no, it can’t be. It’s the pizza guy, he’s probably just early and I imagine the text is automated to be sent just before our time slot”. Although Clara came across as rational and unbothered a wave of worry swept over her as she waited by the door.
Clara heard a loud knock further away, she pressed her ear to the door. “It’s coming from further down the hall, do you think they pressed the wrong number?” She turned to look back at Danielle. Danielle shrugged and shook her head.
Clara placed her ear back against the door as she heard a door open and conversation ensue, but she couldn’t make out what was being said before the door closed again followed by another knock, closer this time. The same thing happened again once more before Clara realised what was going on and quickly rushed to turn the lights and TV off.
“What are you doing?” Danielle cried in panic.
“Whoever it is, they’re knocking on the doors up the hall one by one. I bet they pressed all the buzzers to see if someone would let them in. You told the pizza place our number, didn’t you?”
Danielle nodded sheepishly. “And…and if it was the pizza, we’d have smelt it by now”.
Clara thought for a moment. “Exactly, so if we pretend we’re not in they’ll just go away and if we smell pizza we open the door, okay?” She waited for Danielle to respond, eager to have some sort of a plan in place.
“Yeah…Yeah let’s do that”. Danielle gestured for Clara to come back to the sofa with her, they sat in the dark room only faintly illuminated by the moonlight from the open window and the hallways light outside.
A shadow passed in front of their door and stopped, three loud knocks echoed throughout the room. Danielle gripped Clara’s hand, Clara tried to reassure her by squeezing it tightly even though she was just as scared as Danielle was.
The shadow remained unmoving for a minute before three loud knocks broke the silence once again. They both winced slightly at each knock but remained quiet. Another minute passed, the shadow began slowly moving away from the door. A loud chime caused them both to squeal in shock, it was an automated text notifying them that their order was on its way. The shadow stopped halfway, before returning and knocking again, louder and harder this time. Danielle began whimpering as Clara tried to shush her. Thunderous bangs on the door echoed over and over as if the door was about to be broken down at any second.
Chapter Two – A new Contender Enters the Ring
A stalker at the door, nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, Clara and Danielle huddle together and await their fate, unless of course, a hero calls…
Droo's dramatic world of fanatical fiction 