eleven

Prologue

I strode along the busy streets of LA to go to my favorite bookstore. It was around 9 pm at the time and I know that it wasn't the time people usually go out to buy some books but my mind is much more active and open at night. I walked through this alley where the location of the store was pretty much secluded. Although this place was pretty much hidden, a lot of people know this place.

"Ochre",the wooden sign with letters painted in golden yellow showed. As I opened the door, the chimes created noises that rung throughout the very quiet shop. The owner greeted me with a humble smile. Oh how I love the smell of books and what made the scent better was the mug of espresso the owner was drinking. Books and coffee are such a great combination.

I walked towards the wooden shelves and searched for books that seemed to be nice and interesting. Then, one book caught my eye. It was entitled,"Formidable."

'Love is indeed formidable. It is a really strange force that drives you to do anything no matter how crazy it is. Love is so powerful. Even if people say that the person you love is someone that's not right for you, you keep disagreeing with them. Even if people think that's not true love, you know yourself that it is. Love knows no race, age, height and other qualities. Love could either make you or break you but whichever happens to you, love is something that is inevitable and can't be removed inside of us. Just like the love story of a teenager named Layla and a man named Jonathan.'

I actually am not a fan of love stories, romance and such but this felt like it had a connection with me of some sort. Maybe it's because I would and could relate to this book. Love knows no race, AGE, height and other qualities.

Love knows no age. But what am I to do? I can't do anything. He's happy with the family that he had built.

I sighed and purchased the book. I left the store with such distraught.

Why am I ruining my time of enjoyment?

As I walk back home to the apartment, a pair of huge arms hugged me from behind. Of course, the first thing I did was to free myself and try to recognize who that man is. "Jessie, I'm sorry.",he said in a drunken manner. Then, I realized who he is.

He was Rhett.

He's the man who I fell for though I'm aware that he's married. "You're drunk, Rhett." "I'm drunk with bitter sorrow. Please Jessie. Forgive me." He sounded like he was about to cry. What happened to him and Jessie?

"You know what, just take a rest. You're so drunk right now." I hooked his right arm onto my shoulder and guided him as we walk. "But I'm not dr..." He suddenly passed out. Great. Great, he's so light and easy to carry. Great.

The man reeked of the pungent smell of alcohol. I'll try my best to not mind the smell and to carry him to the apartment. Good thing that the apartment wasn't that far from where we are and a kind stranger helped me in carrying the giant. I thanked the kind man and said goodbye. I knocked on the door and as expected, Astrid, my best friend, opened it for me.

"Hi Em- Whoa. Who is that?",she asked with surprise. "Ask me later after I've laid him down. He's really heavy." She gave way for entrance and helped me carrying Rhett and laid him down the couch.

"Now, do you recognize him?" "Oh my God he's Rhett!",she exclaimed in utter surprise. "How did you find him?",she asked as we both sat in front of the dining table. "Well, I was going back here from the bookstore when someone hugged me from behind. I instinctively got away from him and I realized he was Rhett. He thought I was Jessie because he was so drunk and he was very apologetic. They must've fought or something.",I explained while observing my newly bought book. "Oh. Anyway, what's your new book about?",she asked, changing the topic from Rhett to the book that I'm holding. "It's a romance one." "Don't you hate romance?" "I do but... it feels like this book is somehow connected to me." "Hmm",she nodded in understanding. "Anyway, are you hungry?",she asked with concern. "No. I'm fine.",I replied and gazed at the quietly sleeping man. "Are you gonna paint him or something?" "I've painted him a lot but, I've never painted him while he's sleeping.",I replied, not breaking the gaze towards Rhett. "Well, now that you can see him up close, your painting could be more detailed." "You're right. I'll just take a picture of him. I can't paint him that fast while he's asleep." I stood up and grabbed my camera from the white bookshelf. I display my camera on the shelf because it adds drama. I positioned myself slowly and quietly to get the perfect angle while trying to not wake him up. I finally got it and took a shot. I looked at what I took and felt proud. His face was exposed, the lighting was good and the black couch can be seen in the background. "Can I see?",she asked while walking towards me. I handed her the camera and she said,"Nice as always." "Thanks." "I feel like I wanna frame this or something." "Don't display it here, Rhett'll see it and be surprised!" We both laughed. I suddenly yawned. "Anyway, I should hit the hay. I still have school tomorrow." "I should too. I have big exams coming up and I want to get a good sleep for me to remember those lessons." We both walked towards our bedroom and laid on our beds. "Good night, Em.",she said as she turned the lights off. "Good night, Trid."

I was woken up by the bright rays of sunlight that shined strongly from the windows. I took a look at the wall clock and found out that it was only 8:02 am. I still have one and a half hour before school.

I walked slowly through the kitchen, attempting to not wake anyone. I prepared myself some cereal, and ate quietly at the dining table. I enjoyed the access of having a clear view of Rhett's face. Gosh, he's so adorable. Rhett suddenly opened his eyes.

"Good mythical morning, Rhett.",I greeted him. "Wha-what happened? Where am I? Who are you?",he asked with confusion. "Well, last night you were very drunk. You thought I was Jessie and you were apologizing a lot. Then, you suddenly fell asleep and a stranger and I had to carry you here. And my name's Emerald, but everybody calls me Em." "I am so sorry for all the trouble." "No. It's fine." "Oh yeah GMM.",he suddenly remembered. "Eat some breakfast first." He sat beside me. "So what do you wanna eat?" "Anything could work." "The quickest one is cereal." "Okay then." I put some cereal on a bowl and put a spoon in it. I just brought the milk out so he could pour how much he wants. He eats really fast, focusing on being as early as he can go onto their studio. "Thanks for the breakfast. I really gotta go. Again, I'm sorry I've caused you trouble. Bye, Em!",he said hurriedly and hastily made his way out of the house. "Bye Rhett!",I said just as he closed the door.

The loud noise of the door woke Trid up. "Who was that? Was that Rhett?",she asked groggily. "Yeah." "He left already? Oh man, I wanna talk to him.",she said, upset. "Well, he still needs to film GMM y'know?" "Yeah, you're right.",she agreed. "But don't worry. Maybe we'll cross paths again. Maybe."