Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby

Chapter 1 - 1984

The bookstore on Main Street was a sanctuary of tranquility, a place where the outside world seemed to fade into the soft hum of jazz and the aromatic blend of coffee and aged paper. It was the kind of place where patrons could lose themselves for hours, drifting through shelves filled with stories of every kind.

Inside, Crystal was behind the counter, his outfit, a vibrant patterned shirt with high-waisted jeans, contrasted with the quiet, subdued elegance of the store. His look, though not conventional, was a colorful splash against the backdrop of wooden shelves and cozy armchairs. He moved with a practiced ease, rearranging a stack of newly arrived books while chatting with his best friend, Daya.

Daya, sporting a more laid-back style with his favorite graphic tees and jeans, was busy organizing a new shipment of novels. The two friends had met at the bookstore about two years ago, with Crystal hired first and Daya joining the team shortly after. Their camaraderie was evident in their easy banter and synchronized movements as they worked side by side.

Jackie, the store's manager, was perched on a high stool near the counter, engrossed in a stack of paperwork. Her presence was commanding yet warm, a perfect balance of authority and approachability. Jan, her girlfriend, was often around, adding her own touch of cheerfulness to the store's atmosphere. Today, Jan was in the back, brewing a fresh pot of coffee.

As Crystal and Daya discussed the latest bestsellers, the bell above the door jingled softly, signaling a new arrival. Crystal looked up, his attention immediately drawn to the striking figure entering the store.

A gorgeous woman glided in with an effortless grace, her appearance akin to a model stepping off a runway. Her blonde hair framed her face perfectly, and her outfit, tailored and chic, enhanced her natural elegance. There was a certain poise to her movements, as if she was used to turning heads.

Crystal, momentarily distracted from his task, straightened up and wiped his hands on a cloth. He watched as Gigi wandered through the aisles, her eyes scanning the titles with a thoughtful expression. It was clear she was searching for something specific.

"Welcome to our little haven" Crystal called out, trying to sound casual but unable to hide his curiosity. "Can I help you find anything in particular today?"

Gigi looked up, her blue eyes meeting his with a hint of relief. "Actually, yes. I'm looking for a gift for my boyfriend" she said, her voice smooth and measured. "He's not really into books, but I thought I'd try to find something he might like."

Crystal nodded, sensing there was more to her story than just a simple gift search. "Got it. Do you know what kind of books he might like, or should we start with something general?"

Gigi hesitated, her brows knitting together as she considered. "He's a bit...hard to pin down. I was thinking maybe something classic or profound. Something that might help him see things differently."

Crystal smiled, sensing the subtle frustration in her words. "I understand. Sometimes the right book can be a wonderful escape or a new perspective. How about something by an author known for deep, introspective writing? Maybe a classic like Orwell's 1984 or Huxley's Brave New World?"

Gigi's eyes lit up slightly at the suggestion. "Those sound interesting. Do you think he'd appreciate them?"

"I'd say so" Crystal replied. "Both have layers of meaning and offer a lot to think about. And if he's open to it, they could be quite impactful."

Gigi considered this, nodding slowly. "I'll go with 1984. Thank you for your help."

As she made her way to the counter, Crystal noticed a flicker of something else in her demeanor, an almost imperceptible sadness or weariness, quickly masked by a polite smile. He felt a pang of empathy but chose not to pry.

Daya, who had been quietly observing, gave Crystal a knowing look before turning his attention to a stack of new arrivals. Jackie, catching the end of the conversation, gave Crystal a brief nod of approval from her perch, then went back to her paperwork.

As Gigi paid for the book and gathered her things, she turned to Crystal with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thanks again for your help. I'll definitely be back."

Crystal watched her leave, the bell above the door jingling softly once more. He glanced at Daya, who was already busy with the next task.

"That was interesting" Daya said with a smirk. "I'm guessing there's a story there."

Crystal shrugged, a thoughtful look on his face. "Maybe. I just get the feeling there's more going on than she let on."

Daya chuckled. "Well, you're the one who can usually sense that sort of thing. If she comes back, maybe you'll get a chance to find out."

Crystal nodded, his thoughts lingering on the enigmatic woman who had just left. For now, he returned to his duties, but a part of him was already looking forward to the next time she would walk through the door.

As the afternoon sun dipped lower, casting a warm, golden hue through the bookstore's large windows, Crystal and Daya fell into their usual rhythm. Crystal found himself occasionally glancing toward the door, half-expecting to see that woman walk back in. The familiar routine of arranging books and chatting with regulars seemed to carry a new, unspoken anticipation.

Just as Crystal was restocking a shelf, the bell above the door jingled once more. This time, it was a young couple looking for a romance novel, their laughter and easy banter a stark contrast to the woman's earlier visit. Crystal engaged with them, offering suggestions and sharing a smile, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the elegant woman who had briefly disrupted his usual calm.

Daya, noticing Crystal's distracted state, nudged him playfully. "You're thinking about her, aren't you?" he teased, a knowing smile on his face.

Crystal shrugged, a sheepish grin appearing. "Maybe. There's just something about her...I hope she finds what she's looking for."

As the evening shadows lengthened and the bookstore prepared to close, Crystal felt a renewed sense of curiosity and hope. He was eager to see if she would return, and if so, what new layers of her story might be revealed.

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I'm so sorry about how this will go before it gets all cutesy.