Reach For The Stars (Dallas Liu & Ian Ousley)

57

STAR'S POV

As I sit in the backseat of the car as I get driven home, my head was in a bad place after Blaise's. A wonderful moment being reduced to the resentment of the past. It doesn't have to be that way; it truly doesn't. I just have to take a deep breath, relax, and get past it. Only if life were so easy.

My mind was racing with thoughts. I sort of told Blaise the truth, but not entirely, and speaking it out loud felt terrible. Why am I feeling like this? I am the victim. The only thing I did wrong was listen to Kass. 

Everything I've survived, and this is the one thing that keeps me awake at night. I genuinely want to heal from this. But how do I persuade my mind to accomplish what I think? One half of me understands what is correct, while the other convinces my body to make the wrong decision every time.

"Can you take me to the bookstore that's around the corner, please?" I ask the driver, I don't want to go straight home.

That can't possibly end well.

When I get to the bookstore, I thank the driver before leaving the car. I ask him to leave as I plan to stay for a while.

I'd had a long day and was definitely exhausted, but I don't trust myself alone behind the walls of my home.

As the urge to relapse was undoubtedly there.

While I enter the store, staff members greet me, and I return the greeting. 

I adore this bookstore; it has two floors and every wall is covered in books. Every genre imaginable, with over hundreds of great writers. Chandeliers and floral arrangements hung from the high ceilings. A coffee bar in the center of the establishment, with tables surrounding it. My favorite spot was the cozy nook upstairs by the window, which provided the nicest view, especially when the sun went down.

There weren't many people here at the time, so the atmosphere was relaxed and quiet. Before going upstairs, I stop by the coffee bar and order a drink. I need something.

"Hey what can I get you?" The nice girl asks me.

"Hi, can I please just get a vanilla lavender latte please?"

"Of course, anything else?"

"Just some water, please. Oh! Can I have an additional shot of that latte please?"

"You got it."

"Thank you." I smile as she tells me my amount, and I pay.

She was the only one working the bar, and her nametag read Skylar.

Skylar wore Dr. Martens, black flared pants, a jean jacket, and a headband. Her outfit was adorable, and so was she.

"Three shots at almost 10'o clock huh?" As she prepares my drink, she engages in conversation.

"Uh, yeah. I've had a long day that doesn't appear to be ending soon, so I need something strong." I smile.

"Believe me, I am not judging. I'm on my third cold brew for the day."

I chuckle as she sets down my drink. "Your outfit is really cute by the way."

"Thanks! "You're so beautiful." She informs me. "Here's that water."

"Any books you have in mind of buying today?"

"No, I'm not just going to go with the flow." I respond with my latte and water bottle in hand.

"Can I recommend you something?" She brushes her hair behind her ear.

"Sure."

"You're going to love it." She says after she tells me her recommendation.