When The Snow Settles - Justin Bieber Fanfiction

On the First Day of Christmas

Disclaimer: You do not need to imagine Emma as Madison Beer. She was chosen because she fits Emma's description. You can imagine *yourself* as her! Events in this story are fictional, using some of Justin Bieber's past life experiences. 

The first day of December arrived cold and I was hesitant to leave the warmth that my blanket brought me. Winter had a different kind of light streamed in through my bedroom window, but it was as beautiful as it was chilling. I knew I had to get up, though I'd rather stay warm. I threw the blanket off me and swung my legs off my bed, getting up to start my favorite time of the year.

I wasn't one for the spotlight. I was okay with being on the sidelines, quietly observing the world around me. A book in my hands, and a cup of tea or coffee nearby was my comfort zone. The solitude suited me; it gave me time to think and of course, it allowed me to go into different worlds every time I picked up a new book. 

I sighed and eventually walked across my room to my frosted window. I traced a finger over the glass, drawing a smiley face to remind myself what kind of day I should aim to have. As I looked out of the window, Stratford was covered in snow. I smiled to myself, and the warmth of my blanket started to feel less and less needed.

I dressed in my usual style, going for a soft, turtleneck sweater in cream. I paired it with light trousers. My choice of footwear was a pair of classic loafers. To complete the look, I layered on an oversized blazer in earthy tones. Each piece was simple but intentional, making sure I wasn't noticeable, just the way I preferred.

My mornings were always the same, filled with routine. A small cup of Cuban coffee with no sugar, strong, simple, and exactly how I liked it. I skimmed through my planner trying to plan for the day but my mind immediately drifted to the bookstore. Today, the newest Simone Fontaine novel was waiting for me, and I had been counting the days. Fontaine's writing was exactly the kind I loved. It was complex, introspective, and filled with tension.

Slipping a crossbody leather bag over my shoulder, I looked at my reflection in my mirror. My gold jewelry was delicate and minimal. I adjusted the blazer's collar slightly. I was used to the simplicity of my world, and I liked it that way. The bookshop was my haven, where I could lose myself in thousands of pages.

Today was just another day, except it wasn't. I had no idea that everything would change with a single encounter. One I never expected.

As soon as I stepped out of my apartment, the cold air hit me hard and instantly turned my cheeks and nose a shade of pink. I touched my blazer once more before I headed down the steps. The sun was shining behind grey clouds that promised more snow fall. The streets of Stratford were quiet just the occasional car rumbling by and the soft crunch of snow beneath my boots.

Stratford had always been a quiet town, especially in winter. The holiday decorations were already up, though. Wreaths on doors, twinkling lights around the lampposts, a few red ribbons here and there. There was a comforting familiarity to it all, like the town was an old book I'd read a thousand times but never grew tired of. 

I walked toward the bookstore. It wasn't far, just a few blocks from my place, but the cold made it feel longer. Still, I enjoyed the quiet. There was something about walking through the snow, bundled up, that made me feel peaceful. Like I was the only one in the world for just a moment.

When I reached the bookstore, I smiled softly. The building was old, but it was welcoming. Its wooden sign was swaying gently in the breeze. The large front window was frosted at the edges, and through the glass, I could see the warm lights inside. The door was painted a deep green, slightly chipped at the edges, and a small brass bell hung just above it.

As I pushed the door open, the bell jingled softly. I immediately felt warm, and I shook the snow from my boots, careful not to track too much of it inside. The smell of paper and ink filled my nose mixing with the faint scent of pine from the small, decorated tree in the corner.