Distance Between Us | j.d.b ✔️ (BOOK I X II) THE FANFIC

DBU II: Chapter 3 (Leigh-Ann)

So, now that the overviews are over, let's move right along.

I didn't really know what to expect as I lived on my own. I was hardly two months in and I felt alone.
    I got his sappy letter a week or so after it was written. The lobbies failed to give it to me, although he had witnessed me pace back and forth in the lobby multiple times beforehand. I wasn't expecting the letter at all. I was expecting an order of zines, that were sent via fan mail either. Kevin, the man at the front desk apologized, but that didn't make it any better. What else had been failing to deliver because of him? I was over Justin and his raging emotions, but as my fingers raced my well written name, I had a sudden urge to open it. Justin never wrote my name nicely. Ever. What a nice gesture, far too late. I was moving out of Harry's soon. It had been a while since I had a place of my own. It was nice. Although it was nice, I felt alone frequently. I was two months in and all I knew was a wave of loneliness. It wasn't too unusual as I frequently greeted this phase amongst the mist of happiness.
  Poetry became my best friend when Harry was living his life. I didn't mind though. After the open mic night things changed drastically and definitely for the better. Although seeing Justin that night sent a wave of anger through me, I changed that anger into self reflection of who I am today. Shout out to him for breaking my heart multiple times and allowing me to create some of my best literary works.
Unlocking my front door and taking a shaky breath, I walked in and kicked the door closed with the sole of my Chelsea booties. The heels of my shoes clicked and clacked as I made my way into my living room and dropped the packages I had in my hand onto the coffee table. I'd been receiving love left and right, but I wanted to return the love, so as I stared at the coffee table, I decided to dig in and check out the zines. I wanted to see other's works. Heading for my kitchen I opened the fridge and retrieved an ice cold coffee before sighing and searching for a pocket knife in one of the drawers. Stalking back into my living room, I plopped down onto the sofa with ease. Cutting down the middle of taped up boxes left and right, I began to separate what looked like zines and fan-mail. Of course, I couldn't separate all of them considering some fan mail contained zines, but whatever my eyes became fond of first, is what I set to the side to analyze. When I felt as if I had a decent amount to look through I placed the box onto the ground and placed what I wouldn't be going through at the moment back in. Rubbing my somewhat dry hands together I began to analyze the mail. Some zines were handmade, others were not, but they were all constructed so nice with fluent letters written in response. Some notes were in regards to my recent novel if you will, while others were simply praising how much of an influence I was. I wanted Harry to see some of these, as these weren't just literary zines, they were your typical visual art zines.

Thirty minutes in and I found myself responding to a few of these people. Some left contact information via social media while others did not so I simply wrote them back. I was so intrigued and proud of these individuals I had never met before. I inspired them? They were beginning to inspire me. As I began to finish up a letter my phone rang. Seeing Harry's name appear on the screen that was only a few inches away from me, I smiled and reached to answer my phone.

"Hey, Harry. What's up?"

"Guess what I just got us?" He cooed.

"What?" I questioned with furrowed brows.

"Two tickets to Lilly Smith's Christmas party."

"Lilly Smith?" I questioned, a somewhat bitter taste greeting my mouth. My smile completely vanished. I found myself reaching for my coffee and taking a long gulp.

"Yes, Lilly Smith the publisher. Before you.."

"Oh yeah, Lilly the publisher who refused to publish my book." I nodded before rolling my eyes and standing. I detested Lilly Smith for agreeing to publish my ideas before disregarding me and my work when I refused to change the format and length of what I wanted published. If I would have done that, nothing would have been mine. It would have made no sense to go through with it.

"Hey, now. I understand that it's a sensitive topic, but I'll tell you what, it's a Christmas party. No business will be involved. You're the most cheery person I know around Christmas time, Leigh-Ann. Think about all the good this would do for you."

"I don't believe we're talking about the same Leigh-Ann, Harry. Smith, called off our agreement. One that had a full blown contract attached to it, with both of our names. Plus, I rather not be in her presence. Furthermore, I hardly feel any type of desire to be in the Christmas spirit. I could care less, Harry."

"Oh settle down. Don't get your knickers in a twist. You would be a fool not to attend Lilly's event. Everyone will be there. This is what's best. There's even a time for book signings and such. We're going." Harry went silent for a moment before starting again. "And did I just hear you say that you're hardly in the Christmas spirit? Oh, no ma'am."

"I guess I am a fool." I admitted. "This year has been great and I'm just ready for the new year. Being anywhere near that woman would contradict that completely. I'm not stepping a foot in her house. I could care less about this little event. Give the ticket to someone who actually cares and wants it."

"Leigh-Ann, I'm not arguing with you."

"So, stop." I blandly stated as I paced around my living room.

"We're going and that's final. I promise everything will be fine. You won't regret it." He reassured me.