CHAPTER 14: Mystery Remains

CHAPTER 14: Mystery Remains

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Ella was laying in her bed, gazing at her window that allowed sun rays to filter inside and illuminate her small bedroom.

Last night was chaotic with her friends' spontaneous plans, she was too distracted and then exhausted to really process what had happened earlier that day, but now that she realised she didn't have any early classes she stayed in bed while her mind went places she didn't intend.

She found herself wondering why he didn't show up? Was she being too inquisitive when she made that request? Did he not want to meet her? Was it too much? Too early?

But she just wanted to be friends... If that, and then maybe ask him a few things about all those previous letters since she was so curious...

Or was it simply something like he was busy and couldn't make it?

Whatever it was.... at the end of the day, the mystery remains a mystery.

Ella was going crazy and she needed another opinion, or maybe some reassurance that 'all was not ruined'.

There was a knock on her door and then Ella said "I'm awake Nora."

She stuck her head in and smiled, "I was just checking." Ella sat up in her bed and Nora invited herself in. "You're feeling okay?" She asked.

"I don't see why not, it's not like we ate spicy as hell food and then cried all over the place last night," Ella said sarcastically.

"Seeing as you're making jokes I'm gonna believe you're fine." Nora raised an eyebrow at her. "I'm gonna go make coffee, you want something else?" She asked as she began to walk away when Ella stopped her...

"Yes, I-" She turned around with questioning eyes, "I need to tell you something," Ella said.

"Is this about my jacket? Because you can borrow it, I don't mind..." Nora guessed.

"It's not about the jacket!" Ella rolled her eyes, "It's about... " She paused, thinking it over. "It's about the diary."

Nora lingered in her doorway, but then came back and sat down on the bed next to Ella... "what about the diary?"

"Remember that diary I lost two weeks ago?"

Nora nodded.

" It-...it wasn't mine..." She hesitated before continuing, "I know, I told you it was mine because it was hard to explain, actually I just found it..." Ella told her everything from the willow tree to the letters to the replies and the yellow sticky notes and lastly the meeting that never took place.

Nora's eyes were wide with shock by the end of it, "All this was going on and you told me nothing?"

Ella looked down at her fussing hands and pulled at a thread of her shirt that was coming loose. "Sorry."

"Damn right you should be! And what were you thinking going to meet him there alone, what if you got kidnapped and then got shipped away while your organs were stolen?" Nora lectured.

Ella had to hold back a smile, "Don't be dramatic, he's a college student and I was inside the campus, it was safe and anyway he-... he doesn't seem like a shady guy."

"Yeah, sure... like he'd tell you if he had a few buddies in prison." Nora scoffed.

"Alright fine, that was stupid of me, I should have told you." Ella accepted. "But he never showed up, I don't know what to think of it, I thought we were becoming friends..."

"Are you sure he thinks the same?" Nora asked, smirking.

"I don't know anymore..." She shrugged. "He probably thinks I'm the shady guy..." She mumbled, amused at the possibility.

"Do you have his letter?" Nora asked and Ella nodded. "Show it to me!" She sounded excited.

Ella thought about it, there was no harm in showing her the letter, it's not like she was asking to read his diary which was a lot more private. She reached into the drawer of her bedside table and pulled out an envelope.

"Here you go. " Ella said. "I'm letting you see it just this once."

Nora eyed the paper and then unfolded the letter, "All this seems so old school classic."

Ella rolled her eyes, "People still do write letters, it's not that old, you're talking as if I also sent it with a pigeon..."

Nora began reading, and analysing every word, "Dear Intruder huh?" Her eyes widened, "Right off the bat, he's not beating around the bush." She took a few minutes to read it completely and then said, "Damn, he outright told you, that you won't get the journal back."

"Well, yeah...and I can't exactly fault him, it kinda is technically his journal," Ella said.

"Yeah, He sounds like a soft-spoken well-mannered gentleman even if he's accusing you and sometimes being rude," Nora said.

"I know, weird right?" Ella frowned but was happy to share her observations.

Nora nodded, "His handwriting is beautiful though..."

"It really is." Ella smiled.

"But there's something I find strange, how come he was able to get his journal back without knowing you?" She pointed out.

Ella thought about it. It stumped her for a bit. "I-I don't know that either... and I don't think he'll tell me how he got it back, it makes no sense."

"Do you think he knows who you are?" Nora asked.

Ella became more doubtful the more she thought about it, "I don't know to be honest..."

"Well you need to find out, and don't worry, I'll help you." She declared.

"Really?" Ella for once seemed excited.

"Yeah, but are you sure you want to be just 'friends' with this guy?" Nora asked outright.

"What?! I don't even know him!" Ella protested.

"I'm just saying, the letters, the diary, the knowing secrets and keeping secrets... it all seems kinda romantic." Nora shrugged.

"Well, it's not." Ella denied.

"Fine... fine, now let's go have some coffee, what time do you have your classes today?" Nora gave her back the letter and stood up.

"In the afternoon" Ella kept the letter back in the drawer and walked towards the bathroom, "you go ahead, I'll be there in a few minutes."

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In fiction class, Zoey slipped in the seat next to her, "Good to know you're not kidnapped."

Ella looked up and smiled, "Apparently not."

"Why do you sound disappointed about that?" Zoey asked, interested.

Ella mused, "It's just I had high expectations with the whole kidnapping ordeal."

"I'll kidnap you if you want, make your dream come true." her classmate joked and she chuckled.

When Ms Simmons entered and started the class, and they were forced to drop the conversation and pay attention to what was being taught.

After lectures drained her energy and a few tested her patience, Ella walked towards the library to get her work done in peace.

Mr Singh, her Literature Professor has given her class a new assignment and she decided to get started on it so that she could finish on time.

After a bit of research about the development of language and non-verbal communication, she decided to look for a few books.

When she went looking for books among the familiar bookshelves she couldn't help but glance at one corner, in particular, expecting nothing but it caught her off guard when she saw an envelope tucked there cleverly hidden from an unobservant eye.

She couldn't stop herself from reaching for it, a part of her expecting a few answers in the letter as she safely tucked it in her bag. She walked to the nearby bus stop with the letter on her mind and when the bus didn't show up in the next five minutes, Ella couldn't keep her curiosity bottled up any longer.

Sitting calmly in the waiting seat at the bus stop she pulled out the carefully folded paper and slowly unfolded it as she held her breath.

Her eyes fell on the first two words,

"Dear Annie,"

Even if it wasn't her real name, it filled her with unexpected joy.

25-Sept-2018

Dear Annie,

Even if you think writing a letter is not your strength, I believe your words are exquisite. I'm not just saying this to reassure you and put your mind at rest (or because we are social creatures who crave social validation, I know you were not looking for that), so it isn't that at all. I sincerely mean it.

I am no one to critique someone's skills but all I know is that reading your letter made me happy, regardless of how passive-aggressive it might be.

I liked your reaction to my letter. It was almost as if I was there to witness it myself. Thanks for telling me. To be honest, 'willing things into physical existence' sounds like a cool superpower. It sounds quite convenient too, and I'm almost disappointed that that wasn't the reality. (We could be an amazing superhero sidekick duo. My only aversion is to tights. I don't think it'll be very flattering on me either.)

About the journal and how I got it back, Well, it's for me to know and for you to never find out. It may or may not fall under a criminal category, a magician never gives away his secrets after all.

I owe you an apology, not just for yesterday but also for everything else before it where I didn't take responsibility for my actions. I'm sorry.

And I'm immensely sorry for disappointing you yesterday. I didn't want to fail you, (not yet), not already... 'People disappoint easily than impress consistently' You said in one of your letters and you're right.

I'm scared of not meeting your expectations, of not being what you thought I would be and not mirroring your idea of me... I don't want to disappoint you, but it seems by not showing up, I disappointed you anyway. The thought of you standing there alone, waiting... It makes me upset.

But would it help if I tell you that I did leave my front door to meet you? I left, I almost walked halfway..... I just never made it to you. I was too conflicted and confused and a part of me was reluctant.

Is it too selfish of me for wanting to maintain my anonymity?

Maybe it is. But I want to be honest with you and that's just how I feel.

The truth is I want to keep writing to you as we do now. Your letters are the highlight of my day and I don't want to lose this...connection.

I feel that if I step in front of you, just me...the plain and simple me with no fancy wordplay or dazzling description this illusion would shatter. Am I a fool for wanting to hold on to it, to try and preserve it? I know not, but all I know is that I would be willing to try.

I hope you can forgive me.

Repentantly,

Elliot.

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The words from the letter kept hovering in her inner eye as she sat in the bus and looked outside at the awash city. The bus stopped and she got down at her intended stop, instantly digging her hands in her bag to grab the umbrella she packed because of predicted showers.

The unseasonal rain came down like a cold curtain around Ella as she ran with all her might clutching the handle of her blue umbrella in her stiff chilly fingers, determined to make it on time even after the public transport had made her half an hour late.

The pedestrians on the sidewalk were scarce because of the rain, but it also slowed her down considerably as she tried not to slip from her hasty pace and avoided small puddles as she rushed on. The wind howled like a low resonating whistle as the tall building she was looking for came into view and Ella stopped a moment to catch her breath, but a little glance at her watch made her run again.

As she neared the entrance of the building, she saw a long line of people extending outwards. The book signing event was well underway and was about to wrap up in the next half hour or so. Ella quickly got in line and waited with chatty excited fans, as the line slowly moved forward.

Huge posters of the book cover of "Ivory Castle" adorned every wall and signboard with the author's pen name 'Cameron Sinclair' written in huge block letters on top, Ella gazed at it with admiration before reaching for her own copy that was kept safely in her bag.

Everyone else there had come to the event in groups or in pairs. The few guys standing in front of her talked about the book's characters and plot with excited energy and fanboyed over the writing style. Ella was amused as she overheard the conversation while she was left alone to her devices.

The line moved forward little by little and now she could finally get a glimpse of the author sitting behind the desk, shadowed by all the people that surrounded him. He was happily chatting with the fans, smiled with genuine interest as he talked and clicked pictures and signed their copies. It was endearing to watch and Ella stood almost transfixed. He was young, a little too young for the famous reputation his name carried.

He was wearing his thin dark-framed spectacles, which made him look sharp and important, while the friendly smile on his angular face, dissolved the intimidation into warmth as he leaned over the book to sign his name with sweet long messages, his long cropped brown hair fell into his eyes while he made no move to brush it away.

After what felt like forever it was her turn to walk to his desk and she clutched her book firmly as she took steady steps in his direction, Cameron looked up expecting just another face, but looking at her his jaw dropped.

"Surprise!" She said jokingly.

His shock deliquesced into delight as he beamed up at her, "You sly thing" his honey brown eyes identical to her own were lit with mirth as he rose and leaned over the desk to hold her in a hug. "You should have told me, I would have made some arrangements."

She expected this and had a response ready, "I texted you!" That shut him up real quick. Ella decided to brush off the lapse, "There was no need though, I can't steal you away and have you disappointing your fans so early on in your career."

"They would have understood," Cameron mumbled quietly.

"Look at you, already taking your fame for granted..." Ella teased.

He rolled his eyes at the remark and inquired, "How long can you stay?"

"I can wait, take your time." She told him in a reassuring voice.

He glanced down at his wristwatch and then at the line of people waiting, "Twenty more minutes and then I'm all yours."

"Of course bro, you did promise me desserts..." She reminded him, making him chuckle.

"I'll tell Amanda you're here, she'll show you inside," Cam said as he called for his manager.

"Not so soon, you do have to sign this for me, I didn't stand in the line for so long for nothing..." She said and urged him to take his seat and he obliged.

He looked at the book and then at her and smiled, "You always order me around...."

After exactly thirty-seven minutes Cameron was slipping into the seat opposite Ella in the cafe where she's been waiting for him to finish up his work.

"Sorry, Sorry..." were his first words as he came, "There were a few more people than anticipated and I didn't want to send them back disappointed when they came all the way in the rain."

She nodded in understanding and remembered the times her brother and she used to go for similar events, there was this one time they couldn't make it in time and missed an opportunity to meet one of their favourite authors, they were so disappointed as they went back home. "It's okay, I was prepared for something like this since the day you decided to publish your first book."

Her brother rolled his eyes and picked up the menu to look through the list of food they offered even though he knew what he wanted. "Those were the good old days, I remember getting excited over every single purchase." He said and then called the waitress to order his coffee.

"How many books did you sign?" She asked curiously.

"Too many to count..." He flexed his fingers as he opened and closed his fist and rolled his neck.

"Do you have an allergy to text messages?" She switched the topic.

Cameron could have kept his mouth shut wisely, instead, he said, "Do you think such a disorder exists? I could be a victim."

Ella shot him a sharp glare and wondered out loud, "I don't understand how you could be so stupid and smart at the same time."

"People are often contradictions," He said smoothly.

Ella blinked, a beat passed in silence. "Did you just quote yourself?" identifying that line from one of his books.

Cameron smirked in a self appeasing manner and shrugged, "I have the privilege to do that."

The waitress returned with his coffee and smiled flirtily at him before leaving. Ella was used to witnessing the effect her brother had on other people, especially the opposite sex because of his undeniable good looks, he either didn't care or was too used to it to give it a second thought.

"Let's take a picture!" Cameron suggested.

"What? No, why?" She complained.

"Don't worry, I don't plan to post it, I'll just send it to dad to make him jealous." He said in a bubbly excitement that seemed strange originating from him. Her dad and brother often competed about who gets to spend more time with her and even though she didn't understand that- it was flattering.

"You're so immature..." Ella chuckled as he pulled out the selfie cam and quickly snapped a few pictures of them.

"How's college?" He asked as he kept the phone down on the table and reached for his coffee.

"You know how college is, nothing interesting ever happens." She grumbled but then thought; unless you consider secret pen friends as interesting. Although her brother would most definitely just find it weird, which is understandable. "forget that, any new projects you're working on?" She asked with enthusiasm.

He answered almost in an automated manner, "The sequel to 'Ivory Castle' is underway, a lot of promotional events are scheduled too and my agent is telling me to venture into short fiction so I'm trying that, it is not too bad."

"That sounds interesting, Have you completed any, I'd like to read them..."

Cameron nodded, "I was gonna send them to you anyway, let me know what you think." he said happily.

"I was expecting a new novel story. to be honest..." She admitted.

He sipped his coffee, "You know me, always a new story taking form in here." He knocked his head as if it was a hardwood door.

"Tell me!" She ordered.

"Alright so, it's a spy thriller and the main character is undercover on a secret mission, the story opens as he wakes up in a hospital bed with no idea as to how he got there."

Ella's eyes had narrowed as he narrated on, already guessing where the story was going.

"When he realises he's got amnesia, he gets confused as to whose side he was really working on..."

She gave him a pointed 'really' look for the overused 'amnesia trope'.

"Alright I can already feel you judging me, but listen... it gets better." He assured her.

"I doubt it," Ella said flatly but didn't interrupt him again, knowing this was how his process works, he needed to speak up and get all the bad ideas from his head to exit before he started brewing some good ones.

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