Lost In The Parallel World

-Chap :8

After calming myself by taking deep breaths and focusing on the good things. I felt my morale being lifted, so I quickly got to work before my mind turned off its logical reasoning button and started getting depressed.

I know I am weird.

Changing into some jeans and a shirt, with one arm into the coat and the other typing in the name of the library- Readify.

After pushing my other arm into the coat, I clicked on the search icon. The results showed up in seconds. The library was 10 kilometres s away. As I exited the building, my stomach growled in hunger. I must eat food before I go hunt down this library. I decided to enjoy my weekend to the fullest, checking my wallet to see how much cash I have at the moment.

Enough to buy me a fancy breakfast.

I thought as my fingertips brushed the borders of the paper of the money. Walking down the pathway with my hands in my coat's pocket, I gazed down the area. I better get familiar with this area as I will be staying there for some time.

I came upon a fancy cafe that caught my attention. It had a Paris vibe to it, and the fancy steel chairs with matching design tables were aligned alongside the mirror wall of the restaurant. In between the two tables, privacy was made with the help of nature- medium-sized bushes, which had yellow and red flowers on them.

And before you ask, Yes, I have been to Paris many times and now I don't want to visit that place anymore.

Then a thought came to my mind, Does Paris even exist in this world?

It brought chills down my spine, I took a deep breath and walked towards the posh cafe. I sat down in one of the chairs and grabbed the menu card, which was lying on the table. Half of it was underneath the flower pot. After ordering the menu, I leaned back in the chair and opened my diary, which I always carry with me.

I re-read the things I had listed;

- Find the person who sold drugs to her. And those who bought it from Esme.

-Find Esme friends and talk with them.

-With whom she went off to live?

I decided to message Jack after I get my hands on some information regarding the parallel world.

I watched some videos on YouTube regarding the world I was in, but I only found crap fake stuff. But again, everything seems fake and unauthenticated now.

I don't know who to believe.

After eating and paying the bills, I tied my hair into a ponytail and walked down the pathway toward the library. I was lost in my thoughts as I kept walking. It's not like I don't have any money to catch a cab. Walking is like I am in my element. It helps me clear my mind and relax. I followed the direction as directed by the map, and once again, I was surprised. Here there is no Google. They have a similar thing but a different name - Sphere.

So currently, I was following Sphere map directions and finally reached the library. My eyes followed the large ancient-designed building, the patterns on the red bricks were mesmerizing, and the surrounding tall Oak, Cedar, and Willow Trees added more beauty to the painting. The rusty areas on the pattern tell another story about decades, how it withstands destruction, and experienced spring since its evolution.

I climbed up the cemented stairs, which were covered with rust, fallen leaves, and probably dust. I liked the sophisticated look, which was my cup of tea. I opened the large gate, which surprisingly was smooth in its movement, and here I thought it would also be old, rusty, and difficult to open.

I passed greetings to the librarian, who was an old couple. The lady lowered her glasses, letting them rest at the bridge of her nose, and narrowed her blue eyes at me as if judging me. Judging me.

"You are new here," That's all she said, and I went back to reading a book she was holding in her hands.

A chill ran down my spine.

How did she know I was new here? Do I look like I am not from this world? Oh she meant she had never seen me here in this library?

I don't know in what context she said that to me, but it sure did scare the heck out of me. I awkwardly smiled and skedaddled. I took a breather as I was completely hidden by the tall bookshelves full of books arranged in symmetry.

"Woah," the surprised sound escaped my lips unintentionally.

I randomly pick out a book and read its name- The Life Of Lord Ludovicus Caelius.

It was an autobiography. Rolling my eyes in disappointment, I put it back where it belonged and started looking around for a mythical or some magic-related book. I don't know for how long, but I kept roaming around the huge library for an hour. I sighed in tiredness and sat down on one of the single sofas and took out my phone.

I remember I took a screenshot of the comment where the person told me about this library.

Maybe they also told me about the book's name?

I went to my gallery on the phone and found the picture I was looking for. Sadly, there was no such thing as only the name of the library was given to me.

I guess I have to look around for more.

"What are you looking for?" I heard a voice making me turn in their direction.

I found a tall man standing looking down at me with smiling eyes, and they held a meaning behind them.

Esme, don't let your guard down.

"You are?" I asked, standing up to meet his height, but he was four to five inches taller than me.

Woah.

He was handsome. Greyish white hair, blue eyes, and soft features for a man. But it suited him.

"I am Artamo. I saw you roaming around looking for something for some time now. I was reading a book here," He stopped and pointed a finger behind me. I followed his direction and saw a bag pack and a few books lying on the table.

I relaxed and looked back at myself with a smile.

"Oh. I am Esme," I said, extending my hand forward to shake hands with him.

He immediately held my hand and shook it. Warm and soft that's how his hands felt.

Would Rhys hand's feel the same?

I withdrew my hand in shock, surprising him and myself.

What the heck? Did I just think of Rhys?

"Are you okay?" I looked up to see Artamo's confused face.

"Yeah. I would like your help," I said, shaking my head to let go of the weird thought I just had. I faked a smile at him, and he seemed to accept it.

"Sure. So, what kind of content are you looking for?" He asked, running his fingers through his hair. My dumb eyes followed the movement, distracting me from the task at hand.

What? He was eye candy to my eyes.

He smiled as he saw me looking at him. I cleared my throat and walked forward to hide my embarrassment.

"I am looking for mythical or magical-related books for my assignment," I half lied, walking forward and not waiting for him.

"Right. It's this way, Esme," He said, probably laughing at my dumb ass.

I held my head high, keeping a blank face, and I walked back to where he stood.

"Where do you study?" he asked as we passed rows of bookshelves.

Shit. I can't call any random name out. He can go and search for it on his phone. I mean, why not? People are creepy these days.

So I decided to do what I have been doing since I came here.

Lying. I would become a Pinocchio if I keep on lying.

"Haha. No, I am not a student. I am a column writer. It's for my research on fantasy and folklore, you know that kind of stuff," I said naturally and chuckled to make it sound true.

"Oh. That's creative," He said and turned left. I was right behind him as he kept taking turns here and there.

What was worrying me about how will I get out of this maze?

"Here you go. This whole area covers mythology and witchcraft-related stuff," Artamo said, stopping in a huge crescent shape area. It was dimly lit and had a dark vibe to it. The lights were not white. They were yellow, adding more to the mysterious look of this part of the library.

"Hmm. Thank you so much for your help, Artamo," I said with a smile. Raising my hand, I waved slightly at him to let him know I needed privacy. He understood and nodded his head, waving his hand he left.

I started from the right, fingers passing over the books as I walked forward reading the names of the books. After around thirty minutes, the first six bookshelves consist only of fantasy and mythological novels. I sighed in disappointment.

This is going to take some time. Not how I thought it would go.

I motivated myself and continued looking for the stuff I needed. I did find a few mythological-related books and placed them on the table for me to take to home. But the thing I was looking for didn't appear in front of me, which was about a parallel world. As I was losing my hope and patience, I heard the creaking of a door. I sharply looked around to see where the sound came from because I remember I didn't see any door on my way.

It was either hidden or present at some corner where there was no light for me to see. You see, I have more sharp eyesight than usual people, which I have been proud of my whole life.

I heard footsteps on my right, so I walk-run around the sound and passed the corner of the crescent-shaped area. There were two bookshelves which were placed oddly than the rest of them. The bookshelves were placed either vertically or eyesight crescent-shaped area I was in before. But these two bookshelves were arranged in a horizontal shape, and the light here was dimmer than in the other areas.

Something felt fishy here. Which part of the library isn't brightly lit?

I heard the nearing of footsteps, I made a plan on the spot, and as I heard them almost near to where I stood, I rushed forward. As expected, I crashed into someone and their books along, with mine falling to the ground with a thud. Their large hands grabbed my arms to stabilize me. I looked up to see a person cladded in black. The person was a man, and I couldn't see his face properly as shadows hide his identity from me.

"Oh I am so sorry," I said, quickly bending down to see the books he was holding. He also followed suit and grabbed a few books before I could see them.

"No problem. Leave i can pick them up," His voice gruff and stern.

I let it go and grabbed my book from beneath his. He picked them up in one scoop and left. I looked back to where he came from and found something new. There was an almost closed door, but I saw bright light seeping through the gap, which was quickly filling in. I wanted to rush, but I know it was futile because it closed as soon as I stood up.

I smirked and felt my insides jump with excitement. I quickly take my mini diary out of my pocket and click open the pen to write down the name of one of the books I saw among others that the man was carrying.

Izor spells of the underworld.

Spells, which means he is either studying magic or is a wizard.

It was a ray of hope for me, but at the same time, it was scary.

I yet have to find where I am stuck. I have only found one piece of the puzzle.

I guess this is enough for today, I thought and picked up the books from the table. Since the day I came here, I never jogged or exercised, but today's quota of the exercise was accomplished unintentionally.

I thank god that the old lady was not behind the counter. After filling in the particulars and the duration of the book I want to keep, I finally came out of the library. I felt like I was in a black hole.

It was late evening around seven pm, and hell, I tried to walk back home. I called a cab through an app and looked around to sit in peace. I found a bench under a Willow tree and sighed in relief. As soon as I sat down, my phone started ringing. I closed my eyes in exhaustion and put my head back against the bench. I took out the phone and picked up the call-up while my eyes remained closed.

" Hello?" I called out with no energy left in my body.

"Hey. What happened? You sound down?" Jack's voice reached my ears, making me open my eyes.

"Jack. I went out to look for some stuff in the library. It took me a long time to find some useless information," I told him, hunching down and looking down at my shoes. They were a bit dusty. Not how I liked it.

"Oh. So what did you find?" He said curiously.

"Come to my place tomorrow. Have a few things to discuss, so I will tell you then," I said, standing up as I heard the honking and braking of a car.

My ride was here, and a smile formed on my face immediately.

"Okay. I will visit after my shift ends around eight, okay?" He asked. I heard plates clatter and spoons clinking in the background.

"Yeah. Okay, I need to go. Bye, take care," I said, pocketing my phone and making my way towards the car.

I slept in the car as usual, mum told me it was a habit of mine from childhood. No matter how fresh and well slept i was, i always used to sleep in the car. I sighed as i once again was reminded of my parents.

After paying the bill of the ride, i dragged my feet to the elevator. I was sweaty, greasy hair, and smelly.

In short- dirty. I needed a shower urgently. I ordered some food and went to take a shower. My body was aching all over from the nonstop work and under stress. The tears came out on their own. I cried and held no more. My sobs rang throughout the bathroom, and i was sure in the home as well.

I want my parents, Jasmine, and others.

I wish I didn't lash out to them that day. But I had no other choice. The event of that day played back in my mind once again, breaking my heart to pieces again. I sniffed and washed myself free of body gel.

There were no tears left in my eyes to let out and was left with a shitty headache. I was sure i would face migraines now.

Putting down the loofah, i picked up the shampoo and put some on my scalp. I massaged, and foam was formed. The sweet floral aroma of the shampoo filled the bathroom and oddly relaxed me. I felt my tensed muscles start to relax and sighed. Suddenly, the water stopped coming from the shower, I slightly slapped the shower twice, but it didn't work. I walked towards the sink and opened the tap to check whether the shower was not working or there was a shortage of water. No water as I glared down at the opened tap. Slapping it down to shut it, I grabbed my bathrobe to wear it. I walked out of the bathroom with water dripping from my body and a bun laced with shampoo resting over my head. As I closed the door of the bathroom, the lights went out.

"Are you serious!?," I yelled in the silence and darkness.

As if my day was going any better, it was the worst!

And add another thing to my worst day list. The phone i left to charge, thinking I had switched on the power button, but I thought wrong. It was off. So my phone is also dead.

What do I do now!? How do I file a complaint!?

"f**k!," I threw the cushion across the floor in anger.

The shampoo was sliding down my back and neck.

Only one option was left.

Go to the neighbors like this and request them to let you use their phone to complain about electricity and water shortage.

But it was embarrassing to go like this as I looked at myself in darkness.

But what other options do I have? NONE.

So I left my self-respect at home and walked out towards the door in front of me, which belonged to my neighbour whom I had never met before. I mean, yes, they did help me, but I never get to greet and thank them for their kindness. Letting go of all the irrational thoughts I get to work before someone sees me half-naked out here.

There was light present in the hallway, which confused me.

Was it only my house or this portion that has electricity issues right now?

I bent down with one hand, grabbing my hair to see if there was any light in their home as well. I saw light coming from the gap underneath the door and stood back, fixing my robe.

But wait. Even if they didn't have electricity, I only needed their phone. So why did I check?

Stupid.

I knocked on their door and waited. I bit my lower lip in nervousness. I felt water slide down my forehead, and I wiped it away, but my bad luck. The shampoo went into my right eye, and I put my hand over my eyes. The hand with which I was holding my hair before touched my other eye. I cry out in pain as now I am blind.

I heard the door open and a grunt.

"What is wrong with you, lady? Go shower in your house," the man said his voice sounds familiar.

I tried opening my eyes, but they started to burn even more, making me yelp in pain.

"I know I must look crazy to you. Shh. I-I am your neighbour. I- ah. I don't have shampoo. I mean water! s**t! My eyes! Move aside." I tried opening my eyes, but they kept shutting down due to the pain, I pushed the man away and ran inside.

"Hey! What the heck lady? Come back-" I ignored what the man was saying at the moment. My only focus was to find the washroom and wash my eyes out.

I found a room on my right and ran to the washroom. My hands hurriedly removed the robe and threw it across the floor. I opened the shower and sighed in relief as the water hit my head. I put some water on my eyes to wash out the shampoo and then wash my head. After I was done washing my hair and eyes, I kept staring at the ground where my robe was laying pathetically.

Okay, what do I do now?

I sighed and closed the tap. Picking the robe, I wore it back and took a deep breath before opening the door. The room was empty, meaning the man was waiting in the launch.

What a gentleman.

I threw a glance at the room. It was simple and cosy looking. I walked out of the bathroom with my wet sleepers, which were making squeaky noises whenever I walked. The man probably heard me coming towards them as I found a tall man standing in the large room.

Silence.

Ask why?

Because I found Rhys standing in front of me.

"What are you doing here?," I asked, confused while walking forward boldly.

"It's my house," He said blankly, but I did catch him looking down at my robe and legs. I silently smirked at him.

"Sorry for the inconvenience. I came here to make a call to file a complaint," I told him. It was rude of me to invade his privacy like this.

"What complain?", He asked, walking forward toward where I stood. He was around 10 inches taller than me, not five, which I assumed before. I reach up to his chest. I blinked my eyes and used my dumb brain.

Stop being distracting.

"There is an electricity and water shortage in my house," I said, softly looking down at myself.

"Wait here," He said, passing me and walking away. I looked back to see him going into the room where I went before.

I somehow felt nervous in front of him in this attire. Otherwise, I am confident with him. Maybe because I had a bad day or I was embarrassed.

"Here. Change into this," He said, making me turn towards him. In his hands were his clothes and a towel.

I looked up into his grey eyes, which were darker than usual. His brown hair is a bit messy as if he came out of bed. My hazel eyes found his eyes held kindness today, not irritation.

"Thank you so much, Rhys," I gave a small smile and grabbed the clothes from him, and went into the room to change.

As I was changing clothes, my thought went back to Artamo. He was average looking in front of Rhys. Ryhs was more attractive with brown hair and grey eyes.

I guess I have not dated for a while, and I have officially lost it.

I cursed myself and put the towel over my back, and pulled the corners forward on my chest so that it also covered my chest. So that my hair rested over the towel on my back and not his clothes. I hate wet clothes on my body. I walked back into the room to find him talking to someone over the phone.

"Yes. Make sure it is all sealed properly. Okay," He said and gestured for me to sit on the sofa while he paced the room.

I sat on one of the sofas awkwardly. My fingers fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. He put the phone down and went to the kitchen. I silently watched him and waited for him.

He came back with a tray that contained a glass of water and juice in his hands. He placed it in front of me and sat down in front of me on the opposite side.

"Please have whatever you like," He was polite, which came out to be a surprise.

"Wow, you can be polite as well?" I whispered, but I said it loud as I saw him raise his eyebrow. I bent forward and grabbed a glass full of water.

"I can be when I want to be," He explained blankly and folded his arms over his chest.

I only nodded my head, "So did you talk to the owner or whoever looks after this issue?" I asked.

"Yes. According to them, the water pipe on your side of the building burst open and they had to shut off the electricity to prevent electric shock and fire from occurring as the wires are lying near the pipes underground. It will be back in a few minutes. And about the water pipe, they will be replaced by tomorrow morning and water will be there in the morning," He explained all the stuff in such a professional way like he was teaching me.

"Oh. Thank you," I said and put the glass back down on the table.

"I think I should go. I have caused you enough trouble for today," I said, standing up, and he followed suit.

"It's okay," He said, with a tight smile on his face. It was clear he was faking it, making me chuckle at him. He was trying to be polite but failed miserably.

He raised his eyebrow, lips pursed together - ah yes, this his usual Rhys look.

"Please can I ask you for one more favour?" I asked, walking towards him,

He nodded his head, telling me to go on, " My phone battery is dead, and I don't have a candle or torch. So I can't see anything. If you have any, please will you-,"

"Yes, I have. Let me bring you," He said, cutting me and going to another room.

He probably made me go towards my room as soon as possible. Honestly, I was disturbing him this late in the But he was nice enough to help well-sleptaIe back with a torch and a candle as if he was saying Io me don't come to him again to help.

"Here. Keep the candle for the future," HI said and passed the things to me.

My heart was warmed by his actions.

He wanted me to have them because... so that I don't disturb him again. Yeah, no other reason, Esme.

"Thank you again, Rhys. And yes, thank you for h me with the boxes that day as well, I never get the chance to show my gratitude," I said, with a genuine smile on my face.

He nodded his head and walked towards the door.

Jeez. I was leaving.

I thanked him again as I passed him and heard the thud of the door as I passed the threshold.

Wow, geez. So cold.

But why do I feel attracted to cold men? God knows.

I was so tired to even think about anything. I switched on the torch, picked up the cold food parcel from the ground i walked inside my home, and went straight to the bed after locking the door. As I have showered, I felt sleepy, so as soon as my body hit the mattress, I passed out.

..............