Chapter Text
" "Bookstore" is a small store with a rich history, in which anyone works, just not professional sellers. Under the roof of the Shop, hand-to-hand combat instructors, aspiring actors and writers, religious fanatics, psychos of various sorts and underachievers of all stripes are looking for (and sometimes even find) themselves." This is the definition Google gives us to describe a bookstore.
- pretty artistic for google. - Dipper mumbles at my side. A fluffy scarf is wrapped around his neck, warm, gray in color. He has a thin green jacket on his shoulders, and a magnetic cannon in his bosom. His shoulders are broad, even when he slouches. Dipper has narrow hips in wide jeans, thin lips and long eyelashes.
- Yeah...
I'm wearing a brown scarf in a cage that doesn't fit with my image. It smells of forest and moist earth. At the exit of our apartment, Dipper carefully wrapped it around my neck. I would have buried my nose in it if it wasn't for the reason for this wonderful smell. This smell has been with me for a year and a half.
I smiled and put my hand in Gothic rings on the waist of my beloved. I saw a blush go down his freckled ears. I smiled even wider. All this time I was very happy with this man. I've gotten too used to his hair curling between my fingers. His scars, his freckles. In general, to the beauty of his essence. To those big, absolutely in love eyes. Sooner or later, they would have killed me.
- Here she is! - I looked away and saw a small building, a bookstore. Outside there was something like a cash register, above it was the name "Over the Garden Wall". There were a couple of boxes of magazines and dollar discs at the bottom. There was an open sign on the door.
It was dry and warm inside. There were quite a lot of shelves with books that could hardly fit in such a small space. Drawings and notes hung on the wall, above the cash register and the yellow sofa. I tried not to react to the ghost of a little girl, and a guy about 20 years old, cradling her in his arms, who was sitting on a bench at the entrance.
A beautiful melody was playing, something similar to the classics that play at the pretentious balls of Pacifica. Surprisingly, there is almost no dust on the shelves. The wooden door behind the cashier's booth leading outside is open. There is some kind of scuffling behind her. Maybe the cashier went out for a smoke. There are a lot of boxes and stacks of books stacked in pyramids in a small building.
Dipper immediately runs away from the farthest corner and takes the most extreme book of the bottom shelf, and begins to read. He always had a funny consistency and a penchant for being overly organized. I went to the sofa, before grabbing the book that attracted me from the shelf. thus, we were separated by about six meters. I gave Dipper a place to stay in his personal bubble.
Why did we come to this little shop and why is Dipper so excited? This place is dedicated to books about mysticism, legends and horror. Dipper really wanted to come here and see. We might need it for research. Even fiction can help a lot.
There were many books unknown to me, even in other languages. I picked up an old book that looked battered. It described the origin of vampire legends. Quite interesting. Slightly chewed, but interesting.
"All the legends about vampires came to us from the eastern part of Europe. It is believed that Serbia is actually the birthplace of these legends. And some sources even call the exact place — the village of Zarozhye. It was there that the vampire Sava lived 250 years ago..." At this point, the reading was interrupted.
I noticed movement with my peripheral vision. What I saw amazed me. The ghost of a woman was dragging a LIVING guy by the sleeve and talking to him. The guy's gaze was directed in the direction where she was, but he looked as if into the void. The gaze was unfocused. My ears rang and I didn't hear what the ghost was saying, she left shaking her hips and lighting a cigarette. I shifted my gaze to the guy.
He had neat, elongated features. Pale skin and pink nose. A clean, ironed shirt and a sweater with a large weave. His hair was knocked to the side and sticking out. They were dark brown, smooth and shiny. His classic trousers hung loosely on his feet and two large shoes of different colors emphasized the image. Long fingers with pronounced joints tapped on the cash register table.
We stood in silence for a minute. I was thinking about what to say to the first medium in my life, the same as me. It would be very unpleasant to make a mistake. But he spoke first.
- Can I help you? - his voice was velvety, nervous. He spoke on low notes. His voice was like water in a calm stream. Poetic.
- No, it's not worth it! - I almost dropped the book, jumped in surprise. We stood in silence for a minute before I spoke again. - you just did... Have you talked to her? - I nodded toward the door. He turned to me in surprise. His eyes widened as he realized. Exhaling noisily, the guy answered quietly, almost in a whisper.
- Do you hear them too?- said the man. I nodded. He inhaled and exhaled again. - and you... see? - I nodded again. One of his thin eyebrows rose. He sat down on the sofa, putting his hands on his knees. He began to speak a little louder. - wow... this... I don't even have the words...
- Me too.... - I looked away at the magazines on the table.
- I can't see them, but I can hear them. I know that there are people who both see and hear them, but I can't. I still can't believe it... - he chuckled.
- Norman. - I whispered. the guy looked up at me. - My name is Norman, I'm a medium. - Pause. - I... give me your number. I pull my phone out of my pocket.- He blushes slightly.
- Ahem... that's pretty drastic... But, as I understand it, all people who have experienced clinical death are a little strange. - He takes out his phone and hands it to me.
- Clinical death? - I give him my phone.
- Well... yes? So, wait, how did you get this feature? - he looked a little confused.
- I was born with this, inheritance... - I said it a little sadly, but it seems that the interlocutor did not notice.
- Are they born with this? - he broke away and gave me my phone. I told him too.
- yes... - I looked up at him. Basically to ask how to write it down. But then my boyfriend-
-Norm! I want to take something but I can't find the cashier! You didn't see... oh...- Dipper peeked out from behind the shelf. The guy jumped, scared. Me, from something, too.
- WAIT A SECOND! - the guy quickly got up, ran to the cash register flashing his heels. He nervously punched through a thick book and my boyfriend paid for it. Dipper came out of the shop, let me stay, waited at the door. I turned to the guy. All he said was presumably his name.
- Wirt.
***
We've been talking quite often since we met. He said he lives with his brother, opened a business and helps with graduation and admission. He brother's name is Greg. Sometimes he takes Wirt phone and sends me funny photos of his frog. I always laugh and thank Wirt for such wonderful photos. He gets embarrassed and swears. But in general, we didn't talk much about life, more often we discussed our supernatural experience. From my personal life, I mentioned that I am studying to be a director and I love to draw.
He told me how he got the ability to hear ghosts. Everything was pretty blurry, so I didn't fully understand his story the first time. Later, with some new details, I was able to get a clearer picture.
He survived clinical death, got into the afterlife. I didn't know it existed, maybe ghosts go there after they do what they didn't have time to do during their lifetime? Then why did Wirt get there? Something went wrong and when he woke up, he could still hear the dead. The voices were sort of in he head, so initially Wirt was treated by a psychiatrist. He even lay in the hospital for a while, after which his parents gave up. Later, somehow, he was able to realize that he was hearing ghosts.
Wirt also told about who these ghosts are in the shop. They used to own it, but a long time ago, in 70. They were selling fish here. He told me that the woman who dragged him was Miss Suzn. She was the head of the family and a single mother. Son- Vincent and very little daughter Lily. They died as a result of the flood. Wirt has been restoring this small building for a long time. In turn, I promised to come and draw him what they look like. He was interested in it.
Dipper asked me who I was texting with. I was saying that this is my new friend. He was happy for me. His eyes sparkled when he saw me texting. Dipper would give me a loud peck on the cheek and leave.
And now I've been corresponding with Wirt again, exchanging theories and stuff. I was sitting at the table, in front of me was a sheet of watercolor paper and the watercolor itself. The sketch was already ready, the plot was familiar to me: hordes of zombies. It remains only to paint and refine. But I corresponded with Wirth again, it's amazing how the topic of the paranormal never exhausted itself.
The door creaked softly behind me.
- Norman? - I heard Dipper's voice. He spoke softly, excitedly, which did not bode well.
- Yes? Is something wrong? - I put the phone down worriedly.
- We wanted to go to the Saxon concert this Friday, but... - he exhaled heavily - I can't. he looked me in the eye. - I really really wanted to, but Mabel needs help, I can't-
- Does she need help? - I got up from my seat - of course, go! Is it something serious? I can go with you! - I came closer.
- No, no! He took me by the forearms. - Waddles is a little sick, she's worried, your help is not needed! - after hearing this, I calmed down a little - You can go to the concert!
- But you wanted to... - I mumbled sadly. - you know, I can sell tickets! Let's go another time!
- No! Go on! You can invite someone! - he smiled - maybe your new friend!
- maybe... - I looked at the phone with a sad look.
- Norm... - his face saddened again. - You love this band, I don't want to take away your pleasure... I... if you go, my heart will be at peace. He hugged me. I smiled weakly.
- I'll try to persuade him. - Nodding, I lifted his bangs and kissed the stars, after which he smiled at me and sat down on the sofa with a laptop, I heard the clacking of keys. Did he make arrangements with Mabel?
I saw the last few messages from Wirt.
Wirt: for this reason, I think that the soul cannot be divided into pieces, therefore, your theory is impossible.
Wirt: Norman? Where are you?
You: I'm here, sorry, Dipper wanted to talk
Wirt: There's nothing to worry about.
You: How do you feel about concerts?
Wirt: positively, I like it
Wirt: Why do you ask?
You: Will you go to the concert with me on Friday? I have two tickets and Dipper can't, I'm desperate!
Wirt: It's hard for me to trust you, in case you do something...
You: Take a pepper spray and a shocker with you
***
- You didn't say it was metal. - a tall guy in a coffee coat was mumbling. He crossed his arms and looked almost offended, but we were not so close that we would behave too relaxed with each other.
- I didn't know you disliked him so much. - I was standing next to him, leaning against the wall. We were waiting for the musicians to come out. - And no one cut off the Internet for you.
- Yes, I was just thinking... - he turned around, but as soon as he turned, he fell silent - although I didn't have to expect anything... - he examined me and sighed in resignation. I looked at the leather jacket with spikes, bracelets, tattoos, piercings, torn, skinny jeans and heavy boots.
- It would be stupid to expect something from me... - I grinned at him. His body leaned forward in a silent chuckle. A smile blossomed on his face.
Then the first chords sounded. Energetic electric guitar and drum. After the introduction, the familiar "whoosh" was heard and the lyrics of the song began.
It's not one of my favorite songs, but no one has denied that it's good. Everyone in the hall reverently swayed to a more or less slow tune. I myself was shaking my head from side to side. Smiling.
On the chorus, light dance moves touched my shoulders and my foot tapped on the floor of the concert hall. I closed my eyes, giving in to the movement. The music pulsing under my feet beat off heartbeats.
- A----ka---ps---- it was hard to hear through the loud music, but I clearly understood that Wirt was addressing me.
- WHAT?! - I shouted. He leaned closer to my ear and shouted.
- What's the song called?!
- RIDE LIKE THE WIND!!! - I shouted. A smile spread across his face. - DO YOU LIKE IT?!
Wirt said nothing and turned away, looking at the stage and the artists. I grinned and shook my head.
"Motorcycle Man" started playing next. From the speakers came the sounds of a motorcycle, very quiet at first, then louder. After a while, the electric guitar began to dilute the sounds until the motorcycle disappeared and only the guitar remained. After that, other tools were connected to it. It seemed that in this song, the soloist's voice sounded completely different. And then there was a beautiful guitar solo. I threw my head back and enjoyed with my eyes closed. When I looked at Wirt to make sure he wasn't dragged away while I wasn't looking, he was smiling.
And he said he didn't like that...
And then "Hold On" started playing and I shuddered when I recognized her. From the first note. Dipper and I loved this song so much.... We listened to her so often when we were still friends, and when we became a couple, we listened to holes. One pair of headphones for two and the searing heat of summer nights and our first feelings for each other. I started humming:
- She was looking for some love and understanding
Then Billy came along
And sang his rebel song
She could see in him something to believe in
And then they fell in love...
I sang at the top of my voice, knowing that the music would drown me out and no one would pay attention, even if I wanted to. However, one person paid attention. Wirth looked at me questioningly. I beckoned him to bend over.
- THIS IS OUR FAVORITE SONG WITH DIPPER!! - my voice was still hard to hear. Wirth smiled slightly.
After the concert, we walked for a long time through foggy parks, residential areas and busy streets. We drank coffee from a trendy coffee shop that Wirth liked and discussed music. As the conversation progressed, Wirth stopped hiding that he liked the music. We moved on to more personal topics.
In the pocket of his coat, I clearly saw the edge of the pepper spray, which was never needed.
Later I got a message from Dipper:
Dip: I think I'm staying with Mabel for the night at the vet. I'll be back in the morning, don't be bored ;)
***
The steam from the bad coffee from the gas station burns my face, blowing steam. I'm sitting at our entrance with Dipper. It's dirty and worn. There was nothing better than this, the poor students could not afford. My hand is bandaged, gauze and plasters carelessly stuck on my cheek, soaked with blood. And, of course, I was covered in bruises. My leg was badly bruised, nothing serious, although it feels like it was beaten with a hammer for an hours.
Somewhere in the distance, Dipper's soft, but at the same time rough voice could be heard. Tired. Dipper is trying to explain the situation to the client. Things with demons have never been our strong suit. Dipper would never voluntarily take a job with demons, but if we had to meet with them, then Dipper did everything possible.
We sincerely believed that it was an embittered ghost, until the very end. Until the walls started bleeding. Dipper had a mini panic attack, I tried to calm him down somehow. We hid under the table, I held him to my chest. It was cold and loud. My own heart beat a frantic rhythm, it was difficult.
He is always in a panic because of such situations. I'm ashamed that he has to talk about it with the customer, but I'm too weak-willed to say no. I tried to cope with it, the result was there, but it was not enough.
Suddenly, an alert sounded on my phone. I pulled my phone out of my pocket, quickly went into correspondence to read the message. It was Wirt.
We actually got closer during this time. He's cool. He writes poetry and is, in principle, a very creative person.
Wirt: Hi, how was the assignment?
Norman wanted to grin at the message, but when he felt a pain in his cheek, he stopped this action.
You: So-so, it turned out to be a demon :P
Wirt: Are you okay?! Do I need to come?!
You: No! Everything is good! We're fine!
Wirt: Don't you live in one of those yellow high-rise buildings on ******? I'm coming from Greg, I'm on my way!
You: it's still not worth it! I don't want to keep you, it's too late!
Wirt: I don't have many people I want to take care of. What apartment are you in?
Norman's shoulders relaxed a little, he smiled gently with the uninjured side of his face.
You: come to the third entrance
***
A few minutes later I could see his lanky figure in the fog of the street. As we approach, the figure becomes clearer and clearer. I was able to understand that he was wearing a long, brown coat, a plaid scarf and leather shoes.
Wirt was clearly terrified of my condition. He examined me and I tried to calm him down. Eventually it became so funny that I laughed out loud ignoring the pain. He stood confused before frowning. A third voice rang out.
- Norman? Is everything okay? - Dipper shifted his gaze to Wirt. - Norman, is this...? - the light from the phone screen fell like a white veil on Dipper's face, leaving square highlights in his eyes.
- Don't worry Dipper, it's a friend - Dipper relaxed a little. He examined Wirth once more, who seemed to have begun to tremble slightly from such a stern look. But suddenly Dipper's eyes opened wider, he smiled slightly when he started talking. - You're the one Norman keeps texting with, aren't you? I'm sorry I was rude, a difficult day! - Dipper chuckled.
Wirt nodded and a cozy silence did not hang for long.
- Tea?
***
It was already about one o'clock in the morning.
As soon as we entered the apartment, a bright, yellow light hit my eyes. I winced. Dipper was still hanging on Wirt's shoulder, it was difficult for him to climb the stairs because of injuries. There was nothing complicated about moving on a flat surface, but the ladder is hell. I quickly took off my jacket and went to the shower.
- Dip, you or me in the shower? - I downloaded it.
- Go first.- He smiles affectionately.
- Wirth, you don't mind...? - I turned to Wirth.
- No, no! Of course, go, I don't mind staying and waiting! - Wirt was embarrassed and said that everything was fine.
- Hah, good - I said goodbye to Dipper with a gentle kiss on the lips and, on the way to the bathroom, I began to take off my sweater, under which there was a T-shirt. Somewhere behind my back I heard a question.
"Are you and Norman together?"
But it was no longer so important. The water poured over my body, leaving behind slightly pinkish traces on my pale skin. The soap, along with the remaining dirt, is washed down the drain. I changed bandages and plasters, now I looked more presentable. I threw my things into the washing machine and changed into shorts and a loose T-shirt with one of the performers of the band "Ghost".
When I went back out into the hallway, I saw Dipper and Wirt chatting sweetly about something. I couldn't help smiling at my friend and boyfriend.
- Norman? I have boiled the kettle, we will thaw in the pleasant company of tea and Wirth. - Dipper turned to me with a steaming cup in his hands. My cup with the image of a skull and roses. - But first I'm going to take a shower! - my lover handed me a cup and kissed me on the cheek before going to the bathroom. Looking after him, I sat down at the table. Wirt also had a cup.
Plain, white, this is one of those that were already there when we moved into the apartment. Smoke was coming out of it too.
- Your boyfriend is cute... - Wirt looked me in the eye.
- I know... I looked at him jokingly. - don't even try to steal my cute boyfriend from me.- a smile appeared on my face.
- By the way, you're also very cute, two cute guys should be together, I won't be an obstacle!- Wirt raised his hands in defeat and giggled.
- for the record, you're pretty cute too! - I played with my eyebrows before we laughed. The pain in my cheek wasn't so bad anymore.
- Haha... God, tell me more about yourself, it turns out I don't know much about you - Wirt
continued to giggle softly.
- Why is that? - I haven't calmed down yet either.
- Dipper said you came from Massachusetts, is that true? - Wirt picked up the cup again and sipped a little.
- Oh, yes, I lived there until I was 19, after which I went to study here, here I met Dipper...
After that, quiet conversations continued under the measured sound of water and the quiet singing of ABBA "disco girl".
***
The sketch came out good. Dipper carried huge stacks of books from one corner to the other. Wirt had to rearrange all the books again. During this time, several new books came, which caused his system to collapse.
- Wirth, are you sure... yeh... Why do you need so many books? - Dipper puts another box next to the bench I was sitting on. - I'm sorry for the impudence, but you didn't think it was... uh... won't it pay off?
- There's nothing to worry about - Wirth said, sorting through the books with a smile in his voice.
- why? - Dipper asked, picking up another stack.
- I didn't take the loan, I don't need to pay it...
- And what to live on? Eh! - There was a dull thud from a stack of books placed on the floor.
- There is enough money, my stepfather sends it to Greg and me every month and my poetry collection is still selling well to you. The bookstore is my old dream.
The sketch shows a plump woman in trousers and a light shirt. Her graying hair in a bun and a polka dot headband around her head. Vincent was running after Lily from behind. I noticed that Lily's dress was made of the same material as Suzn's headband.
- Have you published a collection?!
- yes... But I don't like to talk about it... - Wirt was embarrassed.
Suzn is a very strict, economic woman. She helped Wirth with his business, helped him out more than once in difficult elections.
Two other sketches were lying on a chair next to me. Vincent, a twenty-year-old guy in a shirt, jacket and a five-link cap, proudly smiling from the paper. There is also a quick sketch of Lily, she did not want to sit. She sat quietly only when she was "sleeping." Well, a strange, ghostly variation of a dream.
- What stage of work are you at?- Wirt continued to rearrange the books on the shelves, occasionally glancing at what I was drawing.
- almost done.... I said, adding accents to the portrait. - here! - Suzn got up herself and swam up to me, looking at my work. Wirth sat down on a bench nearby.
- Wow... he hesitantly stretched out his hand to take, but pulled it away. I gave permission to take it by holding out a sheet. - This...really similar?
- Very much - Suzn replied.
- Thanks, Norm... - Wirth smiled fondly at the drawing. - I do not know how to thank you, I... oh my god... - he put his hand over his mouth.
- Stop being so emotional, brat! - Suzn turned away so that no one would see her soft smile.
Dipper was standing next to him, also smiling.
- That's why I love this talented Gothic shrimp! - he puts his arm around my shoulders. And he kisses me on the cheek, I feel his stubble scratching against mine. - You make people so happy, I'm so proud of you. - he whispered in my ear. I blushed to the tips of my ears. There were still dents on his fingers from carrying boxes. White, with red edging.
***
The gray park has swum with fog, little can be seen through it. I smell the moisture in the air. The atmosphere is pleasant, but I wanted to get to where he was going as soon as possible. From this, the steps were fast, the heels beat on the concrete.
Gradually it was getting dark. There was light in the windows, it filtered through the fog in a pleasant haze. The sign was visible from afar, despite the fact that it emitted less bright light than the windows of residential buildings. Opening the door of a small building, warm lighting immediately hit the face. And the same warm air from the heater enveloped the body.
A woman in a long skirt, a red beret and a striped scarf was sitting peacefully in a corner of a bookstore. She was sitting and reading a novel. Something for teenage girls like "I love a werewolf" Or "A fragile girl in the mansion of a handsome vampire". Once Norman saw a movie adaptation of this book, he shuddered. Yes, Wirt even bought such books. Laughter and quiet conversations could be heard from behind the cash register.
Norman chuckled and lowered his voice:
- So, where's the cashier?! What kind of stupid service?!
A frightened Wirt jumped out from behind the cash register, ready to apologize, but as soon as he saw Norman, he smiled. Dipper crawled out from behind the cash register with a grunt. He looked at Norman and, smiling gently, walked around the cash register and put his arm around Norman's shoulders. He nuzzled his chest. It seems even the girl behind giggled at the young people.
- Norman! - Wirt's hair was sticking out to the sides. His sweater is swamp-green and a perfectly ironed collar always looks out from behind it.
- hello... ~ - Dipper, a little sleepy, rubbed his cheek against my shoulder.
- Hi - I patted Dipper on the head, he giggled and let go of his neck, leaning his lower back against the edge of the counter. I looked at Wirt, who was also smiling tiredly. Without hesitation, I reached out my other hand and also playfully patted him on the head. For a second it seemed that his cheeks had turned almost a burgundy shade, before a strand caught on the ring made him grimace.
- Damn, I'm sorry! - I tried with my other hand to gently untangle his hair, which was stuck in the intricate curls of the ring, but I couldn't.
- Nothing! - Wirt hissed. I tried to pull the ring again, which only caused a disappointed groan from Wirth, who leaned over the counter. - Fucking hair!
Dipper chuckled softly at the situation. In the end, he took my comma and pulled it towards the Wirth to loosen the tension.
- We need to take off the ring! - he took hold of the metal base and pulled it off his finger. I lowered my hand and looked worriedly at Wirt. My ring was hanging on his neck, the metal touched his forehead. Almost immediately, Dipper grabbed Wirth by the head and pulled him towards him, began to untangle the strands.
- Fuck... - Dipper cursed softly as Wirth's face took on an increasingly worried expression.
- Will I have to cut it? - He said.
- Maybe... - I muttered shyly.
- No! - Dipper furrowed his brows resolutely. After a few minutes of digging, a victory cry was heard. - It worked!
Wirt raised his head and smiled at Dipper. He immediately pulled away.
- Nimble fingers! - I whispered.
- There was a place to train - Dipper grinned cheekily.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed how Wirt's cheeks flushed scarlet.