Chapter 1

 “Can you believe Darren proposed on a boat under the full moon?” Amanda’s green eyes sparkled as she pressed her hands together. “The white sashes, the fairies. It was like something out of a dream!”

Sylvia giggled, brushing her silver dyed hair behind her ear. “If my boyfriend proposed like that, I’d faint on the spot.”

I hugged my copy of ‘Historia’s Ever After’ close to my chest. I could faintly hear the buzzing of Amanda and Sylvia chatting about the events of the rest of the ending while I could only focus on one thing. Estel Misfortuna. While the book's ending was a romantic whim that any other reader was satisfied with, I wasn’t. And it was all because of Estel, the second male lead.

Estel had loved Historia ever since they were children, and their affection with one another was so platonically beautiful, but it was only just that. Platonical. When Darren Romancio, the male lead, came into play, my heart thrummed. ‘Surely’, I thought to myself, ‘she will pick Estel, right?’ My wishful thinking, however, didn’t bear fruit. I was left with a lingering echo of my agonized cries the day I read he decided to end his own life due to heartbreak.

“Rose?” Sylvia nudged me, pulling me from my thoughts. “Don’t you think Darren’s the ultimate dream guy?”

I forced a smile. “Sure. If your dream guy is dark, broody, and ruins someone else’s happiness.” Amanda looked at me shocked, while Sylvia frowned like I’d just spoken blasphemy. They would never understand. No one did. Estel’s story mattered too much to me.

“There you go again obsessing over Estel again. It’s been like that since-” Sylvia stopped in her tracks. I knew what she was going to say, and she knew it was a sore spot. Sometimes we did bring it up on good days, reminiscing about the memories I shared. But, we had just been to his anniversary a few days ago. Edward… my ex boyfriend.

“Sorry Rose.” Sylvia said quickly. I shook my head. I knew she didn’t have any bad intentions in bringing it up. Sylvia and Amanda were some of my best friends. They had been with me through thick and thin. Especially when I found Edward had taken his own life. Just like Estel…

I couldn’t help but bite back the feeling though. ‘Today is supposed to be a happy day,’ I thought to myself. ‘Try and at least be happy for now. We can save the crying once we’re home. Okay Rose?’ As if my own words casted a magic spell on me, I was able to dull down the feelings just enough to continue on. We had a book signing to go to, and I wouldn’t want to miss it for the world.

I caught my appearance through the bookstores window. My brown hair in neat pigtails, freckles that hid the bags under my eyes from last night's excitement, and gently flushed skin. Blue eyes reflected a bunch of heavy emotions, like I was staring myself in the soul. It spooked me a bit and I looked away.

That was all interrupted when I saw that we had arrived just in time to go in the bookstore. With a copy of ‘Historia’s Ever After’ and my ticket in hand, I was excited to finally meet the author that had created Estel. The one who made me smile at his endearing acts towards Historia, and the man that ruined me with his death.

“Oh my god, I’m so excited!" Amanda said as her bright red hair bounced as she shook in glee. Sylvia and I couldn’t help but let out a laugh.

“I just want to know if we’re getting more books. Amor’s writing style was so poetic and romantic, I wouldn’t mind reading another book by her.” Sylvia said, her bright blue eyes glistening.

I on the other hand didn’t know what I would ask her. I feel like Estel was a character only a few selective fans really adored, and I was grateful there was at least merch of him to buy. But, everyone always loves Historia and Darren together. Why couldn’t others see just how wonderful Estel was?

I needed to shake the thought away. ‘There you go again, obsessing over him.’ I didn’t know why I was so attached to Estel, but since Edwards' passing, he was always a comfort character to me. Something just made me want to know everything about him. To be connected to him in a way that wasn’t even physically possible. He’s a fictional character for Christ's sake, I’m not.

I was always afraid of sharing this fact with other people besides Sylvia and Amanda. Of course, other people would be concerned about me being this head over heels for someone that doesn’t even exist. So it was just a little secret between the three of us. Even my doctor and therapist didn’t know. Or perhaps, I was afraid of knowing the reason why I felt this way.

The sounds of people shuffling and camera’s being prepared for all those that wanted to take a photo with Amor grounded me. I cursed myself for being distracted, and thinking about other things. It was something I did a lot, and I knew it was a problem.

“Are you going to take a photo with Amor?” Sylvia asked. I could only shrug.

“I don’t know. I mean, I do, but also… I feel a bit shy about it. What if I come off as creepy if I mention Estel? You know… Maybe, I shouldn’t take a photo. I hate pictures anyways.”

Amanda and Sylvia shook their heads, They knew I wasn’t really confident in myself for the longest time. I was more of an introvert that preferred to be the one taking the pictures. “Thats all the more reason to take a photo,” Amanda said, “When do you think Amor is going to make another book signing? You know she does them far and in between. Come on Rose, just one photo. You don’t have to show it to us afterwards. Just a little memory for you to keep with you for your own happiness.”

I let out a big sigh. She was right. The last time Amor did a book signing was around a year ago when she was collaborating with Plushloola in making plushies of the main characters. This was the first time we had one this close to our city too. It would be a waste not trying to get a photo. I could just crop myself out of it on a photo editor later.

As the line slowly grew smaller and smaller between me and Amor with every photo snap and book signing, I felt my heart almost beat out of my chest, and after a long time waiting, It was finally my turn.

“Hi sweetheart! And who may you be?” Amor said sweetly. A petite woman with vibrant cerise colored hair. Red cat eyed framed glasses and vibrant green eyes that just looked like they would sparkle if they could. Truth be told though, she didn’t look that much older than my mom.

I cleared my throat, realizing I was momentarily stun locked by her dainty appearance. “R- Rose. Rose Evergreen.” I stammered, feeling heat creep to my face from the embarrassment. I gently handed her my book,

“Rose….. Rose.. Such a beautiful name. Coincidentally, I-” She stopped, her lips curling into a secretive smile. “No… I’ll let you find out later.” She signed my book with a flourish and pressed it back into my hands. “Take care, Rose. I hope you enjoy what’s ahead.”

My heart thudded against my ribs as security ushered me aside. What had she meant by that?

After all the signing was done and over with for those who had tickets, Amour went on the small stage inside the bookstore. She was practically glowing with the spotlight on her.

“Thank you all for coming today!” she began, her voice warm and lilting. “I promised you an announcement today, didn’t I? Well… I have a new novel for you.” A wave of murmurs rolled through the crowd. A new novel?

“It's an alternate universe to ‘Historia’s Ever After’ set in a more modern time period with Darren, Historia, and Estel! Some new characters and some of the older characters from the previous book that the fans love so much will also be in the story! I also want to thank my editor Maggie, who came up with the new book's title, ‘His Amour’! A story mainly focusing on Estel! For all those that love Estel and those that want to know more about him, this is my love letter for you. Don’t think for a second I haven’t thought of my lovely fans that love my second male lead.”

My pulse raced, my fingers trembling as I clutched my signed copy of ‘Historia’s Ever After’. For so long, Estel had been nothing more than a tragic afterthought, a bittersweet shadow. But now… now he had a story of his own. Finally, Estel would be seen. And maybe, just maybe, I could step into those pages and make sure he was loved the way he deserved.

“For those that have a ticket, signed copies will be handed out to you on your way out since that was included in the ticket package. For those without tickets, there will be a separate line to the register to buy your copies. First come first serve since there's only a limited quality. There will still be more copies of the book for sale, but they will not be signed.” Amor said. “There's only so many books my hands can tolerate signing.”

I raced to the entrance of the store to get my copy, almost completely ignoring that Amanda and Sylvia were probably fighting with the crowd, trying to catch up. I couldn’t wait any longer. I needed to have the book in my hands. I tried to keep my face as neutral as I could. If I didn’t, I’m sure security would probably think I’m sort of lunatic.

“Ticket?” The man said. I handed him my ticket, taking a good look at it, but he pulled a book from a box different from the rest. This one had sprayed edges with dragons, and roses. It was beautiful. I could stare at all the details for hours. “This is for being the first one in line. Get going before you get mobbed over it.”

I nodded my head and quickly stuffed the book in my bag. Holy Moley, not only did I get the new book about Estel, but a special spray edged copy too?! I felt like I was over the moon. My excitement had me screaming in pure joy until I felt Amada practically shaking me, snapping me out of my daydreaming.

“Earth to Rose? Rosie? Rise and shine Rose!” Amanda said as she continued to shake me.

“Gee Amanda! Stop shaking me before I get sick.” I said, my voice wavered as I got shook again. She let go after, huffing as she crossed her arms against her chest.

“You left us to fend for ourselves Rose!” Sylvia said, slightly sulking. “You care about Estel more than your own friends, don’t you?”

Guilt ate me at that moment. I really did think about Estel first than waiting for Amanda and Sylvia to get our books together. I wanted to apologize, but the words lumped in my throat. God… I really am an awful friend… aren't I? I bit the inside of my lip, a heavy pressure in my chest, and a gut wrenching feeling in my stomach.

“I’m… sorry.”

I could see Amanda and Sylvia let out a breath. I hated this side of myself. I hated that they always had to deal with my obsession over a fictional character. I know it’s unhealthy… But, I didn’t know what else to do. I was afraid of letting go of this last bit of joy. I was terrified.

“It’s okay, Rose.” Sylvia said. Her words sounded heavy, and the guilt just ate at me more. Why can’t I just be good to them, at the very least?

“We should get something to eat, and head back home. I’m sure you’re just as excited as we are to read the new book, right, Rose?” Amanda said, awkwardly trying to make the conversation more uplifting.

I slowly affirmed her thoughts, my voice barely escaping the knot in my throat. “Yeah…. Yeah that.. sounds nice.”

Their smiles returned. And we went to our favorite place, The Pink Lady Cafe. We had a few sandwiches and sweets. Everything felt like it was starting to fall into place. And when I got home and took a shower, I pulled out the beautiful spray edged edition of ‘His Amor’.

A love letter to Estel fans… Excitement built up in me as I turned the page, seeing character art of the all familiar characters. Historia, her pale complexion with icy blue eyes and silver hair. Darren Romancio with black hair, sun kissed skin, and ruby red eyes. And, finally. The man I could not stop obsessing over. Silver hair, flushes skin, heterochronic silver and sky blue eyes, and shining silver hair. Estel Misfortuna.

I started reading, wondering what amazing and beautiful story Amor had written for Estel……

…

…

…

If only, that were the case.