The idea for this story, like the ideas for so many things I do, came to me in a flash of inspiration, and I've spent the past few days working on and refining this one chapter. I hope you enjoy the product!
Tessa stepped into the small bookstore. For a moment, she closed her eyes and breathed in the scent of books – a scent that was lost in large bookstore chains like Waterstones or Barnes & Noble. Then she opened her eyes and looked at the shelves that lay before her.
The Institute Bookstore. Tessa made it a point to check out every bookstore in the area where she lived, and so far she liked this one best. A subtle bookstore, nestled away in a narrow alleyway. It was only a few yards away from the hustle and bustle of London, and yet it was worlds away. It was so quiet, such a contrast to the speed and hastiness of one of the busiest cities in the world. Here, time stood still. It was the perfect atmosphere to pick up a book and read.
"Lovely," she sighed, running her hands over the spines of well-worn books.
People these days loved enormous bookstore chains with air conditioning and rows and rows and rows of bookshelves selling fresh bestsellers. And that was all well and good, but Tessa felt that small bookstores like these held just as much charm.
Having lived in London for two months now, Tessa could safely say that small bookstores like these were far more common here than they were on the busy streets of Manhattan. That was just one reason why she'd chosen to come here to write her novel.
Pulling one of the books off the shelf, she opened it and began to read.
"A Tale of Two Cities. A cliché choice."
Tessa looked up, ready to give a sharp retort, but she stopped short when she saw who had spoken.
Onyx-black hair. Blue eyes, the deepest shade of blue she'd ever seen. Long eyelashes. A tall, well-built figure, with sinewy muscles visible even through the T-shirt he wore. In short, one of the most gorgeous boys Tessa had ever seen.
As Tessa stared, he raised his eyebrows. "Struck dumb by my beauty?" he inquired.
Tessa was jolted back into her powers of speech. "No, I'm just unaccustomed to blatantly rude idiots accosting me in bookstores," she said frankly.
The young man laughed. "American, I see. I suppose you're all straightforward, aren't you?"
"That's one way of putting it," Tessa said warily, eyeing him.
Just then, another boy popped his head round the corner. "I thought I heard Will attacking a new victim," he said, coming fully into Tessa's line of sight. "I do apologize if he's offended you in any way."
"No, no, not at all," Tessa stammered as she took in this boy. Slimmer and slightly shorter than his companion, he had silvery hair and eyes, and an ethereal look about him. Tessa sensed a beautiful fragility about this boy, one which she'd rarely seen.
"She looks alarmed," commented the dark-haired boy. "Do you suppose she's quite well?"
"That's quite enough," the silver-haired boy reprimanded him.
"I'm sorry, who are the two of you?" Tessa asked.
"William Herondale!" the dark-haired boy declared, placing a hand to his own chest. "And I'm sure you won't ever forget me."
"Sure," Tessa snorted under her breath, which made the silver-haired boy laugh.
"I'm Jem," he introduced himself, holding his hand out for Tessa to shake.
"Tessa Gray," she returned as she shook the outstretched hand.
"Are you planning on returning to the Institute bookstore?" Jem inquired.
"I am indeed."
"Well, then you'll probably see more of us. It's Will's favourite bookstore, you see – books are his great love."
"Along with Bethany, Beverly, Brittany – " Will started to say, before Jem elbowed him.
"Well, you and I are in agreement on that matter," Tessa said. "Books are what keeps me sane sometimes."
Will looked at her. She expected him to say some sort of sharp jibe.
"Interesting," was all he said.
There was silence for a moment, and then Jem cleared his throat. "We'd better be going," he said. "We have things to do."
"I'll not stand in your way, then," Tessa smiled, stepping aside so the two boys could pass through.
As they stepped through the exit, Will turned around again. "Fare thee well, Tessa! I fully look forward to sweeping you off your feet once more next time we meet."
"Don't be too sure," Tessa called after him as he turned and disappeared from sight. Yet, as she turned back to her books, she found she had a smile on her face and couldn't stop thinking about a certain black-haired, blue-eyed individual.
I'm sorry it's not a very long first chapter, but hopefully it sets the scene. Reviews please!