Alright. So, this is the first chapter of Blind Re-Written.
To be honest with all of you, I was never exactly a fan of this story. I never felt I did enough with Celeste to create a desirable character. In the time between first publishing this story and now, I've learned so much. With every day I write, I get a little better.
Anyways, I re-write this story for the hopes of a better reader experience, as well as personal satisfaction. The final chapter of this story is currently in the works, to be posted soon along with the re-written chapters.
"Will, I don't know. I love you, you're my friend-" I took a swig of my coffee, a mistake I saw too late. Will Graham saw his moment to wedge his thoughts into the conversation.
"Celeste, you promised me I could come to you and ask any favor, any time, no matter how odd." Will adjusted his glasses, giving me a sad look; an off-handed tactic he picked up from his dogs.
"Any favor that didn't involve anything illegal." I raise a finger.
"- That didn't involve anything illegal and you would, without a doubt, say yes. You've seen Alana and myself together; she finally agreed on a date. She set out these guidelines for the next few outings and I'm keen on following them. You're the only female friend I have that doesn't walk on all fours."
"I know what I said, but this is a lot to swallow. You set me up on a double blind date without my permission. Out of all the things I expect of you, this isn't one of them." My voice had a hint of whining in the tone, but I couldn't care less. This whole thing was bullshit.
"I know, it's not like me. When it comes to her, I feel like I lose the most rational part of myself." Will was being candid; a rare moment that I felt gifted to see.
"I wouldn't be so pissy about it if you hadn't sprung this on me last minute. You're giving me an hour to get ready for dinner at some fancy ass restaurant. I'm a beer and burger type of girl, not eleven forks and stick up my ass girl. Oh, and to top of the cake, the only thing remotely fancy in my wardrobe is a little black dress, which I'm almost certain had a questionable stain at the hem."
"I know that this isn't your thing. But it's a favor for your two friends, who would do the same for you if we needed to. Hannibal Lecter is a gentleman, Alana speaks highly of him. He's the type of guy who'd pick up the bill and no one would pass up a free dinner." A rare smile flooded his face; he knew I was losing this battle.
"I just think all that stuff is really… uptight. I like to curse, I like to smoke. When Alana and I get a few drinks down, we get a little dirty. I like being like that, it's who I am." I could tell by the look on his face that I had made a good point.
"He probably won't be a fan of that, but I know you two would have a few things in common! He has this mahogany library set up in his office, with the rolling latters and carefully reserved books lining the top of his space..
"In his office, where I'll be headed after this entire ordeal? Think he'll give me a discount because you put me there? Friends and family?" I prodded; but I had already lost. I had already decided that I was going to help my friend out.
"Please, give him a try?" Will asked me once more, mostly as a formality; he knew I had already decided too.
"Of course, Will, I'm going to help you out. Name your first born child after me though," I laugh, headed towards my bedroom ", so. What's this guys name?"
"Doctor Hannibal Lecter." I hear him call.
"Doctor Lecter." I mumble to myself with a chuckle. It has quite a ring to it, gotta admit.
I slap on some makeup; nothing to fancy, just to make myself look less like a corpse. I take a moment to shave my legs; fancy-ass men never seemed to dig the free-spirited lady with leg hair. I slink into my tight dress, the material prone to riding up her thighs. I swallowed my issues for tonight; this was about Will, not my poor taste in clothing. Forcing my feet into some cheap fuck-me pumps, I strut with faux confidence to meet my dearest friend.
"Listen to me," I snapped for Will's attention ", I shaved. I wasted, like, two minutes of my life doing that. Don't you even say I didn't try." He smiled a contagious smile and took me by the arm, careful to guide me to the car amongst the black ice coating the ground.
I choose to hop in the back seat, so Alana can sit next to Will. I can hear him rambling on and I can hear her entering the car, but my mind is disconnected. I can't help but watch the trees as we drive by; a mass blur of frosty green set against a swirling orange sky. The best thing about winter was the early sunsets that seemed to paint a different picture in the sky each night. The worst thing about winter was the chilling cold what seemed to be seeping into the car, despite the heat going full. I regret my clothing choice.
"Hey, ground control to Major Celeste." Alana looked back at me, pleased as punch with the whole situation. I shook my head, feeling a wave of guilt flood over me.
"Sorry Alana, I was enjoying the ride." I pat her shoulder before sliding out of the car, walking around to my favorite lady friend. I felt better seeing that she wasn't wearing a jacket either.
"I'm not offended, you've always been a little far away. Especially when you're nervous," She poked into my hip, a chuckle escaping her ", really, don't worry about Hannibal! He's a big guy, but he's as harmless as a puppy. Take some time to get to know him, you'll love him." She takes Will's arm and turns from me. I fell so out of place; I can see the crème candles burning on each table from the tall windows, decorated in silken curtains.
"He's here." I hear Alana snort, pointing to a pristine white car. I'm impressed, but then again, boys always take care of their toys. When we entered, a robust lady led us to a small back room, the tables surrounding an intimate dance floor. An old band, fit with cellos played as old couples swayed together. It was endearing; something about it that I can't quite put my finger on.
When we reach the table, I'm not quite prepared for what I see. I'm not sure what I was expecting; but what I saw didn't match what I thought.
Sharp cheekbones, a square jaw, and perfect clothing. From the well slicked hair, right down to the seams, nothing was physically out of place with this man. It was off-putting to see someone so put together; similar to a clown, marked up with grease paint and the smell of balloons. With a clown, you always assume someone fucked up has to be under the makeup.
Someone fucked up has to exist under that paisley suit.
When we lock eyes, Doctor Lecter smirks at me and I feel my stomach lurch. I had a feeling like this wasn't going to end well for me in an indescribable way.
"Doctor Lecter," I nod", I'm Celeste Falton. I've heard wonderful things about you." A fake a small smile, careful not to force my muscles.
"Not to many things, I hope." He tilts his head gently to look at Will, a real smile upon his lips now. It seemed like he had some sort of inside joke with himself; I'm super fucking confused.
"No, nothing horrible at all!" I laugh, again with gentle force, looking to Will out of the corner of my eye. That little shit is beaming, Alana and himself entranced in some conversation the good doctor and myself are clearly missing out on.
"Let's sit, yes?" Doctor Lecter asked; the only word to describe his voice is cultured. I pick the seat by the wall, but as I go to step around the Doctor, he steps back and pulls out my chair. Will wasn't wrong about this one, he did the whole damn shebang.
"Have I offended you? My apologies, Miss Falton." He seems just as confused as me, tilting his head; quite apparent it was a tick he possessed.
"Oh, just Celeste is fine. Calling me Miss actually puts an age on me. It's just… no one has ever pulled out my chair for me." I mumble, taking my seat. The Doctor then takes his own, looking at me once again with that little fucking smirk.
"Then you, my dear, are missing out."
It became apparent that I was now on a date with someone who believed he was God's gift to women. This was going to be a long night.
Yeah, that has a much better flow to it! I hope you guys enjoy the re-write as much as I enjoy fixing my old work.