Hello my lovely readers!

Welcome to my new story of "A New Stroke of the Pen"! I'm so excited to share this sequel with you!

If you haven't already, make sure you read my first story "Within The Fine Lines" which will help you gain better insight.

Now, without further delay, let's begin our story...

Prologue

(AUDREY'S P.O.V.)

If I were to go back and tell myself about all the adventures I had in InkWell, I think I would change my major and move to another school. Gosh, I can't believe it's been four years since my journey. Alright, alright, I see the confused looks on people's faces asking "what in the world is InkWell?"

Let me explain;

During my sophomore year of college, I was given a book by one of my professors titled "CUPHEAD; DON'T DEAL WITH THE DEVIL." She told me this would help further my studies and help me see the life the story brings. Little did I know I would be transported into the world of Cuphead where I not only met with the Cup brothers themselves but the devil.

Yes, I'm not joking when I say I met the king of darkness in the flesh (and fur).

It turns out that many, like me, were chosen to be the next scribbler of the story. It means I was the one responsible for writing their story and an ending worth reading.

Sounds simple right?

Nope.

It was very difficult. To say the least, I had many trials and triumphs during my adventures, but there were some great highlights I love to think about. It wasn't all bad, I gained new friends and a love for adventure, but there were moments when I wanted to quit. The good news is, I didn't, otherwise, I would not be writing this.

We managed to defeat the devil and his lackeys, celebrated, and I was able to return home. After that, I began exceeding in my classes and was offered a journalism position at one of the top news articles in New York. I got married and I passed the book along to one of the interns there.

But, I want to tell you guys a story that happened before I passed the scribbler title to Lexie. There was another (well actually a few but I wanna stick with this one first) event that occurred.

Now, I never really told anyone about my adventures in InkWell; not my parents, friends, my roommate, or even my fiance Josh. I mean, who'd believe me?

However, little did I know that a new adventure was right around the corner…

Chapter one: Tensions rising

(AUDREY'S P.O.V.)

"One more month. One more month until the big day. Argh, why can't it be tomorrow!?" I groaned as I looked over the calendar and noticed a heart around one particular date;

July 16th.

That was the day Josh and I would be married.

It was a Friday afternoon and I was in my apartment. I had just finished confirming the final touches for the centerpieces and finished editing my wedding vows. Turns out, it was a lot harder to write marriage vows than a book report for one of my college classes. Good thing was, you aren't graded, but it's still a lot to think about and write down.

It was still bizarre that in a month, I would be walking down the aisle in a beautiful wedding gown, and then have the name of Mrs. Josh Kevin Logan. It took me weeks to get used to writing down that name instead of my maiden name, but it was all worth it.

And then my favorite part of a wedding; food.

I know it sounds lame to only think of the food but get this; Josh's best man/best friend/ former roommate Steve works for this amazing Italian restaurant, which is so expensive you'd either have to give up two body parts or sell your soul in order to pay the bill.

Not that I would do, considering I'd almost lost mine.

Anyway, he managed to get a huge discount for the reception and we are dining on pasta galore! We have a variety of pasta, salads, treats, and tasty beverages.

"Now I just need to be careful not to get spaghetti sauce on the dress…" I trailed off as I let the calendar page drop.

I went over things in my mind; dress and the alterations are ready, invites were sent out months ago, the food's ordered, flowers purchased, table centerpieces need final touches, vows written, the venue is reserved, and bridesmaids/maid of honor chosen…am I missing anything?

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door opening. I looked and smiled. It was Josh, my lovely fiance. He usually stops by my apartment if he needs to work on something or helps me with wedding planning. He would sometimes bring Steve or his wife Sasha, but they were usually busy with their jobs.

While I was thrilled to see him, I noticed a frustrated look on his face. He normally would not have that look unless something was bothering him. He placed his shoulder bag on the table, sat down, and took a huff.

Oh boy, that doesn't sound good. The last time I saw him like this was during a wrestling tournament. He was up against this tough guy from the rival team and he nearly creamed Josh to the floor. Least to say, it wasn't a great day for the team or Josh.

"Hey, Josh." I smiled, trying to be calm, and began making him a cup of coffee. "What's happening?"

"Just really frustrated." He grumbled, rubbing his temples with his fingers. I set down the coffee near him and gently placed my hands on his arm.

"Is everything ok?" I politely asked.

"No. Remember that car mechanic job that I was applying for?" He asked.

I became nervous. "Oh no, you didn't get it, did you?"

"No. They haven't gotten back to me regarding an interview. It's been what, three weeks already? I've been on the waitlist forever and it's really starting to tick me off." He replied, taking a sip of his coffee. "I wonder if they're finding a good way to say no."

"Come on Josh, you know that's not true. I know people would be lucky to have you work for them." I assured him. "Besides, you haven't had an interview yet so maybe they're still seeing other candidates. Remember, don't check out because of the competition."

"Yeah, I guess. I just, I know we're fine with finances and everything for the wedding and such, but the new house we got, it ain't cheap." Josh reminded me. "I'm just worried I won't have a job by the time we're married. We're gonna be up to our necks in bills."

"I don't think we should worry about that now. Granted, it's something to consider, but I know I can pitch in with the money I get from my job." I reminded him. "And I know my parents are helping out with the wedding too, so it shouldn't be too tight."

I paused and suggested "Hey, why not call Brian and ask him for help? I know he's more than willing to support you in different ways."

"No. I'm not asking my stepdad to help me during this time." He informed me. "I never needed his help for anything and I never will."

Now I was getting annoyed. I knew he didn't have a good relationship with his stepfather, but he was willing to help us. I've had one-on-ones with him and he told me about the many times he was willing to financially support Josh through school, work, and other things, but each time he suggested it, Josh would turn him down.

"Oh come on. He's not a bad person. I mean, sure, it was hard to get used to him being around, but he's part of your family, and for Pete's sake, you're an adult now. He just wants to help."

"Well, I don't need his help. I don't need him to be around me or my family. He's been around me for far too long and I'm getting sick of it!" He snapped, slamming his coffee on the table. I jumped a little bit. I've never seen him so upset before. Even Steve never saw him this mad, and the two of them have been pals since jr. High.

He stood up and tried to rub the headache away and I stood up stating "Josh, I think you're being too harsh with him. I'm not taking sides or anything and I know it's been difficult these last few months, but he's just wanting to-"

"To what, treat me like a child? Reminding me of the fact that his kids will always be twenty times better than me because they went to the best schools, got the best clothing, the best everything?!" He snapped, turning to me with a frown on his face. "I don't care if he has all the money on earth, I'm still not letting him come to the wedding. I don't care that he married my mom and had Joey, but one thing is certain; he will never, and I mean never, be my dad."

I was speechless.

I could see the hate and hurt in his eyes and I was worried the next words that would come out of my mouth would get him very mad. I felt bad for him, I really did and honestly, even though I never experienced one of my parents getting remarried, I do know what it was like to feel a lot of pressure and no one is helping. Even though someone would like to help, you push them away, hoping to figure it out for yourself.

Then, his phone buzzed and he groaned in frustration. He looked and stated "Ah dang it. I'm late to get coffee with Steve and Sasha. Are you coming?" He asked.

"Really? You snapped at your fiance and now you're asking me to tag along and act as if everything's ok?" My thoughts asked. "Not the best idea."

But out loud, I calmly replied "I can't. A new neighbor is coming over who is also looking for a position at my work. I'm meeting her here to chat and get to know her."

"Fine. I'll put in a word for ya. See you later." He muttered. He left, closing the door behind him, and not even kissing me goodbye. I stood alone in the kitchen, feeling a lump in my throat, and rubbed the engagement ring on my finger. It was a pearl on a silver ring that had a square around it. I usually would rub it if I was stressed out or upset about something.

I couldn't blame him.

I know he was angry and frustrated and it probably wasn't the best thing to bring up, but at the same time, he shouldn't let this get to him. People have made him feel worthless and felt like he amounted to nothing, and to be honest, I know the feeling.

"I think it's best for him to blow off some steam. I'll see him later to discuss other things." I muttered, as I took the coffee cup and poured it out into the sink.

I checked my phone and realized my friend was coming over in a bit. Thinking fast, I quickly collected scattered items and prepared fresh tea for my guest to come.

(JOSH'S POV)

"Fine. I'll put in a word for ya. See you later." I muttered as I walked out and slammed the door behind me. I hurried down the steps and headed to my car, which I unlocked, hopped in, and sat down taking a heavy sigh.

That could have gone soooo much better.

But I hated it when people brought up how great my stepdad was.

He's not that great.

I've known him since I was a kid. My dad died when I was six, and it felt like I lost a part of my life. We did everything together; went to baseball games, helped me ride a bike, ate a lot of sweets in secret so my mom didn't find out, and even taught me how to blow the biggest bubble gum.

After he died, my mom made the best of things. We have a good relationship, don't get me wrong, but there were days when she was really sad.

I couldn't blame her. She was human after all.

Then, before I turned eight, Brian came into the picture. He was a worker at the same place my mom was employed at and the two of them hitted off pretty well. He had two kids from his previous marriage, but he divorced his wife because she wasn't being supportive and ignored the needs of her kids.

One of them, his daughter Helen, has special needs.

They dated for a while and while I made friends with his kids, I didn't like the fact that my mom was seeing someone else, that wasn't dad.

About a year or so later in their relationship, he popped the question and my mom instantly said yes. And did he bother to ask me for my permission, since I was technically the man of the house?

No!

He just went on like I didn't exist and asked her. They got married and they had a boy named Joey, another step brother next to Ryan, who is three years older than me.

He wasn't your average stepdad who was nice one day and mean the next. He did try to bond with me and get to know me but by jr. High, I shut him out of my life. I didn't want anything to do with him, no matter how hard he tried to get me to open up.

He came to my sporting events, parties, and graduation, and even paid me to go to college, but honestly, I think that was just a ruse to bribe me. I'm not stupid. I know when a guy is paying a huge chunk of cash just to win over the other to backstab him or something.

And of course, when Audrey and I announced our engagement, he insisted that he would oversee the event, but I immediately shut him down. I am an adult, so I think I can handle paying for things with my own money.

"I just, don't need that constant reminder of feeling helpless. I can do things myself." I grunted, as I closed the door and pulled out my phone.

I quickly texted Steve;

Be there in a sec. Had to stop Audie's

Then I groaned. I snapped at my fiance. Man, now she must really hate me for that.

I know Audrey wasn't one to hold a grudge, but I wasn't sure if she would be happy to see me again later today. I then realized the real reason I went over to her place;

giving her the glass vases for the centerpiece.

Man, I was the worst! I wanted to go back in, but after that, I needed time to cool off. And with her friend coming over, I don't think it would be a good idea to start another argument.

I pondered over a thought and decided to grab her a chocolate croissant from the cafe.

"Hopefully, she'll see it as a peace offering and not bribing," I muttered as I started the car and drove off. I just hope after a bit I could patch things up with her.

(NORMAL POV)

Audrey quickly finished cleaning things in the kitchen and moved quickly to her bedroom.

She wanted to give her new neighbor a good impression when she came and didn't want her to see the mess she made in her room.

"Of course, this is the one day I chose to have her over." She muttered. "I just need to make this place look like a tornado did not hit."

She threw her dirty clothes from her floor to her hamper and closed her closet doors, straightened out her bed and dresser, refolded her throw blanket on her chair and organized some papers on her desk.

As she placed the papers in her folder, she looked and noticed a book lying open wide and smiled.

It was her favorite book to read during her down time;

CUPHEAD; DON'T DEAL WITH THE DEVIL.

She skimmed over the pages, eyeing the illustrations and rereading the words written on the pages.

She missed the brothers dearly and wondered how they were doing. She tried to make plans to visit them, but between finishing school and planning the wedding, it wasn't easy to find time.

"Hopefully I'll see them again soon. I wonder what life was like after the devil's defeat." She wondered. "Must be pretty boring for the king of the underworld since he's got no souls to prey on and for the boys with no new adventures appearing."

She sighed and picked up a key in her hands. It was a rose colored key with elegant curls and leaves engraved on it. She made it in case she wanted to open a portal and visit InkWell.

"I feel bad. I wanted to use this, but life got in the way…" she trailed off. Then she heard her doorbell ring.

"Coming!" she called as she placed the key next to her book and raced to answer the door.

However, moments after she left, there was a light glowing brighter and brighter until a small yellow opening appeared from one of the pages and a paper airplane flew onto her bed.

The portal closed and the room remained quiet and still, as it was before...

And there ya have it folks! Seems that Audrey and Josh have a bit of tensions going around. Wedding planning ain't easy ya know.

Sorry this chapter was a bit short, but I promise they will get longer. This was just the intro to things.

But where did that note come from, and what does it say? Stay tuned!

As always, thanks for reading! Don't forget to leave a review, but let's avoid the flames please :D