I
discovered mystery stories don't just lie on the book shelves of
Barnes and Noble. Sometimes it's the patrons lingering between the shelves that
present the mystery.
Many
books are displayed on the shelves having their cover titles facing outward with the
intention to draw the eye in and seduce the curious reader. I stood completely
absorbed in front of one of these book displays when I felt the presence of
someone standing next to me.
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Image Credit: Pixabay.com - Jessicajin |
His
presence close enough to smell his musk cologne, but not too close
that it felt invading. The man roughly in his fifties with dark curly hair,
tinted glasses, wearing a trendy camouflage shirt and modish jeans.
I gradually inched away to move from his personal space, when he suddenly let out a deep chuckle and grabbed a book from the shelf. It was titled "God Is Not Mad At You."
With
a smirk look on his face, he waved the book in my direction to show me the book
title. He exclaimed, "well,
I think God would be mad at some of things I've done!"
I felt dumbfounded, a little intrigued, but creeped out all at
the same time.
I discretely moved
over a couple of steps.
With
that lasting statement, he then drifted away. I stared at that book
title wondering what sort of heinous things had he done to make God mad.
It was a
mystery.
It
almost seemed eerily planned to leave me hanging on the unknown; leaving me to
come up with my own imagined story.
I thought...isn't this how horror movies start out? Trying not to let my
imagination run wild, I gazed my eyes upward only to see his tinted glasses
peering suspiciously on the other side of the display.
My
sideways glance looked away like a nervous cat that had just caught a rat. I conjured up notions wondering if he looked like a serial killer. Might he have a
collection of hunting knives in his trunk? Was he looking for his next prey to
throw down a pit and make a flesh coat from their helpless body?
Oh
my...where had this guy's cryptic statement lured me? Feeling a bit
ridiculous that I had made this guy out to be a murderer, I
decided to take my mind off the situation and head over to
the cafe side of the store.
Relaxing
in one of those cushy chairs, drinking an iced coffee and reading my new book seemed
to be a good diversion.
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Image Credit: Pixabay.com - gongmi |
Coddled
by a whirling espresso machine and swallowed up in the coffee
aroma, I sunk into my cozy chair.
With
my nerves settling, I took a swig of my coffee, looked up and nearly choked
when out of nowhere, I spotted the same curly-haired camouflaged guy swiftly
appear between the book shelves looking straight across from me.
Holy Hannibal Lecter!
His
movements lingered up and down the aisle from one side to the other like a
hunter seeking his victim.
Breathing at a slower and shrinking pace, I hoped to appear invisible. I remained motionless and kept my eyes peeled to my book acting without concern or suspicion.
His
thick muscular hand reached to pull a book from the shelf. I watched him flip
each page with slow calculating intention. I didn't want my uneasy glimpses to make eye contact with his secretive tinted glasses.
By
now, a little mist of heat collected around my brow, when I noticed him standing in the book section labeled ‘Christian
Life.’
Really?!?!
I
didn't know what to make of this guy. Was
it a coincidence that I encountered him again? Could he be stalking me to
size me up for that flesh coat?
I really had to stop
thinking of scenes from "The Silence of the Lambs!”
As
he sauntered from one side to another, I thought maybe he was simply looking
for a religious book to help with his spiritual journey. I'm sure he was
completely harmless and a reformed law abiding citizen.
Certainly,
he wouldn't think of harming one hair on the head of a delusional middle aged
woman as she gingerly took a bite of a warm blueberry scone.
No sooner had I wiped the scone crumbs from my mouth, when I noticed he couldn't be seen anywhere. Just like that he had disappeared; right into thin
air.
A little on edge and feeling
a chill on my neck, I questioned this man's motives.
Looking
for his whereabouts, I shifted to look right - to the left and then behind...in
horror movies, you must always look
behind!
He
was nowhere to be seen.
As
mysteriously as he had appeared, he then disappeared.
The
only thing I could conclude from this strange encounter is that he had either
found the book to save his soul or he decided I just wasn't the right coat
size!
Honestly, with my imagination on full throttle, it might not be too far-fetched to see if the answer is waiting over in
the Mystery/Thriller Section.
It could happen!
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Image Credit: Pixabay.com - Mysticartdesign |
Have
you had a strange encounter or mystery? Did your mind run wild with suspicious
thoughts?
I think I would have been seriously creeped out, too. Whew!! But now, you have material for a short story or anovel - just think, you may be happy for this experience one day.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alana you're right could be a story to expand on...now you've got me thinking. Hmmm the mystery continues.
DeleteHi Laurie, thanks for your comment on Instagram regarding your interest in joining the Author/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club. Here's the links about it so you can see more about this new club: https://www.facebook.com/bookloveteam/ and the members group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/ At the moment the club is mainly on Facebook, though as you can see I am starting to post about it on Instagram. Do you have a personal Facebook page as I'll need that to add you to the group page?
ReplyDeleteThanks Marjorie - I have sent my request to group.
DeletePretty sure you need a book to write. Stat. All that creative energy you're generating needs to be channeled.
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan! Never thought I was ready for that, but maybe I've turned a corner to a new venture. :)
DeleteTo borrow a phrase from a mutually known young lady... JEEPERS! I am all for self awareness in public surroundings but REALLY you just made my hair stand on end. You got me! Dee M.
ReplyDeleteJeepers - LOL! Yes, always be aware. It seems I attract stranger talk. It happens in grocery stores too. Lordy!
DeleteOh my goodness, this was so good. Thank you! Who knew Barnes and Noble was such a mysterious place.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, yes this took me by surprise too! I'm still wondering what his deal was.
DeleteYeah, that would have freaked me out.
ReplyDeleteI know, can you blame me for letting my imagination run wild. He was probably a nice guy...or NOT! Still wondering.
DeleteHello my dear wildly imaginative and hilarious cousin!
ReplyDeleteI love this story. I was just in B&N the other day picking out another read somewhat out of my regular genre in hopes to broaden my fictional scope, praying it will bring me closer to actually having a published book on those shelves you so eagerly looked over before "creepy guy" appeared!! I'm always checking out the book nerds, story seekers and the mixed levels of ages running (or using a walker) around the store. I love observing the interests they have.
Your words are incredibly placed to where I WAS RIGHT THERE WITH YOU. Loved it!
Thank you so much for this excellent entertainment and if I can so boldly imply my knowledge of you, I am absolutely sure the next time you enter that B&N, you will be scanning the aisles just to see "if he's baaaack" ?????
Let us know if you do...wink wink
Thank you so so much Brenda for reading and commenting. Your insight means a lot to me! I actually haven't been back to B&N since this day, but I do agree it's a great place for observing and finding interesting characters. As far as I'm concerned, the creepy guy can remain in the stories on the book shelf. Hope you've had some progress on that book. You go girl!
DeleteLaurie, you hooked me again. I would love it if you turned this into s short story or novel. Keep it up! I can’t wait to read what you write next!
ReplyDeleteThank you Chris! Love your supportive spirit. I truly am working on writing more fiction shorts. Baby steps... :) :)
Delete