Chapter Text
"Ah." I smile as I walk into one of my favorite places, The Devil's Art House. The air was almost suffocating with the smell of incense burning. There were large amount of dark imagery in the shop but I had long forgotten about that. This place had basically became my second home due to it being thee fuel to my inspiration. I was one of the very few people that got to submit their art to the store. However, this is not because they were picky. No, quite the opposite. I was just one of the few to even walk into the store, let alone give them art to display.
"Angelica!" A bubbly woman's voice says. The voice had come from the lady behind the counter. This Woman was one of my closest friends, Tova.
" Good morning Tova. Have anything good to fuel my fire?" Over the past year of 'working' here I had asked Tova to find me things to inspire my next painting.
" I do actually. I was at action right and the guy up front showed this book. Immediately I was like 'I have to have it!' So I got this book for you! The book is full of old pictures of demons, hell, and other thing of the sort." As Tova had told me this she pulled out from under her desk a book that had been well loved. The leather spine was cracked and torn as pages had started to fall out. The cover was covered by what I could tell was alchemist symbols. Most of the symbols were different triangles but two were different however. One looked like a Q and the other was a cross with a circle around it.
I gasp as I reach out for the book and feel it's rough cover. Soon opening the book, running my fingers over the old pages. " How much do you want for it?" I ask never looking up at Tova.
" Well I got the book for about Ten bucks so, how does five sound?" Tova asks as she leans on the desk in front of her.
" That sounds perfect, thank you!" I look up at Tova with a smile. " Now I think I should get what I came here for." Not waiting for a reply I just walk to the back of the store so grab various different paints that had just come in stoke. I also grab a small travel sketchbook for when I go somewhere. I had always wanted one of those. Quickly heading back to the counter I pay for my things.
" Now you better show me what you make from this damned book, you hear me Angel." Tova points her finger at me in a playful manner as I put the tattered book into my small messenger bag to keep it safe.
"I will, Tova. I promise." I say over my shoulder as I walk outside the small art shop. As I left the warmth of the shop I finally felt the chilled autumn air. I grab onto my jacket to cradle myself for more warmth. The walk to my apartment could seem to be any farther way.
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As I swing the door open to my apartment door I give a moan in satisfaction. Taking off my boots at the door I look around my small apartment. My cream walls were covered in different paintings I had done over the years and the occasional paint on the wall from accidentally touching the wall with paint stained hands. In the far corner of the room I see my painting area and desk next the that. My desk was covered in different papers, art supplies, and my crappy little laptop. A small kitchen set was in the corner to the left of the front door. To the right of the front door there was a small TV fitted with a DVD player and a few movies to match. To liven up the room there were a few plants strewn about. The floor was a dark hardwood with droplets of paint on it to match the walls. There was a rug in front of the the TV.
"I'm home!." Saying to no one in particular. I walk over to my desk, putting my shopping bag down. "OK, time to look at this beauty." I pull out the book from my handbag and sit on the couch.
As I started to read through the book I had lost track of time. Looking at the clock and see that it was about 10:45 P.M. and I still had to shower for the night. I putting the book on the counter as I start to walk to my room. I grab a towel, over sized shirt, and a new change of underwear. I decided to just get undressed in my room so I could just hop in the shower. As I head to the bathroom I look at the book again. I could have sworn I saw the pages moving, must have been my imagination. I shake my head with a sigh and close the bathroom door behind me.
Turning on the warm I look into the mirror. I lean forward over the sink, pushing and pulling at the skin of my face." I really need to get more sleep." I retort as I look at the soft, dark skin under my dark green eyes. Soon after I head to the shower rinsing my shoulder length brown hair. Washing the oils from my body and embed the soft smell of lavender into my pale shoulders and face.
After washing my body and hair I step out of the shower, drying off, and brush my teeth. I towel dry my hair and change into my night clothes. I walk into my room turning off various lights only to soon lay my head down on my soft pillow. My head was swimming with ideas for the days to come. What was I yet to see in the the journal? Would I maybe find the next idea for my paintings? Or maybe nothing at all? Who knows. I push all of my thoughts to the back of my head as I slowly drift into a deep slumber.
Little did I know that this would be one of the very few nights to come where everything was normal. You can only give these things time.