Chapter Text
Stella tended to gaze at all the fabrics. Some had vibrant colors, some as see-through as a bride's veil, and others with designs no one can miss.
Those were the ones Stella adored the most. All of them never ever failed to steal her gaze.
They were the ones she knew would be able to shine on her. Those were, too, the ones she knew would shine on others just as brightly. Looking down at her hands, Stella realized how much she loved designing things to make people happy. Especially the ones that helped people feel beautiful.
Stella sighed, relaxing her shoulders a tad, as she picked two types of fabric. Both were decorated nicely with a mix of bright and dark colors. One with orange and brown and the other was a bright, see-through pink to a nicely designed maroon.
Two was good. And cheap. It was perfect for someone who was working with a budget in mind. Bills and rent were certainly not working in her favor. But, as Stella spotted another fabric catching her eye, she realized two is far too little.
How can she create the masterpieces in her mind with just two? All those dresses, skirts, and shirts. She could picture them now. Especially with the one that was partly across the store.
So, walking herself over, Stella chose three. The new one in her hands was a sparkly navy blue. The best part was that it had light blue and white flowers tattooed on every part of it.
But, as she was getting ready to leave the store, the cash registers were so close in sight, Stella came to know that three could, at best, be used for a couple of outfits. And now, as she was passing another beautiful design, Stella couldn't help but think, why not four!
By the time she left the store, to Stella’s misfortune, she had well more than five. They were all gorgeous of course, but incredibly pricey. The receipt in her pocket was more than enough proof.
To her advantage, Stella's mind was already running haywire; thousands of ideas were rolling around in her mind, all of them coming up with outfits she could make with them. Much to her delight. Yet same, towards her dismay.
Stella has many things to put money towards. Her business; her fashion. But the most important was to her home and living spaces. And though all of what she bought would help with her designs, there was a lot that she realized she'd have to give up for the rent.
But, as true as those words may be, an artisan needs artistic material! Even though Stella may say that herself alone.
Stuffing the fabrics into her trunk, Stella had herself of smile on her face. Maybe, someday soon, she'll be able to put her business on the map!
——
One dress.
Only one dress.
That's all she could make with the, what, ten fabrics she bought in the span of the last month or two? Stella truly didn't know what she was doing these days.
It was like her mind couldn't keep focused. As if all her thinking, those ideas she would conjure up, would disappear the moment she was going to use them.
It really, truly was an annoying thing.
But Stella couldn't do more than shake her head at herself in the mirror laying next to her desk. Pounding her fist on the desk was not going to be of much help. Plus anger issues is not something she wanted to have.
Looking back down at the notebook in front of her, the pencil in her hand was beginning to sketch frame for where the outfit would lay. The thousand things in her mind had disappeared but she was still going to try.
But as she closed her eyes, Stella began to find herself descending into a tranquil state. She was going to be meeting some friends tomorrow. That, Stella believed, would keep her happy until the end of the week. At the very least, she would be content at the very least.
As she ripped her eyes from her paper, Stella examined her room. She looked at her pictures in their frames, her old designs tapped on a wall, even her bedsheets. Maybe, she couldn't help but think as she took in a deep breath, it'll even get me out of this idea-stump I'm in.
————
It was extraordinarily nice out. The sun was shining, not a cloud was in sight to cover the lovely blue skies. It was deep into spring; the flowers were fully grown. The soft smell of rain was still drifting in the air from the day before.
The rose bushes that were planted outside the cafe were bright-red. It gave a nice contrast to the dangling cherry trees perched near them. The lovely lights hanging from it were beautiful to her eyes.
As Stella gazed at all the falling pink petals, she was able to spot Flora waving at her by one of the outdoor tables. She wore a deep smile that was bright and lovely against her tan skin.
As she neared closer to the cafe, Flora ran over and embraced Stella with the widest, grandest hug she could ever give. Stella could feel her nails digging a bit into her skin.
"Oh, Stella, how have you been!" She exclaimed. Keeping a hand snug in hers. Her warmth was highly accepted after the cold of her apartment. "How is your business going!"
Stella couldn't help but copy the smile onto her face, "Oh just Fantastic! My designs are coming out rather well!" That wasn't exactly the truth. Nor was it exactly a lie. It was that something in the middle that made Stella feel inadequate.
She just didn't want to worry them. Her friends had their own things to worry about. Stella reasoned. They all had their things to worry about and Stella figured she could make do on her own.
Plus, the rest of her friends were finally arriving. They were walking over as she and Flora settled down into their seats.
Stella could see that they were deep into conversation, their faces were bright with happiness. Bloom stood as the tallest of them all. Her ginger hair was tied delightfully in a high ponytail.
The rest of the girls surrounded her like moths to a flame. How nice it must've felt. Stella thought. But it was a fleeing thought, obviously.
"Hey, Stella! Flora." Tecna greeted as she sat down roguishly, hands all over her latest gadget. Barely looking up to see their eyes. Instead she kept her eyes down at her hands or into the mountain of dishes in the menu.
Musa took both of Stella's hand into hers before she sat down, her gorgeous dark-blue hair began falling a bit over her shoulder as she leaned downwards. "Can you believe it!" She exclaimed.
Releasing Stella's hands for a moment, Musa continued on, "Bloom's business is just skyrocketing!" Musa jumped up and down barely containing her excitement, even her hair flew up and down with enthusiasm. "Isn't that just music to your ears!"
Stella felt her eye twitch a bit at the words. The involuntary movement pushed Stella to blink her eyes tight before looking back at the group. "Oh, how wonderful...!" She looked to Bloom; she was ordering something to eat and drink.
She truly felt happy for her. Bloom had worked incredibly hard for this. She deserved it, Stella knew how hard Bloom worked. But there was another feeling clouding her head that began breaking her heart.
Flora clapped her hands together, "You wanna know what we should do!" Pulling out her notebook, Flora showed one of her designs. "To celebrate Bloom's success,"
It was rather beautiful and very naturalistic. Greens and dark browns decorated every part. Leaves and flowers swirled together along with it too. A perfect design that Stella wished she could create. "We should do a collab!" Flora spoke excitedly. And everyone just burst with agreements. "Make it all spring themes, show off our styles!"
"What do you think, Bloom?" Aisha asked with a bright smile. She ran a couple fingers through her tied back hair. Stella could feel her hand twitch at that statement. Asking Bloom whether the group should do something, as if she was in charge of the group.
"Yes, this is going to be absolutely amazing!" And as if the dogs were let out, everyone started talking about what they were going to do. Musa was talking about the types of fabrics she would use, wondering if she could tie in some music notes. Aisha had already started looking up types of blues to go along with the theme. Tecna was laughing, saying how she was going to outshine everyone by adding her futuristic flair.
All the while Bloom was nodding along, adding some notes here and there. Just by that, Stella knew that Bloom already had a design in mind. It was a gift of hers, knowing what to make and say under any type of circumstances.
It was the complete opposite for Stella. Even with all these ideas flying around, colors practically soaring through the air as everyone else was talking, Stella couldn't think of an idea that could match the theme. Or any ideas at all for that matter. She was well and completely stumped.
As the lunch started to end, Flora and Musa took each other by the arms and walked off first, the group quickly dispersed. Though Stella stayed seated at the table, her food was cold in front of her. It was left untouched.
Pulling her head back, Stella's eyes being blinded by the bright sky, Stella felt an immense feeling of anxiety weighing down her shoulders. And this was supposed to make her feel better?
Well, it didn't. It didn't help at all.
————
Stella has been stuck at her desk for hours. From the moment she came back, Stella sat herself at the desk with her phone open onto whatever sites that usually gave her inspiration. Though, there was still nothing.
Looking back down at her desk, her sketchbook laid in front of her with the pages still blank, Stella couldn't help but sigh. Knocking her pencil against her forehead, Stella continued to turn 'round and around in her chair.
Yet, Stella couldn't get herself to start a sketch. Not even a singular line. She would try, of course. Stella went back through her earlier designs and the outfits she had made. But nothing brought Stella anything.
All the rest of her friends were getting ready to start bringing their ideas to life. In their group chat, Tecna had sent all the fabrics she was going to use. Aisha had sent in flower looking music notes, even going as far as using that design to make a purse. Even Bloom had posted. By the looks of it, she was already half-way done with her project.
Then there was Stella. Her mind was fresh out of ideas. Not a thing was bringing her any sort of design that could go with the theme. Nevermind an idea itself. It was so overwhelmingly frustrating. Stella's brain simply couldn't handle it.
Dropping the pencil onto the table, and smacking her cold hands onto her face, Stella leaned back in the chair, something that became a strange habit. The cold feeling of where the missing headrest was supposed to be always brought her solace.
Taking in a deep breath, Stella pushed herself out from under the desk. Taking herself up, she walked over to her bathroom and splashed cold sink water into her face. Looking into the mirror in front of her, Stella decided that she couldn't stay in her house. Instead, she would take a nice, long walk.
Walking under the cloudy moonlit sky and breathing in the fresh air will be very good; Stella believed. So off she went to put on her sneakers. Nice gray shoes with fading orange highlights. They were her favorite. Partly because they were comfortable. But mostly because she had fixed them up herself.
She would always be proud of them.
———
Stella walked down the sidewalks, her hands rubbing up and down her shoulders. The wind was cool on her skin and the streets were eerie quiet. But calm; tranquility she truly needed. The only thing she regretted about this idea was not taking a jacket along with her.
Pulling her arms down by her side, Stella came to notice that she was just a block or two away from home. It made her sad. The walk had really helped her with putting her nerves to rest. It didn't give her much to think about, which she appreciated, though it did also mean she was still without any sort of design to use.
Taking a short break, soaking in her surroundings, Stella stood at the corner of the sidewalk and breathed. The cold air, however damaging to her health, felt nice to her body and lungs.
She stayed like that for a few seconds, which quickly turned into minutes. With all this as her atmosphere, she could hardly want to go back to her artificially frozen home. Shaking away those thoughts away, Stella turned to face the direction of her apartment.
She was getting ready to move when she felt something off with her surroundings. She tried to not pay any attention to it, but when she heard faint whispers Stella froze with her eyes glancing through her peripherals.
Turning back to look in the direction the voices were coming from, all Stella could see was a thick line trees. And within them, a dark—yet somehow extraordinarily bright—light shining from within them.
Stella could feel a bit of fear creep up her spine as she continued to look in the lights direction. It had to have been a flashlight. Some strange somebody was probably looking for something of theirs they lost in there.
Looking back to the path she was close to walking, Stella started itching to move. Her nails started digging into the skin of her palms as she weighed her choices.
She watched many horror movies. And walking into a forest with whispers and strange lights were one of the basic ways to get haunted. That, paired with the mindset that she would always survive a scary movie, Stella's mind was pushing for her to just go home.
But, looking back into the mini-forest's direction. Stella found herself wanting a bit more than what she should. It's close by. Stella thought, as she tried looking past the thick, lonely front-yard trees and building decorations into the seemingly short wilderness behind them.
Looking around into her surroundings yet again, noting how there was nothing else that needed her attention or asked her to change her choice, Stella decided to walk towards it. So, why not just... check it out? She finished her thought.
———
The forest seemed absolutely ginormous, entrapping her within the bounds of its pines. The sticks under her feet kept snapping, sending large groups of chills running up and down her spine. Goosebumps began to appear from her wrists up to her shoulders.
The moonlight could barely get itself through the tree leaves, making the plants and ground beneath them near pitch black. It was as if the trees were reaching into the sky itself. Their branches taking the moon into their grasp and refusing to let go.
As much as Stella would try, looking up to attempt at grabbing a glimpse of tonight's full moon, she always found that she could barely see the sky. Nevermind the shining planet above.
She was slowly starting to regret following random whispers into the night. Especially since the phone in her hand wasn't granting her much visibility. Not even with the flashlight on. But Stella was already far too deep inside to go back now.
Though she knew that was exactly what every character in a horror movie would say, Stella continued on her path through. Absolutely determined to find whatever person was making those sound, and creating that strange light.
But, as she walked through the grasses and the flower-ridden ground, Stella felt as if someone was watching her every move. She could feel the hairs standing on the back of her neck. And her gut feeling told her that it wasn't the cold doing it.
It was well and truly frightening. But Stella wasn't going to let that disuaid her from her mission. Shining the light of her phone into every which direction, Stella pushed forward. She ignored the glowing eyes between the trees and the buzzing of strange insects. Nothing was going to keep her from her detective instincts; of which she learned simply by watching Tv.
Then she heard a twig snap from behind her.
Stella froze into a stiff statue. Leaves began crunching and shattering into tiny pieces from behind her. And she couldn't bring herself to look back. Stella wasn't the best at making choices, she came to realize.
So instead, she wrote of the increasingly loud noises behind her as the animals of the forest. It was probably a skunk or squirrel. Nothing much more to be worried about. With a somewhat calm mind, Stella used her past horrible choices to make a new one: she would keep walking on.
The strange forest-y area fell under quiet again for a while. Nothing but the sounds of insects around her. It put her heart at ease.That is, until she heard another twig snap. Again, from behind her.
Contrary to before, Stella decided that this time she would identify who, hopefully what, was stalking her from behind. Whipped her head around, trying to catch the someone or something that seemed to be following her, Stella found nothing.
She wanted to try calling out to it. But she was scared that someone would answer. Looking towards the way she was walking to, Stella decided that she should end this... weird adventure. And that she should walk her boots on home.
Somethings were better left unknown, she discovered. Turning herself in circles, Stella went on shining her flashlight into every direction around her. But before she could figure out which way to go, Stella heard a voice behind her.
How? Stella asked herself. How could someone be behind me?
She had just looked there. She had looked everywhere around her in fact. And nowhere in the short search did she see anyone. At least. not anywhere that one could be seen.
"Out of all the places to be," The stranger started, Stella could hear him inching closer towards her. Leaves and branches were crunching underfoot. A whole wave of fear washed over Stella.
"Why would a bright, young princess be doing all the way down here?" The voice spoke close to her, and it was getting closer and closer. The noises of clothes swaying in the wind was quick to reach Stella's ears.
Once she felt the coldness of breath touching her neck, Stella knew exactly where the stranger was. He was directly behind her. Stella could hear him. Feel the air he breathed.
But she couldn’t bring herself to look back. Fear, entangled within herself.
"In the deep dark?"
——
Stella felt like she had been glued to where she stood. She couldn’t bring herself to move, not even a quarter of an inch. It was as if something was holding her down.
“Are you not going to answer?” The man behind her questioned. Stella could feel the strangers eyes trailing up and down her figure. Trampling over her nerves with every switch of his eyes.
Stella squeezed her eyes shut as she heard the stranger begin to circle her. The endless sounds of plants and sticks crunching under their feet was scaring her. Yet it also seemed to intrigue her.
After a moment, the mystery man stood in front of her; just staring. He didn’t move at all as he stared in her direction. Stella wasn't even sure if he was looking in her direction. But she swore that she could feel someone had eyes on her.
And she knew it was his.
“Open your eyes, Beauty.” He spoke again. This time Stella knew for sure that this person was looking at her. If not, directly through her soul. Stella hated the strange pet names, but she knew it had to be his strange way of speaking.
The stranger repeated what he said as he took a step closer. And this time, she did. Not because she was told to. Not entirely, at least.
Curiosity kills the cat.
Even with Stella’s eyes open, she could barely see anything. Not the trees near her, not the grass below her. Though, somehow, the man was standing near directly in front of her.
His eyes were a deep, bright shining blue. Even with the void that was the sky and forest, his eyes seemed bright. They were dull like a dogs, yet his pupils were as sharp as a cats, probably as useful too.
She could see his pin-straight blonde hair. It was long. It reached down past his shoulders and straight to his hips and waist. It was kind-of majestic in a way.
She could see the strange mix of a frown and smirk that was playing on his lips. Stella could also see a glimpse of the white teeth under it as he winded it.
But, besides that, Stella couldn’t see much of anything. The night sky was just dark enough to shroud him. The trees blocked the wind from coming in, though she could still see the wind pushing at his hair.
Who are you?
Stella wanted to ask. But she just couldn't. It was as if a clamp was keeping her mouth shut. Stella found herself glad that she had a strong immune system. If she was sick, she doubted she would be standing at that moment.
"Stella." He whispered, eyes contaminating the very air around her with his stares. Stella became fearful. How was it that a stranger could know her name?
Her breath became rapid as the man caressed the side of her cheek. The coldness of the strangers skin wanted her to flinch backwards, but she still couldn't move.
"Why should I-"