Between Then and Now (Hallow’s End #1)

2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2

I WOKE UP IN MY NEW PLACE, the silence of Hallow’s End pressing down like a heavy blanket, the oppressive quiet making me miss the familiar city buzz I once found irritating—honking cars, distant conversations, and comforting white noise. I threw off the covers and padded to the window, peeking out at the misty morning. The rising sun cast an amber glow over the rolling hills and dense forest.

After rummaging through my suitcase, I chose a stylish autumn ensemble: a fitted, cream-colored turtleneck sweater with statement sleeves, paired with sleek, high-waisted black jeans. I slipped on my favorite ankle boots—suede with a subtle heel—and wrapped a deep plum scarf around my neck for a pop of color. I brushed my coffee-brown hair into soft, effortless waves.

Craving coffee to start my day, I ventured into the town center. The ground was covered in pine needles and acorns, their earthy tones punctuated by the occasional burst of crimson berries, creating a textured canvas that heralded autumn’s arrival.

Townspeople smiled and nodded as I passed, some offering cheerful greetings. Their warm expressions and easy-going nature were a stark contrast to the rush and grumpy indifference of city life. The air felt fresh and clean, carrying the crisp scent of pine needles, mixed with a faint hint of spiced apple from a nearby bakery. Worlds away from the usual city smog.

As I walked through town, I noticed how the locals dressed in comfortable, laid-back clothes. Cozy flannel shirts, jeans, and sturdy boots, that made them effortlessly blend in to their rustic surroundings. In contrast, the softness of my cashmere sweater felt too refined, and I tugged at the hem, while the sharp clicks of my heeled boots on the cobblestone streets echoed loudly, making me feel out of place.

I wondered if I should ask Ivy to take me shopping. We’d only met yesterday, but she was warm, and exuded an easy friendliness that made me feel like we’d get along. I’ve always connected quickly with people in my almost-desperation to seek out real, meaningful relationships. A new friendship could be just what I needed—something unconnected to my family, or Sebastian. The idea of forming genuine ties in a new place felt refreshing.

Hallow’s End was nothing like Cresden. Here, people strolled leisurely down the sidewalks, pausing to chat with neighbors and shopkeepers. An elderly man sat on a bench, feeding birds, while a group of children played hopscotch nearby, their laughter echoing down the street. Every passerby seemed genuinely interested in the next, exchanging warm greetings and stopping for unhurried conversations. It was strange but refreshing.

In Cresden, the atmosphere was starkly different. The city buzzed with the constant rush of hurried footsteps and honking cars. People rarely made eye contact, let alone stopped to chat. Everyone was too busy with their own lives. Heads down, earbuds in, always hurrying from one place to the next.

I found the caffeine haven easily enough—Harvest Moon Coffee. The quaint brick building, similar to my cottage, had ivy draped over it, and a charming sign swinging above the door. Seasonal decorations—pumpkins of various sizes and twinkling fairy lights—dotted the small tables and chairs arranged on the sidewalk.

Inside, the rich aroma of freshly brewed cappuccino and warm pastries enveloped me. Shelves lined the walls, filled with intriguing books and lush potted plants, adding a touch of greenery and life to the space. Warm, earthy tones painted the walls, with one wall showcasing a vibrant mural depicting a whimsical forest scene. String lights hung overhead, casting a soft, cozy glow.

An assortment of inviting seating, from plush armchairs upholstered in rich colors, to rustic wooden benches with colorful cushions, beckoned visitors to sit and stay awhile. The soft hum of a jazz melody played in the background, blending with the soft murmur of conversations and the occasional clatter of dishes from the counter.

I approached the counter, where a friendly barista greeted me. She had her curly auburn hair pulled back into a loose ponytail, and a nametag reading MARLENE. “Good morning! What can I get for you today?” Her smile reached her bright green eyes.

“A large, iced pumpkin spice latte, please,” I said, stifling a yawn.

Marlene chuckled as she began preparing the drink. “You must be Lavinia, right?”

I raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Just Vinnie. How did you know?”

“Between your outfit and that pumpkin spice latte, you’re a dead giveaway,” Marlene said with a smile. “Most locals here skip the syrup in their coffee. ”

“I guess my city habits are showing,” I chuckled. “Do you get a lot of tourists around here?” I asked, watching her write my name on the cup.

Marlene nodded. “We don’t get that many visitors this early in September, but things will be buzzing during the week of Halloween. That’s when the pumpkin spice and seasonal drink requests really start pouring in.”

As I waited for my drink, I absorbed the inviting atmosphere. The café was lively with activity, with a steady stream of customers chatting and placing their orders. I watched as one man poured five packets of sugar into his coffee, making me wonder if he had a death wish, or just a serious sweet tooth.

Marlene called my name, pulling me back from my musings. She handed me my pumpkin spice latte, and I wrapped my hands around the cool takeaway cup, savoring the rich aroma that promised a perfect start to my day.

Distracted by the inviting scent of freshly brewed coffee, and lost in thoughts of how different everything was here, I turned to leave, and collided head-on with someone standing behind me. My coffee cup slipped from my hand, and time seemed to slow as the liquid arced through the air, splashing onto the person I’d bumped into.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” I exclaimed, quickly grabbing napkins from the dispenser on the counter.

The poor guy was drenched, his white shirt soaked with the coffee.

He laughed, a deep sound that sent a pleasant shiver down my spine. His hazel eyes sparkled with amusement, and his warm smile lit up his face. “No harm done. I needed a wake-up call anyway. Plus, I’ve always hated this shirt.”

As he looked down at his soaked shirt and dabbed at it with napkins, I couldn’t help but notice how it clung to his lean, muscular frame. Accentuating his broad shoulders and defined chest. He was undeniably attractive, and I found myself staring, captivated by his sharp jawline and the way his slight stubble added to his rugged appeal. Realizing I was gawking, I quickly averted my gaze, a flush rising to my cheeks.

“I can’t believe I just did that,” I muttered, embarrassed. “I’m not usually this clumsy. Sorry about that. By the way I’m Lavinia Carlisle, but everyone calls me Vinnie.”

I looked up, meeting his gaze, and my breath caught. His eyes were a warm brown, flecked with gold, giving them an amber glow. They were filled with curiosity and amusement, drawing me in. A soft, playful smile tugged at his lips as he took in my appearance, making the embarrassing situation feel unexpectedly charged with a spark of attraction.

As he smiled down at me, I realized just how tall he was—about six-foot-two, towering over my five-foot-five frame, even with my heels on. The height difference added to his magnetic presence, making me feel both intrigued, and a little flustered, by the chemistry between us.

“Nice to meet you, Vinnie. I’m Ethan Brown,” he said with a warm smile as he stepped aside. He glanced at Marlene behind the counter and added, “Could you get Vinnie another drink? Put it on my tab, please.”

His smooth, confident tone made my cheeks warm. I was surprised by his kindness, feeling both flattered and a little flustered by the gesture.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” I protested lightly. “I’m the one who spilled the coffee. I should be the one buying you a drink.”

He chuckled, running a hand through his tousled hair. “Letting a pretty girl pay for her own coffee wouldn’t be very gentlemanly of me,” he teased, with a playful glint in his eye.

I felt my cheeks heat. Trying to keep my composure, I offered, “Well, at least let me pay for the dry cleaning? It’s the least I can do.”

He glanced down at his coffee-stained shirt and shrugged, his eyes never leaving mine. “No need, really. It’s just a shirt,” he said casually. Then, with a curious tilt of his head, he added, “So, are you new in town, or just passing through?”

“I’m visiting here for a few weeks, from Cresden,” I explained, trying to match his easy-going tone. “I’m still getting used to the slower pace here, but it’s a pleasant change from the city’s chaos.”

He nodded, his smile making my heart race. “Cresden, huh? This is quite a shift from city life. That’s just next to Boston, right? I’ve never been, but I hear it’s a busy place. Hallow’s End is a change of pace if you’re used to all that hustle and bustle. But it grows on you, after a while.”

“It is a big change,” I agreed. “I’m staying at Willow Cottage for a few weeks, trying to adjust. Ivy was actually the first person to welcome me, and she’s been great. Everyone I’ve met so far has been really friendly. It’s nice to see such a close-knit community.”

Ethan chuckled. “Yeah, Ivy’s basically our unofficial welcome committee. She loves meeting new people, and making sure everyone feels at home. She’s the reason so many visitors end up coming back.”

Just then, Marlene approached with a fresh cup for me, and handed Ethan a drink as well. “Your usual,” she said with a playful grin. “Though I still don’t get how anyone can drink two shots of espresso with no sugar or milk. You’re a braver soul than me.”

Ethan laughed. “What can I say? I like my coffee strong,” he replied, taking the cup from her.

He surprised me by lingering instead of saying his goodbyes and continuing with his day. Ethan glanced back at me, a playful spark in his eyes. “So, has Ivy already tried to rope you into the Spooktacular Hallow’s Eve festival, yet?”

I raised an eyebrow at him, intrigued. “How did you know? Is there an inside joke I’m missing? ”

Ethan chuckled, his laugh lighting up his face. His smile revealed straight, white teeth. “It’s practically a rite of passage around here. Ivy’s super passionate about Halloween, and makes sure everyone in town gets involved. She’s really persuasive, so if she’s pitched it to you, I hope you agreed—especially if you're planning on sticking around for it.”

I couldn’t help but smile back. “Actually, Ivy didn’t have to do much convincing. I volunteered to help out with the festival. Plus, I love Halloween, so it should be fun.”

We stood in a comfortable silence, an undeniable spark humming between us—warm, exhilarating, and unexpected. His presence made the room feel cozier, and also made me acutely aware of every little detail around me: the cool feel of my coffee cup, the faint scent of his cologne, and how easily we fell into conversation.

I hadn’t felt this kind of immediate chemistry in a long time—not since Sebastian—and it caught me off guard.

Ethan seemed to hesitate, his brow furrowing slightly as if he was searching for something else to keep the conversation going. Finally, he broke the silence with a question. “So, what brings you to Hallow’s End?”

I hesitated. “I needed a fresh start. Life in the city was . . . complicated.”

Ethan didn’t press on, sensing my reluctance to elaborate. He simply nodded, offering a gentle smile that conveyed understanding. His respect for my boundaries made me feel relieved and oddly comforted, as if he was someone I could actually open up to, given time.

“Well, welcome to Hallow’s End, Vinnie. If you ever need someone to show you around, or just want some company, I’d be more than happy to oblige.” The thought of seeing him again was exciting, and I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of anticipation.

“Thanks, Ethan. I appreciate that,” I said. My heart fluttered a little at his kindness, noticing again how good he looked .

Despite the coffee stain on his white shirt, he wore it well, tucked into a pair of fitted brown trousers that complemented his lean build. A navy sweater was casually draped over a nearby chair, next to his briefcase. I wondered what he did for work but, before I could ask, he glanced at his watch, a flicker of urgency crossing his face.

“I’ve got to run, but I’d love to see you again. Maybe over a coffee that stays in the cup?”

I laughed. “That sounds great. I’d like that.” As I said it, a swirl of emotions rushed through me. Part of me wondered if he really meant it, or if he was just being polite. Still, the prospect of seeing him again filled me with a hopeful anticipation.

As he took a step back, he glanced at my outfit and flashed another one of those disarming smiles. “By the way, I’m glad the coffee went on me and not your lovely sweater. It really suits you.” His compliment caught me off guard, putting me at ease about something I’d been feeling insecure about earlier. “See you around, Vinnie.”

As he walked away, I felt a fluttering in my stomach. My heart beat a little faster, and there was a lightness in my chest that felt new and exhilarating. There was something about him that made me feel alive again, stirring emotions I thought I had lost with Sebastian. As I watched him disappear into the crowd, a smile tugged at my lips.

With my heart still racing from the encounter, I headed to Enchanted Quill, Ivy’s bookshop. The charm of the town extended to this particular spot, where large windows displayed beautiful books. Above the door, there was a sign featuring an ornate quill and inkpot, which invited readers inside.

The interior was even more captivating than I had imagined. As I pushed the door open, bells chimed faintly, announcing my presence. The sound mingled with soft murmurs and the occasional rustle of turning pages, and I paused to take it all in. Tall bookshelves lined the walls, brimming with a meticulously curated selection of books, from bestsellers to rare finds. In the corners, inviting reading nooks beckoned, their armchairs bathed in warm light. The scattered plush cushions invited visitors to lose themselves in a story.

At the back of the shop, an enormous fireplace crackled gently, its warmth radiating through the room. It was easy to imagine this as a gathering place for community events, the flames casting a flickering glow on eager faces. I breathed in deeply, the air infused with the scent of old books mingling with the soothing aroma of Ivy’s herbal teas.

Ivy looked up from behind the counter, her face lighting up when she saw me. “Vinnie! How was your first night?” she called out, her blue eyes sparkling with tenderness. She brushed a few strands of dark blue hair from her forehead, revealing a light dusting of freckles across her nose and cheeks. Her heart-shaped face and warm smile was youthful and inviting.

“It was . . . different,” I admitted, laughing softly. “I’m still getting used to the quiet.”

“Understandable,” Ivy said with a smile as she carefully priced a stack of books. Her flowing purple dress, which hugged her curvy figure, swayed gently as she placed the stickers on the covers with precision. The soft light caught the collection of charm bracelets on her wrist, and a pendant that shimmered around her neck. “Big change from city life, huh?”

“Certainly,” I remarked, taking in the whimsical, witchy décor. The shelves were artfully arranged with crystals, tarot cards, and other mystical trinkets. Dried herbs hung from the ceiling, filling the air with their earthy scent. Intricate tapestries adorned the walls, depicting moon phases and enchanted forests. “This place is amazing.”

Ivy’s gaze twinkled with delight. “Thank you. I’ve put a lot of love into it. It’s my little sanctuary. ”

“What inspired all of this?” I asked. “It’s so . . . unique.”

Ivy leaned against the counter, her expression thoughtful. “I’ve always felt a strong attraction to the mystical and magical. There’s something enchanting about the idea that there’s more to this world than what meets the eye. Witchcraft, to me, is about connecting with nature, harnessing its energies, and finding balance.” She paused, a fond smile crossing her face. “After finishing college two years ago, it just felt right to open this place. I’ve always followed my intuition, and this shop seemed like the perfect way to share that part of myself with others.”

I raised an eyebrow, doubtful. “Do you really believe in all this . . . witchy stuff?”

Ivy’s smile became even more whimsical. “Belief is a powerful thing, Vinnie. Sometimes, what we believe shapes our reality beyond our awareness. Besides, who’s to say what’s real and what’s not? After all, we’re all just stardust in the grand scheme of things.”

I smiled at her cryptic response. Her dreamy demeanour was oddly comforting. “I guess that’s one way to look at it.”

“Exactly,” Ivy replied. “Life is full of mysteries. Embracing them makes everything a touch more magical.”

She turned to a shelf behind her and extracted a stunningly bound volume with intricate designs on the cover. “Speaking of mysteries, I think you might like this book.”

I took the book, feeling its weight and the textured cover beneath my fingers. The cover of the book had gold and silver patterns embossed on it. As I flipped through the pages, I marvelled at the beautiful illustrations and inspiring quotes about creativity and self-discovery. “These illustrations are stunning,” I remarked, my voice filled with genuine admiration. “Art is my passion. I could spend hours just getting lost in these pages. ”

Ivy’s eyes lit up with interest. “Art, you say? That’s wonderful. What kind of art do you do?”

“Mostly painting and sketching,” I replied, feeling more at ease. “I had a small studio back home. It was my sanctuary, just like this shop is for you. A place where I could escape from everything and just create.”

“I can understand that,” Ivy nodded. “Art is a powerful form of expression. It’s like casting a spell with colours and shapes. Have you thought about setting up your own gallery? It could be a wonderful way to share your passion with people instead of keeping all that beautiful expression locked away in a studio for no one to see and appreciate.”

“Actually, I have,” I admitted. “But I’m not sure where to start.”

“Must be a coincidence,” Ivy said, her eyes twinkling. “There’s a small place for rent in town that would be perfect for an art gallery. I can show it to you on my lunch break. If you’re interested?”

“That would be amazing,” I said, experiencing a surge of excitement. “Thank you, Ivy.”

“Anytime,” she replied. “You’re going to love it here, Vinnie. Trust me.”

While Ivy attended to other customers, I found a seat by the window and savored my morning drink, taking in the charming view of the town. Old-fashioned buildings lined the streets of Hallow’s End, each painted in warm, inviting colors. Strings of twinkling fairy lights crisscrossed above the cobblestone streets, adding a magical glow even in the daylight.

Parents walked hand-in-hand with children bundled up in cozy sweaters, their laughter echoing as they skipped along. An elderly couple strolled by, arm in arm, wearing matching knitted hats, their steps slow but content. It was idyllic, and so different from the impersonal atmosphere of metropolitan life.

Despite the beauty, and the palpable sense of community, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being out of place in Hallow’s End. I missed the familiarity of city life. A young couple passing by the window, laughing and sharing a playful moment, brought back memories of Sebastian and me. We used to have moments like that—spontaneous, joyful, and filled with laughter.

One evening stood out vividly in my mind, as if I were reliving it all over again.

It was late, and the city buzzed with its usual electric energy. Sebastian had insisted on a spontaneous adventure, his intense green eyes shining with excitement. We found ourselves at an upscale bar with a rooftop view, the city sprawled beneath us like a glittering tapestry.

“Let’s play truth or dare,” he suggested, his confident grin infectious.

The dares escalated quickly—from daring each other to flirt with strangers to Sebastian challenging me to dance provocatively on the bar top. The thrill of it all was intoxicating. When it was his turn, Sebastian leaned in close, his voice low and daring. “I dare you to sneak into the VIP section.”

My heart raced at the challenge, a mix of nerves and exhilaration coursing through me. I nodded, a mischievous smile spreading across my lips. We managed to slip past the bouncer, our playful antics drawing amused glances and laughter from other patrons. Eventually, we were caught and kicked out, but it only added to the thrill of the night.

Afterward, we wandered to a quiet corner of a nearby park. The city’s lights twinkled around us, casting a magical glow over the moment. We were still giddy from our escapade, and the adrenaline made every touch and glance more charged. Sebastian pulled me close, and our lips met in a heated kiss. The world around us seemed to disappear as we stumbled into a secluded area. His hands roamed over my body, his breath hot against my skin. Our laughter and soft moans mingled with the distant hum of the city, creating a private symphony of our own.

The intensity of our connection in moments like that was undeniable. The wild, unrestrained, and thrilling times with Sebastian made me feel alive and invincible. Those moments, filled with electric energy and unrestrained joy, made me believe we had something real and profound.

But then, the cracks started to show. Between the highs, there were lows that gnawed at me, like the nights I spent begging him on the phone to visit me at college after he’d been away on business trips for weeks. He always had excuses—too busy, too tired—only for me to later discover he had been out that night. When I confronted him, he insisted it was for work, and I wanted so badly to believe him. There were many more instances like that, but the good parts clouded my judgment, making it hard to see the truth through the haze of our intense connection.

Now, as I sat and observed the idyllic scene outside, a new flicker of excitement sparked within me. The idea of taking a risk and opening my own art gallery felt different from anything tied to Sebastian—it was a desire purely my own.

For the first time, I wondered if Hallow’s End could be more than just a stop on my journey. Perhaps it could be my destination, a place where I could build a life that felt authentically mine.