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

11. Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Y ESTERDAY HAD BEEN A whirlwind of creativity. Blocking Sebastian made me feel surprisingly light, as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and the inspiration I had been desperately seeking finally took root. I spent the entire day in my little makeshift studio, surrounded by canvases and splashes of paint, and the wooden floors were speckled with color, remnants of past works blending with new bursts of bright hues. I experimented with different colors and styles, blending bold strokes with delicate lines, trying something new, and even revisiting some of my old techniques. The hours flew by, with the sun setting outside the window, leaving the room bathed in the soft glow of my desk lamp. As I poured my emotions onto the canvas, the act of painting became a cathartic release, each brushstroke a step toward healing.

I only paused for brief breaks, during which I sipped on tea and exchanged texts with Ivy, confirming our plans for a shopping trip. It felt good to have something to look forward to. A break from the emotional rollercoaster of the past few days.

Now it was Wednesday, and I stood outside a quaint little boutique called Pixie & Posh. The shopfront was whimsical, with its name painted in playful, curling script above the door. Large bay windows showcased an array of colorful dresses, vintage accessories, and quirky decorations that beckoned passersby with their charm. The window displays showcased mannequins dressed in layered, bohemian-style outfits, with chunky jewelry and stylish shoes accenting their look. Fairy lights twinkled around the edges of the windows, adding a magical touch.

The air was crisp, carrying the earthy scent of fallen leaves, and the now-familiar aroma of fresh brews from Harvest Moon Coffee. The sky above was a clear, soft blue, with golden sunlight breaking through the few clouds in the sky

I glanced in the direction of the coffee shop again. It would have been nice to stop by for a quick latte, but I didn’t want to be late, or keep Ivy waiting. She had only her lunch break to shop with me, though she’d reassured me that one of the perks of owning her own shop was the flexibility to take as long as she wanted. Katie, who helped her around the store, was perfectly capable of handling things in her absence.

Ivy approached, carrying two cups of coffee, and the distinct scent of pumpkin spice wafted towards me. She wore a soft, oversized crochet sweater, balanced with a green floral-print mini skirt that moved gracefully with her steps. Delicate lace tights covered her legs, and she added an edgy contrast to the softness of her outfit with chunky black boots. Her dark blue hair sported two playful space buns, and she had a small crocheted bag slung over her shoulder.

I couldn’t help but admire her style, wishing I could pull off something as unique and put-together. I glanced down at my outfit—a leather mini-skirt paired with a mustard jumper. It was cute and trendy, but it felt more like a safe choice than a true reflection of my personality.

Ivy beamed with excitement as she reached me, somehow managing to pull me into a quick hug while expertly balancing the two coffee cups. Her energy was contagious, and I smiled back at her as she passed over one of the cups.

“I thought you might need a little pumpkin spice pick-me-up. We’ve got a lot of shopping to do, and we’ll need all the energy we can get!” she said, with a playful wink,

I accepted the warm cup gratefully, inhaling the comforting scent. “You’re the best,” I said, touched by her thoughtful gesture.

As we stepped into Pixie & Posh, the gentle chime of the bell announced our arrival, blending seamlessly with the soft indie music playing in the background. Vintage posters adorned the walls, their faded colors contrasting with the warm glow of lights above. The air in the room carried the soothing scent of lavender and vanilla, which mingled with the earthy tones of the wooden shelves and racks.

With its bohemian dresses, flowing fabrics, vintage-inspired pieces, and quirky accessories, the boutique was a treasure trove of eclectic finds, where every item had a story waiting to be discovered.

Behind the counter stood a young woman with oversized, round glasses perched on her nose, her pixie-cut hair a vibrant shade of purple that contrasted strikingly with her soft features. She wore a lace-trimmed cami that peeked out beneath an oversized flannel, its worn softness hanging loosely off her shoulders. High-waisted cargo pants hugged her hips, the fabric heavy and utilitarian, contrasting with the delicate lace. Scuffed Converse peeked out from beneath the wide legs of her pants, while silver rings gleamed on her fingers, each one unique, catching the light as she moved .

“Hey, Amelia!” Ivy exclaimed, placing her coffee cup on the counter.

Amelia’s face lit up with a bright smile. “Ivy! It’s great to see you!” she responded, her brown eyes twinkling behind her glasses. She turned her attention to me, her expression warm and welcoming. “And Vinnie! It’s so good to finally meet you! I’m Amelia,” she said with a bright smile. “Ivy’s told me a lot about you, so I feel like I already know you.” She laughed, giving Ivy a playful nudge.

“How are you liking it here so far?” Amelia asked, her tone warm and curious. “Settling in okay?”

I smiled, easily matching Amelia’s warm energy. “It’s been great so far! And it’s nice to finally meet you, too. I hear you’re also a big Murder Chronicles fan.”

Amelia’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Oh my God, yes! I’m obsessed ! Did you see the last episode? That cliffhanger was insane! I’m dying to see what happens next!”

I laughed, nodding along. “Seriously, that last episode? I’m still reeling! Can you believe they just left it with Brandon standing over the body like that? I need to know what happens next!”

“Exactly!” Amelia grinned. “Anyways, feel free to browse around. We just got a new shipment in yesterday. Oh, and there’s this dress in the new arrivals that made me think of you immediately,” she said, glancing at Ivy.

“You know me too well. But today’s about Vinnie,” Ivy said, though she couldn’t hide her excitement at the prospect of new clothes.

Amelia laughed, nodding towards the back of the store. “Take your time and enjoy. If you need anything, just holler.”

We made our way over to the racks, where the new arrivals hung. Ivy and I rummaged through the clothing, pulling out pieces and holding them up against each other .

She found the dress Amelia had mentioned—a stunning deep plum velvet dress, with bell sleeves, and intricate gold embroidery along the neckline and cuffs—and held it up, admiring the rich fabric and detailed design. “This is beautiful,” she breathed, a smile spreading across her face.

“Go try it on,” I encouraged, eager to see how it looked on her.

She nodded, heading towards the dressing room. Meanwhile, I continued browsing, finding a few pieces that caught my eye. As I pulled out a deep green wrap dress with delicate embroidery, Ivy reappeared, wearing the velvet dress.

“You look amazing!” I said, admiring how effortlessly she pulled it off.

Ivy twirled in front of the mirror, the velvet fabric hugging her figure perfectly. “It’s gorgeous, but we’re here for you, remember?” she reminded me with a playful smile. “Let’s find you something amazing.”

Encouraged, I tried on the green wrap dress, feeling the soft fabric glide smoothly over my skin. I stepped out of the dressing room to show Ivy and Amelia, who both nodded in approval. But, as much as I liked it, it didn’t feel like . . . me, and my face must have showed it.

Ivy and Amelia worked quickly, darting between racks and pulling out pieces for me to try. Ivy handed me a dark floral maxi dress with bell sleeves, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “This one’s so romantic, you’ve got to try it!” she urged.

Amelia, not to be outdone, selected a velvet blazer and matching skirt, both in a dark blue. “This would look amazing with some chunky boots. It’s got that edgy-but-chic vibe,” she suggested, her warm caramel eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.

As they both fussed over me, gratitude warmed me. This was what shopping should be like—fun and supportive, with plenty of laughter and discovery. It was such a contrast to my experiences in Cresden, where friendships felt more like competitions. Back there, shopping trips were about keeping up appearances, with an underlying edge of jealousy and snarky comments disguised as compliments. It always felt like a subtle game of one-upmanship.

Here in Hallow’s End, Ivy and Amelia weren’t interested in comparing or judging. They were genuinely excited to help me find something I loved. It was refreshing, and made me realize how much I’d been missing out on real, genuine friendships.

While trying on a mustard-colored sweater dress with lace details, I asked, “So, how long have you two been friends?”

“We’ve lived in this town all our lives,” Ivy began, her voice carrying a note of fond nostalgia, “but we only really bonded in college. We found out we both have a love for tarot cards and manifesting.”

Amelia laughed, adding, “Yeah, we were both deep into our witchy phase, even back then, and it just stuck. We still do tarot readings for each other whenever we need some cosmic guidance.”

I laughed along with them, stepping out of the dressing room to face them. “Does everyone in this town get into the witchy stuff?” I teased, adjusting the hem of the sweater dress.

Ivy grinned playfully. “Kind of,” she admitted. “It’s a thing here in Hallow’s End. The town has this delicious, mystical folklore background, especially around Halloween. The locals say the veil between our world, and the other side, is thinner here. There are all these stories about people finding what they’ve lost—things that disappeared ages ago suddenly reappearing in the most unexpected places. It’s like the town helps you find your way back to what you need, even if it’s not always in the form you expected.”

Amelia nodded, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she leaned in closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. “And it’s not just about objects. There are tales of people bumping into old friends they thought they’d never see again, or running into someone who becomes unexpectedly significant in their lives. Some folks even say they’ve rekindled old passions. Hobbies, dreams—even relationships they thought were long dead. It’s as if the town has a way of bringing things full circle, offering second chances, or nudging people toward their true path.”

Ivy chimed in, “And then there are the really odd things. Like the stories of couples who get together during the Halloween festival, claiming to feel an inexplicable pull, as if some unseen force was matchmaking. Or the mysterious coincidences—people finding exactly what they need, just when they need it, like the town knows what they truly desire.

Amelia grinned, “According to legend, the town was established on an ancient ley line that amplifies energy. Some people think that’s why strange things happen here, especially around Halloween. It’s like the town’s spirit comes alive and gets a little mischievous.”

I listened, both intrigued and sceptical. The idea that a town could have some kind of unseen power, influencing the lives of its residents, felt like a stretch. Still, there was something captivating about the stories, and they made me think about the small coincidences that had happened since I’d arrived—things that seemed almost too perfect to be just chance. Like meeting Ivy and Ethan on my first day in town. Or how here, the dream of opening a gallery felt more within reach than ever before. I tried to dismiss it as just local superstition, but part of me was intrigued, making me wonder if there was more to the stories than met the eye.

“So, basically, anything can happen here, and it wouldn’t even be that surprising?”

Ivy laughed. “Exactly! It keeps life interesting, that’s for sure. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find a bit of magic here, too.”

After the chat, I continued browsing, and ended up selecting a few new pieces, including a cozy knit sweater, a flowy floral skirt, and a pair of high-waisted jeans. Just as I was about to say I had enough for one day, Ivy and Amelia exchanged a conspiratorial glance that made me raise an eyebrow.

“Wait, there’s one more thing you have to try on,” Ivy insisted, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she pulled out a garment bag from a nearby rack.

I laughed, shaking my head. “I think I’ve tried on enough for one day. You two are relentless.”

“Trust us,” Amelia chimed in, her grin widening. “This one is perfect for your date on Saturday.”

Their excitement was contagious, building my own anticipation alongside it. Earlier, while rummaging through racks and trying on various outfits, I’d mentioned my upcoming date, and they’d both been thrilled, especially Amelia, who couldn’t hide her surprise that Ethan was finally taking an interest in something beyond his books and his sister.

“Okay, okay,” I relented with a grin. “You two are really selling this. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

I walked into the dressing room and unzipped the garment bag with curiosity. Inside was a beautiful red dress. Like everything else in the shop, it had a vintage flair, with its puffed sleeves and a sweetheart neckline, reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. The fitted bodice featured delicate ruching that accentuated the waist, while the skirt flowed gracefully, ending just below the knee with a subtle slit that added a touch of allure.

I slipped into the dress, fastening the small, delicate buttons that ran down the front. The material felt cool against my skin, and I smiled at my reflection as I studied myself in the mirror. I completed the outfit with a pair of sleek black heeled boots I had found and instantly fallen in love with .

The added height made me feel more confident, and balanced the playful elegance of the dress with a modern flair. The extra inches were also a bonus, considering Ethan’s height. As the thought of us possibly kissing crossed my mind, a warm blush crept up my cheeks. The idea of being closer to eye level with him, and not having to stand on tiptoe, sent a flutter of anticipation through me.

I took a deep breath and stepped out of the dressing room. Ivy gasped, her eyes widening with delight. “Oh, my gosh, Vinnie! You look stunning!” she exclaimed. Her excitement was infectious, and I felt a flush of pride and confidence.

Amelia’s face lit up with a broad smile. “Absolutely perfect,” she agreed. “This dress was made for you.”

I twirled, watching the skirt flare out beautifully around me. The rich red color made me feel bold and daring and, as I admired the dress, Amelia reached into a glass display case, pulling out a delicate necklace with a red crystal pendant.

“This is carnelian,” Amelia explained, holding the necklace up to the light. The crystal glinted with a deep, fiery hue, complementing the dress. “It’s said to boost confidence, creativity, and enhance passion, desire, and love.” She winked playfully. “Just what you need for your date.”

She fastened the necklace around my neck, the cool stone resting against my skin, and I looked at myself in the mirror, feeling a surge of excitement. The outfit felt like a small celebration of my new life, a bold statement that I was ready to embrace new possibilities.

Ivy leaned in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “ Ethan won’t know what hit him.”

Amelia wrapped up the dress and necklace in delicate tissue paper, placing them carefully in a beautifully decorated bag with the other items I’d picked out .

“So, how about a girls’ night on Friday? A sleepover at my place, complete with snacks, movies, and a little card-reading before your big date,” Ivy suggested with a playful grin.

Amelia perked up at the idea. “I’d love to, but I’ve got a date myself,” she said, smirking. “Matched with a new guy online. He seems interesting.”

Ivy raised an eyebrow. “What happened to the guy you were talking to last week?”

Amelia rolled her eyes and laughed. “Mike? He was sweet, but way too boring. Besides, I’m not trying to settle down, right now. I’m just having lots of fun. And by fun , I mean sex.” She adjusted her gold-framed glasses with a cheeky grin, and we laughed, her candidness refreshing and unapologetic.

“We’ll miss you, Amelia,” I said with a mock pout. “But I’ll definitely be there, Ivy. A girls’ night sounds perfect.”

Amelia grinned and wiggled her brows. “Next time, for sure. And you better text me all the details about your date on Saturday!”

“I promise,” I laughed.

Before we left, Amelia surprised me with a warm hug. It was unexpected, but comforting, and a gesture that solidified my sense of belonging in this charming town that was starting to feel a little more like home