Ch.18: The Book Store.

[Ryan's Book Store]

With very little people, a silent and calm sactuary for all. Ryan's Book Store became the perfect place for people who just want some alone time.

'I used to come here all the time to study about the past. Mysteries and whatnot got me through a lot of days..' He walked down the trail that led to the front desk. Behind it, a man in a chair with his legs propped up while reading a book.

With average height and a slim figure. He had medium length messy red hair, blue eyes and very vague beard. "Ah, hello sir. What can I help you with today?"

He looked up at Clay, setting his book down, taking his legs of the desk and making him his top priority.

From this angle, you could really see his handsome side, Clay from 3 years ago wishing he looked that good. "Still growing that beard out, huh?"

Clay said, spinning the globe on the desk. "Excuse me..?" Clay's choice of words sounded familiar, but the man didn't know who he was. He's never seen this person before in his life.

The man stood up and leaned forward, examining Clay's every detail.

"Come on. My hair's just dyed, that's all. You recognize me, don't you?"

And then, it clicked.

'This voice...' As a smile started to rise on Ryan's face, Clay also started to smile himself. "Clay! Dude, is that really you?!" Ryan's shouting annoyed some readers, but they didn't care that much since they were cool with who was doing the shouting.

"Yep. Surprise..."

"No way.."

He saw a montage of Clay, from when he was a child to the last time he saw him 3 years ago. His very first customer and supporter.

"You're actually...here.." A tear swelled up and he had wiped it away, a low chuckle breaking out.

"Man, I've missed you! Dude, I have so much to tell you! I became an author, met someone..."

He went on and on about his last 3 years. How he accomplished his dreams, found love and even has a kid on the way.

Clay listened attentively to all of it. It was nice hearing how much Ryan improved himself as Clay couldn't help but remember him as well, a lazy bum.

"A writer and a soon to be father. You really turned your life around, didn't you?" They were now in the break room. Ryan was making coffee while Clay looked around, seeing the exact same poster still up from 3 years ago.

"I've been so busy with stuff that I didn't even know you woke up. When exactly did you even wake up?"

"About a week ago. And it's good man. After I woke up, I told my dad to make sure that the news of me waking up wouldn't spread around. And hell, I guess my new apperance helps with that."

"It really does.." He turned around with two coffee filled mugs in his hand. He then sat down at the small rounded table and passed Clay his coffee.

By instinct, he blew on the coffee before remembering that it won't hurt to just chug it.

He didn't though as that'd be weird for anyone to see. "So what have you been up to? Recovering, I assume?" Clay took a sip then nodded.

"Yeah, bassically. Though today's my first time going out. Just before I came here though, I went to the T-mobile store and bought a phone.

Just tryna get myself back together, y'know?"

Ryan dipped his head in agreement. "Very mature of you. Something must've happened to you while you were out because you were never the type to do something willingly. You always just played along, letting people hear what they wanna hear and stuff.."

Clay smiled, sipping his coffee and mumbling, "You wouldn't even know how much changed.." Ryan then looked at Eve and said, "Oh, so that's your sister, huh? Man, I quite literally haven't seen her since she was a baby."

"Hm? You didn't talk with my folks after I went into the coma?"

"Naaah... I just found it hard man. I mean, they were grieving and stuff and I...don't do well with dealing with peoples emotions like that, y'know?

The way your parents were sobbing and yelling outside thr hospital room that night was spine chilling man.."

That was surprising to hear as he of course never heard anything about that. "They were, were they..?" It made him sort of happy to know they mourned for him like that. A weird type of excitement, yeah, but still.

"Well, enough about the depressing stuff. I wanna hear about the woman who stole your heart. What's her name?"

Bring up the subject of his girlfriend instantly reverted the depressing atmosphere to a cheerful one.

"Kyra. We met at a study group in college and just hit it off.."

Saying that reminded Clay that before the coma, Ryan got into a college to pursue his path as a writer. He was 28 and yet, he went back to college, something that most don't do.

"Is she hot?"

"'Is she hot?'"

Ryan quoted him while chuckling and pulling out his phone, showing his wallpaper to Clay. "Jesus Christ bro... YOU pulled that? Lucky ass..." Ryan nodded while snickering.

"Yeah. Honestly, I am lucky to have met her. At the time, I was a little down becuase of your situation, but she came along and cheered me up. I'm really glad I met her.."

He finished his coffee and got up to stretch. "It feels good to know that you're fine, Clay. Now, I've got a ton of new books about Immortality that you've got to check out. Come on.." He motioned for Clay to come, but Clay just sat there.

"Actually, uhm... I...don't read about that stuff anymore.."

Ryan stopped, stupefied at what he just heard. "What? Bro, stop playing. That's literally the only reason you come here. Unless you wanted to come see little ol' me all those times.."

"Don't make it weird. Anyways, it's just that the whole coma felt like God giving me a warning to stop messing around with things shouldn't mess with. Think I'm gonna take his advice.."

"Oh, you're...being serious, aren't you? Well, whaddya gonna read these days then? I got everything, y'know? Mystery, Drama, Romance,-"

"Supernatural."

Clay said.

"Supernatural?" Ryan questioned.

"Yeah, oh, and martial arts. Got any of that?" His choices were weirdly specific, so much so that Ryan wanted to know more about why, but heck, he didn't wanna give a person who just came out of a 3 year coma any problems.

"Of course I have it! Go to your little corner and I'll be over in a second, alright?" Then Clay finally stood up, and started walking out the room. He went deep into the library, coming to a spot in the corner of the building that had a single table and chair.

It had the perfect amount of sunlight that came through the window near him, also proving a good view of the streets. He also had a good view on whoever comes in and out of the store. 'It's clean, but I doubt anyone actually reads back here..'

There was also a laptop on the table for research purposes. Clay sat down in the single chair and simply propped Eve in his lap.

A few minutes later, Ryan came over with atleast 5 books in his hand. He sat them down on the table and wiped a bit of sweat off his forehead.

"Alright! You want more or is this fine for now?"

"Yeah, it's fine. Thanks, Ryan.." Ryan nodded and placed a bell down next to the books. "Well, you know what to do with it.." Clay nodded as he started opening the laptop.

"Brings back memories man. 3 long years and now, you're finally back. It feels good.." Ryan gave him a noogie before leaving, laughing away as Clay held his head. 'It is nice to be back..'

They were friends, but Clay thought they were close enough to be brothers.

'It really is nice...to be back...'

....