The Writer’s Story

A nineteen-year-old writer suffers from writer’s block all the time. But one day, finally, the “gods” have answered her prayer and decides to intervene. Will her problem finally be solved? Or will it result to more frustrations?

supremo
supremo
Nov 7 · 17 min read

“Argh! This is so frustrating! I can’t seem to write a new chapter for my book nor think of an exciting plot twist for it. I have been staring at my laptop for an hour.

I tried to read other stories to atleast get inspired to write, I watched my favorite youtube videos, I even tried taking a nap, I have tried everything! And still, here I am, staring at a blank screen. I should’ve written atleast 2 chapters now!

“Juliet! Are you still awake?” I heard my mom asking from outside my room, she probably heard me complaining and ranting about this stupid writer’s block.

The door slowly opened and there I saw my mom, carrying a tray with a glass of milk and what I think is a plate of chocolate chip cookies. “Hey, I brought some food for you. Here, eat this.”

My mom said and walked up to me, placing the tray on the bedside table and turned off my laptop, “Just continue that tomorrow. You need to rest.”

I smiled at my mom and hugged her, “Thanks mom! You’re the best!” I said as I grabbed a cookie and took a bite. Mmmm, this tastes like heaven!

“Good night, Juliet, don’t stay up too late, okay?” She said and walked away, leaving my room.

I finished up the cookies and drank up the milk and then went to sleep.


This morning, I woke up feeling determined to create a new chapter for my story. When I woke up, I took a quick jog with my dog, Ali.

Now that I have had dinner, I think I should start writing a new chapter. Maybe my brain’s going to function much better now.

I went upstairs and headed to my room. I placed the laptop on the table and turned it on.

As soon as it opened, I clicked on the last draft I made to recall what I have written.

CHAPTER 24 (draft)

“Are you sure you don’t have a girlfriend, Rye? Or maybe.. You’re just keeping it a secret from me!” I teased my bestfriend.

“I told you, relationships are just a waste of time.”

I smiled wryly, trying to hide the sadness that’s trying to form in my lips after realizing, again, that he will never like me. We’ve been bestfriends for 10 years now, and here I am, still hoping that maybe one day, he’ll feel the same way.

“Oh, yeah, right! Haha.” I said, trying to act okay.

“Why do you always ask that?” He asked, looking confused.

“Nothing. My bestfriend’s got good charms, what can I do?? Hahahaha! But what if someone confesses to you?”

“Who cares?” He replied. “Come on, let’s go eat something, I’m hungry.”

“Oh, you go ahead. I think I forgot something, I’m just gonna go check the room.” I lied.

“Okay, hurry up or else I’ll finish your food!” He teased. I smiled, he was laughing. How I love hearing that laugh.

He walked away and I walked to the end of the hall and turned left instead of turning right – to where our room was.

As soon as I reached the bathroom, I quickly ran inside, wiping the tears falling from my eyes. Good thing no one’s here.

I’m just so stupid to think and hope that maybe one day, he’ll actually like me.

But.. What if.. No, no. No, Ash, no. Stop dreaming.

END OF CHAPTER 24 (draft)

Hmm, what should happen next? I feel like she should confess to Rye in the next chapter since I have planned to end the story after 35 chapters. I plan to give them a happy ending where Rye realizes he actually likes Ash and they end up together.

I began to type my ideas.

CHAPTER 25 (draft)

Today I texted Rye and told him to meet me at the park. I’m currently getting ready.

How should I say it?

“Rye, I love you so much.” Wait, no, it’s too dramatic. Should it go like “Actually, Rye, I have been inlove with you for so long.” ?Ugh, no. Ew. Whatever, I’ll just say whatever comes to mind.

*phone rings*

I picked it up and the name “Rye” was flashed on the screen. He was calling. I answered it. “Hello? Rye?”

“Hey, I’m on my way to the park. Don’t be late, you know I hate to wait.” I smiled. Oh, Rye, you haven’t changed a bit since we first met, you’re still impatient. I said as I chuckled at that thought.

“Yeah whatever, bye.” I said and hang up.

I stared at myself in the mirror while taking in deep breaths. Breathe, Ash.

Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale.

I can do this.


“What is it, Ash? Do you need some help again for our Math homework?” Rye asked as soon as I walked to him, he was sitting on a bench.

“N-No.. I just want to tell you something.”

“What is it? Did we really have to meet? Can’t you just tell me over the phone?”

“Rye..” Come on, Ash, you can do it.

I took a deep breath in. “Rye, you are more than a friend to me.”

“Uh, yeah? Of course. We’re bestfriends.” He innocently said. Oh, Rye.

“No, Rye. You’re getting it all wrong. I like you.” There. I said it. I finally said it.

I looked at him, trying to read what’s going on in his mind but it’s too hard, he’s just looking at me with a poker face.

“Rye, I like you.” I said again.

“Yes, I understand, Ash. You don’t have to repeat it for me. But Ash, you’re my bestfriend and that’s never gonna change. I’m sorry.”

I smiled as a tear fell down my cheek. I quicky wiped it away. It’s okay, Rye. It’s okay. There are just some things that are not meant to be, just like you and me.

END OF CHAPTER 25 (draft)

Finally, finally! A new chapter! What a great day! I can finally go to sleep!

I saved the chapter as a draft and turned off my laptop. I feel so happy and at peace. Good night, self!


“Excuse me, miss?”

I opened my eyes, things were still a bit blurry. Who is this trying to wake me up in the middle of my sleep?!

I looked at the man standing in front of me. “Who are you and what do you want? Wait.. Why are you in my bed – “

Wait.. I’m not in my bedroom! I’m at a bus! How did I get here?!

“I’m the driver of this bus, are you okay miss? Sorry for waking you up but we’re here, this is the final destination of the bus. You’re the only person left in here.” A middle-aged man said to me.

“O-Okay, t-thanks..” I said and got up from my seat, I left the bus.

But why was I at the bus?! Was everything that “happened” yesterday, a dream? Did I not write a new chapter for my book? What’s happening?!

I approached two ladies and asked them. “Uh, excuse me? But I just need to ask something. What place is this?”

“Oh, hi. We’re at district 3. Are you lost?” The woman said, looking worried.

“Are we in America?” I asked. ‘Cause this place looks none like America, not at all.The woman, who looked worried earlier, is now looking at me with confusion. She must think I’m crazy.

“America? Are you okay, dear? We’re in England.” What?! England?! She must be joking!

“Oh, thank you.” I said and walked away. I walked and walked until I got to a park. Am I really at England? This place doesn’t look familiar to me at all.

I sat on the grass and started pulling them out. I’m so frustrated! Where am I?! And how did I get here?!

Should I call my mom?

Yeah, I think I should. I took out my phone from my bag. I went to the contacts, I need to call my mom.

But weirdly, my contacts was empty. Weird. My phone is completely empty. No pictures or downloaded apps. No music or anything.

Where did my pictures go?!

“Uhh, hey.”

I looked up and saw a guy looking at me. “What do you want? Who are you?” I asked.

“Sorry but I just want to tell you to stop pulling the poor grass. By the way, I’m Rye.” He said and offered his hand. I looked at his hand and ignored it.

“Rye? Nice name. Just like Ash’s Rye.” I joked eventhough I knew he wouldn’t understand it.

“Ash? You know my bestfriend?” He confusingly asked.

What?

“What? Your bestfriend?” I asked. Rye? Ash? What?

“Yes, why? Do you know her?”

“Uhm, no. But have you been bestfriends for 10 years?” I asked, trying to confirm if my hunch was right. But no, it can’t be. That’s stupid. It’s not going to make sense.

“Uhhh, yes? Why do you know that?”

Rye? What? Am I dreaming?

It’s probably just a coincidence.

“Do I know you? You seem to know me.” He said, looking confused.

“Uh, no no. I just know someone with the same name as you. Anyway, are we in England?”

“Of course! Where else? You’re weird.”

“Do you know a place where I can stay? I’m new to this place.”

“Oh, perfect! My be – – uh, roommate just left yesterday.” He said. Oh, thank God. I won’t have to sleep in the streets.

“Really? Wait.. Why should I trust you? I just met you! What if.. What if..”

He chuckled. “You’re not my type.”

“And so? I’m a woman! I have a – “

“I’m not interested in whatever you’re thinking about, miss. Anyway, what’s your name?”

Should I trust him?

“I’m.. Juliet.” I said. His eyes widened, he was probably shocked. But why?

“Is there a problem with my name?” I asked.

“No, none at all. Let’s go. Don’t worry, I won’t do anything to you. I promise.” He said and smiled. Well.. He doesn’t look like the type of guy who would do something like that. This is better than sleeping in the streets, I guess.

“Okay, fine. But if you do something to me, I swear!! You’re dead!” I said and looked at him in the eyes sharply. Then I followed him.

As soon as we reached the end of the street, there I saw a black sportscar parked. Just like “my” Rye’s car. This is really getting weird.

I stared at the car for a few minutes. Is everything just a mere coincidence?

“Juliet, c’mon! What’s taking you so long?” He impatiently shouted from the car. He’s also impatient, like “my” Rye.

I walked and went inside the car. “When did you move here?” He asked.

“Moved? How do you know I’m not from this place?” I said and raised my eyebrow.

“Obviously. You were asking weird questions and you needed a place to stay.” He said and rolled his eyes. How rude!

A few minutes later, the car stopped infront of a house. I expected to see a three-storey building or something like that. I’m assuming this is his house, so where am I gonna stay? Or.. Is he..

“Tell me! Are you planning to do something to me?!” I said and attacked him.

“He – – Hey! Stop it! Stop! It hurts!” He kept on shouting while blocking my punches. “Stop! I’m not going to do anything to you! This is my apartment! This where you’re gonna stay!” He said. He seemed annoyed, judging by his creased forehead and his voice.

I apologized. And then we went down from the car and he led me to his so-called apartment.

He stuck in the keys to the doorknob and it opened. We entered the apartment.

“It’s not too big but it’s better than nothing, right?” He said. I nodded.

I roamed around the apartment. It wasn’t too big like he said but it also wasn’t too small. It was okay. I also like the design, it’s a bit modern with hints of black and white.

“That is your room.” He pointed to the left.

If that is my room, I assume the one I’m standing infront of is his.

“I’m just gonna get changed. Check it out.” He said and went to his room.

My room looked a bit girly. It had hints of purple, one of the colors I dislike. Oh well.

It had a queen-sized bed in the corner and a bedside table beside it. On the other corner, there was a bigger table, probably a vanity table. Next to it was a white wooden closet. It’s not too spacious but it’s fine.

I checked my phone. It was 2:31pm.

But.. How did I get here? How? That’s the question. I actually want to cry but I’d look stupid and I can still hold it in so, nah.

Am I dreaming? Is all this a joke? ‘Cause if yes, then I want to wake up now. I’m getting homesick! I miss my mom and Ali!

“Hey.”

“WAAAH!! Couldn’t you atleast knock?! What if I was changing?!”

He rolled his eyes before he spoke, “If you were changing, you would’ve locked the door. Plus, I knocked multiple times and no one was answering so I decided to just go in. I have already called your name atleast 5 times and you were in such deep thought. “

“Fine. Anyway, how much is my rent?” I asked. Where am I going to get money? Well, I still have money in my bag, I still have atleast 700 dollars I think so I’m just gonna use that for now.

“I was just gonna tell you. Anyway, 80 dollars a month. And since it’s September 1 today, the landlady is probably on her way so can I have your payment?”

I opened my bag and grabbed my wallet.

“Here.” I said and handed the 80 dollars to him.

“Thanks.” He said. “Have you eaten lunch yet?”

“No.” I quickly replied. I’m hungry!

“Then come on, I cooked something.” He said and we both went to the dining area. There was a table with 4 chairs. We both sat down.

On the table, there were eggs and bacon.

“Sorry, I only know how to fry.” He said and smiled apologetically.

I ignored him and ate.

In the middle of our lunch, I remembered something. “You said your roommate left, right? Where did he or she go?” I asked.

“She. She.. Well.. She’s actually my bestfriend, the one I was talking about earlier, Ash. I think she just needed space.” He said and looked down. He was probably sad about it. But anyway, I still think it’s weird that his name’s Rye and his bestfriend’s name is Ash.

“May I ask why?” I curiously said.

“She confessed. I turned her down.”

Whaaaat?!

My eyes widened in shock. R-Rye?! MY Rye?

A FEW WEEKS LATER..

“Juliet? Come on, the movie’s starting in about 20 minutes!”

“Okaaaay!” I shouted from my room and quickly looked at myself in the mirror. This is enough.

“This movie is boring. I told you I wanted to watch something scary, not a love story!” He complained, trying to keep his voice down.

“Shh! Just watch!” I said. We are in a cinema right now, we’re watching a movie. It was entitled “The One that Got Away”. Seems sad, huh?

I was seriously watching the movie. The guy and the girl were dancing. They were in highschool. It was their promenade.

“I love you.” the guy told the girl.

The girl just smiled. Ooooh, rejected.

“I thought you said it was boring?” I teased Rye. He cried in the end of the movie. Hahaha! The girl regretted not admitting her feelings because in the end, the guy moved on and found somebody else.

“It is! It’s a stupid movie.”

“But why did you cry?”

“I didn’t!” He kept on denying and I kept on laughing at him, “You’re cute.” I said. His eyes widened. Wait, what?

“I mean.. Uhh.. Let’s just go get ice cream.” I said, trying to change the topic and quickly walked away. What was I thinking?

We’re on our way home and it’s now 7:34pm. I looked at the sky from the window. The stars were so pretty.

“I’m gonna show you something.”

“What?”

“Just wait.” He said and turned left, instead of a right. “Take a nap.”

I yawned. I guess I should.

“Juliet.” I felt someone shaking me. “Hey, wake up.” I opened my eyes and saw Rye looking at me. “Come on, we’re here.” He said.

I looked outside. Wow. It’s like we’re on top of a mountain! I can see the whole city from here! And the stars, wow!

I quickly went down.

“Where are we?” I asked.

“Me and my family used to always go here when I was little.” He said. Wait, is this that place? The one I wrote about?

Anyway, yes. Rye is “my” Rye. How? Why? I don’t know but who cares? I enjoy being with him.

I stared at the sky. There were so many stars. The moon was so bright.

“The stars look so pretty!” I said. I was amazed by the stars, they were “twinkling”.

“Not as pretty as you though.” He said. What?

“Huh?”

He chuckled and suddenly turned serious. “You’re beautiful.”

I feel like my cheeks are so red right now. Why would he say that?!

I looked away.

“Juliet, do you promise to never forget about me?” He asked. That was random.

“Uh, yeah? Why would I?”

“No, say it. Say the word. Pro-mise.”

“Promise. I promise to never forget you.” I said, smiling at him. He smiled back. But his smile was different. It had a hint of sadness. I wonder why. Then he looked at the sky, while I was looking at him.

Then I thought..

I’d rather look at him than the stars.


It’s so cold and I don’t feel so well. I don’t think I’ll be able to go to work today. Yes, work. I work part-time in a restaurant with Rye.

*knock*

The door opened. “Hey, why are you still in bed? We’re going to be late.” He said and walked up to me.

“I’m.. not feeling.. so.. well..” I said, shaking. It was so cold.

He placed his palm on my forehead, checking my temperature. “Geez! You’re hot!”

“I’m just gonna go buy some food and some medicine, okay?” He told me.

“You.. have.. work..”

“It’s fine. This is just one day.”

“Here, open your mouth. Eat this.” He said while trying to make me eat. I slowly opened my mouth and he put the spoon in.

He was feeding me noodles.

“Say ‘Ahhhh’, open your mouth.”

“Ouch! It’s hot!” I said.

“Sorry.” He apologized.

He was blowing the soup.

“Thanks, Rye.” I smiled.

“Drink this, okay?” He said and put down the medicine.

He stood up. “I’m just gonna change, I’m still wearing my uniform.”

Oh, Rye, stop being like this. I might misunderstand your actions.


It’s now my 4th month here in England. For the past few weeks, I have gotten a bit used to staying here. Although I still miss my mom and Ali. Some nights I still cry and wish this was all a dream and I would wake up. But.. Things are a bit different now. I wish I’d never wake up if this was a dream.

I have gotten closed to Rye. Attached, I guess.

Uh, attached? No. Wrong choice of word. I’m more than attached. So much more than attached.

Anyway, today is October 4, today is Rye’s birthday. I’m gonna surprise him with the chocolate cake I bought, his favorite.

“Juliet?” I heard a voice a few steps away from me. He was probably confused since it was really dark. I turned off the lights.

I turned them on, “SURPRISE! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you!” I said while walking towards him. His hair was still messy, he probably woke up from a nap.

I was holding the cake. “Make a wish!” I said, smiling widely.

“I wish you can stay here, with me. Forever.” He said and blew the cake.

“Of course! Why wouldn’t I?! Come on, let’s eat!” I said and sliced the cake.

He looked at me. He grinned.

“Nooo! Ryeeee!!!” I shouted and he ran away. I have icing all over my face!

I quickly ran to him and did the same. In addition, I tickled him. It was his weakness, mwahaha!

“Haha! Look at you!” I said, laughing. I was staring at his face, it was covered in icing.

He was also staring at my face and laughing.

I was looking at his face and our eyes met.

We stared at each other for what-seemed-like-forever until he finally decided to break the silence. “I love you.”

I was shocked. My heart was beating so fast. What? “W-What?”

“You heard it right, Juliet.”

“C’mon, let’s eat!” I said, ignoring what he said.

My heart was still beating so fast.

But he pulled my hand and locked me in a hug.

“Please. Just let me do this.” He begged and hugged me even tighter.

I pulled away from the hug after a few seconds. I looked at him. A tear fell from his cheek. He quickly wiped it away.

“C’mon, let’s eat!” He said and gave me a slice of the cake. “Juliet, here, read this tomorrow.” He said and handed me a piece of paper. I think it was a letter. I grabbed it and folded it. I put it in my pocket.

We finished our food and went to sleep.


*continuous knocking*

I opened my eyes. Who is that? I’m still sleepy.

“Come in!” I shouted, still with my eyes closed.

“Juliet, come, I cooked breakfast.”

I opened my eyes in shock. That’s my mom!

“M-Mom?? Moooom!” I ran to her and hugged her. “I missed you! How long was I gone?”

“Gone? You were in your room all day, sleeping. What are you talking about?” What?

“Anyway, I’m going out to buy food for Ali. I prepared breakfast, it’s on the table.” She said and left.

But.. Wait. If I’m here..

Rye.. I slowly sat down on my bed as the thought sank in.

Was it all a dream? And.. Rye.. Is he not real?

No.. No.. This can’t be true. I need to go to Rye. I need to see him.

Everything seemed surreal.

Then I suddenly remembered.. The letter!

I searched my pockets and I found it. It’s still here.. So.. Is Rye real?

I took a deep breath before opening it.

Dear Juliet,

By the time you read this, you are probably back to where you really belong. Yes, I know you’re not from here. I know who you are. Do you remember when we first met? When you told me your name and I looked shocked? It was because I knew you. I always dreamt about you. And all of my dreams, they came true. That time we watched a movie, I dreamt about that already. Remember when I brought you to a place where we stared at the sky the whole night? I also dreamed about that. The night before my birthday, I had a dream. It was you, surprising me with a chocolate cake. We were so happy. But the next day, you left, you went back and I was left all alone. Now, I probably actually am by the time you read this. Take care of yourself, Juliet. Don’t skip your meals. Thank you for all the memories. I wish you could’ve stayed much longer but that’s just how it is. You will always have a place in my heart. Keep your promise, okay? Never ever forget about me. It’s okay if you find somebody else. I’m always happy for you. Just don’t forget me, please. I’ll miss you. I’ll always love you from afar. Goodbye.

Rye

My tears fell.

No.. Rye.. No..

Please, just.. Let me see him one more time. Please..

I need to see him!

Why? Why?! Of all people, why me? Why did this have to happen to me? How can I ever move on knowing that somewhere, you are alive, breathing, existing. Somewhere I can never go to.

How can I move on knowing we’ll never meet again?

I hugged my pillow and cried and cried.

I stood up and got my laptop. I opened it.

I clicked on the drafts.

Maybe.. Maybe.. I can still write a happy ending, for us.

But then.. I was shocked with what I saw.

EPILOGUE (PUBLISHED)

Rye’s POV

As soon as I woke up, I ran to Juliet’s room. But I found no one.

I ran to her bed.

A tear fell from my eye. I knew this would happen.

Juliet.. Come back..

Please..

Or atleast.. Be in my dreams, again. Atleast there, I would see you.

I hugged her pillow. It still smells like her. I miss you, Juliet. I really do.

But.. I think.. This is the end. Goodbye.

END

Rye.. I’m so sorry.. I’m sorry this had to happen to us.

I don’t even have a picture of you. All I can do is close my eyes and imagine you, your face. Your smile, your laugh.

You will always remain in my memory, Rye.

I love you.

I may be Juliet, but you can never be my Romeo.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade