The Tree of Natoma

I can't believe I'm doing this. Oh my god, this is so nerve-racking. What if she says no? What if she's actually straight? Annabelle thought to herself as she shook nervously. Grasping the love letter in her hand and up to her chest.

I don't know what I would do with myself if she says no. I'd have no one to go to. No one to love, but she probably doesn't feel the same way. Annabelle thought to herself as she sweats.

How can I ensure that she'll be mine? How can I ensure she'll say yes? If that's even possible to increase those odds. Are there any urban legends that are told to be real and about love? Or even a casting spell or a ritual. Annabelle thought to herself as she walked towards Natoma Public Library.

She opened the door of the library and was greeted by a wonderful and pleasant feminine voice of the librarian. Judging by the nametag on the left side of the librarian's shirt, her name was Alse, and she was a fairly older-looking woman judging by the sprouts of grey hairs.

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"Hello, welcome to Natoma Public Library, what brings you here today, youngling?" Alse greeted. She appeared to be puzzled because it's been a very long time since she's seen a teenager walk into the library.

"Hi...I'm just looking for a book that I don't believe my school has," Annabelle replied.

"Oh? What are you looking for?" Alse asked while making her way to the library computer.

"I was wondering if you have any books about urban legends or rituals or spells that involve love," Annabelle replied while biting her tongue.

"Definitely an odd request, but I could've sworn we do have a section of those interesting topics in the back. It's not as big as the other sections, but we mark it with the middle window and some purple curtains," Alse replied.

"Okay, I'll have a look to see if there's anything that fits my description. Thank you for your help," Annabelle thanked as she headed towards the back section.

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"Belle? I didn't know you would be here--?" A mysteriously, girly voice asked. "I always thought you were more of the artist-type, not one to study zodiacs, urban legends, spells, and rituals and take that to heart."

My heart sank when I heard that voice. It was her. The one whom I wrote my letter to and many entries in my journal. Nessa.

"Oh, hi, Nessa! I didn't expect you here, I'm just trying to get inspiration for drawing mythological creatures, I figured going to urban legends would be a place to start," Annabelle lied. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"Oh, I'm here because I was returning a book, it was such a beautiful story but I wanted to check out 'The Legends of Medusa' next," Nessa explained.

"What was the book about? The one you're returning?" Annabelle asked out of curiosity.

"It was about a mystical, blossoming pear tree here in Natoma. Apparently, anyone who confesses their love under the blossoming pear tree on the last day of Spring, it's guaranteed to be a success. I would try to test it myself, but I don't find anyone attractive," Nessa explained.

"Interesting," Annabelle replied.

"Anyway, I'll catch ya later at school, Belle," Nessa waved as she left the library.

Wait? What was that about here in Natoma? Maybe Alse knows more information about it. Annabelle thought to herself.

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"Hey, Ms. Alse, could you tell me more about 'The Pear Tree of Natoma'?" Annabelle asked.

"Surprisingly, that's not the first time someone asked for more information on that particular book," Alse replied. "You know the tree in the Town Square?"

"Yes, what about it?" Annabelle asked curiously.

"That's the pear tree that this legend is based on. However, it only works if it's the last day of Spring...supposedly at least," Alse informed.

"Thank you again," Annabelle thanked as she walked out the door of the library and headed towards Natoma Square.

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Wow, that sun is incredibly bright. It must be around noon. Annabelle thought to herself as she managed to locate the mystical tree of Natoma.

"So, this is the tree that Nessa was talking about. It's honestly very pretty. The white blossoms are stunning," Annabelle spoke out loud in amazement. "I wonder if the legends are true about this mystical tree. I guess I could test it. According to lore, it only works on the last day of Spring. Let's see it's May 30th right now...oh my god, the last day of Spring is the 31st. All I have to do is somehow get Nessa over here. I know, I'll rewrite my letter but I won't include my name."

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"Nessa,

Can you meet me at the tree of Natoma at 4 pm?"

Perfect, now all I have to do is wait for Nessa, and start heading to the tree. Annabelle thought to herself as she made her way back to the tree of Natoma.

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"Huh? There's no one here. They told me to meet me here yet they didn't bother to show up themselves," Nessa raged. "At least have the courtesy to show up!"

"Nessa? Why are you here?" Annabella asked, trying to pretend to be confused.

"Ugh, someone left me a note to meet them here by 4 pm. They're not here," Nessa explained angrily.

"Oh, that's too bad. At least have the common courtesy to show up to meet-ups. Must be a troll," Annabelle giggled as she played on.

"Right? I'm about to head back but no thanks to a troll, I'm kind of annoyed right now," Nessa explained in an angry tone.

"Nessa, wait!" Annabelle called out.

"Hm?" Nessa asked with a puzzled look.

"There's something I've been meaning to ask you as of lately," Annabelle replied.

"Oh? You're not the one to write the letter, are you?" Nessa asked in suspicion.

She can't know that it was me. I'll play it off like it wasn't. "No, but this situation is quite perfect. Nessa, I-I- I like you. More than 'friends.'" Annabelle confessed.

"Oh, um, this is unexpected. I don't know what to say. You don't even know if I'm single or my sexuality. You just know the basics about me," Nessa explained.

"I know, I've rushed it. However, I have a very good reason. I wanted to test this legend about Natoma. Something you've wanted to do for a while, and it broke my heart inside when you said 'no one is attractive' to you," Annabelle explained.

"Silly, Belle. Perhaps, I said that to hide a secret from you. I just didn't know if you were into girls," Nessa laughed.