In Braille By: Alby Mangroves
Summary: A young woman, scarred inside and out. A guilty man looking for forgiveness. Will they recognize their redemption in each other? Beauty is not just skin-deep. A/H, Bella and Edward, Romance
This oneshot was written for the Beautiful Edward Challenge and placed first in two categories, winning: Hottest Award and Dazzle Award. And for good reason.
“In Braille” is a beautifully written story. It’s told in third person which holds a special place in my heart, mostly because I feel it is so underused. The fact that we are not privy to the character’s inner monologue as would normally occur if written in first person gives this story it’s magic. Alby clearly describes the setting and with subtle details, easily painting an image in my head.
They settle themselves in their usual seats; Edward splayed awkwardly in a chair which is too short to accommodate his long legs, and Balt on the floor alongside his master's feet with one eye trained firmly on the edge of the white plate which holds the bagel.
Edward looks out of the window as he slowly sips his coffee. It's a peaceful view; a cityscape overlooking Seattle's busy streets. The bustle can barely be seen from here, let alone heard. The cafeteria is barely occupied at this time of day.
Edward and his German Shepherd, Balt are at the hospital where they visit the Children’s Ward once a week. Their normal routine has them eating breakfast in the cafeteria where Balt’s desire for cupcake crumbs creates an opportunity for Bella and Edward to meet.
Something that feels much like a warm hairy wall bulldozes its way under her table. Bella yelps in surprise and instinctively pushes away from the table, upending her chair and crashing backwards to the ground in a graceless tangle of limbs. She's a little stunned by this development, and just lays still for a moment, trying to gather her wits about her.
Like the gentleman he is, Edward helps Bella. It is while doing so that he notices she is blind. They exchange names and mostly talk about Edward’s dog. Bella meets Balt and “sees” him using her hands. After a little more discussion about the work Edward and Balt do with the children, Bella is brave enough to ask to “see” Edward.
I must say, reading Bella’s reaction to what Edward looks like was amazing and intense. It’s easy for an author to simply state colors, clothing and general features, but to describe them based solely on what a character feels and what their imagination conjures up was a completely new experience for me.
As she works her hand higher, Edward's skin becomes rougher to touch, and suddenly she's right under his earlobe. She can feel that his hair is cut a little long at the nape of the neck. She detects a slight curl there, which she twists around her fingertips. It's not army short, nor is it hippy long, but the length that is there is soft and thick, inviting her fingers to comb through it.
So much better than “sex hair,” no? Bella continues her exploration of the rest of Edward’s face and Alby does not disappoint; every feature is given as much attention and description as his hair.
There is an instant attraction between Bella and Edward, that much is obvious. The lingering touches as Bella’s fingers map a path along Edward’s face and chest were just as intimate to read as a lemon, and at some points more so.
Her right hand is still flattened against his chest, and she feels his heart beating its steady tattoo under it, imagining that it's accelerating even as she senses his nipple stiffen under her palm.
Rarely does a story leave me speechless. However, the review I left for “In Braille” had me bumbling for something to say. I was loathe to only come up with “absolutely fantastic”. I urge you to go read this amazing oneshot and leave a better review for Alby Mangroves than I was able to come up with. And if you too are left without words, at least tell her who sent you.
This looks really good. I'm going to have to check it out. Thanks for this.
Iz
That was an excellent story, thanks for the rec!
Thanks for recommending and reviewing my story ladies, it was awfully nice of you!