15 Hiatus (15)

I spent the whole afternoon pondering and skimming on websites about things that have always been a part of folklores and fantasy. Things out of logical and rational explanation that were always latent and unknown for the human world. Never have I imagined that I would believe in any of it. But I can't un-see the seen. Magic, amulets, talismans, fairies, witches and witchcraft and what not. There were probably so many things that I never thought would exist. It was too much to absorb and fit into my head. I was a part of it. I don't know how big or small that part was, but I was still a part of something I had no idea about.

Around five, I gave up. Instead of speculating I'd rather get my answers from the person who knew what's happening. I dragged myself out of my bed and dialled Cee. She didn't pick up on the first ring, neither on the second one. I called her for the third time and then she finally picked up.

"What's up?" I asked.

"I'm so sorry babes" her voice hustled from the other side, "Aunt Smith was in town yesterday for some work and she decided to give us a visit. She's been here since morning. And guess what , I'm baby sitting her kids." She spoke at once.

"I was thinking if we could hang out today, if that's possible."

"I wish I could babes. But these kids they're following me everywhere I go. I'm sorry I literally engaged in babysitting." Behind her frustrated voice I could hear the giggles of kids.

"Oh no that's okay."

"I'll make it up to you next time."

"okay, good luck babysitting, see ya" I replied and disconnected the call.

I sighed. I couldn't spend a single minute in the home anymore. The loneliness and my thoughts were eating me up and I wanted to flee away from them. So what if Cee can't hang out with me today, I'll go for a stroll, maybe it would clear the clutter out of my head. I was beginning to encourage myself when my mind darted back to last day at school. Lucas had scribbled his phone number on my notebook. I can call him. He won't turn me down. But as soon the idea skyrocketed, it was killed by the saner part of my mind. Lucas was trouble, I reminded myself. I felt stupid for even thinking of that alternative.

I changed into an orange-brown sweater and paired it with dark blue denims. I wore the amulet Finn had given me. I wasn't sure that it would protect me, but given the circumstances, I had no other choice. I pushed it inside my sweater and it was cold against the warm skin of my chest. I hopped down the stairs and walked out the house. It was beginning to get a little dark, the sun was already heading towards the western horizon, biding the sky a peachy goodbye. The breeze was cool and light, ruffling my hairs gently as I strolled on the pavement.

It was lot easier to distract myself outside than at home where my thoughts were meaninglessly loud and bothering. As long as I had the amulet, I don't have to worry about things. I was relieved and confident enough that nothing would happen. I walked slowly, unclear of where I was headed. The street led me to the intersection, comparatively more crowded than my neighbourhood. When the red lights glowed the cars stopped and I walked across the street, meandering along the awnings of glass walled shops and stores. When I arrived at the end of the street, I finally was certain of where I have to go. Two streets away was a book café, the one I used to go to before Cee and I got our library cards.

Few minutes later, I stood in front of the café. The name "sugar and smiles" was engraved on a wooden frame that hung above the door. Through the glass window, I could see a girl in her early twenties with her dark brunette hair tied in a high ponytail, wearing an apron, smiling welcomingly at me from behind the counter.

Pushing the door open, I stepped inside the café. The walls were painted beige and bookshelves ran all over the walls except the spaces where windows and doors stood intact. Tiny pendant bulbs hung down from the ceiling above each table. I ordered a Cappuccino and wandered around the shelves looking for a book.

Time passed as I read, lost in the story, occasionally sipping my coffee and momentarily looking outside the glass windows. It was when I shifted my eyes from the book, I saw someone familiar, sitting two tables away from mine.

The person shifted in his seat, as if he sensed my eyes on him. He turned back and I realized why he looked so familiar.

It was Lucas.