Midnight

Chapter Two

Cristian knew the old man at the library was just trying to set the girl up. He found himself wondering what their story is. Is the girl his daughter?
He lead the girl out of the library and to his old jeep. The old man wasn't lying. She is a quiet girl. She had the camera case strapped to her side and climbed silently into the jeep. She had long honey blond hair and lightly tanned skin. Christian noticed every movement she made was cautious and careful.

"So... you already know my name. What's yours?" Christian said, sparking up a conversation. Anything to get rid of the uncomfortable silence. He never met such a pretty girl who was so quiet. All the girls in his hometown pined after him very loudly and obnoxiously. Pretty or not. The girl cleared her throat and spoke. "I'm Amarah."

Her named echoed in Cristians mind. It was pretty just like her. "Nice to meet you Amarah." He said.  Amarah gave a forced smile.  "Likewise." She said. They didn't say much more on the way to the manor. When they finally arrived Cristian pulled up to the big iron gate and got out to open it. He smiled to himself when he noticed Amarah admiring the old manor. Maybe this was an opportunity for conversation.

"What do you think?" Christian asked Amarah as  got back into the jeep. "Its so beautiful! I can't believe I've lived here for a while now and haven't noticed it." She answered. Cristian was right. Her quiet reserved self slipped away as she observed the peice of town history. "I read about it in the library's archives but, never came out to see it." She told Cristian. 

Cristian drove the car to the end of the driveway and parked. The manor had a big front porch with a grand staircase branching of each side and meeting in the middle at the bottom. Its windows were tall and a fire place peaked out top. Shrubs and vines infested the walls but, didn't take away from its beauty. "Watch your steps on the stairs. One crumbled underneath me earlier." Cristian told Amarah. He stayed close behind her as they climbed the steps in case she fell.

When the entered the manor Amarahs awe continuted. Cristian liked how much she appreciated the mansion.  A big chandelier hung from the entry way and a staircase wrapped around the room. An old painting hung on a wall. It was of Christians great grandfather. Finally Amarah snapped out of her awe and began snapping photos. She didn't want to be here longer than she needed and Cristian could tell. 

There is something this girl is hiding. Cristian thought. Or maybe he was not use to girls being so reserved and distant around him. It bothered him but, he was a respectful man and wasn't going to push. So what if one girl wasn't charmed? 

Cristian watched Amarah work silently. He lead her to a new room when she was ready to move ahead. They finally came to the old library. Cristian didn't want to take her in there as he didn't have time to comb through it yet and remove anything that shouldn't be seen. "Please. I won't touch anything. I'll just take my photos." Amarah said to him. So reluctantly he agreed.

The library was dusty and old. Damaged books lay on the floor against the old grand bookcase, on a desk, and over a piano. Cristians cellphone rang from a previous room and he went to go find it. Amarah knew she shouldn't but she decided to look at the books. She pulled a book from the case that looked like it was recently pulled out. The book stuck for a moment but then it finally gave. However it did not pull off the shelf. It pulled forward and  stayed attached as the bookshelf groaned. It was just like what you would see in a movie!

A secret study behind the bookshelf was revealed. This was a much tinier cramped space than the library. Old scrolls were sprawled allover  the ancient desk. A painting of the full moon hung above  it. And on a pedestal behind the desk sat a book. Amarah approached the book against her better judgement. The acient book was in greek.

βιβλίο του φεγγαριού

She looked around and listened for Cristian. She knew it  wrong but she felt compelled to translate the book.  She had a feeling grip at her heart.  So without thinking she quickly and carefully picked the book up and stuffed it in her bag.

She turned around and came face to face with Cristian "What are you doing? You said you wouldn't touch anything Amarah." He said. He crossed his arms and gave her a disappointed look.  He never thought the quiet girl would snoop around. Amarah wondered if he saw her take the book.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't help-" She started but Cristian cut her off. "Lets just go to final room." He said impatiently. He wasn't angry that she snooped he just hoped she didn't see anything revealing.... The rest of the evening went pretty much the same. Amarah barley said much to Cristian no matter how he tried to conversate. When it was time to take her home he was actually relieved. She seemed like a smart nice girl but it was exhausting trying to get her out of her shell.

Unknown:
I watched Cristian show Amarah the house. I watched as she found the correct book to pull out in the library revealing the secret study.  And just as expected I watched as she stole the book. And as Cristian drove her home I watched as she entered her apartment and immediately began to translate the book. Everything was going as planned and all would ne revealed to her soon.