A Spy's Home---Book 2: Wounds, Both Old and New

Chapter 8

Zylina's Point of view

I looked around my motel room, and could see why it was given a 3.5 star rating. It wasn't the best, and the beds weren't the comfiest, but at least it wasn't torn up and the wall paint wasn't peeling. Wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst; if I had some type of roof over my head, that was good enough for me.

I didn't bother taking my clothes out, since I wasn't only going to be here for that long, or at least I hoped I wasn't going to be here for that long. I had a feeling that Rory might have woken up by now; Why couldn't I have just waited?

After taking my book out and putting that along with my phone, wallet, and room key, on the side table next to my bed. I checked the time; 2:00pm. Guess I should go get some lunch. Picking up my wallet and room key, and shoving them in my side pocket, I decided to head to down-town, to see if they had anything good there.

I left the motel, and went downtown navigating my way through the bustling side-walks of people. I kept my eyes low so I wouldn't make eye contact with anyone. However, once or twice I would look up to see teenage boys looking at me, but I didn't give them the reaction they wanted. All I did was avert my eyes back to my feet, and keep walking. After what happened with Luke at the bus station, I didn't want to become close to anyone while I was here.

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"I'll have Raspberry tea, the number 4 sandwich, and a salad." I ordered, glancing between the menu and the waiter, writing down my order. "Alright, anything on the sandwich? Mustard, lettuce...?" he listed.

"Just ranch, please." I replied, giving the waiter my menu. "Alright, I'll be back with your drink in a minute." he replied kindly; he smiled at me and I smiled back, but not the smile I would give someone if I thought they were cute, but just a kind smile. The waiter left to get my drink, and I was left alone listening to the indistinct chatter in the background.

"Hey, did you hear about the woman in Findlay? Apparently her twin children went missing, and a few days later someone returned them to her, but she refused to give names." I heard someone say in the booth behind me. I turned my head slightly to eavesdrop.

"I heard that, but I've also been hearing that kids have been disappearing too. Kids are disappearing more than reappearing, and that could be a problem." That's when I stopped listing, and I faced forward again.

"Here's your tea, and your meal." the waiter said, startling me out of thought. "Thank you." I answered, this time not making eye contact. "Are you alright?" he asked. Oh no, he's asking me questions!

"Y...Yeah, I'm fine." I answered, not lifting my gaze from my lunch. The waiter put down the menus, sat in the chair across from me, and told me, "I know something is wrong. I have a younger Hermana." I blinked in confusion; Hermana meant sister in Spanish, so did that mean he was Mexican?

When I looked back at the waiter, he seemed to be waiting for some kind of answer. "Sorry, I've never met a...." my voice trailed off, as I tried to find the right words to say without being rude. "...A Mexican? I know I don't have an accent, but I am fluent in Spanish. My Dad is from Mexico." he explained.

I mouthed an "Oh," and then we both started chuckling. He stretched his arm out across the table, and said, "I'm Carlos." Hesitantly, I reached out with my left hand and shook it. "I'm Zylina." I told him. He glanced down at my wrist before looking back at me. "Who gave you the cuff? It looks nice." Carlos asked.

I let go of his hand and looked down at my wrist. "My, uh, my brother gave it to me, when I was younger." I answered, truthfully but not going into details. I saw Carlos nod, and smile, but our "moment" was interrupted.

Another guy, who I assumed was the manager, came over to the table and exclaimed, "Carlos, there are people who need serving." Carlos nodded, looked back at me, smiled once more, before getting up and saying, "Enjoy your meal, Chica."

He took the menus in his hands, and followed the manager back to the kitchen. It took me a moment before I realized Chica was the Spanish word for girl; he really was fluent in Spanish. 

TBC...