Chapter 30:
Living in this changing canvass of weather and foliage, of birdsong and playful wind, the atmosphere is always unknown.
Alessio's eyes catch a glimpse of sunlight, as he strolls down the pavement.
He almost misses the view of April sitting in Tia's Coffee Shop.
Almost.
Town is busier than usual, today.
A swarm of people arise from the underpass, everybody hurrying through the thick wind, eager to reach their destinations.
The streets are glorious in its inception.
The sidewalks are smooth with grey stones.
Alessio inhales sharply, before forcing the heavy glass doors of the cover shop open.
He slips in, his nostrils immediately shot by the harsh smell of brewed, thick beverages.
Abruptly, April raises her head from her laptop screen, her body already alerting her of his strong gaze. "Can I help you?"
Her eyes are still. Sleepy.
But she has to finish her work.
"It's me" He grins, showing flashes of white teeth. "It's me, Alessio!" He repeats, when she shows no sign of recognition.
"Oooh, you're the person who owns the bar down the street" Her fingers point in the direction of North, as she speaks.
He nods, taking a seat unasked.
"Uh-
"I actually wanted to speak to you, so it's great we've crossed paths" He takes hold of the coffee menu by the left side of the wood, circular table. He glances through.
"Uh, I'm kind of in the middle of some-
"I wanted to speak about Fallon Johnson" He smiles, casually. "As you know, we're close friends" He fiddles with the charger string of her laptop as they speak.
April suddenly feels uneasy, her stomach curling immensely. There's a hole. And she's falling in. She can't stop falling.
"Are you okay?" Alessio's fingers grips her hand. "Is it something I said?"
"Uh-" She removes her hand from that position, clearing her throat. "Uh, what did you want to say, about Fallon?" She fixes her skirt. "What about her?"
"It's just-" He pauses, trying to gather his words. "You two have gone through so much, lately. Losing a close friend must be so painful, and heart breaking. My condolences to you both" He smiles, his eyes filled with sympathy. " Her parents, too. It's a terrible time of the year for us all"
"Listen, thank you so much for your concern, and empathy. But, I'm fine. In fact-" She rises from her seated position, removing her laptop charger from the charging pot. "I should get going"
Suddenly, his eyes turn still. Focused.
"No" His voice is sharp, thick.
Instantly, it switches back.
"Take a seat, please. You can order whatever beverage you want. It's on me" He sounds sweet again, approachable.
"I insist" His eyes rest on April's, pleading for her to listen. She does so.
A waitress approaches their table, asking for their orders.
"I'll have a large brewed coffee. Black. And the lady?" He glances at April, smiling.
YOU ARE READING
The Darkness Within
Mystery / ThrillerIt's late. Very late. Sweat oozes from her skin as she strolls through the dark alleyway. She's weird. Unusual. Traumatised by her husband's death, she struggles to ignore his continuous hammering memories that float through her mind. His smile...
