Quiet One

Aurora

"It is him, isn't it?" questioned Lilly "Is he here, in Duskwood? Why haven't we heard anything till now? Do you think we will see him soon? What do you think he looks like? Do you think he will like me? And Hannah? I mean, at least she had been in contact with him. He knows more about her than me. And after what I did with that video? Maybe he won't like me and won't want to be my brother. I really want to meet him and have him in my life! Oh, MC!"

"Whoa, Lilly, breathe!" MC replied to the slew of questions with a chuckle.

"I know, I know. I just have so many thoughts and feelings right now! Like I am excited and I am nervous and scared and overjoyed and ... ahhh! I just can't believe that we might finally meet him. I have been so worried that we would never hear from him again."

"I know, Lilly. I was worried about that too."

"So, what do we do now?" Lilly inquired.

"Well, if it is like the last puzzle, we need more info. I put the number into my phone, assuming it was a contact number like last time. It looks like it might be Nym-0s again," MC sighed. "I guess we will just have to wait and see what we find next."

"Ok. Well, come help me make dinner so we can eat once Hannah gets home. Then we are going to meet up with the group at the Aurora! Everyone is so excited to meet you!" Lilly squealed.

After dinner was done and the kitchen cleaned up, the three women freshened up before going out to meet the group. MC dressed in a black cold-shoulder top with gold accents that she always thought flattered her full figure, a black knee-length skater skirt, and since it was still chilly there in the evening, black tights. She threw on her boots and jacket ready to head out.

Hannah drove and it didn't take long before they drove into the parking lot down the street from the Aurora Bar. As they walked up to the door, MC took in the outside of the building. There was a small black awning over the front with the word Aurora written in purple. The wording was overlayed on top of a starry milky way design in the background. Under the awning, purple, green, and blue can-lights lit the sidewalk and entrance creating a feeling of the northern light that was the bar's namesake.

Entering the bar, MC tried to take in everything at once. It was larger than she imagined and had a comfortable neighborhood hangout feeling. There was a small stage platform in the corner next to a dance floor, MC could imagine live bands performing there, maybe there would be one booked while she was in town. Tables and chairs were spaced out around the rest of the room and along the left side was the bar. The mirrored wall behind it reflected the multi-colored bottles of alcohol and the aurora-colored lights shining from the ceiling above. The bartender turned around nodding at the new arrivals before continuing his work. His tattooed figure left no doubt as to who was tending the bar tonight.

Phil Hawkins.

He seemed so in his element mixing drinks, chatting with customers, and yes, flirting with the ladies. He was great at his job. It all looked so smooth and natural. And when he smiled, man, it just lit up the whole place. MC could see why he would have no shortage of interested women. She guessed there must be something to the rumors after all.

She continued to scan around the room till her eyes saw the table against the far wall, where two men were seated with a woman. One of the men stood up, once he noticed the three ladies who had just entered the bar. He hurried over towards them embracing Hannah.

Thomas.

The other guy turned in his chair looking over his right shoulder to see what happened. Long hair and facial hair, a powerful build, and a gruff expression that still held warmth in his eyes and a slight smile. He nodded with a short wave of his hand, two fingers extended, that was somewhere between a salute and a tip of an invisible hat.

Dan.

Behind him, the woman started to excitedly wave hello, welcoming the newcomers towards the table.

Cleo.

But someone was missing - A bright and radiant redhead, who was normally so full of life and positive energy. MC really had hoped she would come to meet her tonight.

"Where's Jessy?" MC asked Dan as they walked up to the table. "I really hoped she would be here."

"Sorry, MC," Dan said with down-turned eyes. "I tried to get her to join us, but she just said not tonight."

"Ok. I understand. I will text her later and maybe we can meet somewhere more comfortable for her. Somewhere with fewer people."

Someone stepped up behind her and she felt the gentle pressure of a hand on the small of her back. Turning slightly to her left, she was able to see who it was.

"Good evening, Beautiful. I know that we have never met but seeing as you're the new face in this group, you must be the mysterious MC." Phil smiled and maintained eye contact with her the entire time he spoke.

"And you must be Mr. Aurora, himself," she replied with a smile. "Nice to finally meet you, Phil."

"Oh, the pleasure is all mine," he said with a flirtatious wink. "I came to get your drink orders. I assume Dan will have his usual whiskey neat, are the rest of you drinking beer tonight? I got a new local ale on tap. Heads nodded all around, but MC spoke up.

"Actually, I am not much of a beer drinker. Could I have a Captain's and Coke, please?"

Phil raised an eyebrow. "Nice! A bit sweet, but bold. One rum and coke for the new lady." With that, he turned away and went to fill their drink orders.

MC couldn't help it. She watched him walk away. Her eyes examined his form starting with his long dark hair, pulled up for work, his broad shoulders, and how his white t-shirt narrowed slightly fitting to his torso and accentuating the muscles of his back, and then down further to the dark jeans that fitted in a way that didn't require much imagination to fill in the details as to what shapes were underneath.

He really is easy on the eyes.

"MC, if your done gawking after our barkeep, why don't you come have a seat and join the conversation," Dan chuckled. "You are the guest of honor after all."

MC laughed. "Of course! And I wasn't gawking," She playfully punched Dan in the arm, but she felt the color rising in her cheeks knowing she had been caught.