SONGS AND TRAILS (Book 1)

CHAPTER 22

Arabella rushed inside with Caldor following behind her after locking the back door, the kitchen door. She looked frantic. She was sure she saw someone at the back. She grabbed the keys to the main front door and wore her walking shoes... well, Mima’s walking shoes.

“Ms. Heydar, maybe you’re just tired.” Caldor called to her. He was getting worried. The last thing he needed was a trainee who lost their mind.

“I saw them! At first I thought it was just a trick of the mind but no!” she unlocked the door, “I saw them at the front too!”

She explained.

"That time I was closing up and I thought I was just tired..." she opened the door only to bump into Mima.

Mima gasps in shock then laughs, “I’m kidding! I knew you were behind the door.”

“Mima!” Bella said.

Mima just laughed, “I forgot something of mine... Don’t worry about me! I’ll be gone before you know it.” she passed by her to go inside then turned. “It's awfully quiet. What's going on here?"

“You saw them!” Bella told her.

“Saw what?” Mima asked clueless.

“You must’ve seen them!” she got out to take a look.

“I don't know what you're talking about, sweetie.”

“The woman and the child.”

“What woman and child?”

“She claims to have seen a woman and child.” Caldor said pinching the bridge of his nose. “Ms. Heydar, it's just exhaustion. Maybe you should slow down like everyone else... Why are you even working yourself out anyway?"

"So that this doesn't happen. So that I don't see things that aren't there." Bella's tongue slipped in the frustration.

"What?" Caldor looked at her confused.

Mima looked at Arabella escaping Caldor's gaze.

"What do you mean by that?" Caldor asked.

“I mean... I saw them... I did!” Bella insisted as she changed the topic.

“Sweetie!” Mima held her by the arms, “There’s neither a woman nor child outside. I was just out there, I would've seen them but I didn't.” Bella just looked at her. “You must be tired! It’s been a long day. This happens every time you hit a wall.”

Bella gave in and just nodded. “Mhh! I think I’m seeing things.” she closed her eyes.

“And you know what that means.” Mima said, “It’s not good for you.”

"I'm just tired. I'm sorry!"

"It's okay, dear."

Arabella opened her eyes and her eyes met a confused Caldor. He didn’t understand what Mima was talking about... It not being good for her... it was just exhaustion he thought.

Arabella pulled away from Mima and just walked in and Mima followed in after gulping hard and sighing in relief. She was glad that went on well.

"I don't get it. Whether there was a woman and child or not, what does it matter? Why is she invested?" he asked Mima.

Mima just signaled him to ignore the topic. Caldor just decided to resume his normal position as Arabella took off her shoes and changed them to the inside shoes. Mima waited for her to go to bed.

"It's okay, Mima. I'll just close up." Bella told her.

“Don't worry. Just freshen up and go straight to bed.” Mima told her.