Inside it was warm and bright. Jennifer's red hair and clothes were all wet because of the rain. She was breathing heavily.
- You alright?
Jennifer turned around and saw him for the third time in the past two months. He was dressed in his usual outfit; like a fancy magician. Rain water was dripping from his clothes and hair as well.
He got a towel and gave it to Jennifer.
- How...
- You're soaked to the skin. Let's get you warm and then we'll talk.
He led Jennifer to a room upstairs. At first it was dark, but then he turned on the fireplace which made the room warm and slightly bright.
"Stay here." The magician said, seating Jennifer on an armchair next to the fireplace. "I'll get some warm drink." Then he left.
The only voice that could be heard in the room was the crackling of the fire. Its flames created shaky silhouettes on the wall. Its heat was gently crawling on Jennifer's skin, giving her a delightful time. She closed her eyes and relaxed a bit.
After a while, the magician came back with a mug of tea and handed it to her . "Feeling better?" He asked, sitting down on another chair.
- Yeah, thank you. But how did you find me??
- I was on my nightly walk when it suddenly started to rain. I was going home when I saw you wandering around in your pajamas, so I figured you were lost.
"Mmhmm..." Jennifer wasn't fully satisfied but decided to let go and talk about something else.
"So... who are you?" This was a question that had been on Jennifer's mind for a while. In fact, it's been there since she first saw him.
- I told you the first time we met. Just a humble magician.
- Do I just call you the humble magician???
He chuckled in a way as if saying "oh gosh, what do I do with this girl?? She won't let go!" then looked at Jennifer, with his smile on his face.
- Call me Alejandro.
The fire allowed Jennifer to see his face properly for the first time. He had hazel brown eyes and caramel skin. Bits of his brown hair were shown from under his top hat. Jennifer felt like she had seen him before , but couldn't recall where or when.
"Well now you know my name," Alejandro said "Your turn to tell me yours."
- Oh I'm Jennifer.
- Jennifer...
He didn't seem so impressed with the name. Jennifer noticed. She chuckled nervously.
- My parents are not so creative with names. Except for my younger brother. They got so creative with his name, calling him Demetrius. Never figured where that came from!
"No it's a nice name! It's just..." he leaned forward, concentrating on Jennifer. "You don't look like a Jennifer. I'm gonna call you..." he paused and squinted, then smiled. "Ophelia." There was a glitter in his eyes. "I'm gonna call you Ophelia!" Jennifer scoffed and rolled her eyes.
- Alright Ophelia, what were you doing out in the rain in your pajamas and a raincoat?
Jennifer's smile faded as she remembered the reason.
- Our dog ran away, I was looking for her.
- It's okay. I can help you look for her tomorrow morning. It's dangerous for you to be out now. I even suggest you stay the night here.
- But I can't leave her out in this rain!
There was sorrow in her voice. Alejandro heard it. He wanted to say something, but his eyes got fixed on a corner of the room behind Jennifer. Jennifer looked back to see what got his attention; it was a small chest on the floor.
- Hello?
Alejandro looked at her again. He sighed.
- Fine...
YOU ARE READING
The Magician
General FictionThe fire allowed Jennifer to see his face properly for the first time. He had hazel brown eyes and caramel skin. Bits of his brown hair were shown from under his top hat. Jennifer felt like she had seen him a couple of years ago, but couldn't recall...