The Devils Gift

Chapter 4

I sat outside on a small patio fenced in from the rest of the world. A few metal chairs and small round tables sat scattered in the small garden-like place. I sipped a small cup of tea and scrolled through my phone.

I had almost forgotten about my exchange with the man yesterday. The creepy watchful feeling hadn't returned and I was in a more peaceful mood. Birds chirped overhead while the cloudy blue sky sat above.

"Lana!" Celia's voice rang out. "Oh I'm out here." I put my phone down and looked over to the door leading into the very small lobby. "Hi, someone's here to see you." Her face crinkled with a bright smile and she slightly hobbled back into the doors. Confused, I stood up with my phone and tea and followed her.

"Maybe a surprise visit from my sister." I thought. A bright smile appeared on my face at the thought. "He's waiting outside." "He?!" I almost yelled at Celia's words. I knew no man up here. Quickly I walked outside to see the same man from yesterday. He was dressed in a black hoodie and loose black cargo pants.

I froze. I never told him where I lived. "Maybe he lives here too." I was hoping to find some rational thought to what was happening. "Hi." My voice is light and uncertain at the sight in front of me.

The man looked up from his phone. A surgical mask on but this time I could see his eyes. But just his eyes. Contacted green eyes. Like something you would buy from a halloween store. A breath of air caught in my throat at the sight. "Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself seeing as I couldn't the other day." He sounded more forward. His gloved hand stuck out for me to shake and with a cautioned look I took his hand in mine.

When our two hands connected it felt electrical. A shock wave rushed through my body and I felt like I just found a soulmate. That love at first sight feeling except it was love at first touch. He pulled his hand back and all that remained was a hot feeling in my palm.

No, he was different. The man I met yesterday was taller and seemingly more built. Though most of his body was hidden, the bulge of large shoulders protruded through the hoodie. This man in front of me was different. He was shorter and his shoulder made no such bulge. The pulling feeling light but noticeably pulling me to him.

"I'm Lana." I spoke first. I watched his fingers fold into his palm. I knew he felt it too but we both said nothing about it. "J-John." "John?" I thought to myself. He wasn't even sure of his own name. That small stutter of 'Make something up' sounding through his lips.

"Very cool name." I blurted out. Mentally slapping myself I heard a chuckle. That chuckle shook my core. I've never heard of someone like that. "So I know you might find this weird but could I get your number? You just seem really nice."

Part of me wanted to give him it, get to know this man but another part kept my hand at my side. I knew it could be harmless and if anything a new friend for me to explore around with. "Sure." I forced that small voice in my head back and pulled out my phone.

It had been about two hours since my interaction with 'John'. I couldn't place my feelings for him. Did I want to get closer or should I push him away over time? "That handshake." I mumbled to myself. It was like the touch of forgotten lovers. Like we had a connection without evening knowing it. I felt like I knew him and yet I had barely met the man. My head spun with thought after thought creating a headache.

Sitting up I brought a hand to my head. Pressure began to form and soon enough I had a headache. It wasn't a normal one though and instead came from my over thinking. I would often get headaches from thinking too much and this one was all too familiar. It would normally go away after a day or two.

Wincing I got up and walked into the kitchen. My stomach grumbled at the smell of bread that filled my nose. Ever since I brought the fresh loaf home my apartment smells like fresh bread.

After debating on what to make for dinner I settled on a simple sandwich. It was light and I was planning on taking a bath to help ease the headache so it would work well. I quickly prepared it adding fresh lettuce and meats. Once I was satisfied with my food I walked into my bathroom and studied the shower knobs.

My bathtub doubled as a shower with the shower head resting above. The bathtub was like those of an older time with spray painted black feet. The black color hit the wear and tear of the metal and in a way matched my vibe.

Once I figured out how to fill the tub I watched the water flow in abundance. Tha bathtub was filled quickly after about two minutes. I placed a rosemary bath bomb inside, one Maire had given me as a welcoming gift. I didn't think I would use it much but here I was enjoying the fresh smell of rosemary.

I undressed and grabbed my food before settling inside the hot bath. My muscles relaxed as I sat and ate. My headache stayed but I felt more relaxed. I no longer thought of 'John' and instead I focused on myself and my food.

The empty plate was placed on the counter as I was submerged up to my neck. My eyes closed but it grew harder to relax as my head pounded harder and harder. Still it was like a normal headache I would get, just worse. I grew irritated at the fact I had thought about that man so much I had a headache.

"Stupid 'John'." I scolded the man. I didn't know why but I felt as if he was the reason I felt like this. He had made me overthink everything. He had creeped me out. "Fuck" I groaned. I had given the creepy guy my number. He now had all the means to communicate to me. I don't know why I gave him my number and I was now pissed at myself.

"Fuck this." I quickly stood up and out of the bath. Grabbing a towel I dried myself and watched the water flow back down the drain. I changed into my silk pajamas and walked into my room. I didn't even bother putting the plate away. I was hoping to sleep off this headache.

Tossing and turning was the only thing I had done for the past two hours. My eyes closed but sleep evaded me like a repellent. My head pulsed with the feeling like it would explode. I couldn't handle it and I had no one but myself to blame.

I lay on my back, eyes closed, waiting for sleep. I couldn't handle it. When I heard the soft noise of something by the door I didn't even bother to look. I couldn't care less if a ghost or some intruder was in the house I just wanted to rid of this headache.

Suddenly I felt a soft pressure on my temples. Before I had the chance to fight back or even open my eyes, relief came to me. Like the weight of a thousand pounds had been lifted from me. My head stopped pulsing and calm took the headache place. My eyes grew heavier even with them closed and within a matter of seconds I had fallen asleep.