GIFTED EYES (book two)

Chapter 07: Don't tell Samuel.

Geneviève

The masks were filthy, emitting a lingering stench of waste that plagued Geneviève's nose. Clearly, they had once belonged to children, evident by their poor quality.
Geneviève tries her best not to dwell on that information.
They were discovered at the bottom of Mr. Caron's box of valuables. Each mask represented an animal: Althea's was a rooster, Eliseo's a goat, and Geneviève's a crow. They matched in color, black and white, except for Althea's. Hers was red and yellow, hopefully reflecting its original colors rather than the filth it had accumulated over the years.

Geneviève finds herself quiet as they made their way towards the occupation. Her cheeks pressed between her teeth, brows furrowed in contemplation.
She feels a tug at her arm. "Where did you go?" Eliseo says barely in a whisper.
"No where far," She says, watching Althea struggling ahead of them. She held a poorly drawn map, deep in consternation over finding the right access hatch. Eliseo tilts his head and it almost makes the girl laugh. He looked silly doing that with a goat mask on.
"I was just thinking about Mr. Caron."
Eliseo rubs the back of his neck. "What about him?"

"Aren't we enabling him?"
"Geneviève, he's a stranger."
She roots her feet. "He saved my life."
Eliseo let's out a sigh, pulling her to keep walking. He's quiet before speaking again, his mind far.
"We're all a slave to something." He murmurs.
Geneviève watches him.
"And what are you a slave to?"
Eliseo turns his gaze to her, stopping in his tracks. His lips holding a thousand words, but nothing leaves him. His sincerity almost scares her, until a small boyish grin plays on his lips.
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
Strangely, she found herself answering within herself.
I would, actually.

Sounds of laughter in the distance grounds the two. Geneviève finds herself excited, her heart rushing.
"This way!" Althea shouts, and it lights a fire in the two. Huffing with a painful sting in her side, she continues to run after Althea, dragging Eliseo with her.

As they finally reach an alley, they were met with many in masks porched around. Some sharing conversation, others alone with a stick in hand. The three share glances before taking it all in, marching together hand in hand through. A strong smell of cigarettes and body odor embraces Geneviève's nose as they do. She holds her breath, her hand tightening in Althea's.

A man with a large coat and a bison mask stands before them. His arms crossed as he holds power in his stance. He towers over them, his eyes weary and filled with aggressive indifference. Althea gives Geneviève a light shove before pointing at the access hatch before them.

The three watch in a distance as two busty woman enter before taking action themselves. They share conversation not loud enough for Geneviève to hear and he shares a smile with the two. Geneviève's mouth becomes agape as she studies the way they touch him. Grazing his arm, looking up between their eyebrows, whispering so closely it tickles his ear. A rumbling chuckle leaves his full chest right before they peck his cheek. Leaning down, he opens the hatch, letting the two in.

Althea and Geneviève look to each other. For a moment, they share fear. Perhaps they were way over their heads. Lying to Althea about her age is one thing, but compared to the woman before them, there is no way they could ever fool the guard.

Geneviève shakes her head, too fearful to speak, but Althea only lets it fuel her.
"Just be chill." She says, yanking the three forward.

When his eyes fall onto them, they are welcomed with a hardening gaze. Even his jaw becomes more profound.
"Just us three," Althea says under her breath, not even bothering to share glances with the man. The man shoves her back with a power that terrifies them.
"Woah," his voice is stern. "What the hell are you doing?"
Speechless, Geneviève looks to Eliseo to speak for her.
"We're here for a party...?" He says.
The man takes a step closer and they are quick to jump back. He narrows his gaze, sucking his teeth. Geneviève feels her chest tighten.
"Man," he grits out. "I don't get paid enough for this shit."
Eliseo and Althea remain frozen in fear from their failed attempts. It is Geneviève's turn now.
She holds her breath. It's too cold and they've done too much to turn back now.