Luis occupied a hillside along the linear hiking trail in Hyde Park. The day's tensions weighed, so he admired the sunset while waiting for Sabrina's call. He'd accept his fate, but hoped this twilight didn't signal the end of a favorable future. Still, Luis struggled with Sabrina's absence and stood determined to see her again.
"Hey, stranger," she greeted when she finally called.
Luis's face lit up as the last light faded from the horizon.
"I needed to hear your voice."
"Likewise."
The scenic backdrop seemed perfect for meaningful conversation. More so, Sabrina sounded delighted to hear from him again.
"Why didn't you call sooner?" she asked.
He checked the time.
"I assumed you were still in school."
"I'm not, but I'll be home soon."
Meanwhile, Tim and Julia spent the evening preparing for another late-season storm. Yet, when Sabrina arrived home, she appeared elated and focused.
"She's smiling--that's a plus," Julia observed while pulling blankets from the closet.
"Close the door already!" Tim bellowed as his daughter entered. "We're not heating the outdoors!"
Sabrina laughed and stepped inside.
"I can only move so fast, Dad."
"Learn to move faster," he joked. "Mom left you something to eat if you're hungry."
Sabrina's eyes brightened as she greeted her parents. But, while hugging her mother, Julia cringed and nestled deeper under the blanket.
"Don't do that!" she cried. "Not until you've warmed up!"
Walking into the kitchen, Sabrina smirked.
"It's not that cold, you big baby."
Julia scowled as Sabrina rummaged through shelves and retrieved dishes.
"Is this what I hope it is?" Sabrina asked, examining her plate.
Her father glared.
"It's free, so don't ask questions."
She settled at the table and savored a meal of baked chicken and marinated sweet corn. Complemented by her mother's homemade cherry pie.
"Were you planning to stay quiet all night?" her mother asked.
Sabrina grinned, but looked away.
"I registered for classes, spoke with a professor, and encountered an old friend."
Julia could usually read Sabrina's thoughts, but tonight found it more challenging. Besides, a delicate situation had arisen that needed addressing.
"Jennifer called."
Sabrina gripped her locket and gazed out the window.
"I figured she would."
It'd been months since they'd seen each other, so the relationship felt strained. Though, Julia remained sympathetic to the situation.
"I hope everything's okay," Tim said.
Sabrina cleared the table, hoping to change the subject.
"Do you remember Michelle Dyson?"
Julia thought for a moment.
"Don and Melinda's daughter?"
"Yeah."
Her mother stood up.
"What about her?"
"I bumped into her this morning," Sabrina explained. "She's the old friend I mentioned."
"That's a name I haven't heard in ages," Tim interjected, noting Julia's expression.
Sabrina moved toward the stairs.
"Are you heading to bed?" her mother asked.
She giggled.
"No, I need to make a phone call."
Tim grinned.
"Luis, I assume?"
"Yeah."
YOU ARE READING
The Dark Society
Mystery / ThrillerA powerful family of occultists unexpectedly disappear and for the next twenty years they live within society like normal people. However, as the eldest daughter reaches her 18th birthday the curse of a forgotten bloodline returns, along with the me...
