Orbs

Chapter 10

The second floor held just as little information as the first. Still, Relia took pictures. She tried multiple doors, many of which would never open again. Those that did seemed to welcome her with open arms. Emeric always stood close by, like a protector. He'd let his eyes dart around the rooms before they landed back on Relia.

" Anything worth wild?"

" Not really...but it's still good that we checked. I...appreciate your patience." Relia said, sheepishly.

" No need to thank me, you're enjoying the unguided tour." He drifted his eyes to Relia again. " Just be careful."

" Mm..." Relia's eyes scrunched up, showing she was smiling. " You're very protective..."

" Is that a problem?"

" No! No no...I..." Relia tucked a loose strand of her red hair behind her ear. " I don't mind...."

"...Heh..."

Emeric held tightly onto Relia's hand as she shimmied past a chunk of cement ceiling. Like he suspected, the stairways remained mainly intact. The only thing he didn't account for was the broken ceiling leading to the third floor. A huge hole sat in what would be the floor of the next level, luckily, it wasn't where either of them would be walking. Relia took out her phone for the third time, swiping it open to get to the camera. Her screen showed five missed calls and twenty eight text messages from her mom. She didn't think she'd get service in the old hospital, but now she really was happy her phone had been on silent. With an annoyed huff, she clicked on the chain of messages.

" Hey, just checking on you."

" Are you ok?"

" Relia?"

" You're ok, right?"

" Aurelia?"

" You better be safe."

" Aurelia??"

" I swear to god you better be ok."

" Answer me!"

" Is the tour long?"

" Having fun?"

" Aurelia?"

" Please."

" PLEASE."

" Hey!!"

" Relia."

" You'll be grounded!"

" You won't. I'm just worried."

" Please!!"

" Answer me right now!"

" Your Nana said to stop bothering you. I'm just worried."

" Aurelia."

" Aurelia."

" Aurelia."

" Aurelia."

" Aurelia!!"

" Message me when you get a chance."

" Have fun."

Relia felt a headache forming. It was currently 2:30pm. The last text had come in less than fifteen minutes ago. Knowing her mom, Relia was sure another would arrive soon. She tapped the screen again and started typing.

" I'm fine. Emeric and I are safe. The tour is great. I'll be home later. Relax."

And send. Crisis averted. Probably.