Warm Blood Over Marigolds

CHAPTER SIX: La Ciguapa

                                       Zoey

She saw what me and Sofie were doing. Just after we managed to unhook ourselves, Hunter rushed towards Sofie and threw her to the ground. When she threw her, Sofie hit her ribs on the bed frame and she cried in pain.

"What the hell, Hunter?!" I screamed, angrily.
"You hurt Sofie!"

Hunter stood there looking at Sofie, still in pain, and she instantly regretted pushing her. But then, she looked at me in disbelief, and her eyes welled with tears.

"You hurt ME! You promised me I didn't have to worry, Zoey! We are done!" she angrily yelled.

Hunter rushed out the room and ran downstairs crying. I wanted to run after her, but I was really concerned about Sofie. She was grabbing her side and still whimpering in pain.

"Sofie," I went to apologize.

"No, Zoey. It's my fault. I will be okay. Just a bruised rib," she assured.

I went to help her up, but she denied my assistance. Sofie used the bed post to pull herself up with one arm.

"Go ahead and get some sleep, Zoey. There's still work tomorrow. Unless you've changed your mind?" she advised me.

I stood there and played back everything that had just happened. How could Hunter hurt Sofie like that?

For some reason, I couldn't feel that bad for Hunter- which wasn't like me, and I was really looking forward to being with Sofie.

"I'll be there. See you tomorrow," I said with a grin.

The next morning, in the nursery, Sofie was showing me my daily tasks. I wasn't really paying attention- I mean, how could I? She had on that black crop top she wore the night we got pizza, and a pair of the shortest jean shorts I had ever seen. I couldn't believe I had her last night. I was hoping there would be more action between us today.

However, nothing physical happened between us. Instead, Sofie urged that we should slow down. She went on to say how she felt bad about last night, and Hunter leaving. I told her it was okay and that Hunter should be ashamed of herself.

Sofie looked into my eyes, and saw the feelings I was beginning to develop for her. She pondered seriously for a moment, and then conjured up what she wanted to say.

"Zoey, this is going to sound random, do you believe in destined lovers?"

I stood where I was, confused by her question. I mean, I guess I did believe in it at one point. I felt that way about Hunter before I met Sofie.

She went on to tell me a Cuban legend. The one where an incredibly attractive woman lured men in with her undeniable allure. The woman was able to blind the men with her beauty and when  they were summoned to her, she could grant any wish they had at the right price. Sometimes the woman would trick the man and other times, she would help him-but it was always in exchange for something else. The locals called her La Ciguapa.

"Zoey, we have known each other in another life. I don't want to freak you out, but it's true."

I was trying not to laugh at her. Was this girl serious?

"A long time ago, I made a deal with La Ciguapa. She promised me she would lead me back to my love, Marisol, if I did her a favor. I took on her cursed eternity and she became free to rest in a peaceful death. Zoey.. you are my love."

Okay, she was nuts. I was laughing now, full on.

Sofie looked  at me and said, " You never wonder why the first time we met, I was so drawn to your tattoo? Why every time you see me, you lose control of yourself? And you're so drawn to me? It's not by choice, Zoey. I am La Ciguapa. You are Marisol."

I started to feel uneasy at how serious she was getting while explaining something so ridiculous.

Just when I went to run away, Sofie cried aloud after me, "I know about your dream."