FEEL

42. Aubadoir

Aubadoir - the otherworldly atmosphere just before 5a.m.

~ The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows ~

~°~

She came in with two children. Both girls. One appeared eight years old and the other, six, if I had to make a good guess.

The first thing I noticed about them was an uncannily familiar set of blue irises that blinked curiously at me as they came in, the younger girl being carried in Cameron's arms while the other stuck closely to the woman's side. They reminded me of China dolls, with their button noses, big eyes and heart-shaped lips. Their hair was golden blonde, shining in the yellow light of the living room. The backpacks they wore signified that they were either on their way somewhere or staying here. If I had to make a good guess, I'd say here.

My eyes drift to the woman, who seems half shocked but predominantly confused at my presence. I do a subtle sweep of her form. Black boots, denim blue jeans, knitted sweater, and then I scan her demeanor. Besides the obvious beauty, I make no significant note but the fact that the minimal makeup does nothing to dim her appeal.

"Oh, uhm...hello," she greets me kindly, the shock unable to shield itself behind her politeness. Her voice is powerful, I note. Like she had done nothing but give commands her entire life. The way her dark hair is cut at the shoulders somehow says the same as well, if the stern gaze of her striking blue eyes didn't.

In fact, the moment I saw those blue orbs, I need not be told who she was. It was blatantly obvious. This being the case, I brace myself with a slow exhale before stepping closer.

"Hi," I say, reaching my hand out towards her. "I'm Aquila."

She takes my hand with a curt nod of acknowledgement. "Aquila. Hey. I'm Laylie, Cameron's sister. These are my daughters, Isla," She releases my hand to put both of hers on the older child's shoulders, who is standing in front of her staring up at me. "And Wrenley." She gestured to the one in Cameron's arms.

I nod, smiling politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you all."

Before an awkward silence ensues, Cameron addresses Laylie, "I'll get the girls something to drink. Do you want anything?"

Her head shakes, "No. I won't be staying long"

Cameron nods, then takes the older girls hand, Isla, I remember, and they lead out into the kitchen. With a quiet sigh, I take my seat on the couch. Laylie follows suit, settling on the one in front of me with one leg crossed over the other. For a moment, she does nothing but scan me, trapping me in her judgemental scrutiny. I don't think she means it, just that she is unable to mask her expressions that well.

I lace my fingers on my lap and throw my gaze around the room. I could hear Cameron and the girls chattering about in the kitchen from here. I appreciate the sound, in fact I would appreciate any that would alleviate the silence that Laylie was giving me. I try to zone out as well, carrying myself away from the current moment. It's then that I realize that I haven't seen Gracie in quite a while. Before I could wonder where she could be, Laylie voice pulls me into the present.

"You seem pretty young," she says carefully. I press my lips together at the comment, unable to decipher the reason for it. She adds, "If you don't mind me asking, what are you and Cameron... I mean, what is he to you?"

I reply, "He's my teacher."

Her lips fall apart to a small gape. Her eyes roam my features, either trying to read me or searching for something within her, like the next thing to say.