Holding on to Love

Chapter 3

I could feel the tiny gravel crunching under my feet as I ran for my life. I was being chased. By who, or what, I don’t know. But I have to get away to save my life. I hear waves crashing against the shore in the distance, but I can’t see a thing in the night sky. Looking back, I can see two glowing eyes. I scream; a blood curdling scream. Panting, I run faster. I have never run as fast in my life. My breathing gets quicker and quicker, until I think I am going to die. Suddenly I stop in my tracks.

“Aubrey. Don’t be alarmed.”

Behind me was the waiter from the café, Jace. He was Jace, alright, but there was something different about him. He had yellow eyes and long, sharp claws where his fingernails should be. I fell to the ground, startled.

“I won’t hurt you. Let me come closer.”

I crawled backwards but then could crawl no more. He advanced slowly, and picked me up. All he did was hold me. The claws were gone, but the eyes were still there. Somehow, the way he held me was comforting. I was falling asleep in his arms.

“You won’t remember this dream when you wake up, my love.” He whispered in my ear.

Last night was one of the best nights of sleep I had had in a long time. It had been a peaceful, undisturbed slumber. Waking up, I felt fresh and ready to get the day started. I stretched my arms behind my head, letting out a small yawn. Yesterday had been a great, productive day and I was wishing for the same today.

For some reason, I had the strange urge to go back to that little café from yesterday, despite the blonde girl that worked there. There was definitely some tension between the two of us. Who knows, she may not even be there today.  Looking at my calendar, I noticed that last night had been a full moon. I don’t usually pay attention to trivial things like this, but I could use a change. And besides, it seemed interesting. The cycle of the moon, I mean. I liked how silly things like supernatural creatures were somehow linked to it. None of it exists, of course, but I can see the thrill readers could get from books like that. It makes you want to live in a world where vampires and werewolves exist, the way the authors portray the beasts.

I got ready quickly, hopping in the shower and freshening up for the day. Again, I didn’t put on very much makeup. I kept it simple with a coat of mascara and some shiny red lipstick. I didn’t take as much time getting ready as yesterday; I wanted to get to the café fast. After scarfing down a bowl of Shreddies and brushing my teeth vigorously, I slipped my feet into a pair of tiny ballet flats and headed out the door in a rush.

The wind was cool and crisp, but it was refreshing. No matter how cold it gets outside, I always rather the outdoors than be cooped up in a tiny room for the day with no fresh air. As I walked down the road, the wind picked up and started to get really rough. My black fedora flew off my head and landed in a nearby tree, getting stuck. People were starting to speed up to get to their destinations quickly.  I did the same. 

When I stepped into the small building, the wind stopped abruptly. I swear, the weather is bipolar around here. The first thing I noticed was that the blonde girl was not at the counter. I felt relief wash over me. In her place was an old frail woman who looked like she could barely lift a piece of paper. She looked kind, though, so I walked over to her.

“Hi!” I flashed her my warmest smile.

“Hello there, dear.” She returned the smile.

“I was wondering if there was a waiter here. He’s blonde. Jace is his name, I think?” I said it like a question, almost.

“He’s not in today, I’m afraid. Seemed a bit jumpy to me.”  I don’t think she meant for me to hear that last part, since she sort of mumbled it.