Illuminant Noctem (On Hold)

Illuminant Noctem Ch. 2

Amelia-

I stared at his retreating figure until he disappeared around the corner. I turned around, put away ‘his’ book and hopped on my bike. I decided I’d go find somewhere to buy lunch. Just down the street was a small restaurant. I leaned my bike against the brick wall of the building and went inside. The tiny tinkle of bells announced my arrival, and an old women stepped behind the counter and smiled at me.

“You must be Amelia. I’m Dorothy, but that’s such a dreadful name. So just call me Dottie.Everyone does” She held out her hand and smiled. I shook her hand, and gave her a genuine smile, one of the only ones I’ve given out in such a long time.

“It’s nice to meet you Dottie.What do you recommend for lunch?” I watched as Dottie turned around and started preparing a sandwich.

“I hope egg salad is alright, because that’s what I’m making!” Dottie let out a hardy laugh, and I smiled. I really liked this woman. She was darker skinned and wore her white hair tight in a bun. Her floral dress swished under her red apron. She cheeriness reminded me so much of mom...the mom before Adam died.

***

Dottie finished my sandwich, threw in a pickle, a sweet tea, chatting the whole time. I told her about Maine, my old school, my friends. I mentioned Adam and mom, and briefly commented on their new uhm...home. She wiped my tears when I started crying, and her motherly gesture just caused the tears to come faster. Dottie could smpathize with me, as her parents passed years ago, which led us into a conversation about her past. After a while, she glanced at the clock and ushered me out.

“I don’t mean to come across as rude, but all the other ladies are coming over for our book club. I’d offer for you to join us, but we’re in the middle of this captivating romance novel! But do come by again Amelia, you’re such a sweetheart! And hopefully you can join us next month” She winked at me and walked me to the door, where she smiled, waved, and flipped the open sign to close. I sighed. Alone again.

***

“I see you haven’t read my journal yet.” A voice whispered in my ear. I spun around to face Jackson, who was a lot closer than I thought. I blushed at our close proximity and took a step back.

“Um, no. I haven’t. I was just going to now. Care to join me?” I asked, looking up to see a smirk on his face. Hmm, where did that sudden burst of confidence come from?

“It’ll be my pleasure!” He took my bike and started walking down the street.

“Whoa. Hey Jackson! Where are you going? I was planning on going to the bookstore...” I jogged to catch up with him.

“A secret place! It’ll be better than the book store, especially when you already have something to read. Besides, I want to show you something.” I gulped at the thought of us being alone, in a secluded area. He must have heard me because he started chuckling.

***

Twenty minutes later, and we were still walking. I glanced behind us at the afternoon sun, just starting to drop. I hadn’t realized just how long I was with Dottie.

“Um...Jackson, where are we going? And dad told us to be back for dinner...” I trailed off as I stared at his back a couple paces ahead of me. To my right there was a forest, a dark forest that reminded me of the ones I left dayss earlier in Maine. Jackson laid my bike down in the grass and started towards them.

“Don’t worry about him buttercup, he called earlier and said he had an urgent called a few towns over, and that he wasn’t going to be back until tomorrow. But don’t worry, I told him I’d take good care of you.” He smiled and winked at me, then frowned at me, seeing the sudden panic in my eyes. He meant to take us into the woods. “Hey, Amelia, are you alright? Your beautiful face just got really pale.” He stepped towards me and I gulped.