Midnight Survivor

Chapter 6: Smoking Clouds

Elisa didn't stick around long enough for me to ask why she thought I was so "lucky". All of this was just a big mistake waiting for it to come crashing on top of me again like it just had. 

If Helen would have saw me and Oliver it would have been another show in the middle of the hotel. Hopefully Sylvie hadn't been watching or I would most likely have her nipping at my heels once again.

I turned myself around and leaned against the reception desk, moving my eyes around the room. Once again the usual couple, Maurice and Claude, were sitting peacefully on the couch, turned away from me and enjoying themselves. It was peculiar how they almost never moved. 

I sighed and pushed my hair from my face, glancing over at the phone that was just out of my reach. Maybe I should give mom a call again, just to check in and make sure she got my message from last time. Although, I know she wouldn't be worried, she knows I can take care of myself and not get into any trouble. But then again, there were a few times where she worried when I was gone for long periods of time. A quick phone call might actually be a good idea.

I leaned over and grabbed the phone, punching in my mothers number and raising it to my ear. The phone rang a few times before a familiar voice picked up. My mother's best friend Alicia.

"Hello?"

I smiled, "Hi Alicia, it's Alannah."

I could hear some clattering in the background before Alicia responded, "Hello? Anyone there?"

"Yeah, Alicia it's me."

"Hello???"

Just as I was about to open my mouth to respond again the phone clicked in my ear. I drew my hand back and looked at the phone, tracing my fingers down the chord to try and find any disconnection. But there was nothing. 

I sighed, maybe there was a line down somewhere. Accidents happen all the time in the city so I wouldn't at all be surprised. 

"No luck?"

I turned around to see Xavier, his hands resting against the sofa where the couple sat. His greasy hair was neatly combed but stuck to his face like glue. He pushed himself up and walked over, leaning gently against the desk beside me, "The lines go down here a lot, I'm sure they'll be fixed soon."

I nodded and smiled, "Thanks."

Xavier's grin grew wider on his face as he drew closer to me. I could see now that even for a greasy stoner he wasn't bad looking. Now that I could get a closer look, I could see that his black hair was streaked underneath with a dark brown, making it look like a mix of dirt and oil. His grey eyes were narrow and blood shot but they shone with a field of curiosity. 

I looked down to his clothes which were very noticeably ragged and dirty. His pale grey shirt was hung limply over one shoulder and slightly tucked in to one side. His pants were torn in certain areas and wrinkled up around his black lace up boots. 

"Rough night?" I asked with a small laugh.

Xavier squinted his eyes tauntingly, "I can show you how rough." He held out his hand, "Come with me."

                                                                                                      ***

Xavier's room was just about as much of a mess as Xavier was. His bed clothes were scattered at the foot of his bed, some hanging limply over the head board. His pillows were jammed down behind the head board except for one which lay in the middle of the bed, clearly where he must have slept. His curtains were pulled closed, keeping almost all of the light out of the room except for a few candles that were scattered in different areas. I was genuinely surprised that he hadn't burned down his room with the mix of candles and weed in here.