Nikasios's Island

V

Previously:

"The door flew open and a shadowy figure came into view blocking out the golden glow. A hand reached for her and faded into blackness momentarily."

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Paris opened her eyes confused. She looked down realizing she was still wearing her bra and leggings and then raised her chin. She really had to stop waking up to Nick like this.

    "Good morning princess. Or perhaps damsel in distress is better," he greeted.

     Paris groaned and said, "Why does stuff like this keep happening to me?"

     "Maybe our fates are collided like two strings around one stick."

     "Haha, very funny." Paris rolled her eyes as he grinned at her. His eyes lit up like the Fourth of July. He held in a laugh and then the grin was gone. Nick's expression became thoughtful as he said, "Let's be serious now. How did you drown in a bathtub?"

     "I don't know. I just fell in and something was weighing me down," she replied glancing at the floor.

     Nick lifted a brow. "Weighing you down?"   

     "Yeah, weighing me down." Paris stared blankly in front of her as she rewound the memory. The golden glow made her stomach twist and churn, her eyes bleed and her body feel fragile and weak. Its presence was wicked and bitter. "Someone or something wanted me dead."

     "How can you be so sure?"

     She gave him a dirty look. "I nearly drowned in a bathtub."

     "Fair enough. Go get dressed and meet me outside." Nick exited the room.

     Paris grabbed her shirt from the bathroom and put it on. She ran her fingers through her hair stopping at tangles. The bathroom tub was still full. Paris left the room and shut the door to ensure no evil leaves that room. Before leaving she gazed out the window. Nick was standing waiting for her to arrive so they could head out. His hair was wild as the wind blew across its tips. A small bag sat atop his back. He reached inside and grabbed an apple, biting at its core.

     Paris leaned on her elbows against the windowsill. She imagined where he was possibly taking her. Had a boat come to rescue them? Did that mean she finally got to head home? What would her mom and dad think of Isabel? Paris sighed. Don't get ahead of yourself, she thought. The door closed behind her.

     "Ready to go?" Paris nodded.

The island was extremely warm but the trees blocked out the sun's rays with a blanket of darkness. Above the ground birds played and sang calming melodies. Paris smiled. She loved the sound of birds. In the distance the ocean was rough against the rocks and sand. Its tides carried the smell of seaweed and salt surging amongst the island. The sound was like thunder roaring for help, drowning in the waters. Nick and Paris walked along the edges of the forest pushing branches from their faces. The leaves were smooth and some had sap on them. Paris shook her hand in disgust. The sap hugged her fingers.

     Nick turned around and laughed. "Here, dump some water on that." He handed her a water bottle.

     Paris reached for the bottle and said, "Thank you."

     "No problem."

It had gotten hotter over the past couple of hours and Paris was ready to head back. Her legs were heavy, urging to take a break. She looked over at Nick. He seemed completely fine, walking in a confident gait. Paris felt nauseous. She sat down on a rock and snapped a twig in the process.

     Nick whirled behind him. "Don't sit down now, we're almost there."

     He was right, they were almost there. A long mossy bridge lead the way to a small house. Coppery wooden planks surrounded the four sides of the house. Darker planks covered the cylinder shaped roof. There was a small balcony and a lonely chair sat inside it. As they got closer, Paris noticed a large glass window too dusty to see inside. Few shrubs grew along the house and tall grasses dominated the area. Paris stopped at the end of the bridge and held her hand on the railing. The floor creaked as Nick kept walking. He knocked on the door and held his hands to his sides.

     The door opened. An almond skinned woman with wavy cocoa locks in braids smiled. "Why my friend, Nikasios! How can I help you?"

     Nick took a step to the side. "Help my friend."

     Shock overtook her face. "Of course! Come, come inside."

Nick sat on the porch chair. "I'll wait here, Paris."