Somnia Moon

Chapter 3: The Forest

The sound of Alex's heavy footfalls was drowned by the various conversations being held by the hordes of people that filled the town square. She walked with her head low, observing in great detail the smooth surface of the cobblestone pathways, refusing to make eye contact. Her encounter with Christina had made her feel as though she was not welcome here -she felt incredibly out of place, and longed more than ever to be back home, where she understood how everything worked, where she wasn't subjected to the torturous nature of the people who lived here .

She began to walk back towards the hotel, passing the shimmering fountain.

"Alex!" A familiar sounding voice called, jolting her out of her thoughts. Alex turned and saw Zoe Blackwood, a nineteen year old woman with incredibly dark brown hair that fell just above her shoulders, running towards her. She was wearing a grey crop top and denim shorts that were same shade of blue as her eyes. She collided with her with almost enough force to take her off her feet, and wrapped her arms around her in an ever so slightly too tight hug.

"You are here! I figured you might be, seeing as both Holly and Evan are, but I wasn't completely sure, and... wait, have you been crying?" Zoe said, perceptive as usual.

"Oh, um... no, I'm just tired..." Alex stuttered, unsure as to why she was lying. She guessed it was probably because she didn't want to explain the reasons behind her breakdown for fear she would start crying again.

Zoe crossed her arms. "Alex. Come on. When have you ever been able to lie to me?"

"I'm not lying."

"Alex, your face is so red you look like a freaking lobster. Your eyes are blood-shot, your hair is a complete mess, and I can literally see tear stains on your top. You have been crying, and I, as one of your closest, bestest friends,would like to know why so that I can beat the living shit out of whoever or whatever caused you to feel this way. Capiche?"

Despite how depressed she felt, she smiled. No matter what situation she found herself in, Zoe always managed to cheer her up somehow; she almost never took anything seriously, making it easy for her to turn even the most severe event into a joke.

"Honestly, it's nothing. Ok?"

"I do not believe that for a second."

Alex sighed, and, rather reluctantly, recounted her exchange with Christina. She neglected to mention Christina's identity or mind reading abilities, though, stating instead that the entire thing had been an unintentional exchange with a stranger.

"You're sure they didn't mean to make you cry?" Zoe questioned, her expression grim.

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Doyou want me to beat them up anyway? Because it's been a very long time since I've punched someone..." "No, really, I think it would be best not. Thanks, though." Alex said, feeling slightly safer knowing that she was no longer alone in this strange world, knowing that she had someone to protect her if they needed to.

"You are very welcome." Zoe said, smiling. She paused for a moment. "You're ok, though, right?"

"I'm fine."

"You're sure? Because if you ever want to talk -"

"Honestly, Zoe, I'm fine. You don't need to worry." Zoe gazed into her eyes, uncharacteristically serious, her face clearly portraying her concern. Alex looked down at her boots. It always made her feel guilty when she knew people were worrying about her, which she knew was stupid, but she just hated causing people to feel any kind of negative emotion - she imagined that this was part of the reason why she wasn't telling Zoe what really happened between her and Christina, as it would almost certainly have a detrimental affect on them both if they angered her.