Heart of Darkness

Chapter 3 - Meadow Meeting

Copyright © All Rights Reserved 2012

It was almost dawn when the flight landed in Decatur. He was the only one that been up for all night along the journey. Not only because the excitement of meeting the girl of his life once again. It was because he couldn’t sleep, he never sleep at all. Leon took his backpack and got out from the flight, blending with the other mortals. He could smell their scents in the air, hearing everyone’s hearts beat…

Leon closed his eyes momentarily. ‘Control yourself’ he mumbled to himself, it wasn’t the right time nor the right place. Quickly he walked pass the security check and walked out from the airport. His first to-do-list was to find a motel and feed himself. He called for a taxi near the airport.

Within few minutes, the taxi stopped in front the small motel. With a glance, nothing interesting with the motel. Half of the pale white painted wall was covered with moss. He had no other choice, it was the only motel there. Leon fed the meter and got inside the motel.

It was a bit surprised him, it was nothing like the outside image. A soft scent of lavender welcomed him. Golden brown varnished wall, the antiques furniture together with the dim lighting made the atmosphere livelier. There was a message hiding behind each and every single of the bricks. “Don’t judge anything from the outside.”Leon lulled in the warmth situation that the motel offered him.

“looking a room?” a hoarse voice interrupted his reverie

“Huh?” Leon turned his head to look at the voice’s owner. It was an old guy with the age around 70. Leon could spot some grey hairs on his bald head. The motel owner, he guessed.”Yeah.” He nodded and approached him.

“For how many days? “the motel owner asked as he walked to the reception table.

Leon thought for a moment before answering.”One week.” It gave him plenty of time to search for Talia, and a house to stay when he had found her.

The motel owner was busy writing something in his book. A minute later he finally spoke again.”here’s your key. Your room is in second floor, the last room in the hall.” He offered the key to Leon.”Becky” He called, a young girl, around the age of 10 came out from the bright red curtain.”Room no. 213.”

“Okie grandpa.”  Becky nodded and turned to look at Leon.”Come on.” She smiled politely.

Leon smiled back and walked behind her.

“Are you new here?” Becky asked him as they climbed up the stairs.

“Not really. I’ve been here long time ago.” He answered her, by long time ago he referred to more than hundred years ago.

“Oh. Decatur is a new place you know. You will love this city.” She turned him at back with a wide grin on her bubbly face.”My name is Becky.” She introduced herself for the second time.

Leon laughed, “Really? Are you born here, Becky? And you can call me Leon.” He ruffled the girl’s hair playfully. Leon could sense the joyful aura around the girl and he quiet liked it. Becky sort of reminded him of Talia.

Becky nodded.”Yep. I was born here, long time ago.” She mimicked Leon’s accent and chuckled.”Nice to meet you, Leon.” She said.

They stopped as the reached the dead end.”Here’s your room.” Becky pointed at the room on his left side. ‘213’ was written in the golden plate.”Take rest and welcome to Decatur.” She said friendly before turning back to leave Leon with his privacy.

“Thanks.” He nodded, “Wait a moment, Becky.” He took out his wallet from his left pocket, but Becky stopped him.

“Ah, I never take tips from the visitor.” The little girl shook her head.”But, I do take an offer of ice cream.” She giggled.”See you later, Leon.” She waved goodbye at him and ran a little to the stairs.