Gehenna: An Awakening

Chapter 7

 Clara had trouble sleeping the previous night. As it had been for the past few days, the events that had transpired did nothing but stick right on Clara's mind. She didn't want to admit it, but Andrew was looking at her differently now, very differently. But at least the phone call with Mason was more productive. She didn't feel secure considering that the bald man had to be watching her home, but with Mason's promise to help her, she could feel just a little better. It was only that thought that helped her sleep.

Clara awoke the next day to a text from Mason. "Meet me at one-thirty at the public library."

She hadn't woken up until about ten-thirty, giving her a few hours to ready herself, mostly mentally. What was going to happen, she had no idea. Mason and Sara seemed so sure of themselves, so confident, like they had a full grasp of what they were doing all the time. Clearly Mason had some sort of plan in dealing with the bald man, but Clara hadn't yet been filled in on that little piece of information. Hopefully it wouldn't be too dangerous.

But even if it was, it was too late now. She had already asked for help, and now she needed to follow up on it. Besides, Clara had a sneaking suspicion they were her only hope right now.

About ten minutes before the time Mason wanted her over, she started heading in the direction of leaving, grabbing her bike on the way.

When she opened the door, Jaclyn was walking up to the door, a little surprised that Clara had walked out just as she was arriving. Did Clara make plans with Jaclyn? She couldn't remember. "Hey," Clara said a somewhat forced smile. "What's up?"

"Oh," Jaclyn began. "Nothing, I just wanted to come over. That alright? I know I probably should've called, but I didn't think you'd mind." Clara felt bad, because she couldn't enjoy the company of her best friend that day, no matter how much she wanted to. And Jaclyn was twiddling her fingers, which meant she was hopeful.

"I don't mind, but I can't hang out today. I'm sorry, I've got something really important going on." Clara said sympathetically. "You know I would if I could, I could really use your company, but I don't really have a choice."

"Oh." Jaclyn said, clearly hiding a little disappointment. It hurt most because she knew that Jaclyn was a little lonely. Clara was fine having one friend she was really close to, with a few others sprinkled around who she saw sometimes. But, one close friend probably wasn't enough for Jaclyn. Clara tried her best to be enough, but she knew it wasn't. "Well," Jaclyn continued. "You want me to come with you?"

Clara shook her head. The last thing she wanted was for Jaclyn to get involved. "No, I have to do this by myself. But I really appreciate the offer. I was actually just leaving. But I'll text you later, alright?"

Jaclyn smiled and nodded. "Yeah, that should be fine. I'll talk to you later." She turned abruptly and walked away. Clara sighed, sad to see her go. She knew she disappointed Jaclyn, but that was ok if she was safe.

Clara biked to the library. It was a tall, square building with ornate wooden carvings throughout, and large windows giving view to all of the outside world.

Walking in, she headed past the front desk and into the main bulk of the library. There were several different sections throughout the building full of bookshelves, but in a few areas were tables designated for reading or just hanging out. It didn't take long for Clara to find Mason, though Sara was completely out of sight. He was reading a book at a table right by one of the big windows. Clara hesitantly walked up, and took a seat across from him.

Mason noticed, and placed his book down. "I'm glad you came. I actually wasn't sure if you would."

"Can you actually help me?" Clara asked, a little skeptical. Only a little.