Underground

25

Estelle
I wake up to the sound of arguing, August was talking angrily into his phone right outside the door.
I stand, and walk out to him.
His hair was messy, swooped across his forehead. "Opal, I told you, I need a Christmas break."
A pause.
"Today. Today only and then I'm off to Idaho until the 5th." He says into his phone.
Another pause.
"See you in an hour." Then he hangs up.
"Who was that?" I ask.
He jumps, turning on his heel. "That was my editor, she wants me to come in today and finish off the book I'm working on."
"Why would you go to Idaho?" I ask, raising a brow.
He chuckles. "I forgot to ask. Do you want to come with me?"
"I mean, I don't want to seem like I'm leeching off of you, I'm an independant woman."
"An independant woman with next to nothing in her bank account." He pauses. "All the expenses will be paid, besides, you don't want to spend Christmas alone."
I sigh. "Aug, I could work and pay for myself."
"Christmas is in 5 days, no jobs will be hiring." He points out.
"I suppose." I say, tapping my fingers on my chin. "Do you think your family will like me?"
"I'm sure they will love you." August says, before leaning down and kissing my head. "I've got to get ready to go to work."
"Okay." I say, turning on my heel to walk into my bedroom.
***
After August had left, I tried to decide what I was going to do today. I could try to contact Luca dreamwise again, but that wouldn't do much, probably because he's out living his life to the fullest.
I walk to the largest of my boxes, reaching down and pulling out jeans and a tee-shirt, then I walk to the shower and turn it on to the medium setting.
I decloth and get in, taking my time washing myself. Once the shower is done, I get out and get dressed.
I walk downstairs and pick up my phone, scrolling through the contacts. My thumb lands on Nigel.
It takes a few rings for him to actually pick up, because he's tropical vacationing and such.
"Hello?" His voice answers, rough and raspy, I'd just woken him up.
"Hi. I kinda forgot about timezones." I say, awkwardly laughing.
There's a rustle and then his voice is clearer. "That's fine. What are you up to kiddo?"
"August just left for work so, I really don't have anything to do today." I say. "I was thinking we could catch up, it's been forever since we've talked."
"Okay." He replies.
I laugh softly. "How's Hawaii?"
"It's really nice, relaxing." He says. "How's August's?"
"It's been nice, but I really need to start thinking of other options." I answer.
"True." He pauses. "I'll help you apartment hunt when we get back."
"Thanks." I say. "How's Jane?"
"Sleeping currently." He says. "She's been good though."
"That's good." I say. "What should I do today?"
I could hear his smile. "You could go to the library like you always do."
"That sounds like a good plan." I say. "I'll go do that. Bye." Then I hang up.
I grab August's spare key and my phone sticking it in the back pocket of my jeans. I walk to the front area and grab one of August's coats from the hanger by the door.
I shrug the thick jacket over my shoulders and walk out of the house.
***
The library was fuller, a bunch of high-school/college kids in there.
I walk to the back, where I've noted the best treasures are found.
"You looking for me?" Someone says.
I twist around and see a bruised nose Brett standing behind me.
"No actually, I was looking for this." I say, plucking a book out of the shelf, Glass Of Gray Game by Harold Scott.
"I feel as if you're mistaken." He steps forward. "Whoever doesn't look for me, has mental issues."
"Back up before I bruise another part on your body." I say, clutching the book close to my chest.
"Not that it matters, my boyfriend left me and I'm all alone no one to hold, to talk to, to love." He steps forward, once more.
Without even thinking, I elbow him in the chest, watching him fall backward.
"You've obviously trained more than August." He says, pushing himself up onto his hands and knees.
I kick him in the chin, he falls back to the ground. "Stay away."
"It's kinda funny how you're beating me up without even hearing what I have to say, it could be worth your while." He says, like some pimp talking to a girl on a street.
"I don't even need to hear what you need to say, I could care less about you." I say, letting my voice freeze to a cold state.
"Logan needs your help." He blurts.
I freeze. "What's wrong with Logan?"
"I think I'll need a little extra interrogation than that." He smirks.
I glare at him. "I will hurt you so bad that your grandma feels it."
"I'm afraid my grandma is dead." He informs.
Now it's my turn to smirk. "She'll be rolling in her grave."
"A little bit more..." He encourages.
I pull my foot back to kick his eye.
"Okay! Okay! Okay!" Brett pushes himself off the ground, leaning against the bookshelf behind him.
"What's wrong with Logan?" I ask, my words spaced out and cold.
He wipes a little bit of blood from his chin, letting it stain his crisp white long-sleeve shirt. "i'm not actually particularly sure."
"Then how do you know something is wrong?" I ask, cocking a brow.
"You can't panic, promise me." He says.
I stay silent watching his face.
"Promise!" He yells, getting shushed by the kids in the main area of the library.
"Fine. I promise." I say, still glaring at him.
"She won't stop talking to Marilane and Celine, I think she's plotting something."