Mysterious Chime (Book #1)

C H I M E 8

⁸| SHELTER

"This is it," It been a thirty minute walk from the mall towards the so called 'small but comfy' house Axel made me aware of that he's been living in. When I told him that I've got nowhere to go he understood me and tried questioning no further. Plus with no hesitation Axel offered me to live in his house until I get my "stuff" sorted out. Eventhough I had my bigger doubts weighing in the scale I had to shrug them off since I couldn't afford an apartment.

Looking up to Axel's voice I examined the house that stood tall with two stories- completely paint washed with the color of White and a hint of Tan.

As mentioned it looked comfortable regardless of the vastness of the house, I was certain that it looked cute for a guy like Axel. Out of blue, the disapproving thought that crossed my blissful one resembled of some objection at a wedding. Without giving a second thought I fired away so that at least amendments in advance could be taken. "Is someone else living with you?"

Axel looked at my face as if I've spoken a language---unknown--- but let out a chuckle to avoid me from feeling insecure,"It's just me and my pathetic ass." Well does that sound like a good news then? Living with a complete stranger whom you've gotten to know within the passing hours? I gave Axel a  quick once over feeling daunted to step inside the welcoming house. Would it be wise? He's the only rope I could hinge on despite I met him today. Plus Axel seemed like a genuine person that gave one the 'you-can-trust-me' vibe at first glance.

"Is something holding you off?" Axel appeared behind me with his hand on my shoulder giving a tight squeeze.

Easing down the tension that rolled in my gut I answered,"I hope I won't be barking up at the wrong tree."

A flash of emotion crossed his face which I'm sure that my statement somehow made him feel offended although I had no intention of doing so.

"You wouldn't have come this far if I am the wrong person, would you? Please, trust me." Acknowledging Axel's sincere words I decided to let him through.

Nodding quietly I followed Axel who greeted me with a cheeky grin,"Welcome to my humble abode."

Stepping into a bitter chapter of my life or a sweeter one would it be, I wondered. I stepped with weight on my feet curious at where I would be heading to. My thoughts flew off the window when an unknown aura bundled against my body heeding away all the negativity. It was the house, so cosy and welcoming, that told me that I'm in good hands by the looks of it.

"There's not much but let me give you a tour now," informed Axel closing the door smoothly behind me without giving me chills.

Even-though Axel used the words "not much" my eyes still had quite a lot to take in along with my mind because every small chapter and verse within the house addressed a story from the past or present like the pictures of Axel's family line on the wall or the mini library he had manage to maintain in his bedroom which occupied a larger space comparative to the TV room. Dark textures covering the walls and the quilts of his king sized bed seem to be the medicine to Axel. Something told me that there's a darkness coursing through him that seeks darkness to lighten him up. Is it possible?

Clearing of a throat broke the bubble of my doubt making me turn to Axel with a questioning look. He gestured to the door we have stopped at and spoke,"This will be your room although I can sense disapproval from your girly room decorator self and I don't blame you for that because this is a guest room. We can shop later for room ornamentations yeah?"

I was satisfied with the way it was already even if Axel read my mind wrong by bringing up the whole 'girly room decorator self.' How would have my room looked like before this all? Was it full of trinkets and photos or plain with just bed necessities like this guest room?

Realising that there's assurance to be done I plastered a cheerful smile.
"More than I could ask for is what this is, Axel. Thank you so much."

"You and your ways of making a person feel better, " He shook his head with a chuckle.

"I was being virtuous you whimsical fool," with hands on either side of my hips I stood with forced accusation.

"If you say so, No-Ra. On serious note though get some rest if you want to, I'll be down preparing some real food for you that would promise your taste buds a full blast orgasm," He winked making his way out leaving me stock still at the statement.

Deciding that rest wouldn't be necessary anytime soon thanks to the episodes of awaking with fear laced consciousness at the beach I paraded further checking out every detail of the guest room starting from the bathroom which was small but spacious enough to be occupied by one or two persons. The body wash and soap seem to be left unused so I assumed that Axel receives not much of company which begs me to differ the two of us. Aren't we two loners at the end? Huffing at the thought I stepped out of the bathroom towards the closet dragging my fingertips softly along the oak wood texture. Opening it I was greeted by darkness and weirdly my nostrils picked up the fresh scent as though the closet was brought in newly. Blaming it on paranoia once again I gently picked up the clothes bag and took out the dresses I was forced to purchase.

Sporting a yellow sundress on, I filled the rest inside the closet. A knock was heard from the other side as I opened it quickly to find Axel leaning against the door way.

"I see you've cleaned up," he stated allowing his eyes to roam across my body. A shiver ran down my spine making me wrap my arms around my figure in response.

"That I did," I smiled in appreciation reminiscing how the shower went from right to wrong at the sight of my bruise. I looked down at it immediately to see the colour fading slowly.

"I came to tell you that lunch is ready. Also to give you this." The hand which was resting at Axel's back raised with two bags wrapped around his fingers. "I brought this from one of the stores earlier knowing that you wouldn't plan on purchasing a handful more."

I gasped with pure astonishment, "No you didn't."

He chuckled pushing the bags to my hands before stepping back. "I did. Now come eat while the food is hot."