The Land in the Sky

6

A/N: I don't take any credit for the photo above!

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It was late, the sound of the Halloween Festivities grew louder the closer I got to the diner. It was one of the few things that stayed open since it was closer to the block party.

With the black book that seemed to appear out of nowhere, bringing back memories and problems I left behind years ago, I couldn't stay in my house. Not only was I terrified that someone was sneaking into my home, I was afraid that all those years ago I had been wrong.

The light chime above the door, greeted me as I entered the small restaurant. People in costumes were situated in the retro red booths and chairs, causing my anxiety to grow. Today was the worst time to come out, but the past hurt too much.

"Well, well, well," A wide smile and bright blue eyes welcomed me as I stepped farther inside. Eric as always was working equally as hard as his employees, serving costumers and greeting the door, "The last person I expected to walk through our door tonight, was you."

He was right and it was killing me being out on Halloween night, but it was better than being at home, "I'll have my usual. Meet me at my booth?"

A sad expression coated his face, "I'm sorry, Rae, with how busy we are tonight, your booth is not available and neither is soup. We're all out."

"Are you kidding me," I groaned. "Fine, give me just the pie and some coffee. I'll go find a spot somewhere."

A gentle nod in response was all I was given by the owner as I stepped along the black and white tile floor. A single-person booth was vacant near the restrooms, the perfect hiding spot if I didn't want to be bothered or noticed. I undid my blonde hair from a tight bun, hoping to hiding my face.

Scrounging around in my mini backpack for my phone, my hands came upon a familiar shape. As I pulled it up to inspect further, my heart plummeted to the tiled floor of the diner.

The book had followed me again. The leather smacked against the tabletop as I stared in anger and surprise. Whatever was causing this book to stalk me, needed to stop.

I flipped it open again, the page of the dancing creatures greeting me.

"What kind of book is that?" Eric startled me, a slice of apple pie and a steaming mug of black coffee sliding in the middle of the table.

I swivel my eyes to his frame, a comforting sensation enveloping me. Only he could that, and I never questioned it, "I'm not sure," I answered honestly.

"That illustration is amazing," His eyes wandering along the painted figures with glittery wings and vicious smiles, "Faeries, huh?"

Faeries.

Who knew a mythical creature could be my worst nightmare?

"I didn't know you liked fantasy books?" The owner's voice bringing me back to reality.

I shook my head, "I don't."

"Then why do you have it?"

A large sigh escaped my mouth, my torso leaning forward, as I pulled the coffee closer. Grasping the hot mug with both of my hands, I tried to warm myself from the eerie chill that followed me from my house, here. Words began to spill out of my mouth, my exhaustion clouding my brain, "I don't know. It showed up at the library, then at my house twice. It's the reason I'm here."

Telling anyone about my life, was allowing them inside who I was. I couldn't have that. Yet there I was, letting Eric in. My eyes found his, ocean waves splashing towards me, I felt my heart stop.

"Are you telling me someone's stalking you?" His piercing blue swirls grew dark with anger and determination. "I'll beat the crap out of him for you."

"No! No!" I accidentally shouted, curious gazes glanced towards our booth, so I quieted down, "I don't know if someone is doing it or if. . ."

"It's magic?" He laughed hysterically until he realized I wasn't laugh with him. "You're serious?"

"I don't know," I groaned, cupping my hands around my face in exhaustion, "I don't know what's happening, but I'm afraid."

A warming smile split his face, "Well how about you stay until I close up, then you and I can head to your place and talk about it?"

That didn't sound like a bad idea. I bobbed my head up and down in agreement and he pulled himself out of the booth. Sadly he had to leave to manage his diner and get to other costumers. While he trotted off, I sipped on my coffee, and thought back to the memories of that night with my mom.

The ones I swore I'd never think about again.