Hidden Moon

C H A P T E R 4

CHANCE MEETING

Cora

Not exactly thrilled to be back in yet another errand in the city, I threw my travel bag on the floor and plopped down on the lodge's bed. The white sheets smelled like the scent of a fabric conditioner one would buy in bulk to save and not for its quality. Though not very fragrant, at least, I hope that it meant they have changed the linens before giving me the room.

Hana always gave me extra pocket money and a debit card each time I had to be gone for longer than a day but I rather not use up everything she gave. As much as I could, I try not to use the card.

Besides, it was a decent place to stay for three days. Looking around, it was comfortable and spacious given the amount they charge. There was a small flat screen tv, a single round table and a chair by the window, a dresser table aside from the large cabinet across the entrance to the toilet and bath, small fridge with an electric heater and a glass and a cup in a tray on top of it. I could use a cup of tea on my stay.

Feeling lazy from the travel and lack of sleep, I decided to just chill out and watch tv then maybe check the bath later. I turned it on and settled for an old movie. My mind was not really on the scene for I kept replaying the dream I had. There was nothing particularly alarming about it so I chose to keep it to myself. There was no need to raise concern.

The recurring nightmares I had in my teens were not showing signs of coming back and that dream was just my overactive mind's creation.

Silver...

Perhaps, my fascination with the beautiful but unpleasant silver-eyed woman I encountered a week ago was to be blamed.

Why else would I be conjuring strange silver eyes?

Telling Hana what happened when I returned, she gave me all the cupcakes to help me feel better. As predicted, I really did end up stuffing them all in my mouth. I was making a fool of myself in front her but I did not mind. She seemed captivated listening to my recap of the unfortunate meeting. She was mainly interested at that Dylan rather than the witch.

She laughed when my face morphed in contempt. "She seems charming. Too bad she's with a hag."

On that we agree but what she said after got me.

"If that pretty head of hers work, that Dylan should be with you, Cora."

"I'm not gay, Hana."

"And, I'm not old. I wonder why no one believes us."

"Just because I haven't brought a guy home doesn't mean I would like to tap the same sex."

"You're not into women? And no man has ever gotten in you-"

"Hana!"

"Oh, shush! Would you let me finish a thought? What I meant to say was no man has ever gotten inside your heart," she covered.

"Nice save." I liked the icing off a finger. "And for the record, I am not gay."

"And neither am I, but here we are, alone... loveless." She handed me a tissue to wipe off, "No judgment here, darling."

"And, no one's on trial. I'm not alone and you have me, my family and the hundred more people in this island. No one loves you more than us, Hana."

"That's not what I was getting into and you know it, Cora." She toyed with the box Mr. Carlos gave before putting it away. Her wrinkled hands reached for the replacement glass dragon I bought for her. "It's the kind of lonely you suffer from when you don't have the other half of your soul. I don't want you to be by yourself, honey."