Saving Alpha Nexus

Chapter 5: Landlady's New Obsession

Peace crippled through the halls. Ms. Melly doesn't seem to be around. Dusk just kicked in, she should be here any minute now.

Following her usual routine, she constantly checks the vicinity for bed spacer parasites; always have been afraid of getting robbed with a few extra dollars.

Impatiently waiting by the door, my head stick out left and right. There were no clear sign of a grumpy forty year old walking in 3 inch wedges.

This can't be good, if anything happens to Ms. Melly, it'll grip my conscience tight. I gulped dazed, realizing the foolishness of my white lies.

“Even if she's such a brat, she's our brat,” I spat before leaving.

Closing the door from my behind, I fixed any wrinkle in my clothes. Although Tyron's a charm, I wouldn't risk to see that Nexus.

There's nothing apart from a heavy sigh that I could do. My leaden feet just fluttered like Icarus' wings. Even my intent got lost through the halls. Everything seemingly phases through my peony brain, well, if I have one.

I reached the elevator, and right on time it opened. The advent of nosy tenants replaced the silence with their giggle. They're just a floor above, and only infamous stories about them is what I know.

“Ms. Melly seem to trip head over heels,” the blonde girl spoke.

A smirk splattered all over her face, showing something uncanny. I suppose the stories were right. With hopes of hearing more, I maintained my stillness.

The other one responded immediately, “tell me about it, nothing's new.”

My insides couldn't help but to chuckle. Most churn over Ms. Melly's hopeless romantic side, but seems like I'm used to it.

The two continued to converse and gossip about Ms. Melly's life. Nothing was meaty about this one, I bet my morning experience tells more than their stories.

“But do you think the others were right?” the blonde asked, “those mysterious men are drop dead gorgeous.”

That question inclined my ears to their errands once more. If only I could answer, I'd say yes. Both has an out of this world appeal and charisma, maybe because they are.

“Nahh, if they are, why Ms. Melly? Surely I'm hotter than her.”

My guts flipped in that stout's boastfulness. Maybe she can afford to buy make-up but not a full-size mirror? I hope this lift hits my floor, one more word from these quidnuncs and I'll nominate their names to the Grim Reaper.

Just as when another blabber was about to crunch from their mouths, the elevator dinged and stopped at the penthouse of this building. I paced out, and relished the fresh air apart from those mongers.

After my breathing surfaced, the novel interior reminded me of my intent.

“Focus Aria!” I spat echoing through the empty halls.

Dim lights with a few bulbs flickering, lit the way to Ms. Melly's apartment. My eyes dodged other visual elements, but as my own curiosity wandered, a precedented contour of someone's body appeared a few meters apart.

I could hear his breathing pur. With his posture, aura and stillness, I can tell it's Nexus.

“Too scared to condemn her, isn't it?” His cold voice brushed my body freezing. For a second, I was paralyzed.

He must be really fond of scaring me. Oh, the courage I have to put up for this beast. Nexus is so naive not knowing that he's messing with the real oracle.

Realizing my ace, I crossed my arms, “I have a few concerns. She's my landlady, suppose that gives me the gate pass to come?” Even my eyebrows jacked in arrogance.

Nexus just hissed, finally lifting his eyes to meet mine. His chilly stare sent tingles to my spine. I wonder if Ms. Melly's soul isn't scared to death yet.

Silence gapped in between us, and he maintained his heinous stare. I couldn't move a muscle, perhaps I didn't want to move.

Even my eyes froze after meeting his. A mixture of spark and alluring sensations surfaced above my fear. Now, I have both trembling and perplexity.

“Careful with the stares!” Ms. Melly's voice immediately shook me back to my senses, “why are you even here Aria?”

We were busy staring that we didn't notice her coming. Tyron stood alongside her, eyeing me in the liken manner.

“I-uhm I wanted to check up on you,” I stammered upon answering. “You didn't do your rounds, so I assumed you might be sick.”

My voice quivered and it made Nexus jeer. Although still in his position, I can sense his stare did not drift far from me. If I can save a dying soul, it really wouldn't be him.

Ms. Melly responded calmly, “Thank you for your concern,” even her expressions were at ease. That's a first.

A sigh was about to lam from my throat, but it hitched again. Tyron coughed playfully to get everyone's attention. Seeing my gaze shift to his, he smiled.

He cleared his throat once more, “Nice to see you again Aria.” Tyron's voice was calm and soothing, unlike Nexus. “I have great news.”

My ears went stiff, waiting itchy for Tyron. This better be great, today was such a trouble.

“We're gonna be neighbors!” he added fervently.

My jaw dropped, and even my eyes were almost gauzed out. Worse, from my peripheral vision, I caught Nexus' mischievous grin.

To even intensify the spook, he added.

“Nice meeting you, Aria. I suppose I deserve to be welcomed?” He finished it off with a smirk.

Oh, nothing's nice about meeting you! Trust me Nexus, I'll prove the prophecy wrong. I'll be the one to kill you!