Chapter 2
1630 Words
I wrapped up Laurent in his favorite blanket and placed him in front of the fake fire furnace. We sat and enjoyed the warm embrace provided by the furnace. I wrapped my arms around my legs and rocked back and forth for comfort.
I don't know what that was, nor do I want to know—but I was frightened. Should I call my aunt or just drop this? I was confused and scared. What if it walks in here and kills me? My ankle still feels like it's being gripped and pulled into the ocean.
Who knew my Laurent loved me enough to risk his life for me? I chuckled as I admired my little brave gremlin. Although I didn't want to leave my son alone, I went in search of my phone—I just had to talk to my aunt.
I went to my room and found my phone lying on the bed. I called my aunt with shaking hands.
The phone rang for a few seconds before she picked up.
"Hello, mon cœur," my aunt's soothing voice filled the speaker.
"Aunty, what do I do?" my voice choked with tears as I shook.
"Ma chère, what happened?" I could hear shuffling in the background as she adjusted herself.
"I'm scared... one m-minute I-I was walking a-a-and the next I was getting pulled i-i-into the w-w-water."
"What was pulling you?!"
"I-I-I don't know, i-it was *hiccup* a hand," I managed to spill out as I wiped the tears away.
"Oh no, did you make eye contact with it?" she asked, panic in her voice.
"Huh? Why does that matter?"
"Answer me—did you make eye contact, yes or no?"
"I mean, yes... since I saw its eyes. Is that bad?" Worry crept into my tone.
"Dang it. I should've told you more," frustration clear in her voice.
"D'accord, listen to me, love. Don't go near the ocean. They remember everything—especially the eyes and touch. It's good you're only spending two weeks there, but please, stay away from the water."
"The entire island is surrounded by water, that would be hard, Tata."
"I don't care how hard it is—stay away."
"Oui, Tata."
"You should get some rest, and please stay safe, mon cœur. I'll call again tomorrow."
"D'accord."
I hung up and simply stared out the window. To think this would happen... maybe I shouldn't have applied for vacation. A light tapping sound drew my attention to my door—it was Laurent.
He curled up into my lap, and I pet him while staring out the window. I hated the fact my window faced the water. My balcony hung above it, and being on the second floor didn't feel high enough.
Eventually, I fell asleep but was consumed by a pair of mismatched eyes.
...
I awoke in a cold sweat as those eyes and that song haunted my dreams. I should've asked whether they haunt your dreams too. The song was relentless in my sleep. I should do something about it—maybe listen to other songs.
Elonah should be arriving soon. I checked the time on my bedside table. A shiver ran down my spine from the AC, so I walked to the bathroom for some much-needed relaxation.
I brushed my teeth, then dry brushed to remove the debris from last night. I put my braids into a bun and prepared the bathtub. After it was ready, I groaned as I soaked in the cocoa-butter-scented water.
Siri played In the Rain by David Russell. It was relaxing and calm. I played with the bubbles from my bath bomb. Then Laurent walked in. This cat was honestly obsessed with me, which was cute.
"Bonjour, mon petit prince," I said, blowing him an air kiss.
He walked over and sat next to the tub, yawning to my greeting with his typical hello, peasant look, then proceeded to lick himself. Probably to remove the salt from his fur.
"Rude much, but I still love you."
I cleaned my body, dried off, and put on my bathrobe. Laurent followed behind like an overprotective little bodyguard. As I sat on the couch, my phone rang—it was Elonah.
"Hi, Nalaaaaa."
"Hi gorgeous, are you almost here?" I asked while applying lotion.
"Yeah, we're just 10 minutes away from the villa."
"Next time take an eternity to get here, why don't you? Do you want to eat anything?"
"I'm not really hungry, just tired. We should hit the spa this evening—my muscles feel stiff."
"That doesn't sound too bad. I've been super stressed lately," I said, lying on my bed while petting Laurent.
"Alright, see you later, lovely."
"Byeeee."
I changed into a two-piece set: a cream-colored maxi skirt with flowers and a matching halter top that dipped in the middle, paired with my cream-colored Coach slide sandals. I put my braids half up, half down, secured by a claw clip, and picked up my tote bag.
Laurent hopped in and peeked his head out. I made my way downstairs to have breakfast—and make Laurent's too. As I placed his bowl on the table, he crawled out of my bag and ate leisurely.
The staff had made omelets, French toast, fluffy Japanese pancakes, fruits, and more. There was a lot, but I decided to try some bubur ayam (chicken porridge) and strawberries.
As I finished eating, I heard the door open—Elonah walked in.
"You're hereee!" I ran and hugged her, almost tripping her up.
"I know, right? Finally!" She hugged me back.
"Where were you heading off to?" she asked, checking out my outfit as the staff helped with her bags.
"I was going to visit Tanimbar Kei—it's not that far. Want to come with Laurent and me, or rest?"
"I'm always down to explore! Let me freshen up." She ran to her room and shrieked at how beautiful it was. A few minutes later she came back wearing a flowy white maxi skirt, burgundy tube top, and slide sandals.
"Hello gorgeous, are you single?" I joked, wiggling my brows.
"Unfortunately not, babe!" she laughed.
"Okay, let's go," I said, picking up Laurent and placing him in my bag.
"Are you seriously carrying Laurent everywhere?"
"Of course, this is his vacation too. Plus, after yesterday, he deserves it."
"What happened yesterday?"
"I'll tell you when we get back."
"Alright."
I had ordered a ride to get us to Tanimbar. It wasn't long before we arrived. I'd arranged a tour guide to show us around the village. We explored the houses for hours, visited the ladder between the cliffs, and bought gold jewelry and pottery as souvenirs. We even saw some of the local temples.
Budi, our guide, told us the history of each place—the art, customs, and beliefs of the people. It was beautiful and so unique.
By the time we got back, I was exhausted from all the walking. I think after the fish the locals gave Laurent, he was full and fast asleep in my arms. What a cutie patootie.
"I'm not that tired—I might take a walk on the beach," Elonah said while stretching. My body tensed.
"You don't have to. We can go tomorrow during the day," I said, trying to change her mind.
"Don't worry, I'll walk for a few minutes and come back."
"You don't understand—let me come with you. I'll just change real quick," I said, rushing upstairs to change into pajama shorts and an oversized t-shirt.
By the time I came back down, she was already gone. My heart dropped. I rushed outside, but I couldn't see her anywhere. I went back in and sat on the couch, already picturing her being eaten alive. Why couldn't she wait a few more minutes? Damn it. I waited... and waited... she still hadn't returned.
The sliding door made me jump. I turned—there was Elonah, out of breath, dragging a naked body?
"El... is that a dead body?" I asked, hesitant.
"N-n-no... I'm a b-bit out of breath."
"Where did you even find him?" I asked, helping her drag the man inside. He was huge... and naked.
"I don't know! I was walking and saw him just lying there. No movement, nothing. So I brought him back."
"What if he's a killer?" I whispered in panic.
"Don't worry—we can jump him together."
"He looks double our size!"
"Worst case scenario, we die. How about this—we handcuff him to the couch."
"And cover him up," I added, eyeing the man.
"Okay, let me look for some bathrobes," she said, leaving the room.
I watched him as he slept. His chest rose and fell. His features were sharp—a slightly crooked nose, a scar from his left brow to his lip. Pink, plump lips parted slightly. Sharp cheekbones that made mine feel dull. Midnight tendrils spread across the couch. His thick neck led to broad shoulders and veiny arms. A defined chest leading to abs and a deep V to—
What am I thinking? I turned away, blushing at the moonlight. I shook the image from my mind.
"Here—found it after hours of searching."
I jumped at her voice.
"Oh—okay. I'll go sleep. I feel a bit tired."
"Alright. Goodnight, love. I'll cuff him and head to bed," Elonah said, tossing a robe over the guy.
I made my way to my room and laid next to Laurent. Moments later, I drifted into dreamland.
....
mon coeur - my heart
ma chere - my dear
d'accord - okay
oui - yes
tata - aunty/ aunt
mon petit prince - my little prince
bonjour - good morning
- Writer
