Approach of the Enemy

As she walked down the busy sidewalk, Alexia Murphy felt nervous. "What is wrong with me?" she whispered to herself. Was it happening again? Trying to focus on her surroundings, she blinked hard and took a deep breath. The sun blazed down on her as a steady stream of people flowed past. An overwhelming sensation of panic came over her. She needed to get away from the shops and sit down somewhere, calm her mind. Trying to walk faster through the summer crowd of tourists, she went toward the nearest side street. Her breath was becoming faster. She could feel her palms grow sweaty. Walking quickly down the less crowded alley, she found a bench and sat. Leaning forward, she balanced her elbows on her knees. She couldn't breathe. Her heart was racing. Her head was spinning out of control. She closed her eyes and tried to slow her rapid breathing. As she felt near fainting, a calming presence appeared next to her. The voice was soft, low. "Hey. Here's some water. Drink slowly and try to calm down." Alexia took the bottle and took a slow sip. After controlling her breaths for a few minutes, she could refocus on her surroundings. She could smell the faint lilac scent from the bushes. She could see the inn across the street. She looked up at the person who had given her the water, but he was gone. She hadn't encountered an episode like this for a while, but recently had felt it coming on. Was it the big crowds? Alexia didn't know. Standing, although a little shaky, she walked toward her house. She shouldn't have come so far without her bicycle. Reaching home, she went directly to her room. She sat in front of the window and watched the horse pulled wagons go past. There were no cars here. A carriage passed slowly. Her brow furrowed. She didn't recognize this one, and she knew every carriage on the island. It was seldom people moved to the island. She would have to ask around. The next morning, she woke to the sun streaming brightly through her window, casting rays across her room. She heard the familiar sound of the horn on the ferry arriving at the island. The water was choppy today. She loved watching from her window as the white-capped waves rolled onto land. She slowly ascended the stairs from her bedroom and went down the hallway into the kitchen. Her mom gave her a bright smile and handed her a plate. "I'll be going back across the water today. I've got some errands to run." She told Alexia. After breakfast, Alexia took a trip to the library. The light blue library was so welcoming. Inside, she had a quick talk to the librarian, then walked toward the shelves. All of the books looked familiar until one caught her attention out of the corner of her eye. She lifted it, frowning slightly, and examined the cover. It looked almost like a notebook but was more sturdy. She flipped it over to see the front. The words "Diary of Willa Richardson" were displayed, surrounded in drawings. Carrying the book, she walked to the desk. "Is this a new book?" The librarian looked up over her glasses and held out a hand for the book before studying it. "Ahh, yes it is. It was part of a donation for a recent fundraiser," She said, handing it back. "Go ahead and read it if you like. " Thanking her, Alexia went out back of the library, where the white chairs were set up in front of the lakeshore. She sat down and opened the book. Neat handwriting met her eyes. Dear diary, I don't know how to convince my Dad. He is determined to keep me away from Steve. He doesn't like him. He is giving the family ring passed from generations ago to his friend's son so he can propose to me. When he asks me to marry him, I plan to get the ring and run with it, I'll hide it so he can't marry me. My family won't let it happen without that ring. I am determined, I won't marry Alec. I'm hiding the ring on the island. ~Willa Intrigued, Alexia decided to take it with her. Was the entry talking about the island she lived on? There were a few islands near her, but this was the main one. When Alexia got home, she sat the book on the countertop while she got a snack. A second later, the door opened, and her mom walked in. "Hey, Lex. I didn't know I would be back so soon. Want to go out tonight?" she asked. Alexia eagerly accepted. A while later, they were leisurely walking down Lake Shore Drive toward the pizzeria. "It's such a beautiful night." her mom commented, sighing softly. "It is. Nights like this make me miss -"her voice cut off, and her mom finished the sentence. "Your dad. I know, me too." Her dad had passed away in a car wreck when she was 11. He had been her hero. Alexia sighed. The streets had started to calm. People still came past on bikes and in carriages, though, and she watched their happy expressions. Sweet smells wafted out of Murphy's Fudge as they passed. Entering the pizzeria next door, Alexia felt her stomach growl. She hadn't realized how hungry she was. They ordered garlic bread and a pepperoni pizza and sat down.