Chapter 7
1095 Words
(Andy)
I made it home to Yann and the girls and they all bombarded me with questions about the Archivio.
I answered as much as I was allowed to but left out my strange encounter from today. His face was still imprinted on my mind and was making me zone in and out. Plus I had developed that splitting headache.
"You alright, girly?", Faun frowned.
I touched my head, shaking it. "I think I might be coming down with something…. I had a headache straight after the meeting," I moaned quietly.
"Yann, I'm gonna take ya mam to lie down, okeh?" and she quickly led me up to my bed. She tucked me in with a glass of water and I fell asleep within seconds.
…………
The dark was swirling around me, eerie and cold.
A slight breeze pushed me from behind, trying to pull me along to God knows where.
But I wasn't afraid. The dark didn’t feel menacing but there was something definitely there.
"Hello?".....
Nothing.
I called out again but only my echo returned.
I began to walk forward but as I did, a dark figure as tall as a man slowly appeared and everything stopped. All sound seemed to disappear, making my ears hurt and it began moving.
I stood frozen in place as it moved with impossible speed and before I knew it, it was in front of me.
I got a whiff of its musty scent and tried to look into its face as it loomed above but it was just swirling darkness.
Then large, black, furred clawed fingers reached out for me. I couldn't move, I couldn't breath.
Animussss meussss, it growled with longing and I felt its claw drag down my face and chest, tearing me open.
…………
I woke up to a cold hand shaking me awake. I grabbed it and sat up sharply.
"Mom?"
I dropped his hand and covered my mouth. "Oh Yann! I'm so sorry! Are you okay??"
"Yeah, I'm fine, you didn't hurt me mom. Are you alright? I woke you because it's almost time to head over to Papa Gus and Nana Mary's house."
I checked my time and it was 4.30pm.
I swung my legs out and hugged his shoulders, "thanks buddy. Let's get ready and go", I said while kissing his head.
What was that dream??
I was feeling all kinds of messed up lately but it was probably just the goat’s cheese I had earlier.
I pushed the dream to the back of my mind for later and I donned on my usual - blue fitted jeans and a black tight long sleeved top. It looked like it was gonna rain too so I chucked on a tan wool-lined jacket and beanie to match. I made sure Yann was just as cosy too.
We fed the animals, locked up and strolled down the path, swinging our linked hands.
We talked about his day with the ladies and we let eachother know our plans for the week coming.
Breathing deeply, I looked down at him as he followed some chirping birds with his eyes, smiling at his curiosity.
Yann was a very intelligent boy, quiet and simple. Also he was very mature for someone who has only been alive 9 years.
Mom and Dad would have been so proud of you, Yann.
I blinked back some tears as we pulled up to the cottage and let ourselves in with our spare key.
Gus was in the lounge by the fireplace and beckoned Yann over to show him some books he received from the Archivio. Of course he ran over and was immediately immersed.
I went to find Marianne who was busy whipping up some mashed sweet and white potatoes in a pot. "Andy! Come sit with me", she waved.
I drooled at its buttery goodness as I took a seat on a stool and we began some comfortable chatter while watching the 'men' over our shoulders.
"Gus told me you are meeting someone at the pub today," she casually slipped in.
I just raised my brows and let out a chuckle, "yeah I'm meeting Saleem."
"Saleem….okay..", she said slowly, in her thick Russian accent. Her beautiful dark hair was laced with silver but it just complimented her pretty blue eyes.
Marianne was 10 years younger than Gus but he was definitely a charmer and these days, no one really cared about age. They had been together for a long time and I was even their flower girl for their wedding when my parents were still alive.
She turned back to the stove and stirred whatever was in the saucepan. She seemed like she wanted to say more so she turned back to look at me.
"Why him? Do you like him?", she questioned.
One thing I loved about Marianne was that she was always straight to the point. No beating around the bush.
I shrugged and smiled, "I don't know...it's just one beer and I'll be back by 7.30pm latest. And if after tonight I don't think it will work for me then I'll call it off. Simple."
Then my mind flicked back to the handsome stranger and his strange words today.
Maybe I'll get to see him again instead...and I felt my tummy do backflips at the thought.
"Okay." She seemed satisfied with my answer (thank goodness) and I jumped up to help her set the table.
"Andy, take your time tonight okay? Please? You need time for yourself in order to be the best mom you can be. And don't you worry about Yann, darling. He's well taken care of here", and she gave my arm a little squeeze.
She smiled warmly at me one more time and then turned to the lounge, "DINNERS READY!"
Gus and Yann jumped in their seats at her voice and we just laughed.
We ate together, making 6'oclock roll in quickly.
Feeling the nerves start to creep in, I gave all three a kiss and made my way to the door.
I looked back one last time to see Yann tucked into one of the new books with Gus and Marianne was knitting by the fire.
I felt guilt rise up in me.
I shouldn't be going out having fun...I should be here with my boy....
I was one second from cancelling my night but Marianne's words rang through my mind and I turned and closed the door behind me before I changed my mind.
- Writer
