Chapter 6 - Blair
It was a lovely day as I stepped out of the bakery, a slight chill to the air, the leaves on the trees about to change color.
Since I already finished working and had no other plans, a walk along the river sounded like the perfect way to spend my afternoon.
It was about a fifteen-minute walk to get to the park along the river.
As I walked, I was stuck in my head, ruminating about my encounter this morning with that customer.
I can’t believe I really called him out like that.
Maybe he was cosplaying? Or even worse, what if he had some disease that discolored his skin?
I groan, I was the worst because that was the more likely scenario.
Him being sick made more sense than him cosplaying on a weekday morning.
I totally just balked at his skin disease like a heartless heathen. Shame on me, I knew better than that.
Having anxiety and ADHD myself, you would think I would be more thoughtful toward those with other disabilities and diseases.
I tried my best to be thoughtful and understand others’ pain and difficulties, but the lack of a mouth filter was where I fell short and had gotten me in trouble my whole life.
Heath was always good about understanding that and being kind.
Would it be appropriate to apologize for my behavior?
Is this something that I should even bring up, or should I sweep it under the rug like it never happened?
I hope I didn’t hurt his feelings. I mean, he didn’t seem upset; he seemed more surprised and amused than anything.
Which was kind of a weird response, but what other people were thinking and feeling wasn’t exactly my strong suit.
I wasn’t sure what to do, but I’m sure I would embarrass myself in front of the handsome stranger I seem to have taken an interest in.
As I was lost in thought, I made my way into the park, the river calm and shimmering in the sunlight.
I couldn’t wait for summer when it would be warm and everything would be in bloom.
I found a bench to sit at and enjoy the view.
I’m here for about thirty minutes enjoying the sunshine, when suddenly my stomach grumbles and a twist of pain goes through me.
That was my cue to get something to eat for lunch, and the sweets I had stuffed in my bag wouldn’t suffice.
I had a hard time remembering to eat when I was busy or lost in thought.
Even when I took my medicine, I still forgot to feed myself.
I think breakfast was the last thing I ate, and that was before I left the house for work this morning, which was practically seven hours ago.
There was a food truck at the park selling lobster rolls, which sounded delicious.
I walk over to the food truck and order a lobster roll.
I take it back to the bench with me to sit and eat while I watch the world around me move.
I finished eating, stuffed to the brim, ready for a nap now.
I got up and started walking back to the house, taking a different route that took me through a quieter residential neighborhood.
As I walk back to Thea’s, the hairs on the back of my neck suddenly stand up, goosebumps coating my arms, and an awareness of eyes washes over me.
I freeze, looking at my surroundings, but find nothing out of the ordinary; yet I feel a presence close, almost stalking me.
I quicken my pace, going faster with each step I take.
Thea’s house is right around the corner, and then I will be safe.
I bust into the house and close the door as soon as I get inside.
I lock the door behind me, taking a deep breath.
I look out the glass window, unable to see anything out of the ordinary except small streams of black smoke across the street.
Or at least I think so? Maybe it’s the light and my eyes playing tricks on me.
I go up to the room I’m renting and get under my weighted blanket, wanting some comfort.
For the rest of the day, I stayed inside the house, keeping myself occupied.
I helped Thea make dinner for us, which was a homemade chicken pot pie.
This woman had magical cooking skills, and I wanted to learn everything I could from her.
I never fully recovered from this afternoon; the feeling of being watched never went away, making me paranoid until I fell asleep.
* * *
I woke up to a loud bang, startling me awake.
I rushed over to the window where the sound came from, and ripped open the curtains, the moon shining in the sky, light shimmering into the room.
I looked out the window, finding a dead bird along the windowsill, blood splattered against the glass pane.
A scream caught in my throat, not wanting to wake up the owners.
I whimper, my heart hurting for the creature.
I could see black smoke coming off the body. What the hell?
Suddenly, a depraved howl slams through me, shaking me to my core.
Ice filling my veins from the way it reverberated through the air and the vibes coming from it; Need, chaos, anticipation, and unrelenting possession.
Something in my brain went off, sirens screaming, this wasn’t right.
I stepped back away from the window, closing the curtains, wanting to protect myself from whatever was outside waiting for me, hunting me.
I was scared, wishing I had someone to hold and comfort me in this moment.
I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep anymore after that, deciding to go downstairs and make myself a hot tea and maybe find a snack to eat instead.
I grab my phone, heading down the stairs.
When I get into the kitchen, I look at the time; it’s two in the morning.
Well, guess it was going to be an early start to my day.
One of the items I brought with me was a tea kettle that my parents had bought me for Christmas.
I set it on the stove, boiling some water.
I grabbed my infuser, putting some loose-leaf chamomile calming tea inside.
As I wait for the water to boil, my thoughts come back to the customer yesterday.
Asmodeus, what an interesting name. He gave off dependable daddy vibes.
I bet the big, burly man gave nice hugs.
I could really use one right now. With how much change has been happening in a short amount of time, it’s been difficult not to fall into the never-ending pit of dysregulation.
Lost in thought, I don’t even notice when Thea enters the kitchen. “Good morning,” I hear from across the kitchen, making me jump. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”
I shake my head. “Oh, no, you’re okay. Sorry I was dissociating for a moment there,” giving her a weak smile.
She pursed her lips, wearily gazing at me. “Are you okay? I don’t normally see you up this early.” She wasn’t wrong there. I wasn’t normally an early riser or a morning person to begin with.
I shrug my shoulders, unsure what to say. “Something outside woke me up. A bird somehow hit the window and died. I couldn’t sleep afterwards, so I’ve been up since.” Leaving a couple details out, not wanting to recount the event.
“Oh, dear. That poor bird. I’m sure you’re tired then. Would you like some coffee?” she offers, as she grinds up the beans to make a fresh pot.
I give her a small nod. “Yeah, that would be great. Thank you.”
As the coffee starts brewing, Thea begins preparing herself breakfast on the stove. “How are you liking things here?”
“Oh, it’s lovely. I really enjoy working at the bakery.” I give her an honest answer.
“That’s great! I’m glad to hear it. We enjoy having your help and having you around Blair. You bring life to ours,” she turns around, giving me a small smile.
“Thanks. I needed to hear that. I miss my mom and have no other family in my life, so things have been a bit rough for me,” I murmur. She comes over and pats the top of my hand that’s resting on the counter.
“I understand and know the feeling. I’m here for you if you ever need anything. Don’t hesitate to ask,” she says as she goes back over to the stove to turn her eggs.
I ruminate over her words. “Actually, there is something… It’s not exactly something I need, but more of a question about a customer.” She nods, letting me know she’s listening. How should I put this? “His name is Asmodeus. Have you… Noticed anything different about him?”
“Hmm, let me think…” She takes the eggs out of the pan and plops them onto a plate as she takes the toast out of the toaster. “He stays to himself, is pretty quiet, but always respectful. The man is the size of a mountain,” she laughs. “Besides that, no, not really. Why do you ask?”
“Oh nothing,” I blurt out, realizing I said that way too fast.
She laughs and shakes her head. “He’s a good guy. He doesn’t have anyone in his life. Just in case you would like to know,” she winks at me as she sets her food on the dining room table, eating before going to the bakery. My cheeks heat from her words.
“Thanks,” I murmured as I got up and got myself a cup of coffee and made myself some toast with peanut butter. “Have a good rest of your morning, I’ll see you in a couple of hours at the bakery.” I wave goodbye to Thea as I walk to the bedroom with my food and drink in hand.
I open up my laptop, putting a random show on while I eat and relax before work. All I can think about is my mystery man, Asmodeus. I wonder if he will come in today or not.