Enid eventually nods and says " I'll get tea on. Nothing a good cup of tea can't fix," If only. I look up at Mason and we covertly smile at each other.
" Get up you two. We have things to do, " Enid says in a boisterous tone as she saunters out of the door.
And just like that all the heartache I felt moments ago, is washed away. But it is something, I never want to live through ever again.
Mason shuffles on the floor to lean against the bed and drags me with him. We both fall silent and linger in each other's arms. I have questions. So many. I don't even know where to begin.
For that, Mason and I, need to be alone.
" The island. We will go there," He says quietly and I know what he means. I don't need an explanation.
I nod and snuggle further into his chest, basking in his warmth and listening to the quiet drumming of his heart. Everything feels surreal, and deep down, there is a small part of me that questions the validity of the moment.
With no desire to leave the floor or the room for that matter, we both rise to our feet and look around. I still have a hard time grasping things but until we speak about it in detail, I try not to overthink it.
Mason takes a quick shower and then slips out of the room to get dressed. I shortly follow. I'm terrified to look in the mirror, still. So I avoid it at all costs. Luckily, the thick sheen of steam aids my efforts. I put on a pair of jeans and a thick jumper and step out of the room.
" Finally, " Enid sighs, " I had to reheat the tea three times, and then had to make a new batch, because you were taking so long, " Mason hands me the cup of tea, takes a seat at the table, and begins picking at his breakfast.
I'm faced with a mountain of pancakes, and I stifle a groan at the sight of it. My appetite has reached a new level of ravenous.
It disappears from my plate faster than it appeared and my stomach is content.
I crave coffee but I know there is no point in asking for coffee while Enid is around, because she will say that it will only worsen my nightmares.
" What will you do about the interview?" Enid asks and sips on her coffee. I drool at the aroma of coffee wafting towards me. I glare at the cup Enid is holding and I feel on the verge of jumping out of my seat and snatching it from her hand.
Mason clears his throat, and I get a hold of myself and look at him. He gives me an apologetic smile because he is drinking coffee as well. Traitor.
" I don't know," I reply after a brief moment of silence, " I suppose, I should speak with Aldo and explain myself, "I sigh and take a sip of the herbal tea. It tastes bitter and has a strange aftertaste. And I suddenly miss Graham's lofan root teas.
" There is still time. There are still three more weeks until the admission process closes," Mason answers, and I look at him with a deep frown.
" I'm sure everything will sort itself out," Enid says, and I know she is trying to be her usual hopeful self.
" What about your trip?" Enid turns her attention to Mason, and for the first time in a long time, I see him struggle to respond.
" It is postponed until further notice " He sullenly answers and I don't know what to make of that.
I need to know what, and how much he remembers. Because I remember everything but Enid seems to be oblivious to the fact that at one point she was dead.
And I wonder if the others that I have met, have any recollection of the events.
Enid nods, and sips on her coffee while her eyes drift from me to Mason, back and forth. And don't know what she is trying to figure out, but I am afraid to find out.
Mason stands up, " Louis and Carter?" He asks Enid and takes his cup to the sink.
" I told them to keep themselves occupied until told otherwise, " Enid answers with a pinched mouth.
Mason chuckles, " You would make an excellent mafia boss," He says in mirth and saunters out of the kitchen.
Enid sighs and focuses on draining her coffee, " I have to take care of some things in town. Will you be alright?" She asks with furrowed brows. Maybe it's just me but she looks out of sorts.
" I'll be fine, " I try to be as convincing as I can, but Enid is not easy to sway once her mind is made.
" Enid, are you feeling alright? Have you taken your medication?" My eyes go to the fridge door and I see she'd marked the day before, on the calendar.
" I'm alright," She says a little downcast, " I just had the strangest dream last night, " She smiles at me, " I guess you're not the only one plagued by them anymore. Here goes your special status," She quips, and I'm afraid to ask what her dream was about. I'm afraid to confirm my suspicions. She dreamed that she had died. I know she did.
" Wanna tell me about it?" I push on because I know how dreams can turn you inside out for days on end.
" No, dear. It was just a dream. Nothing more," She firmly says, but I think it was more for herself than myself.
Mason stalks back into the kitchen and leans against the backrest of the chair looking at Enid and I, probably catching onto the strange tension in the room.