"If you think you would have another panic, tell me, I would send someone to pick you up right now. They would be there in no time. Just say the word, Scarr. Do you want to go home now?" he added.
The idea of leaving this strange place was inviting, but part of me also wanted to see if things could turn around. I am also the type of person to see the end of the task given to me.
"I... .." Staring out at the moonlit night, a sudden wave of motivation swept over me.
"No…. I'll stay, Eddie. I need to make this sacrifice of my Pinky car worth it, at least. I have to meet Gabriel Blackwood and get his sign."
There was a long silence on the other line. I knew he was contemplating.
"I am sure, Eddie," I added.
I heard him sigh, "Okay, Scarr. But if you panic again, I'll pick you up myself there, understand? Forget the task"
"Eddie—"
He chuckled, "No, buts. I am pulling my older brother's cat today. Dad would kill me if he knew you're having breakdowns because of some contract"
"That's unfair," I pouted, sighing.
Then like always. His and my parents' routine whenever I was done panicking.
"Tell me something beautiful that happened to you today, Scarr," he gently asked.
"Hmmm…." Closing my eyes, I let the memories flood back, "Um… there was this sunset. It painted the sky in hues of red, orange, and gold. It's just so…. mesmerizing"
"Really?"
I giggled, "Yeah! And I rode on a motorbike! Can you believe it! Feeling the wind on my face, it was so freeing! It's… it's beautiful"
Describing that sunset and the feeling of freedom while riding on a motorbike brought a sense of calm and just made me feel better.
"That sounds fun," his stern voice echoed. "But who did you ride with?"
"Just a good guy. He's really good at maneuvering the motorbike"
"Okay if you say so. But be careful who you talk to there. Anyways, have you eaten anything?"
"I've got a chocolate bar in me, so I'm covered," I assured him, feeling a little lighter now.
"Alright, just be careful, okay? And call me if you need anything,"
With a small smile, I replied, "Thanks, Ed. I will. Talk to you later. Bye!"
And with that, we ended the call, leaving me alone in my overly plain room. Taking a deep breath, I stood up and made my way over to the bed.
When suddenly, a piece of paper swooped in through the open window, landing on the floor with a soft thud. Curiosity piqued, I picked it up and squinted at the message scrawled on it.
'LOOKED OUTSIDE'
Reluctantly, I approached the window, peeking out only to find Gab pacing back and forth. He seemed relieved when he spotted me, gesturing towards his phone.
I hesitated for a moment, murmuring to myself, "Does he want me to call him?" Then, giving a nod as if convincing myself, I dialed the number he'd given me earlier.
At the first ring, Gab picked up like lightning and fired off with a concerned, "Are you okay? Should I come up? Wait, you might think I'm some kind of creepy stalker..."
I blinked, a bit puzzled by his rapid-fire worry. "Uh, I'm fine, just a little commotion," Then, curiosity struck. "Wait, how could you even hear me?"
There was a pause on the other end, and Gab's voice came through, sounding startled.
"Oh, uh, the rooms there are not exactly soundproof,"
"Oh my gosh," I groaned, the realization sinking in. I slapped my forehead in sheer embarrassment, "The whole building probably heard me freaking out. I can't believe I just pulled an overly dramatic act for the entire motel to witness. I'm so ridiculous."
A chuckle slipped from Gab's end of the line, "Alright, sure you have. But seriously, call me if you need anything, okay?"
Trying to put on a tough-girl act, I replied, "Yeah, everything's fine. Don't worry." And with that, I ended the call, pretending like I had everything under control.
Heading to the window, I waved at Gab. He waved back, but then my attention snapped to the receptionist marching toward him. They exchanged a glance, and I caught the woman glaring in my direction. Rolling my eyes at her, I couldn't help but wonder if there was something fishy going on between them.
Closing the window, I pondered the situation, wondering if their interaction was purely professional or if there was a little drama brewing at the motel. The whole situation felt like a weird subplot in this already chaotic story.
Amidst the chaos, I heard Gab's chuckle through the phone, a comforting sound amidst the madness. He inquired if I'd eaten, and despite the rumbling in my stomach, I fibbed, "Yep, I'm good."
His tone hinted at doubt, but he chose not to push further. "Alright, call me if you need anything," he advised, concern evident in his voice.
Putting on my bravado, I confidently replied, "Yeah, everything's totally fine." With a false air of confidence, I concluded the call, pretending I had it all under control.
I sauntered over to the window, attempting to wave away the tumultuous feelings inside. A hopeful wave was exchanged between us, a silent assurance amidst the chaos of the night.
Surveying the room, I groaned at the sudden mess I'd created while trying to fend off the flying cockroach earlier. With a sigh, I started tidying up, picking up my bag, shoes, and scattered pillows scattered like confetti.
Spotting my chocolate bar in the bag made by my personal chef—Chef Luigi, my stomach growled. I grabbed it, ready to dive in, but then it hit me—I had no water. I left my tumbler in my car.
"You are such an idiot Scarlett Rose Hawthorne!"I swear under my breath, plopping down on the bed, feeling the frustration sink in.
Unexpectedly, fatigue washed over me. Without even realizing it, I must've drifted off into sleep, exhausted from the day's chaotic events. The bed, despite its simplicity, suddenly seemed like the comfiest place in the world.
Startled awake by a thunderous pounding on my door that seemed like it might just splinter the darn thing, I scrambled upright, disoriented, and half-panicked. Rushing to the door, I cracked it open just a smidge, peering cautiously through the narrow gap.
My eyebrows shot up in surprise and annoyance as I came face to face with the receptionist. Slowly, I widened the door, revealing a little more of the room but keeping a cautious distance. Before I could even mutter a word, she shoved a plastic bag toward me, grumbling something about why it had to be her.
Barely managing to grasp the two plastic bags she handed over, I juggled them awkwardly, feeling utterly perplexed by her sudden appearance and irritable demeanor. Without any explanation, the receptionist stomped off, leaving me standing there, baffled and holding these plastic bags, wondering what in the world just happened.
With an eye roll, I shut the door firmly, making sure to lock it for good measure. Placing the plastic bag on the bed, I curiously peered inside, wondering what surprise awaited me.
Inside was a note bearing Gab's handwriting. 'I bought it at the convenience store, not sure what you like.' A smile crept across my face as I rifled through the contents, finding a pack of bread, assorted snacks, and a bottle of mineral water.
A small smile appeared at the thoughtfulness, I grabbed my phone and quickly sent a text to Gab, thanking him for the unexpected treat and retrieving the mineral water.
Thank god I have water now.