The next day, Ava arrived at college early, using the time to work on a project. Later, she met Hazel in the drama clubroom, handing her the carefully crafted sweets. Hazel's eyes lit up, but their privacy was short-lived. Their classmates overheard and swooped in, devouring the treats. Hazel's disappointment was palpable. Ava reassured her,
"Don't worry, I'll make more at your place today."
Hazel's face brightened.
"Really? Yes, please!"
As they headed to class, Hazel's face brightened, a radiant smile spreading across her face.
"Remember when we were kids, and we'd sneak into your mom's bakery at night?"
Hazel asked, a mischievous glint in her eye. Ava also grinned.
"How could I forget? We'd sample all the freshly baked treats, and then try to cover our tracks by licking the evidence off our fingers!"
Hazel giggled.
"And what about the time we found that hidden stash of chocolate chip cookies in the school's abandoned cafeteria?"
Ava's eyes sparkled.
"Oh man, we were like cookie thieves! And then we'd trade our lunchtime sandwiches for extra cookies from the other kids."
Hazel chuckled.
"And who could forget our midnight brownie escapades on my birthday? We'd sneak into the kitchen, making a mess and laughing so hard we'd cry."
Ava smiled, lost in the memories.
"Those were the best times, Hazel. Sharing sweets and secrets, making memories that last a lifetime."
As they headed to class, Ava pondered the mysterious mansion and the unsettling encounter, her mind whirling with questions. The memory lingered, refusing to fade, like the sweet scent of rosewater and pistachios. She felt an inexplicable connection to the place, as if it held secrets waiting to be uncovered.
After the class was over, Ava and Hazel stepped out into the warm sunlight, chatting about their plans for the day. Ava turned to Hazel and asked,
"I have some work in the city. I need to get some things that I can't find here. Can I borrow your scooter?"
Hazel agreed readily, handing over the keys.
"Thanks, Hazel! It'll take me two hours to get back, so don't call my house. There's a program going on today, and I'll come straight to your place,"
Ava said, trying to sound casual. However, Hazel didn't know that Ava's family members were trying to keep her under their control, disguising their intentions as concern. Hazel quietly handed over her scooter, unaware of the underlying dynamics. Kathy's class was still in session, so Ava decided to head to the city. She took a detour, navigating through the winding roads to the hillside, her heart racing with anticipation. Ava reached the same building where she had encountered the mysterious creature two days ago. She parked her scooter and began walking towards the entrance, her footsteps echoing in the silence.
"Why have I come here?"
Ava asked herself, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Why have I come?"
She steeled herself, responding,
"I don't know... I don't know... but I have to be brave. I have to go inside. I want to see who he is."
With trepidation, Ava ventured into the building, her eyes scanning the dimly lit corridors. She called out,
"Sapaksha-Sapaksha!"
The creature's gaze narrowed, his expression darkening at the name."
My name is not Sapaksh,"
he growled, descending from the window. His massive black wings unfolded, casting ominous shadows. Ava's fear dissipated as she noticed the absence of bloody tears and retracted nails. Today, he seemed calmer. Ava explained,
"I used that name because I saw your wings when we last met. You were standing in the window, and I couldn't help but notice them."
Julien asked, his deep voice low and measured.
"Why would you call me by that name?"
"I wanted to acknowledge what I saw,"
Ava replied.
"I remembered it clearly. And I thought maybe... maybe it would help you remember me too."
Julien's expression softened, his eyes lingering on Ava. "I do remember you," he said, his voice tinged with curiosity.
"What are you doing here?"
he asked, his deep voice low and measured.
"Don't you feel scared if you get killed?"
Ava's voice trembled,
"When I came here two days ago, you wanted to talk to me. Can we talk now?"
The creature, Julien, remained silent, his anger palpable. Ava tried again,
"Can you tell me your name?"
Julien turned away, but eventually spoke,
"My name is Julien. And what were you calling me earlier?"
Ava hesitated, "Sapaksha... one who has wings."
Although she explained it but he still didn't like it . Julien's gaze lingered on Ava, his expression softening. No one had ever approached him without fear before.
"Aren't you afraid of me?"
he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. Ava replied,
"You don't seem like you'll harm anyone... not now, at least."
She rummaged through her bag, producing a delicately crafted Pistachio Rosewater Baklava.
"I made this for you,"
she said, offering the sweet treat.
"I hope you'll like it. I didn't know what to bring, but maybe this will make up for leaving abruptly."
Julien's eyes lit up, and he smiled, though briefly.The baklava's aroma wafted through the air, enticing Julien. Ava reassured him, eating a piece to prove it was harmless.
"Look, nothing happened to me. I promise I didn't mix anything."
As she prepared to leave, Julien's gaze lingered on hers.
"Your smile is so cute,"
she said, before quickly looking away. Julien's confusion deepened; no one had ever complimented him thus. Ava checked her watch and rose to leave.
"I have to go home now."
She placed the baklava in Julien's hand, her touch sparking an unfamiliar sensation within him.
"I'll come later,"
she promised, before turning to leave. Julien watched her depart, the baklava still clutched in his hand, its sweetness lingering on his lips. As Ava walked away, Julien's thoughts swirled. He had never encountered someone like her – brave, kind, and genuine. The Pistachio Rosewater Baklava's delicate flavors danced on his palate, a pleasant surprise. Julien's gaze drifted to the baklava, and he smiled, a rare sight. For the first time in his lonely life, he felt a glimmer of hope.