|
|
Melisande Again - III
. The sun had retreated, and the moon had taken control of the sky, bringing with it a strong, chilling wind. The gales drug her already messed hair along with it in its dance. The crimson ribbon at the end of her had-been braid loosened and fluttered down the street. Retrieving it would be futile. She would buy another later.
I need a hotel. She thought, scanning the streets for any kind of boarding house. A tap on her shoulder startled her. She spun around, finding herself face to face with the male twin she had seen in the bar.
“I believe you dropped this.” He said smoothly, holding out Melisande’s ribbon. She looked at his face for a moment. He was undoubtedly handsome, but his presence made Melisande feel unsettled. She brusquely snagged it from his hand.
“Thank you,” she said warily. His eyes scanned her.
“Valentine!” a woman’s voice called from behind the man. As expected, the female twin appeared shortly after.
“Silvia.” The man; Valentine, said. His voice was smooth; like viscous honey. He wrapped her hand in both of his and kissed it.
“This is –” he stopped, not having received Melisande’s name.
“Celeste… Broch.” Melisande said cautiously. She knew better than to reveal her name to strangers: especially suspicious ones.
“Celeste. A beautiful name.” said Valentine.
“You can’t say the same for the last name,” said Silvia drolly. “It sounds as if someone was clearing their throat.”
“Come now, Silvia. Be gentle towards our new acquaintance. She seems nervous.”
“I’ve actually gotten that remark several times in my life. I believe I can handle it.”
Both twins looked at Melisande, slightly shocked by her bluntness. Valentine coughed. “Let me introduce you, formally to my sister, Silvia.”
Melisande reached out the shake Silvia’s hand. It was abnormally cold. Melisande’s arm dropped to her side.
“Do you have a place to stay, Celeste?” asked Valentine.
“I was just searching for one.” replied Melisande.
“Why don’t you stay with us, at our home?” Silvia interjected. “It would be pleasant to have a guest. We hardly do anymore.” The two exchanged glances. Melisande recalled once reading something about twins and telepathy.
“Is there anywhere else to stay here?” queried Melisande. “I would hate to intrude otherwise.”
“No where close, I’m afraid.” said Valentine. He seemed more eager for Melisande to come than his sister, who had made the suggestion in the first place.
“Well, I suppose I’ll need to stay with you. At least until tomorrow.”
|
|
Comments