The breeze brushed the outside of the cabin walls, gently waking Cora in the morning. The room appeared out of focus and dark. Only after a confusing minute did she remember where she was. The night before rushed into her memory like a pounding migraine.
The dark room became incredibly warm as the sun shone on its weathered walls. Reaching above her head, she stretched for a long minute to relieve some of the tightness in her body. She felt as if she’d slept too hard, but cold water from the bathroom sink helped clear her mind. She rubbed her temples and ran her fingers through her hair. So last night wasn’t a nightmare after all.
She opened the front door to let some light in. It was so dark and depressing in here, as if the situation itself wasn’t enough to make her want to curl up and cry.
Nick had left several cans of food and a can opener on the table, but there wasn’t a note or any sign of him. This was her chance… but she looked back at the cans and decided she needed to eat something first.
“Canned peaches, canned nectarines, or canned pears for breakfast?” Settling on canned peaches, she opened and ate the entire can.
After eating she slowly walked to the front door, planning to look around for Nick before darting out. The aged wood of the cabin creaked and groaned with each step. The brightness outside blinded her at first.
It looked clear but she swore she heard footsteps approaching along the cabin. She stepped back, wondering if it was Nick or her imagination. If he wasn’t right there, she was going to run for it.
Alexander, and not Nick, stepped into view and sent her back several feet as she gasped. He smirked and tilted his head in greeting, looking her up and down.
“Cora, what are you doing sneaking around?” He blocked her way, his hands on his hips and wet spots on his T-shirt under each arm.
“I’m not.”
His hair, slicked to one side, annoyed her. She didn’t like his over-kept look, and really didn’t like the way he looked at her.
She felt offended and let it show before saying, “Where’s Nick?”
Even with all the anger she felt for Nick, she preferred him any day over Alexander. The smirk fell from Alexander’s face. Ha!
“So the two of you got better acquainted last night?” Alexander, though not a huge man, had a hard face and curt way of saying each word. He tried to bully her into the house. She felt the overwhelming need to defy him and win this one tiny battle. She crossed her arms and stayed put.
“You must be one lonely and desperate man.” She felt a little too smug when saying the words.
Immediately, Alexander’s eyes narrowed and his nostrils flared. He stood so close that she could see sweat beading up on his face.
For a horrifying second, it looked like he would hit her. She stepped away, and a fever-like shiver ran down her back. They both heard footsteps, behind Alexander, running toward them.
Between Alexander and the door, she could see Nick. He was dressed in a dark green T-shirt, khaki shorts, and hiking boots. Alexander followed her gaze back to Nick; while his head was turned, she darted back behind the wall and sat on the bed.