Black Hollow_Reviving Love

by Cassidy K. O'Connor

  Waitresses brought a pot of chocolate and skewers for everyone. A few minutes later trays of fruit, marshmallows, and small square cakes were set around the table.

  She watched as Toussaint speared a marshmallow and held it over the flame browning it before dipping it in the melted chocolate. Asald grabbed a giant strawberry and dunked it completely in the chocolate before shoving it all the way in his mouth.

  If she wanted to experience the moans echoing around the table she had to dive in before it was all gone. She selected an orange segment and covered it in chocolate, intense flavor burst in her mouth as soon as it touched her tongue. The sweet chocolate mixed with the tart flavor of the orange was unexpectedly delicious.

  Less than ten minutes later the trays were empty and the chocolate bowl was wiped clean. With one last groan of ecstasy she sat back, for a fleeting second, she imagined unbuttoning her pants for a little relief.

  “That was amazing, thank you for picking this place.” Penny licked the last drops of chocolate off her fingers.

  “It’s the best place in town, I always think it’s weird to eat at the mermaid’s place. Their specialty is fish and chips and that is just too cannibalistic for me.” Toussaint laughed hysterically.

  “You all do take this paranormal stuff seriously don’t you?”

  “It’s a lifestyle.” Pascal winked at Asald before erupting in laughter.

  “So, what are your plans tomorrow?” Aristide ever the somber one asked with a more serious tone.

  “Besides exploring more of the city, we have to get our costumes for the ball Saturday night.”

  “That’s right, it’s imperative that you dress to impress. You must go to Seraphine’s Disguise. She has the best shop in town and has a knack for picking the perfect costume to match the monster that is inside you.” Toussaint wiggled his eyebrows at them before laughing again. They really were a merry band of brothers.

  “If you guys want to meet up tomorrow give us a call.” Aristide hugged each of them before leading them out of the restaurant.

  She couldn’t help looking back one last time at the partition hiding the private party.

  She was surprised to see Pietr talking with someone behind the barrier, he turned and stared directly at her while he continued to talk. With another blush at being caught, she took off after the rest of the group. How will she ever sleep tonight with visions of that beautiful stranger haunting her thoughts?

  Chapter Four

  A soft knock on her hotel room door woke her from a dream starring the scarred stranger walking away from her while she cried. The intensity of the emotions reverberated through her body as she sat up.

  “Sarah, are you awake?” Penny’s soft voice came through the door.

  “Just a second.” She grabbed her cell phone, confused why her alarm was set to go off an hour ago but never did.

  Not being a morning person, she dragged her feet to the door and opened it.

  “Oh my god, what did you do to your hair?”

  Confused, she reached up and gave her an equally perplexed look. Penny followed her as she rushed into the bathroom to check the mirror. She scowled as Penny continued to laugh at her. Tiny knots and braids took up every part of her head.

  “How in the hell did this happen? She swore when she went to sleep last night her hair was not like this.

  “Maybe the brownies and sprites didn’t like you coming back with chocolate breath and none for them?” She held her stomach as she gasped for air between howls of laughter.

  “You did this, didn’t you? Did the Innkeeper let you in?”

  Her hands flew up in a defensive pose. “Don’t look at me, I never came in here. Maybe you drank more than you thought at dinner last night? Let me tell Asald we need a few minutes.”

  In utter shock and confusion, Sarah turned back to the mirror and attempted to start unraveling her hair, cursing at Penny for laughing her way out of my room.

  “Good news, Asald said there is a hairdresser in town. If I remember correctly, you haven’t done anything besides a basic haircut in years. How about we let them take care of this rat’s nest and maybe throw some color in there too?”

  “I don’t know how you did this but I will get you back.”

  “I swear, I had nothing to do with this.”

  “Riddle me this, if it was the brownies why didn’t they mess with you guys?”

  “That’s easy, we left chocolate kisses on the dresser.” Penny winked at Sarah’s astonished face and tossed something at her. “Take this and meet me downstairs when you are dressed.” She caught the knit cap and laid it on the counter.

  “Fine, you win, give me fifteen minutes.”

  She stuck her tongue out at Penny’s retreating back while she contemplated retribution. She didn’t know why Penny couldn’t be like a normal friend and just tell her she looked like crap and needed a makeover.

  ***

  “Seriously?” Sarah rolled her eyes as they stood outside the hair salon.

  “Well, I guess it makes sense she would know a lot about hair.”

  “This town is so weird.” She shook her head as they walked inside.

  “Welcome to Medusa’s Locks, can I help you?”

  “I had a little mishap last night and was hoping you could rescue me.”

  “And she’d like some color added too.” Sarah gave Penny a side eye before smiling at the young girl wearing an aqua colored wrap around her head, the color made her eyes stand out, almost hypnotically large and beautiful.

  “Come sit down and let me see what we have to work with.”

  With a resigned sigh, Sarah sat down and pulled the cap off her head. She gave the girl credit, she didn’t laugh. “Oh, you poor thing, I suppose you are at the Inn. Didn’t they warn you to leave chocolates out?”

  Sarah couldn’t help the exasperated look she gave the girl. “Yes, he did but I know it was a joke.”

  “Of course, it was.” She smiled and got started on the back of her head. “Sit back and relax, this is going to take a while.

  Chapter Five

  Sarah saw the woman in the mirror but she was afraid to believe who it was. This woman was beautiful, she was younger than her and looked carefree and confident.

  How was it possible a simple haircut and color could alter her so much? She was on autopilot trying to survive for so long she hadn’t realized she had drab, lifeless hair which prematurely aged her.

  Her stylist, Meddie stared at her with a huge smile on her face, “You look amazing, do you love it?”

  Speechless, Sarah let the tears fall. She thought they were tears of relief, maybe she had stopped dating because she had stopped believing in herself as a woman?

  “Sweetie, don’t cry, if you don’t like it we can change it.” She felt bad Meddie was looking around wildly for someone to help her with the crazy lady in her chair.

  Penny and Asald chose that moment to return from their walk down Main Street.

  Penny’s eyes filled with tears, it’s obvious she saw the same thing Sarah did.

  “I was just telling her we can change it, you tell me what you don’t like and I will fix it.”

  “It is perfect, don’t change a thing.” Penny ran her fingers through Sarah’s auburn and eggplant striped hair.

  Meddie had taken a good eight inches off, and her curls had returned, she'd forgotten she’d had those. “You are a genius, it’s perfect.” Penny’s hands came down and squeezed her shoulders, her face serious again. “What do you think?”

  Overwhelmed by all of the emotions she felt the need to break the tension. “I look hot.”

  Meddie’s face transformed into utter relief as Penny laughed.

  Meddie led them to the register at the front. Sarah tipped her generously then grabbed her in a hug, an odd gesture for someone like her who wasn’t comfortable being touched. She needed Meddie to understand what she gave back to her.

  Asald opened the door, smiling as Sarah passed by. “I’m glad I
’m here to act as a chaperone this weekend, I’m going to have to fight the wolves off with a stick.”

  His words caused her stomach to do a flip. Was she actually excited at the idea of meeting guys at the party? Almost as fast as that thought came it was replaced by the scarred man. A very large part of her prayed he would be at the party tomorrow night. Maybe between her new-found confidence and whatever costume, she was wearing she would be able to talk to him.

  “Where to next ladies?”

  “Time to go shopping, of course, it’s time we meet the mysterious Seraphine don’t you think?”

  Chapter Six

  Commotion across the street from the salon drew their attention. A large group of men were on ladders hanging giant white sheets. Speakers were being set up throughout the park.

  The sun was blocked from her face by the tallest man she had ever seen. Hair covered almost every inch of his body, it’s fine white strands moved gently with the breeze.

  “Let me guess, chocolate chip cookie dough?” Sarah felt her jaw open and close a couple of times but no sound came out. “You look like mint chocolate chip and you big guy are definitely a brownie sundae kind of man.” His excited, expectant face looked back and forth between each of them.

  “That’s incredible, how did you know my favorite ice cream?” Penny’s huge grin showed how surprised she was by his parlor trick.

  “I’m Saroj, I own the ice cream shop over there.” Sarah’s eyes followed his long, hairy arm as he pointed to a cute store next to the salon. “Here’s a couple of coupons, why don’t you stop by later before you settle in your seats?”

  Asald grabbed the slips of paper and turned back towards the men working in the square. “The seats you are referring to have something to do with this?”

  “I guess you guys are new in town. It’s a tradition around here to gather in the square and watch those really cheesy, scary movies the Friday before Halloween. Are you guys staying at the Inn?”

  “Yes, we got in last night and we’re staying through Sunday.”

  “I know Sandy keeps extra chairs and stuff for guests, so borrow some from him then come back here to set up. People start staking out the prime spots around five so don’t be late.”

  “Thanks for the info, we’ll definitely be back and I will be back for that brownie sundae.” Sarah didn’t think Asald realized he rubbed his stomach as he said this.

  Their new giant, hairy friend waved goodbye and walked toward his shop, stopping and saying hi to everyone he passed.

  “This town is full of surprises. I can never bring Alex here or he will demand we move immediately.”

  “I don’t blame him, I’m kind of loving it too.” Penny wrapped her arms around Asald’s waist and squeezed.

  “Let’s not make any life-changing decisions after only one day. Now, let’s go get you a sexy costume.” Asald smacked her ass before grabbing her hand and pulling her down the street. Sarah couldn’t help the huge sigh she heard escape; she hoped she would find a love like theirs one day.

  Chapter Seven

  “Welcome to Seraphine’s Disguise, I am Seraphine.” A woman, barely five feet tall and looking older than Mr. Sandman smiled at Asald and Penny. Her eyes landed on Sarah and her weathered face slackened. A shudder wracked Sarah’s body, the woman’s intense stare made her uncomfortable. The ancient woman shuffled closer and held her hands out towards Sarah. Unsure what to do she placed hers in the woman’s much tinier ones.

  “Oh my, this is an unexpected turn. I’ve wondered how long it would be but now I have my answer.” She smiled as one hand reached up and cupped Sarah’s cheek. “Perfect, you will be perfect.”

  She was so close Sarah could see every wrinkle etched on her tiny face. She couldn’t help leaning in, she wasn’t sure if she was imagining it but she wasn’t, she had one emerald green eye and one violet eye. It took a pretty cool senior to wear colored contacts.

  “What is your name my dear?”

  “Sarah.” The name barely came out, her throat had gone dry. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could take the woman staring.

  “What brings you to my store Sarah?”

  “Um, well, they were invited to a costume party tomorrow night and I’m tagging along.”

  Her face transformed into excitement. “Perfect, this will be perfect. Come along, let’s see what we have for you.”

  They followed along as Seraphine mumbled to herself as she pulled outfits off various racks. The store was packed but she didn’t let this stop her. She paused in front of a young guy trying on a gold crown. “No, no, no Mr. Silver, that is all wrong. Here, this is for you.” She handed the bewildered looking guy an Egyptian looking costume and shuffled on.

  “Ma’am, would you like me to carry some of those?” Asald looked concerned at the pile of costumes Seraphine was building. Any more and she wouldn’t be able to see over it.

  “Do I look like an old woman to you? I’ve got this.” She shook her head at him and grabbed another costume to add to the pile. “Okay, let’s get started.”

  “You’re up first handsome.” She held the curtain open expectantly.

  “Oh, sorry, I already have a costume. We’re here for the ladies.”

  Her one green eye squinted at him, silently waiting for him to cave. It didn’t take long before he cleared his throat nervously.

  “Since I’m here, what’s the harm in trying a few on.”

  Sarah and Penny shouldn’t have laughed, it really was rude but how do you not when the first costume he walked out in was a court jester with tights and a pointy hat.

  “This is not happening.” Asald’s pouty face only made them laugh harder.

  “But baby, those tights are hot. I know what I’m getting you for Christmas.” He shook his head and disappeared behind the curtain.

  The next three costumes were equally as embarrassing. “It’s a good thing you have another costume, none of these are going to work. Oh well, time for the ladies to try on some.”

  “You never intended to find me a costume, did you?”

  Her devilish smirk said it all. A deep growl rumbled from him before he went back behind the curtain to change.

  Back in his clothes he stomped out of the dressing area and sat on the couch they just vacated.

  The first costume hanging up was a purple and black pirate costume.

  “Um, I think you gave me the wrong size.”

  “I never get it wrong, let’s have a look at you.”

  Sarah poked her head out of the curtain, “No really, there isn’t enough material with this one.”

  Penny strutted out in a sexy Red Riding Hood costume, she had as little material as Sarah did but she was happily flaunting it. “Get your cute butt out here and let us see.”

  Seraphine’s intimidating stare told her she was going to agree with Penny on this one.

  With a deep breath, she stepped out and hugged her arms around her waist.

  “Oh my god girl, I didn’t know you were so sexy!” Penny’s eyes lit up with excitement.

  “I am not wearing this, if I pull it up to cover my boobs my ass sticks out but if I yank it down you can see my nipples.” With a hand covering her cleavage, she backed into her changing room and took the outfit off quickly. The next two outfits were as tiny as the first one. “Oh, come on, if Walt Disney could see what they’d done with their Minnie Mouse costume.” Sarah shook her head at her reflection, “Of course, if she had worn this maybe she and Mickey would have had kids by now.” She muttered to herself.

  “You can’t say something like that and not let us see.” Sarah heard the laughter in Penny’s plea.

  With her mouse ears still on she popped her head out from behind the curtain. “Seraphine please, you have to have something a little less revealing?”

  She shrugged and grabbed a costume she just happened to have hanging over the back of her chair. “Perhaps this will make you more comfortable.”

  After a quick-change Sarah sighed wi
th relief, she might not get a guy’s attention wearing this but lord knows she would be able to relax and have fun. “This is perfect, I’ll take it.”

  With a flourish, she threw back the curtain. Penny’s bulging eyes and open mouth were clear indicators she did not approve of my choice.

  “You can’t possibly want to wear that, no offense Seraphine but that is horrendous.

  Asald, say something, she just had her hair done all pretty too.”

  “Don’t get me involved in this, this is her first night out in years and if this is what she needs to wear to have a good time than I say so be it.”

  The mirror across the room caught her eye. “It’s not all that terrible Penny, stop being so pouty.” She could admit the mad scientist look wasn’t something a normal single girl would want to wear but there was nothing normal about her. The white lab coat and steampunk goggles gave her a sense of security. She wouldn’t admit it out loud but she needed them to hide behind if she got nervous.

  “Alright then, let’s check out.”

  “Um, excuse me, Ms. Seraphine.” The shy looking man from before was nervously standing off to the side.

  “Yes Silver, what is it dear?”

  “I appreciate your help finding me a place to stay and inviting me to this party but I can’t possibly wear this.”

  Sarah could relate, he had the same look she did. Obviously, whatever she gave him was more revealing than he would like.

  Her wrinkled hand came up and she waved him down towards her. She turned that intense stare fully on him. “I am never wrong, trust that I am doing what is best for you. Now let’s get you out of here, Adam is waiting for you at his apartment.”

  Obviously, he couldn’t resist her gaze either as he nodded and headed towards the register too.

  “Don’t worry my dears, everything is going to be perfect.”

  There she goes again, she had to be the most optimistic person Sarah had ever met. For her love life’s sake, she hoped Seraphine was right.