Random Continuation

Suddenly, a knock on the door startled us like a gunshot. Eric hurriedly grabbed his coat and slunk upstairs without a word. I cautiously opened the door and to my relief, it was only Lina, my best friend.

"Hey Helen," She smiled at me, her amber eyes shining. "Good to see you again. Happy Birthday!"

"Thank you, Lina." I replied, the tense atmosphere Eric brought forgotten. I stepped aside to let her in. "You've brought me a cake?"

"Yes! The best in town! Your favorite. By the way, did I interrupt anything? I heard voices." She asked, placing her coat on the same .

"You did? But I'm alone here! It must have been the radio." I lied smoothly.

"Oh, ok." Lina responded, but she sounded doubtful. I saw her glance at the still-open doorway, and to my shock Eric's footprints showed clearly in the thin layer of snow.

"Oh, those footprints are mine! I just came home from the market!" I invented something quickly.

"Really?" Lina still sounded unsure, as she looked at me. "Well, let's get started! Here's the candles."

We settled down in the kitchen and started chatting over pieces of cake and orange juice. Lina was my only friend in this mundane village, and we haven't met for a long time as I was just back from a long overseas "job". We talked briefly about the latest news in the village, random gossip and fabricated a few details about my cover job as a sales manager to answer her questions.

As the conversation grew longer, I felt a growing sense of unease as I thought about Eric upstairs. Who knows what he may be up to now? Does he need to leave urgently?

My blood ran cold when I suddenly thought about my 'blackbook' lying open on my work table. I had been updating it just before Eric arrived. Would he come across it upstairs? Would he dare to read my private books? Would he understand the significance of it?

My heart raced as I thought of how to send Lina away. Outwardly, I kept a calm expression as I discussed the best way of maintaining a garden with a pet. Some of my frustration must have leaked, as Lina wondered why I was so restless that day.

Finally, Lina left, and I shut the door nervously. Eric appeared at the top of the stairs.

"I didn't know it was your birthday. Happy Birthday." His gaze appeared especially penetrating as I read it uneasily for any sign that he had read my blackbook.

"Thanks. Sorry to keep you up there for so long. Bored? Had anything to do?" I asked carefully.

"I guess so. Nothing much." He answered, just as guardedly. We stood staring at each other for a while.

"So, do we have a deal?"




Haha, I couldn't get her job either, just raised even more questions didn't I? Hope this helps though.