Illusion - Chapter 5 by Ray Stone

This serial appealed to me. The preface was written by Suraya. Still in progress, this is once again testing the writer's imagination. See what you think.

Elizabeth’s heart raced. She re-read the note. Excitement welled up from the pit of her stomach as her trembling fingers folded the note. ‘You’re not here by mistake.’ The words conveyed a feeling of promise yet there was an underlying edge of foreboding; that some dark force was at work. Don knew she was there. How long had he known? Why did he avoid her? What did the message mean?

Confused and tired, she decided to walk to the end of the street in case she saw him again. After reaching the next corner, something caught her eye. Just ahead, lying on the sidewalk was another envelope. She stood looking at it, anxious and trying to reason why Don would be so mysterious. Perhaps he was in trouble, she thought.

After looking about her, she stooped and grabbed the envelope. Tearing it open, she read, ‘You have been chosen. The path to complete spiritual happiness is yours to tread. Join us.’ At the foot of the letter was a drawing, depicting the secret sign that Don had shown her.

Her heart thumped. She pushed the letter into her pocket and walked quickly back toward the bus stop. Don had found her. They would be together again. He had found the peace and tranquility he told her he would find in Auckland. She reached the bus stop as the bus came laboring up the hill.

*****

A bright shaft of sunlight broke through the net curtain, casting the delicate net pattern across the pink duvet. Elizabeth stirred and opened her eyes. Her face slowly transformed from innocent sleep to a wide-awake smile.

It was Saturday and the day was hers. The job at the nightclub started that night at 7.00 p.m. She had all day to contact Don. She was sure they would meet shortly and had an idea he may have been playing a game with her emotions. She dressed and bounded down the stairs to the kitchen. Chitra had prepared breakfast and left early. A note, propped up against the milk carton explained that the manager of the nightclub would call on her at 5.00 p.m. and take her to see her new apartment. She was to pack her belongings.

An hour later, Elizabeth was on the bus going to the city centre. She decided to return to the street where she found the mysterious notes.

“Good morning, Elizabeth. I hope you have recovered fully from the bus accident.”

Elizabeth, surprised at the closeness of the soft voice behind her, despite the noisy diesel engine, turned and looked over her shoulder.

A small man with long black hair and bushy eyebrows smiled at her.

“I’m sorry, I don’t think I know you,” quizzed Elizabeth.

The man rose as the bus pulled up. Without answering, he handed her a note and left.

Opening it, she read, ‘Danger and evil await you tonight. Stay on the path to peace and join us. I will come for you. D.’

http://www.thestorymint.com/serials/illusion-m