So, I felt bad for being MIA for so long, so I wrote a second chapter. AND I forgot to give you guys shout-outs.
So, Thank you to writer2be14 and JustPlainOldMe. Your reviews made me smile so much!
I'm actually looking at a color coded-labeled map as I write this, heehee. ^.^'
And I promise to not deprive you of River anymore!
And on with the story!
I thought after all we'd been through—especially Nico—going to Navy Pier was not a big deal. We rode for a long time—several hours at least—but when Nico's grip started to loosen, I decided to take us to a motel nearby.
"Nico?" I whispered, shaking him slightly.
"Mm?" He groaned, rubbing his eyes.
I got off the bike and pulled Nico off. "C'mon, we can rest here for the night."
I let Nico lean on me, still so tired.
When two teens try to get a room in a motel that is open for hire on the side of the road, smelling like pigs, you would expect people to ask questions. If you thought this, you are wrong.
There was a receptionist behind a desk, typing away. She didn't even notice us come in.
"Um, Miss?" I asked, adjusting Nico's arm around my shoulder.
Her eyes widened. "Oh, my dears! You must be so tired. Come here, I'll help you."
I smiled at her hospitality. "Thank you. My name is R—Rachel and this is James."
I didn't want to give our real names, giving us baggage. She didn't question any further, which I was happy for, because I didn't want to have to think—my head hurt too much.
"My name is Lania. I'm the owner of this motel," She said, getting up from her desk. "Follow me and I'll show you to your room. Or is it rooms?"
I shook my head. "Just one room. I can't afford two." As if you could afford one…
Lania laughed softly. It was sweet as honey. "No charge. You're only children! You should be given everything in life for free! Such young innocence…"
Okay, I should have left when she said that. I mean… Really? And the way her voice changed to a raspy, sickening, nails-on-a-chalk-board voice was very creepy, but oh well. I blame Hypnos.
"Thank you, Ma'am—"
"Please, call me Lania," She asked, her voice honey-sweet again.
"Thank you, Lania. I really appreciate this. Are you sure—" I yawned, "—That I don't have to—"
I felt Lamia's hand on my back, rubbing it. "No, no. Here," She pointed to a door. Here is you room and I will show James to his room."
I trudged to my room, opened the door, ignoring everything, except the wonderfully fluffy bed.
Okay, so remember how I said I blame Hypnos? Yeah, well, as it turns out, he is a really nice guy. I mean, he saved me from being totally devoured.
In my dream, I was in a museum, looking at old artifacts from Ancient Greece. A man was following me, but I was not worried. That's a first, I thought.
"Do you know this story?" He asked me, pointing to a painting. I turned around and looked at it. It took me a moment, but I realized who it was.
"That's Lamia. She was forced by Hera to devour her own children. After she did, Hera made her look hideous—the wrath of Hera."
"And yet you do not have the wits to notice such details awake," he muttered.
"What?"
He looked at me. "Well? Must I spell it out for you? Lania is Lamia. Do you want to be devoured, like her children? No? Okay, wake up and kill her."
I waited for a moment, staring at Hypnos. Neither of us moved a muscle or said a word.
"Well?" He asked again.
"You have to wake me up again, being the god of sleep and all…"
His eyes widened. "Oh! Oh, yes, okay," he snapped his fingers and I found my eyes flutter open.
I slowly got out of my bed and crept to the door. I was thinking of all the exit routes and how much time I has to grab Nico, before Lamia attacked us.
I wish I had a weapon, I thought.
Once I gathered my thoughts, I opened the door.
"Ah!" I screamed for a good, long five seconds. Lamia was literally standing right outside my door—not even a centimeter apart—smiling like a lunatic.
"Don't be scared, darling. I just came in for a quick snack," She laughed like a maniac.
Ooh, cliffhanger! If I get a few reviews, I will upload a new chapter tomorrow on the 20th.