| “Bella? Are you in there?” A voice from outside the door called out. Isabella started. With a sigh of relief, she realized it was Gabriel. “Come in Gabe.” “Isabella, I’m so sorry. I should not have said those things to you. I know Sarah and Lila can be mean to you but they are the only ones that pay any attention to me. I know I can’t get any of the other girls here so I want to keep on their good side.” He looked down, ashamed. “Is that what this is about? You think you don’t attract any attention?” Isabella laughed heartily. “What? What’s so funny about my loneliness?” He glared at her. “Oh, my dear Gabriel. You are so blind sometimes. You attract every female in this town! You just don’t notice it because Lila and Sarah block your view. Do you even realize that they don’t even care about you? The moment Owen came, they have been chasing him like the barracudas they are. Once they realize that he is not interested, they will crawl back to you. If you want my advice, don’t let them in again. You will find someone you truly love.” She looked at him concerned. “I just can’t believe that I have been so sightless. If there is a promise I will ever make, it is this one: I promise I will never let those two or any other woman stop me from having true love. I also promise that I will not stop you from love either, my beloved sister. If you want to chase Owen, I won’t stand in your way.” “I appreciate the gesture about me, but, Gabriel, I am not chasing Owen.” She laughed at the thought. “If you say so, Bella.” Gabriel looked at her knowingly. “Don’t believe me, if you want. All that matters is that I know how I feel.” She sighed when he just shrugged. “Whatever you say, sister. By the way, this came for you.” He held out an envelope. “Mother got it and I volunteered to bring it up to you. It gave me a chance to apologize.” He smiled weakly. “Thank you, Gabe.” She took the envelope. “It’s from Lorena! I was wondering when she’d write.” Her eyes lit up as she tore the parcel open. A shining object tumbled out and onto the floor. It was a beautiful amber pendant. She gasped and immediately put it around her neck. She read the letter carefully. Gabriel took this opportunity to quietly slip away. As Isabella reread the letter for the fourth time, she couldn’t believe it. The note said: Dear Isabella, I’m sorry my letter can’t be longer but the caravan is moving swiftly and I want you to get this before I get there. Yes, my family and I are returning to your inn. I smile so wide every time I think about it. I hope you like your latest souvenir. It got it while traveling through Egypt. Friend, before we are able to talk, I must tell you now that I had a strange dream in which you were involved. It is all very blurred but I remember that you were there and the wind played a big part. I can’t wait to see you. One last thing, keep the pendant around your neck at all times. I fear magic may be coming. I love you very much, my friend. Your loving wanderer, Lorena Isabella’s head reeled at the thought of her friend visiting. She was so happy. Yet, what was all this about a dream and magic? Slowly, she grasped the pendant as if to feel Lorena to protect her. “To protect me from what?” She wondered. |