Ch.14 Paranormal Club

"Welcome to the Paranormal Club," Luna said with a serene voice that belied the room's eerie atmosphere. "I've been waiting for you. I knew you would come, so I prepared some tea for us. Please, come and sit."

Her calm certainty sent a shiver down my spine. How could she have known I would come? The rumors I'd heard about her echoed in my mind, urging caution.

As I entered with Bell, the tension was palpable. The room hardly resembled a club at all, its shadows and oddities looming like silent spectators.

Luna gracefully poured tea for Bell and me, her movements deliberate. "You seem troubled, but rest assured, the tea is pure. And do try the cookies," she offered with a gentle smile.

She took her seat, closed her eyes, and savored a sip of tea in silence.

The air grew thick with unspoken words. I struggled to find my voice under the weight of her presence.

"Hmmm... Papa, these cookies are delicious! Look, they're even different colors," Bell exclaimed, her hands eagerly exploring the assortment.

Luna's eyes flickered open, a hint of amusement in her gaze. "Bell, help yourself to as many as you like. And Papa," she continued, turning to me, "it seems Bell has taken to calling you 'Dad.' That's quite interesting."

While Bell delighted in her tea and treats, I broached the subject that had been gnawing at me. "I... I never knew we had a paranormal club at our school," I said cautiously.

"It's an unofficial club, founded by me. I'm its sole member, so it's natural that the students are unaware of it," she replied, her voice as soft as the light from the flickering candles.

"And why did you start this club?" I inquired.

Luna's eyes seemed to pierce through the veils of reality as she answered, "As you know I possess a gift, you see. My eyes can perceive what others cannot."

Intrigued, I leaned forward. "Beyond Bell, is there anything else invisible to us that you can see?"

She smiled enigmatically, setting her teacup down with a soft clink. "Many things," she whispered, "but that's a story for another time."

"I find you personally fascinating," she confessed, her voice tinged with intrigue. "The aura surrounding you is dark and vast. It's as if you haven't perished, yet you have..." Her words trailed off, leaving a silence heavy with implication.

I held my tongue, wary that any slip could spell danger for Bell.

"I presume you're not inclined to divulge this to me," she mused, glancing at Bell. "Yet, there's an undeniable link between your predicament and Bell."

Her rapid deduction was alarming. Despite our brief acquaintance, her insight was unnerving.

"May I inquire if you're aware of why Bell is here with me? Why is she invisible to others?" I ventured.

"Truth be told, I'm as much in the dark as you are," she admitted. "Bell's human-like presence is unique among the phenomena I've encountered, which led me to establish this club—to unravel such mysteries. And you, it seems, hold the key."

"But I'm clueless," I protested.

That wasn't entirely honest. To my knowledge, Bell was an entity born from my wish. Yet, her very existence remained shrouded in mystery, with Aisha consistently evasive about anything beyond Bell being a part of me.

"You're withholding the truth," she accused, her gaze piercing. "You fear the repercussions for Bell."

"Hey… don't say my daddy tells fibs; he always tells the truth. I thought you were a nice big sister, but you're not being very nice," she told Luna, her voice small but firm.

Luna offered Bell a conciliatory smile and a gentle pat. "My apologies, Bell. But it's clear your papa cherishes you deeply." Turning to me, she added, "I yearn to understand Bell's story, but it seems patience is required—until you're ready to share, or I uncover it myself."

With that, she rose, her bag slung over her shoulder, and strode towards the club's exit. Pausing at the door, she offered a cryptic smile. "From what I've gathered, there's a profound connection between your miraculous survival and Bell's existence."

Her smile widened, enigmatic and knowing. "And as you might have heard, when I desire something, I stop at nothing to obtain it."

She held the door open, waiting for Bell and me to pass before securing the club behind us. "White, I must attend to student council duties, but our paths will cross again. Take good care of Bell; after all, you are her father."

With those parting words, she departed. I stood motionless, contemplating. I had come seeking answers about my own enigma, yet in questioning her about Bell's existence, it became evident that Luna, too, was searching for clarity.

After escorting Bella to the apartment, she was overcome with sleepiness, a side effect of the day's excitement. "Wait here for me," I instructed, as I prepared to step out. She yearned to accompany me, but I gently refused. Leaving her behind, I ventured to the pizza shop where I once worked part-time. Since my accident, I hadn't been able to continue, but with Mrs. Elsa's recovery ongoing and my savings dwindling, I was hopeful they might have a job for me.

Upon reaching the counter, I was greeted by Chris, my former senior and the shop's manager. He had once pursued college but had to drop out after his father's passing. I held immense respect for him; he was akin to an elder brother.

"Hey, White, long time no see. Where have you been? You vanished without a word, and we've been swamped here," he chided gently.

"Ah, sorry, Brother Chris. I... well, I had some matters to attend to, and my phone was stolen, so I couldn't call," I stammered, fabricating an excuse. I couldn't bear to worry him with tales of my accident.

"Umm... Is there any chance you have a job for me? My savings are nearly gone," I inquired, hopeful.

"Of course, you've come at the perfect time. We've just taken on a new part-timer today; perhaps you could show her the ropes," he suggested warmly.

"Thank you, Brother Chris. I'll give it my all and won't let you down," I promised.

I changed into my uniform in the staff room and headed back to the counter, only to be approached by a familiar voice. "Umm... hello, I'm new here. Mr. Chris mentioned you'd show me the basics."

Turning around, I recognized the voice instantly. It was Aris, the 'fresher' Chris had mentioned.

"Aris, what brings you here, and to a part-time job at that?" I asked, surprised.

"Ah... Ah... White..." She stammered, attempting to conceal her face, but it was too late. "Well, the allowance from my parents ran out, and I need money," she confessed quietly.

"But if Zen finds out, he'll be furious, you know that," I warned her.

"Yes, I'm aware! But I don't want to depend on him all the time. He tends to overreact, just like Mom. Please, White, don't tell him about this," she pleaded.

"Alright, if you're set on being independent. But you know the night shift isn't safe. The customers can be unpredictable," I cautioned, concern lacing my words.

"It's only 8 PM, not quite night yet. Besides, this is the only time I can work, what with club activities ending after 4 PM and homework to do," she reasoned.

"And your parents and Zen?" I probed.

"I told them I'd be studying at a friend's house, so they're okay with it. I also said Zen might pick me up from there later since it's close by," she explained.

I pondered whether to inform Zen or not, my gaze fixed on her.

"Please, White, please... Oh, I have an idea!" She suddenly exclaimed.

"What's the deal?" I inquired, curious.

"Heh, I'll give you my personal photo collection. I've never uploaded these—look, some are really cute. You'd like this one, right?" she offered, confident in her bargaining chip.

I hesitated, then dialed Zen's number. "Hello, Zen, there's something you should know..."

"Stop!" she cried, snatching my phone and ending the call.

"Sorry, sorry, I was just kidding. I'll do anything, just please don't tell Zen," she begged.

I sighed, weighing my options, then relented. "Okay, but promise me you'll wait for your brother to pick you up from your friend's house. And I'll drop you off there each night; you mustn't go alone, agreed?"

"Yay! I knew you'd understand. I love you, White!" she exclaimed, her joy uncontainable.

"Sure, sure. But remember, at the counter, I'm your senior. Take my instructions seriously and work diligently," I reminded her firmly.