36 CHAPTER 35 (2/2)
”Be careful Jeff and you Ema.” Ham said clapping a gentle hand on their shoulders. Jeff looked pass his shoulder and caught Ham staring at Matt. He wasn't surprise, Ham was trying to piss Matt off but Matt was not paying attention as he was watching Sandra dubiously.
”We will” Ema responded as though she was cold, but it wasn't cold, it was fear. Not that anyone blamed her but it was funny to see Ema, who always wear the hard looks, frightened.
”Am sorry,” came a tiny sad voice that was colder than Ema's fear. The three turned and stared at Matt who was now looking down, not meeting either of their eyes. The moon showered him with its blue light, making his short blond hair appear gray.
”What do you mean” Pinna asked with huge emerald green eyes buried on Matt, as though she knew the next word he was about to say.
”Ham, am very sorry about my irresponsible behavior in Ema's apartment the other day, I didn't mean...”
”It's okay” Ham interrupted warmly, with face turning red in the moon light. For one thing, it appeared like the grassy earth would open and swallow him where he stood.
Ham was huge, not with height but with strength. For his size he looks nothing like a healer, and the strenuous training in the academy over the month, seems to have brought out all the muscles in his body. A little carelessness and he find himself hurting someone. With a close look, one would notice that he was the one who frequently apologies to people and not the other way round.
”It's okay Matt, I never had anything against you” Both boys shook hands together, smiling like new business partners who had just reached a fine agreement.
”Oh finally, it took the both of you forever” Pinna exclaimed happily as she towered over them and stroke their hair like babies. Even the angry glare they shot her did less, but was enough to keep her at bay, because if Pinna had her way, she won't mind bathing the two boys in a bathtub, clothing them and singing lullaby until they are fast asleep.
”It's time” Sandra said urgently and at that moment, the others observed that the humming sound from the cellar had died.
The hooting of the owl and other night birds were now audible enough. The crickets too sang with them in an endless rhythm, even the trees joined the melody when the wind of the cold night breaths into their stomata.
”Come on be fast, the door won't hold forever” Sandra urged the two who were now looking at the dark cellar as though it was a tomb of no return.
Shooting one last glance at their friends, Jeff went down the ladder and Ema followed reluctantly. Just then, the doors of the cellar closed and the whole earth shocked violently like an earthquake.