Chapter 1: Prologue:
"Excuse me? Are you Abigail Moon?"
I looked up from my nap and groaned, squinting with half lidded eyes that were trying to adjust back to the bright lights. A man with short, light brown hair in a tan suit stood in front of me. He looked like a fish out of water, given the grungy bar we were in.
"I'm not talking to the press."
"Oh, I'm not from the press. My name is Curtis Reeves."
"And your point," I growled, propping up on my elbow, "That doesn't make me any more eager to talk to you."
"I'm sorry? I mean, I heard about you on the news; the return of the long lost daughter of Mathew Moon?"
I laughed and rolled my eyes. "And you decided you would come and discover the real story of the missing girl's adventure? Maybe make a nice profit?"
"Yes and no…"
"Oh?"
I mocked shock and rolled my eyes again. He sighed and seemed to carefully plan his words. He looked as though he was playing through all the possibilities in his head, his eyes staring up at the ceiling while he kept his jaw set. A true look of caution and intelligence.
"See… I'm a writer and, from what I've heard from various sources, I believe I could make it into a marvelous story."
"So, you want to use my life, my traumas, as something to help benefit yourself?"
"Ah! No, no, no! Not like that- "
I laughed and leaned back in my seat. Who cares what he would do with it? Who cares what any of them would do? Not like it would change anything, anyways.
"I have no problem with that. You're only human after all…"
"What?"
I looked around the room of the dark lit bar. It was a good place and there were hardly ever any incidents requiring police involvement. It had become more of a second home to me. I looked over Mr. Reeves more carefully, now that I was better awake. He seemed professional, though I'd never really had much interest in hanging around people like him. Sweat was beginning to form at his brow and he refused to make eye contact with me. Rather it seemed he was trying to read me; my emotions. Whether these things I picked up on were intentional or not, it was reasonable to assume he was rather nervous. Most likely because this wasn't his comfort zone or that this scene was not something he was used to.
"Perhaps we should go someplace more comfortable for you?"
"Oh! Uhm… That would be nice, but at such a late hour?", he asked, glancing at his watch.
Obviously, my sudden change in mood and attitude had caught him off guard. I finished off my coke and gave him a small, light-hearted laugh as I stood.
"If you'll join me at Gilt tomorrow night, I'll tell you the story the world wants to know."
"That sounds like a splendid idea," he shakily smiled, reaching out to shake my hand.
I stared at him like it was some uncommon gesture before returning with a slightly steadier hand. I headed for the door, leaving him behind me. I had just left the bar and came to the cross walk on the corner of Bleecker and West 3rd Street. I pressed the switch box, awaiting the proper crossing signal. The wind nipped at my exposed arms and I'd realized I'd left my blazer behind.
"Ms. Moon!" I turned toward the sound of Mr. Reeve's voice to see him running up to me; my blazer in tow.
"You, uh, left this…"
"Oh… Thank you."
I took my blazer from him and gave a brief nod before the crossing sign lit up. I gave a small wave before stepping across. Mr. Reeves began to walk in the other direction.
"Wait! I don't think I caught the time of our arrangement," I heard his voice call out from behind me.
"That's because I didn't tell you, Mr. Reeves," I laughed, merely shaking my head while I continued onward.
"But- How will I know what time to meet you there?"
"Oh, just wait 'til around 8…? I'll be there by then."
It seemed he would try to protest but stopped himself. I could hear his sigh of defeat. I must admit, it brought a small smile to my face.
I continued home thinking to myself of how interesting this Curtis Reeves was. Maybe he wasn't all that interesting. Maybe it was more so the fact that I hadn't spoken to very many people since I returned and was still grasping the means of being in someone's company. Or maybe my instincts were still very well attuned.
The next morning, I woke up and the usual uncomfortable feeling surrounded me. Being gone for so long had made me unfamiliar with the comforts I used to enjoy. Every morning since, I'd always look around like I was in an unfamiliar place. Like I wasn't really meant to be here…
"Good morning, Ms. Abby."
"Good morning, Gwen," I smiled lightly, sitting up and brushing my hair from my face. I looked to see the family housekeeper and my childhood nanny entering the room with a tray of coffee.
"You were out late last night, weren't you?"
"Perhaps a little. But I'm a grown woman. You don't need to worry about me so much."
"Oh, no, ma'am. Not me, but your father seemed to be quite worried… With what's happened and all…"
"I'm fine, Gwen," I sighed, stretching and slowly making my way out of my bed, "Besides, he's only worried that I'll say something he doesn't want to hear."
Gwen shook her head at me with her soft laugh and sigh, before placing a cup of coffee on my dresser top. She made some attempts at redirecting my last statement, but, when she acknowledged it would fail, she took the rest of the tray and left me to get ready for breakfast.
I shook my head to clear my mind and shake off any still dreamy thoughts, which also let my hair fall around me. I stretched my aching muscles on my way into the bathroom. Were mattresses always so uncomfortable? After a hot shower, I managed to make myself look decent. I went downstairs and took my seat at the long dining table. Breakfast wouldn't be served until my father and brothers came to the table. I picked up the morning paper to bide the time.
"More bombings… More murders… All over the simplest of things… We really are a violent race," I mumbled to myself under hushed breaths, although I was alone.
"Abby?"
I glanced behind me to see my brother, Claude, coming down the stairs. He hadn't even bothered to change from his pajamas yet. His blonde hair was a brilliant contrast to his blue attire. He was rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he made his way to the table and to his seat.
"Good morning, Claude."
"Yeah, not sure mornings are all that good though."
He sat across the table from me and began looking around. He looked around the table décor, under his placemat, and even under the table. I watched him curiously until he scratched at his head and began to ask me something. Suddenly, he crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair with an embarrassed smile and a sigh.
"Since when do you read the paper?"
"When I picked it up and started reading it."
He let out a hardy laugh just as Alexander, our youngest brother, came running down the staircase. His eyes were bright and full of that childish wonder. Being of that age where the world is still innocent and magical. It was impossible to fight off that radiant purity and positivity.
"Hiya, Abby," he chimed melodically, hugging me around the armrest of the chair.
"Good morning, Alex," I smiled down at him, before kissing the top of his head and ruffling his soft locks.
I gladly handed off the paper to Claude and began a much more pleasant conversation with Alex about the different little green cartoon dinosaurs that dotted his pajamas. Inevitably, it turned into somewhat of a play-fight between us.
"Alexander. Go sit in your seat for breakfast."
The gruff voice of my father, Mathew Moon, was unforgettable as it carried down the stairwell into the dining room. It made both of us jump. Claude, however, merely glanced up from the paper and then nodded a greeting before ducking his head in again. My father's stoic, rock-like figure made its way down the steps in a deep black suit. Immediately, the room was swallowed by the obnoxious stench of his thick cologne. It was so loud and made me want to hold my breath.
Alex quickly got into his seat at father's side. Just with my father's presence, the blissful atmosphere had changed into something stagnant and quiet. No one dared to break it, not even that little ball of sunshine. Alex already knew what was expected of him; what was expected of the Moon children. Something we all had to learn at a young age.
"Gwendolyn, you may now serve the food."
Gwen notified the chefs and they hastily brought out each of our custom-made meals and laid them before us. Each of us having precise diets and meal plans due to allergies and the image they were supposed to upkeep.
"Thank you, Harvey," I nodded to the staff-man who placed my food before me.
Father, Claude, and Alex ate their meals as if they were programmed to do so, like they weren't even human, more machine. When I uncovered my plate, the vegan meal before me made my stomach churn. I pushed it away a bit and slowly rose from my seat. I could always get something later. Before everything happened, I could not stand the sight, the smell, or even the thought of meat… But now, I was finding that it was all I could think to eat…
"Is there a problem, Abigail?"
"No, sir, I just have no appetite this morning."
"Could it be because you were out late last night, doing God knows what," he challenged me.
"What I choose to do with my time, should be of no importance to you."
"As a member of the Moon family, all we do affects the others," he spoke sternly, eyes glaring daggers at me, "But if it's "of no importance", surely you would have no problem explaining yourself?"
I stifled a groan. He still saw me as a child. I proceeded to make my way to the coat rack, in an attempt to end the conversation. Not that lucky, I guess.
"Where do you think you're going, Abigail?"
"For a walk," I said flatly, pulling on my jacket.
"Claude will accompany you."
"I do not need a babysitter. I am a grown woman."
Alex and Claude continued to eat, while Father merely stared me down with his dark grey eyes, agitated that it didn't seem to unnerve me. I could feel his gaze burning into me. Claude glanced between father and I with a rather curious and cautious look, like a kid watching his parents fight. However, he still wouldn't dare to speak against Father's wishes, nor against mine.
"I do not feel comfortable with you going out alone."
"Father, I know I've been gone for quite a long time, but I am not helpless. Please, grasp that," I sighed, trying hard to stress my point and ending the conversation.
I went outside, walking down the long driveway, and into the busy city. I walked down to central park and sat on the cool metal bench to relax in the warm sun. It would have been perfect, if not for the honking cars caught in morning traffic and the stench of smoke and perfume in the air. It felt as if one was breathing in toxic fumes; fumes that seemed to choke and strangle you until you surrendered to its dark ways. People walked past one another and didn't have a care in the world about their fellow man. What a mundane way to live.
"Ah! Ms. Moon? Is that you?"
I turned and saw Mr. Reeves. He ran up in a pair of sweatpants and a grey t-shirt. His hair was stuck to his forehead from the sweat, obviously giving away the fact that he had been running for quite some time. He wiped his brow with his forearm and smiled at me. He looked fairly different from the man I had met only the night before, more laid back, relaxed, like an average man than a suit-wearing monkey.
"Good morning, Mr. Reeves."
"Good morning. May I sit with you for a moment?"
"Of course."
He nodded a thank you before taking a seat, almost collapsing with exhaustion. Very different from our first meeting; much more relaxed.
"What brings you here," I asked, trying to strike up a conversation after giving him a moment to catch his breath.
"Oh, I come running this way before I head off to work. The fresh air really helps to clear my head."
"This is what you consider fresh," I sighed mostly to myself, the small smile fading from my face.
"Well, I suppose it's not… But it's the freshest place you'll find in the city."
"I can agree to that."
"Now, the real question is; what brings you here?"
I looked around and the way the wind danced between the blades of grass reminded me of the place I was "rescued" from. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, blocking out all the sounds of chaos surrounding me. The familiar scent of the pine trees, the babbling brooks, and seemingly exotic flora and fauna seemed to rush over me from my detailed memories. I opened my eyes slowly, not really wanting to, taking in a deep breath to try and savor it. The landscape from my memories was abruptly replaced by the dull scenery around me once again. A disappointed sigh escaped me.
"That question, Mr. Reeves, has a very complicated answer."
"I see…"
"You're not going to be late for work, wasting time with me?"
"I hardly consider this wasting time," he laughed, standing up from the bench with a stretch. "I probably should get going though. We're still on for our engagement this evening, right?"
"Of course."
He walked off with a smile before returning to his jog. He disappeared around the corner and I merely shook my head with a light laugh. Yes, an interesting man, indeed. I rose from my seat and headed back towards home.
When I entered the dining hall, it was empty and quiet. Father and Claude had presumably headed off to work and Alex was probably in lessons with his at home teacher.
After about 4 hours, things in Moon Manor seemed to follow their somewhat automatic routine. Gwen had the chefs prepare lunch for Alex and I, which meant another sickening vegan meal for me. I was surprisingly able to stomach a few bites. Then, Alex and I somehow engaged in a small food fight of vegan potatoes from Fort Abby and baby carrots from Fort Alex. Alex got reinforcements from Gwen with an onslaught of apple sauce. Unfortunately, I was forced to admit defeat when we were all covered head to toe. Gwen rushed us out of the dining room so she and the staff could get to cleaning and I could get Alex clean before the second half of his lessons. We kept these times hidden from Father. To him, it was not "in the best interest of members of the Moon family to act such a way".
After getting Alex cleaned up and taking him back to his lessons, I decided to venture into the study for some light reading. The study was also Father's at home office. The same smell of his cologne was thick in the room, but not as bold. It was much more tolerable and aged. The books he had did little to deter my memories. Compared to the places I'd seen and remembered; they were hardly a comparison. The authors attempted to compel the reader, but it faltered from the reality. However, something as miniscule as this would help to at least pass the time.
Once lessons were over, I heard Alex's quick, light steps coming down the stairs. He entered the study and immediately climbed into the lounging chair with me. I moved the blankets to cover the both of us and snuggled in close with him. He always enjoyed reading with me and it was probably the only thing I enjoyed about being here. I can't quite remember falling asleep there with him, but the solemn chime of the clock echoing through the manor awoke me. I looked to see the time and carefully slipped out of Alex's grasp. I made sure he was covered and left him to sleep before heading upstairs to get ready for the night.
I chose a simple strapless scarlet dress and black dress shoes with short heels. Claude had gotten me a pair of earrings for my birthday earlier in the year and I felt they paired nicely. I wasn't normally into the flashier, dressier side of things, but this was a more proper restaurant we were going to. I figured it would be better to blend in; as much as possible, anyways.
Gwen stepped in the room and I saw her face light up in the reflection of the mirror. She let out an excited gasp from the doorway.
"Ms. Abby! Do you have a date," she chimed, eyeing my attire.
"It's not a date, Gwen," I sighed, shaking my head with a light smile, "More like an interview, I'd guess?"
"An interview? With a man?" I could hear the insinuation in her tone.
"Yes, Gwen, but it's not a date."
"I don't know what you consider a date. But that sounds like a date to me," she teased lightly before picking up my previous clothes from the bed.
I laughed lightly before standing and smoothing out my dress. I looked at myself in the mirror and could hardly believe it was my own reflection I was looking at. Of course, that happened anytime I saw it.
"I'll be home rather late, again, I suspect."
"Oh," Gwen said softly, "Your father isn't going to like that, Ms. Abby…"
I rested my hand gently on her shoulder and gave her a small shrug with a smile. She gave me a defeated nod in return, seeming to somewhat understand my meaning. I stepped out into the hall and saw Alex standing just outside his door. He had since changed into a clean pair of pajamas and looked to be getting ready for bed. He had a small toy wolf tucked under one arm and wiped at his face, fighting off the lull of sleep. I smiled gently and picked him up, carrying him into bed.
"You're leaving, Abby," he asked with half-lidded eyes and a small yawn.
"I'm just going out, but I'll be back. Don't worry," I soothed, laying him down and pulling the covers up over him.
He rolled over, muttering some sort of acknowledgement with a nod, and buried his face in the pillows. I smoothed his hair and kissed the top of his head. He was so precious. I got up from his bedside and closed the door quietly behind me. I began heading down the stairs quietly, trying not to draw too much attention to myself. I stepped outside and closed the door with a soft thud, I looked up at the stars and couldn't help but feel somewhat sad. They seemed so much dimmer here. It was like they resembled dying light bulbs more than the glistening beacons that people wish on or believe in. The city itself had become a strange place, a place I felt that I didn't belong in… To be honest, I didn't really want to either...
The cab driver pulled up at the bright, elegant doorway of the Gilt and I saw Mr. Reeves standing just inside at the maître d's podium. I paid the driver and stepped out, brushing my hair back behind my ear.
"You look nice, Mr. Reeves."
"Th-Thank you," he stuttered out, clearly surprised, turning around to face me.
He straightened his tie and gathered his composure "You do as well, Ms. Moon."
I smiled softly with a light laugh before the maître d' asked to escort us to our table.
We were escorted to a table for two in the back, per my request. We ordered some red wine and made idle chatter about the weather and some current events until he chose to approach the topic.
"So, about your story-"
"Mr. Reeves… If I told you my story, I'm certain you wouldn't believe me."
"I have heard many "unbelievable" stories in my career, Ms. Moon. I believe I can handle it."
I took a long drink from my glass and sighed. I looked him over, studying him, and saw that determined yet, intrigued look; something like a child, innocent and curious. But also, that of a man of his age, understanding and intelligent. And, after all, it would be nice to talk about it openly with someone; anyone.
"This story may seem like it's just an elaborate fairytale to you… But I experienced all of it… I lived it. It is a reality. Outside of cities, streets, and all things man-made, beyond what you know, is a place unlike any other… A place full of breathtaking beauty, pure wilderness, and magic… But, even amid all its wonders, it is also full of fear and pain. In order to survive, one must be willing to believe... And, believe me, it's harder than you think..."
***** A/N: If you like what you've read or are enjoying things so far, lemme know! I appreciate any feedback anybody wants to give! Thanks! *****
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone