Chapter 9 - Owen - Purge With My Demons

Approaching Eleanor’s place, our conversation continued. We talked about the band a little, and I shared a very simple version of how Death’s Nevermind came to be. She told me about being in the music scene in New Orleans, how she designed merchandise for local bands, and that’s what got her into graphic design. Most of what we talked about was music; we had similar tastes in music. Seeing her relax through our conversation got me excited for her to see our show.

Eleanor got the keys from her purse and stated, “Thanks for walking me home. I appreciate it.”

“It’s the least I could do.” She unlocked the door, but I couldn’t let this just be it. We would see each other again, and I would inevitably fly by again. “Wait.” Lightly placing my hand on her shoulder, she turned to face me. I had to be near her again and soon.

“Yeah?” When she looked up at me, she began chewing on her bottom lip. My thumb reached up and pulled her lip from her teeth. Her sharp inhale was causing her to move back slightly.

“I’m just going to be forward. The circumstances of us meeting today weren’t great. But I want to see you again, Eleanor.” She closed her eyes, looking away from me. “None of that.” I pulled her head back up to mine so she would look me directly in the eyes.

Her voice was quiet when she replied, “I’d like that.” I pulled her closer to me, my arm wrapped around her waist. A brief but intense burning on my skin everywhere we touched like before.

A scratching sound began on the other side of the door.

“Oh shit, my dog.” Eleanor pushed away from me before I had a chance to take things further. Maybe that was a good thing.

When Eleanor opened the door, a large black dog was staring at me with curious eyes. The dog tilted their head, sizing me up. Without a doubt contemplating if I posed a threat to her owner.

“Whoa, Luci, it’s okay. Please. Just stay inside.” Luci took another step toward me though, while Eleanor tried to stand between us. “Sorry Owen. Just a second.”

“I like dogs, she’s okay,” I said, trying to ease Eleanor’s anxiety. It was then that I got a good look at Eleanor’s dog. Dog wasn’t the right word for what Luci was. Luci was a Hellhound.

Giordana could have mentioned that on the phone.

Luci slowly walked outside and directly up to me, her tiny tail wagging furiously. “She’s adorable.”

“I’m so glad she likes you. She did not act so chill last night.”

Knowing that Eleanor had a hellhound and was such close friends with Giordana not only gave me a sense of ease, but I was starting to think that maybe this was it. Her with my soul was what I needed.

Eleanor and I exchanged phone numbers with a promise to be in touch. I would be in touch, but I’d also be on the lookout for her too. I had a few more trinkets to leave.