1 Chapter 1: Him

Angel's POV:

"Angel? Baby? Time to get up. You're gonna be late for school." My mama called. I woke up with the sun shining in my face. I rolled over to see my phone. 7:30. I sat up and took my bath. I stared at my tail. You see, I'm a mermaid. My whole family is. We all got our moon rings. Everyone but me. And my younger sister. It was hard. I've practiced using all my powers since I can remember yet the Mermaid Council of Mako Island still thinks I'm not ready. I don't understand. I've followed all of the rules, did all of my duties, practice all my magic, yet I still don't have my moon ring.

It sucks being the only one in your age group to not have a moon ring. I got out the water, and dried off. I brushed my teeth and put on my clothes. I run downstairs and see the stuff on the kitchen tables and counters. I shook my head. She still didn't wash dishes. I'll wash them when I get home. Of course you will. You always do. Shut up May. That's still my mama. May was my spirit voice. Every magical being has one. Its like a second conscience but they don't like being called that.

I ran outside, and to my mama's car. I got in. The smell of cigarettes filled the air. My mama's a smoker. She started smoking ever since my dad left. They had problems that they could not work through. So he cheated on her and had another family. I still see him occasionally. "What the hell took you so long?" She asked. "I was getting dressed." I said.

"Well hurry up next time. Ain't nobody got time to be waiting on yo ass." She said, as she lulled out the driveway. Just a little bit longer Angel. Hold on til then. She drove I'll to my little sister's school. "Tasha, out. Can't be late for work." She said. Tasha got out and ran inside. I watched her. Still can't believe this is yo mama. Stop it May. I'm doing this for Tasha.

My mama then drove to my school. She pulled up and I immediately get out. We don't even say bye like we used to. I walked into school and immediately make my way to the library. I don't do social interactions. I'm shy and quiet but I will pop off if I need to. Along the way to the library, I catch glimpses of what everyone was saying.

"I know. I can't believe it." "Well I'm not surprised." "And he's supposed to be coming back." "I wonder what his girlfriend will do." "I dont care. Suicidal or not, I'd still fuck him." I scunched my nose up at that last comment. They must be talking about Kevin Griffin. They boy who keeps trying to kill himself. No one knows why. He just keeps doing it. It got so bad, that the city appointed him a caretaker to watch him.

His mother was horrified. But lately people have seen her coming out her house, smiling. They think she's going to kill herself too. As i get closer to the library, i seen out the corner of my eyes, boys were checking me out. Even though I got a nice body, I don't have a boyfriend. Never even had one. Nor have I ever had sex.

I was too shy for any of that. Then everyone started clamoring. I looked to where they were looking. I see a big, tatted up dude. He was scary looking, with big muscles. Whoa, who is this dude? Yeah he looks waaay to old to be a student at this school. Then he came into view. They boy everyone was talking about. Kevin Griffin. The guy every girl wanted to sleep with.

He had a hoodie on. He just kept walking, eyes zoned in on something. He walked up close to me. I got scared. Oh shit, he's coming to me. But instead he goes to a girl behind me. I turned to look. It his girlfriend, Charlotte Watson. They girl every dude wants to fuck, and the girl everyone wanted to be friends with. She was head cheerleader and popular. The basic popular girl stereotype. She's also a succubus.

I heard they're conversation. "Why are you here?" She asked. "Why did you upload the video?" He asked. His voice is slightly deep. "Oh come on. Did you really think I would waste a good video? Besides, I'm helping you. Now people know the truth." She said, evilly. She closed her locker. "Charlotte that wasn't for anyone to know about." He said. She blew a bubble and said,"Well now they do." She walked off.

Then the lockers started rumbling. But it only happened for a second. I know he's a vampire and vampires can do dangerous things. They're a danger to other magical beings. Just like werewolves. He turned around and saw everyone staring. I took off running towards the library. I am not one to be caught in his whirlwind of fury.

"And what the fuck y'all staring at?" I heard him yell behind me. They were talking about the video of Kevin crying and cutting himself. It was torture watching it. I felt bad for him. I enter the library and saw only a few other students. I walked around the aisles of the library. I loved books. I've always felt at home when I'm around them. Its the one thing to help me escape this cruel world.

I picked out a book and started reading. I pulled out an apple from my bag and bit into it. "Um you're in my seat." Said a voice. It made me jump. I looked up but didn't see anyone. I laid back, still looking around. "So you just gon sit back down?" Said the voice. Then it clicked, it was Kevin's. I noticed a hint of an accent in his voice. He's Irish? I looked behind me. The man and Kevin were standing over me.

I got quiet. I wasn't used to someone talking me . Especially a popular kid. "What? You can't speak?" He asked. I stayed quiet. I swallowed my apple bit. "Freak." He said under his breath. I may be quiet but I'm not gonna let people disrespect me. "At least I'm not a suicidal, disrespectful, maniac." I snapped. I grabbed my bag and book and left.

Then the bell rung. I walked to my class. I don't like people disrespecting me. It's just not gonna happen. I went to class and sat down in my seat. Class started but my mind was too focused on what he said. I'm not a freak. I'm a mermaid. We may grow a tail when we're wet but that's it. Just then the bell rung. Whoa class went by fast didn't it? Yeah. Also you were too busy thinking about that boy. Kevin Griffin. I gathered my things and headed out the door.

I headed to my next class. My favorite: Math Honors. Math is my favorite subject. I could do math all day if I could. I walked to my next class and seen people gathering around something. I walked closer. A boy was on the ground, beaten badly. He was bleeding and pale. "All right shows over. Back to class. Anyone left standing around will get suspension." Said a teacher.

Everyone scrambled to leave. I did too. I walked to my math class. I walked in to see Kevin sitting in the back. His comment about me came back. He looked up from his phone and glared at me. I rolled my eyes. I don't care if vampires are dangerous. I'm not scared. I sat in my desk at the front of the room.

I put in my wireless earbuds and listened to my music. I was on my phone til some more students came in. Some kids noticed Kevin and didn't wanna go near him. "All right class, rumps in desks and eyes on me." He paused when he noticed Kevin. "Mr. Griffin, nice to have you back with us." The teacher said. Everyone turned to look at him.

He wasn't even looking at the teacher. He was still glaring at me. "Yeah it's good to be back. I have loose ends to fix." He said, staring at me. The teacher thought he meant to change his ways. "Well that's good. Its good to have a fresh start. Now class." He continued. Kevin was still glaring at me. I rolled my eyes and stuck my middle finger up at him.

I couldn't wait to get out of this classroom. The class went by. I could feel his eyes still on my head. The bell finally rung. I gathered my stuff and headed out the door. I found out that Kevin had 4 classes with me. I walked out to the football field. As I walked out there, I saw what looked like a hooded figure. It wasn't Kevin's hoodie. It wasn't his scent. I would've smelt it.

His scent smelt like rosemary. The hooded figure just stood there, staring up at me. I tried looking closer to see who it was. Just then my phone pinged. I check to see who it was.

Mama: Wash the dishes when you get home.

Of course. I looked up to see the hooded figure was gone. I looked around to see if they was nearby. Nothing. I walked away to go home. I felt like I was being followed. I looked behind me. Nobody was there. I then went to the woods and teleported home. My mama wasn't home from work yet. Good. I needed to focus. I went upstairs to put down my stuff.

I took out two hidden shoe boxes. I put some change in one. I get child support from my dad every month. My mama doesn't know. If she knew, she'll take the money and spend it on herself. I'm trying to save money for a new apartment for me and Tasha. I got started getting on the dishes before I went to work. I work at a public library. Books is my kryptonite. I often get lost in them. I like to pretend I'm living their lives.

As I washed my last dish, I look at the rest of the kitchen. I might as well clean the rest of it. Because you know my mama isn't gonna do it. I know. I sighed then got right to it. I cleaned the rest of the house while I was at it. I looked at the time. 5:50. I was late by 20 minutes. Great. I took off outside. I teleported behind the library. No one goes back there anyway. I walked inside and was greeted by my coworkers.

"Angel. There you are. You're late." Mrs. Graves said. I sighed. "I know." I said, as I worked my way to clean up the aisles of the library. "Angel did you have to clean the house again?" She asked. I nodded. Her and husband are the only ones who know about my situation. She offered to take me and my little sister in but I politely declined.

I didn't want my mama to get suspicious. If she found out I told people about our situation, she'd kill me. As much as I want to get Tasha out of that house, I wanna do it on my own terms. When I make enough money, I'm gonna move out of state. I don't want my mama to find us. As much as I love her, she can get very abusive towards us. Especially Tasha. Because she's smaller, she easily gets bruises. She once hit Tasha so hard, she knocked her out. That's when I decided to save money and to find a better place to live.

I was do wrapped up in my thoughts, that I didn't hear someone calling me. "Oh so now your deaf?" Said a voice. Oh God. Not now. I turned to face Kevin. He stared at me with so much hatred in his eyes. I don't want to get fired for fighting with him. This is the only job in the city that doesn't involve me having to talk yo many people. When I get around too many people, I faint. Kevin snapped his fingers in front of my face, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"So do you work here or do you just come here to escape from the streets?" He asked. My jaw dropped. Did he just profile us? Yes. I don't want to him to get away with it, but I don't want to get fired. "What books do you want to get?" I asked him nicely. He just stared at me. "Oh so now you can't talk?" I asked. He raised his eyebrows. "Do you want your employers to know that you talked back to a customer?" He asked. My heart raced.

I looked down at the ground and shook my head. "I can't hear you." He said, cupping his ear. "No. I don't." I said. "That's what I thought. Show me to the thriller section." He said. Don't do slap him Angel. I turned and went to the thriller aisle. "Here it is Aisle 20." I said and walked away. "Can't you find for me?" He asked. "I'm not your slave. You can do it yourself." I said. "Oh librarian? I have something to tell you about your employee." He said out loud. I turned to him.

I felt a lump in my throat. I was about to cry. I can't lose this job. I don't want my sister to have to continue living in a fucked up home. I definitely don't want to be around a lot of people. I walked back to him. "What book do you want?" I asked, my voice cracking. He didn't say anything. I turned to him. He was staring at me. I asked him again. "What do you think I should read?" He asked.

"Anything that's more your speed. I personally like R. L. Stine." I said. "Alright I'll take all of his books." He said. His Irish accent sounded again. I looked at him, wide eyed. "What?" He asked. "You want to buy ALL of his books?" I asked. "Uh yeah." He said. "ALL of it?" I asked again. "Yes. I want to buy all of them." He said. I looked away from and went to get the book cart. I stacked them on the racks and walked to the counter.

"Whoa Angel. Who's buying all those books?" Mr. Graves asked me. "That would be me sir. I'm buying all of them." Kevin said. The dude that was supposed to be his caretaker appeared behind him. Mr. Graves eyes widened. It was a few moments of silence before I spoke. "Mr. Graves? Are you ok?" I asked him, concerned about his health. He has a bad heart buy he still comes into work.

His wife wants him to take it easy, but he doesn't want to. "Mr. Graves?" I called him. "Oh yeah. I'm fine." He said, his voice was high pitched. He cleared his throat. "Um say young man, what made you want to buy all these books?" He asked. "Oh I go to school with Angel here and she recommended R. L. Stine so I decided to buy his books. Is that all right?" Kevin said. Mr. & Mrs. Graves looked at me. I chuckled nervously. "Well what can I say? I love his books. If you want a real thriller, R. L. Dyine is the guy." I said nervously. "I see. Young man come this way. My husband will ring you up. Oh Angel please come with me to the back room. There's some boxes I need you to unload." Mrs. Graves said.

I went with her to the backroom. "Ok where's the boxes?" I asked. "Angel isn't that the young man who keeps trying to kill himself?" She asked. "Yes ma'am." I answered. "Well what's he doing here?" She asked. "I guess for books. Why?" I asked. "Because I wouldn't want him to try to kill himself in this shop. Oh it'd be a bad reputation for this shop. We'll have to close down if that were to happen." She said, clutching her heart. "Mrs. Graves? Please calm down. I'm sure he wouldn't do that here. Besides he has a caretaker there wherever he goes. They're meant to make sure he doesn't kill himself. Please calm down." I said worriedly.

She calm down and relaxed. "I hope not. Then we'd have to close down and start somewhere else. I'd hate to have do that. You really are a good employee. I'd hate to have to leave you behind." She said. I hugged her. "That's not gonna happen. Besides I love this job. I'm around books. Something I love. I have a passion for books." I said. "Alright the boxes are right there. Start unloading. I'll bring the other book Catt back here." She said and walked off. I started unloading boxes.

Just then my phone started ringing. I looked at it. It was from Tasha's school. Oh my God. Please don't let anything happen to her. I answered it. "Angel?" Said Tasha. "Yes? Tasha what's wrong?" I asked, worriedly. She sounded like she was crying. "Mama didn't pick me up from school. Can you come get me please?" She asked, crying.

My heart broke. She did it again. I hope you've been saving to buy s car too? Don't worry. I have. "I'm on my way." I said and hung up. I walked to the front. "Angel? What's wrong?" Mrs. Graves asked. Kevin and his caretaker was Stoll here. They looked up at me. "My mama can't to pick up my little sister. She's busy with work." I said. I hinted at the word busy to let Mr. & Mrs. Graves know that my mama forgot to pick her up. Again. "I have to go get her. But I don't have a way to get her." I said. "I'll take you." Kevin said.

We all looked at him. "I'll take you. I don't mind." He said. His eye twitched a little. "No. I don't want to impose." I said then walked around them. His caretaker grabbed me. "Hold on little lady. Its getting dark. You can't go out there by yourself." He said. Just then we heard a low growl. We looked around for a dog or something nearby. Nothing.

"I'll be fine." I said. "Angel I insist you let me take you." Kevin said. His gray eyes pierced mine. There was a hint of emotion in them. But what? "Um okay? Let's go. I'll direct you to her school." I said, as I walked outside. "Hold on. I still need to get my books." He said. As Mr. Graves finished, ringing his books up, Kevin walked past me. He accidentally brushed up against me. It felt good. Warm. And he smelled good. His berry scent collided with his cologne.

His caretaker drove so I gave him directions to Tasha's school. Kevin could no longer drive his car since he drove it off the road in an attempt to kill himself. You are actually getting inside a vehicle who is a complete stranger. Not a real stranger since because he's a student at my school. You're getting a ride with a complete maniac. The caretaker took off driving. Here goes nothing.