Chapter 1
CHAPTER 1:
ATHALIA:
"Come back soon". I said with a strained smile as I handed Mrs Shelton her primroses and she exited the flower shop.
"She's gone now you can drop the act". Tamra, my bestfriend and co-worker, said as she giggled.
"Well that's great". I sighed. "Thought she'd never leave". I said rolling my eyes and heading out from behind the counter.
I worked in a flower shop. You know, those cute ones at the corner of the street where you could also get coffee and some pastries, yeah I worked there. It isn't exactly my scene but I do need the money.
"Gosh babe, I thought you'd fling her out by her hair". Tamra laughs as she sweeps up the floor.
"I was really close. You had no idea". I scoffed.
"No Darling those aren't primroses. Are you sure you know your flowers". Tamra repeated after Mrs Shelton as she made her voice as high pitched as hers.
I laughed at the spot on imitation. Checking the time, I realized I was late. I had to the central library and return my books before the deadline.
"I have to go Tam, it's almost six thirty". I said and started gathering my things.
"Aww, thought you'd hang out with the gang and I today''. Tamra pouted and I laughed.
"Next time, promise". I said and gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek.
Exiting the flower shop, I drew my coat tight around my body to shield me from the cold wind of the night. Hopping into my car, I quickly reversed unto the road and made my way for the library. It closed by seven and I had to be there before hand to return my borrowed books else I'd have to work extra hours on Friday.
I was pleased to see it was still open when I had reached and the clock showed six forty seven. I grabbed the books from the back seat and hopped out, making my way into the library.
The librarian, Ms Rose, looked at me through her glasses and glanced at the clock on the wall.
"Seems like you made it Dear". She smiled.
"You thought I would didn't you Auntie? Told you I'd be on time". I said as I checked in and walked to their respective shelves.
"If this is on time dear then I wonder what you call late". She mused.
Ms Rose has been like a mom to me ever since mine passed away when I was just seventeen and it'd been tough. I helped her out now in anyway I could.
I was about leaving the last section when I hear a creaking sound coming from one of the book carts. Like a typical character in a horror movie, I went ahead to check it out.
"AHHH". I and a strange young man screamed at the same time.
"Are you alright Dearie?" Ms Rose called from where she sat.
The boy gestured pleadingly to be quiet and I replied to Ms Rose, "Yeah, I just saw a hideous rat".
"Excuse you. Who are you calling hideous. As far as I'm concerned I'm gorgeous". The boy said as he dramatically puffed out his chest and I rolled my eyes.
He looked to be sixteen or seventeen. He had deep hazel eyes with black hair. I had to admit, he was a pretty little thing.
"What are you doing here then?" I inquired.
"I'm hiding from my brothers. They wanna take me back home against my will but I wanna go party with the boys. It's no fair". He whined.
He sounded like a man baby and I scoffed.
"The library is about closing so you'll have to find another hiding spot". I told him.
"I will. I will. Let them pass first and I'll leave. I'm sure they are searching". He reassured.
I rolled my eyes at him and finished stacking the books on the shelves.
"I'm Matthew by the way". The boy said as he looked at me.
"Athalia". I replied, walking off and away from him.
''Wait, aren't you gonna wait with me?" Matthew asked.
"And why would I. I'm busy here and I'm not your bodyguard. You better leave soon". I said.
"You're mean, y'know that?"
"And you're acting like a child". I scoffed and left him there.
About five minutes later, I was at the counter sorting out some books when the door burst open. Ms Rose puts down the tea she had been drinking and looked up at our guests.
In the doorway stood two men dressed in business attires. They were tall and, boy were they smokin'. They both had black hair and one kept theirs long to reach their shoulders while the other had his falling down his face.
"We are so sorry to barge in on you but we are looking for our brother. He ran from the car and we've not seen him for the past twenty minutes". One said.
Ms Rose looked at me and I shrugged.
"He's about yay tall. Has medium length hair. Probably an egotist young man". The other said.
"Ahh". I said without thinking.
That seemed to get their attention as they stared at me for an explanation.
"You've seen him? Please be honest". The first said as they stalked closer to me.
"Uh... Yeah I saw him a few minutes ago. Said his name was Matthew, am I right?" I asked back.
They both nodded their heads coming even closer and I moved back.
"He's in aisle five. Behind a cart". I said without thinking. Quickly realizing I covered my lips. "I didn't tell you guys anything". I whispered as I shushed them.
The one with the longer hair laughed as they strode over to where I had directed. After a few minutes, the sound of complaints were heard coming closer to us.
"Oh come on. One night won't hurt. I'll be back before ten, I promise". Matthew pleaded as his brothers dragged him out.
"Dont tell us. Try convincing him that". The one with the shorter hair said with a shrug.
The brothers turned to me and winked.
"Thanks beautiful". One said and Matthew gasped.
"You ratted me out. I thought we bonded". He said feigning hurt and I shrugged.
"Sorry". I said in a less than enthusiastic manner.
After a while, they had gone and it was getting late.
"I'll see you Friday Auntie". I said and gave her a kiss on the cheek before leaving the library.
I hoped into my car and drove home, dozing off to sleep as soon as my head had hit the pillow.
That was entertaining. I mused
