The Dark Side of the World (TDA)

*Chapter 2*

Edited (I really tried)

The first night on my own, I don't sleep well. I don't like sleeping in an empty house, never have. I stay awake until twelve trying to get up the courage to turn out the light, a million scenarios of how someone could brake into the house running through my mind. Even when I do finally curl up under the covers and close my eyes, I can't seem to turn off my mind.

Eventually, after several hours of lying awake thinking, I finally fall asleep.

The next day is a weekend. Most people would jump at the chance of a weekend without their parents around. Invite some friends, maybe throw a huge party or something, just generally get into some trouble.  And maybe that would be me too, except for the fact that I don't have any friends.

It's not really my fault either; people just don't like me. I don't fit into any cliques at school, I'm not cool or particularly nerdy, and most people just find me strange. The one person who doesn't seem to find me strange is a short stubby girl named Gabriella, but she's one of the most boring people on the planet, and spending ten or more minutes with her is excruciating.

So, this weekend, the first weekend I've ever been all alone in my house, my grand plans are going to work. I work at the little cafe down the street, and have for about six months now. The owner, a tall, balding, middle aged man named Josh, is another one of those few people who don't seem to find me too strange. He's nice, really nice, and likes to talk with me a lot during lags. I'll admit, for an old guy he's pretty fun to talk too.

The only bad thing about the place is it's where I most often see things that shouldn't be there. I've never told anyone, not even Mom, about it, mostly out of fear that she'll think I've lost my mind. Maybe I have. 

Besides, what I see doesn't hurt anyone. A little girl with wings, a man with horns, teenagers running through the streets, real weapons in their hands, blood splattered all over their clothes. Easy to ignore, for the most part.

After I eat breakfast, I grab my phone and bag, and head out the door. The walk is a short one, a good thing right now sense I probably only got about five hours of sleep last night. When I walk into the little shop, I see customers already sitting, some with steaming cups of coffee or tea, others with muffins or banana bread.

"Hey, Live!" 

I look up to see Josh waving from the counter. I come and sit in the empty seat in front of him, as he passes a box of donuts to the woman beside me. I don't look at her, but I swear I can see wings out of the corner of my eye. I look hastily away.

"So," Josh says wiping up the counter with a cloth "I didn't think you were coming in today. Doesn't your mom leave today?"

"Yesterday" I correct him

"Ok, then all the more reason for you not to be here. You should be doing something fun while you mom's out of town, like the rest of the kids."

I chuckle. Josh is always telling me to spend less time here, and more time hanging out with my friends, no matter how many times I tell him that I don't have any.  

"Anyways," He continues "We sure do need your help today. The place is packed! Go get an apron from the back and get started."

I nod, and go grab it. I work all morning until my lunch break, and then four hours after that. Josh tells me to go home at least three times, and every time I ignore him. I like working.

But, today has to be an all time high for visions. I see several people with horns or tails, and right after lunch, a group of monstrous creatures run by the window and I almost scream. Weirdest of all though, is a group of kids with tattoos all over their arms. One of them is even holding a bloody cloth to her arm.

Before I finally leave at about four, Josh shows me yet another picture of his cute two year old daughter, Kayla, and promises to bring her to work soon so that I can meet her. 

When I get outside, it's raining hard. I silently curse myself for not checking the weather and brining an umbrella. Luckily my house isn't too far and I'm a fairly fast runner. I dash through the streets, trying not to bump into people everywhere. I cross the street right near my house, stepping in a big puddle that drenches my foot. I let out a string of curse words, and begin to run faster, just as I feel myself bump into someone.

The force of it nearly nocks me backwards, and the person makes to effort to try and catch me

"Careful where you're going" says a female voice.

Standing above me is a woman with long black hair and sharp blue eyes. She has hard black gear on and what I can see of her neck is covered in those black tattoos I saw earlier, though these ones feel somehow evil in a way I can't explain.

"Oh, sorry" I say, trying to step around her to get into my house.

She laughs, a loud, harsh sound. "That's just fine, little girl. What's your name"

"Livia"

"Your full name"

My clothes, now as wet as they'll ever be, cling to me uncomfortably, and all I really want to do is go inside, and get comfortable. 

"Livia Black"

The woman's eyes widen. "You sure about that, little girl?" 

I look at her more closely, feeling a mixture of confusion and annoyance. She certainly doesn't seem like she means to mug me, so than why does she care? 

I try to step around her, but her hand comes down to clamp her strong fingers around my arm before I can even move an inch. 

"What do you want" My voice comes out much weaker than I intend

The woman laughs again. "Well, well it looks like stupidity really does run in the family. To answer your question, Livia Black, I don't want anything. It's my master who wants something. And it doesn't even have to do with you, really. Your mother saw to that. Too bad her plan won't work, she was a nice girl in her day."

What in the world is that supposed to mean, I think. And who says 'Master' besides evil people in hollywood movies. Maybe she is one, I muse. She looks the part.

"What does my mother have anything to do with this?" I ask hesitantly

She's about to open her mouth to answer, when I hear footsteps.

"Hey!"

A/N

Sorry for the cliffhanger *Cackles evilly*

Who do you think the woman is? And what's Livia's real name. And who is the person who might rescue Livia? Comment on what you guys think. I'd love to hear your theories.

That chapter was a bit short but the next one will be longer I promise.