an ANGEL fell from the sky

Chapter XXX: Hunter

I roll down the streets with my ears plugged. I'm listening the the BANNERS again. I keep thinking about stuff. A lot is going on. My mind is full of everything. I definitely don't sleep enough. What's more, I can't sleep at all. There's always something keeping me up all night.

And I think back to last night. I mean morning. How we lay next to each other. This was the best 3 hours of sleep in my life. It was so comforting, and safe. I feel safe when I'm with her. But it all goes away as she's not in the picture.

I turn left and almost get hit by a bike. Jesus!

I take up my board as I arrive at the library and run up the stairs.

I enter the building and go straight to the elevator. I push the button and he door is about close, but a hand stops it and the door opens.

''Ahh sorry! I was hoping to catch it.'' Says an unknown voice as this person enters. ''Oh great. you're going to the third floor too.'' She says as she looks at the board.

The door closes and we go up. Awkward silence as always. I hate elevators.

As the door opens I step out before this woman could. Being polite is not my strength to be honest.

I go to my boss's office. I knock two times. As always.

''Come in.'' He says from inside.

I enter the room, and he looks up from his book as I close the door behind me.

''Oh hello Hunter! I didn't expect you to be here until Monday. I heard what happened. Are you okay? You're feelin' better now?'' He asks as he takes off his glasses.

Gosh! Not these questions again.

''I'm good. Actually, I came to work.'' I explain leaning against the wall.

''But don't you faint again! We need you here! And now, get out of here and organize some books!'' He says with a big smile and is about to throw the book that he was just reading.

I step back and blink as he does this. But he doesn't throw it. He always does this. And I always buy it.

''Just messing with you kid.'' He chuckles and stands up. He grabs the book, then walks up to me and places it in my hand. He puts his hand on my shoulder. ''I'm glad you're back. And now, get your small ass out of here.'' He says chuckling and taps my shoulder. ''Do you even eat enough?'' He asks while shaking his head.

I don't answer and quickly leave the room instead.

Just in that moment someone bumps into me. I can't see who it is. But I can see it's a woman. She loses her balance as she bounces off of my chest.

I kinda got used to this. Everyone bumps into me since I'm all wounded.

I catch her just before she could face the ground. I help her stand up. I make sure she doesn't fall and I let go of her. She looks up at me, and I see that it's Stacy. She has a crush on me ever since I work here.

''Oh my God! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to. I was in a hurry and I didn't see you and...'' She freaks out but I cut her off by putting my pointing finger on her mouth. And in that moment I take it off. Jeez! What was I even thinking?

''Bye.'' And with that I leave her there.

I shake my head as I walk to the dressing room.

Really Hunter?

I quickly change my shirt and get to work.

***

I put the books back on the shelves like it was the hardest job in the world. My thoughts are of course somewhere else. I keep thinking about Katie. She said she's gonna go to a girl's house with Liz before going to the party. Some Tessa or Taylor or Tina. I don't even know.

I look at my watch. It's 6:42. She must be there by now. I wonder how she will dress up like. Will she talk about me? Will she get drunk? Should I let her go to that party without me?

I shake my head. Probably I shouldn't worry. It's just a party. She can take care of herself. She'll be fine without me.

''Don't stay for too long.'' I hear someone say.

''Huh?'' I look to my left. It's my boss.

''Work is done buddy.'' He explains.

I look at my watch. Work really is over.

I was standing here in one place for 15 minutes straight?

''Whatcha got in there?'' He asks pointing at my hand.

I look down. I'm holding a book. I didn't even notice that I had a book in my hand. I read the title. 'Crack the code.'

How funny...

I hold up the book and show it to my boss.

He raises his eyebrows as he reads the title and lets out a laugh. ''I hope you're not going to do anything stupid to break the law. Otherwise, I'll let you take it.'' He says. ''Just leave a note on Stacy's desk that you took the book.'' He adds.

I nod.

''Alright then. See you on Monday. And have a nice weekend!'' He says with a smile and walks away. ''Oh...and don't drink too much.'' He says turning back and chuckles between the lines.

''Never.'' I say and he disappears.

I look at the book.

''Fuck it!'' With that I put it on a random shelf.

***

I've been lying on my bed for I don't even know how long.

My mind is all over her.

What is she doing now?

Is she thinking about me right now?

Does she miss me?

I look at my watch. It's 8:47. She's probably at the party by now.

I try to convince myself that it's okay, that she's okay.

''Just don't bother! She's not alone. No one's gonna hurt her. It's just a stupid innocent teenage party.'' I try to calm myself down.

I let out a laugh.

Innocent.

That's probably the worst word for that goddamn party.

Or maybe I'm just being too paranoid as usual. She's a smart girl. She'll be fine.

I try to calm myself down. But then it hits me.

What if someone hits her, or make her drink too much?

Or what if...someone drugs her?

I jump out of bed.

I can't let that happen!