Beth and the Beast

Chapter 6 - Invitations

Beth had somehow managed to fall back to sleep and not dream weird stuff. But when her alarm went off at 8am she still felt like someone had run her over with a pick-up truck. Loki's visit at night still run back and forth inside her head. Whatever had led to that kiss still ran back and forth inside her head. Did he kiss her because he felt something for her or was it just because she had been so close to him? Maybe he did it on purpose so she would do anything for him? Beth's thoughts were running in circles. She couldn't eat something and just had a cup of tea for breakfast. If there was a party on that day how could Loki even know? Beth felt crappy thinking about betraying her friend and her friends. It made no sense at all, but Loki needed information. Loki was up to no good, that was the only thing Beth was sure of. Thor had warned her for a reason, but Beth didn't want to believe him. She saw something in Loki, that nobody else could see. A broken soul that desperately searched for healing in feeling better than anyone else. Whilst thinking about Loki and all that she could lose because she wanted to help him, she got ready for work. To not starve during the day, she packed an apple for lunch, but hunger was the last thing she felt.

At work Jane already waited for her >>Good morning Beth.<<. Jane said smiling at Beth. The only thing Beth could let out was a grumpy roar and a waving hand in Jane's direction. And that was almost all the words or sounds they exchanged that morning until lunch break. Jane had been busy looking stuff up in books when Beth was about to leave for lunch.

>>Can I get you anything? Coffee? A bagel?<< Beth asked before leaving her desk. Without looking at her Jane just said >>Both.<<

It had started raining outside when Beth walked out of the door of the library. >Just my luck.<, she thought. She pulled up the hood of her jacket and started walking towards her new favorite place around the corner. Not so many people wanted to be outside in this weather and so Beth walked through the rain almost alone. Almost because there was someone waiting for her around the corner. Loki – again. Beth shrieked back a few inches when she looked up and saw him. He grabbed her arm and pulled her into the entrance of a house.

>>Did Jane already ask you?<< He asked her with fear in his voice. Beth just shook her head and saw how Loki slowly got angry. Fear spread widely inside Beth's thoughts and Loki suddenly looked at her. >>It's good you still feel fear when you're around me. You're not allowed to trust me, remember.<< Loki smirked and softened the grip he still had around Beth's arm. >>Loki, I'm scared. I like you. I don't want you to do anything stupid.<< She whispered under her breath. She knew she didn't even have to say it because Loki knew what she was thinking but she felt like she needed to tell him. He looked at her all puppy-eyed and Beth knew he didn't know what to respond to that. Suddenly he pushed her against the wall and laid his hands around her face. Beth could feel his body pressed against hers and was slightly turned on when Loki stared into her brown eyes. She bit her bottom lip and waited for something to happen. In her head she imagined kissing him and even further. Their lips got closer to each other and right before they touched, Loki backed away and let go of her with an evil smile. >>I like your thoughts. But it's not the right time to play games<< He said turning his back on her. >>Just get me the information I need, and I might give you what you fantasize about.<< And then he was gone – again. Something happened inside Beth's head every time he appeared and disappeared again. When Loki was there, she felt whole and understood even though he seemed more busy with his plans than thinking about her. But she also felt that he had something coming for her. Whatever it was.

Beth made her way to the coffee shop to grab the coffee and bagel for Jane and a bagel for herself. In fact, she got two bagels for herself because she had no breakfast and she already ate one of them on her way back to the library. Jane was still working and still pretty much seemed caught up in her work. Beth only put the coffee and the bagel on Jane's desk and turned to her own desk afterwards. A few minutes later Jane noticed her and the coffee.

>>Thank you, Beth.<< She mumbled from behind a pile of books. >>You're welcome Jane. Are you alright? Can I help you in any way?<< Beth asked. It got silent behind the pile of books. Jane sighed and stood up to grab the coffee. She took a seat on one of the corners of her desk and faced Beth. >>Excuse me. I'm trying to distract myself. There's a party at Stark tower tonight and Thor asked me to join him.<< And there it was. Jane didn't even ask but Beth all of a sudden said >>If you don't wanna go there all alone, I could join you.<<

A little bit shocked about her last sentence Beth bit into her bagel. But Jane seemed to have swallowed that pill. >>That's a great idea. Tony said we could bring some friends.<<

Loki would probably be so proud about Beth planting thoughts in other people's heads. She kinda felt proud about herself. They both went on working until it was time to leave. Jane told Beth that she needed to be at the entrance of Stark tower at 7:30pm to meet with her and Thor. Then they said goodbye at the big doors of the library. On the subway home Beth tried to think of something she could possibly wear to a party. Beth hadn't been to a party in years.

When she arrived home she immediately went to her wardrobe and took a closer look. There were dresses, cute tops and skirts, but nothing you could wear to a party of Tony Stark. She pulled out pieces and threw them onto her bed. It was almost time to leave when Beth finally decided to wear a green blouse with puff sleeves and a black high-waisted jean with green pumps. At the door she grabbed her black coat from the coast rack and left. On the way to the subway Beth put her long brown hair into a messy bun on top of her head. That needed to be enough for a party. At least she hoped so when she jumped into the subway.