The Sweetest Rose-LokixOC

Chapter 19

"Where are you going?" Ms. Forest demanded from the circulation desk.

Goose sat beside a stack of books at the circulation desk munching a handful of cat treats the librarian had provided her with. The Flerken watched Cassandra walk by the desk then went back to snarfing her snack.

"Out." Cassandra was not in the mood to deal with her or anyone.

She had been rereading the same scroll for hours unable to concentrate after what happened with Loki last night. Since work wasn't providing the distraction she hoped for, maybe she needed some fresh air.

"You still have an hour until lunch." Ms. Forest pointed at the clock on the wall which showed it was only ten-thirty.

"I don't care." If Tony threw a fit about it later, Cassandra would apologize.

She didn't anticipate a problem from the low-key billionaire though. Tony kept to himself most of the time. Cutting out a bit early wasn't likely to ruffle his feathers much. Its not like translating the scrolls had provided any information about the Collector's collection thus far.

It might simply be that these mysterious objects were not from earth at all.

Inside the elevator Cassandra pressed the button for the lobby.

The elevator shuddered into motion descending quickly. Not quickly enough for her. She tapped her foot impatiently against the beige carpet. A restless energy filled her as she thought about Loki's question regarding the golden apples.

Cassandra knew a lot of people who would jump at the chance to become a god. She saw nothing wrong with being human even if Loki did.

Powerwalking through the lobby Cassandra slipped through the glass double doors and out into the street. The stunted maple trees lining the street were afire with fall color. A few colorful leaves drifted onto the sidewalk, immediately churned up by the feet of harried pedestrians.

In the distance, Cassandra could see the broad silhouette of Central Park. The familiar sight sent a wash of calm flowing through her, momentarily allowing her to forget her worries. She inhaled deeply and headed in the direction of the park.

At the entrance she paused at her favorite coffee kiosk and purchased a cappuccino. The vendor smiled when she tucked a five into the tip jar before sauntering off.

Cassandra joined the flow of bikers, joggers and tourists into what was really the heart of the city. She loved the park, the juxtaposition of a forest in the middle of a concrete jungle. She walked at a sedate pace, enjoying the smattering of conversation and the occasional snippet of music blaring from someone's headphones.

It felt so good to do something normal and routine after two months of craziness. Cassandra hadn't been to the park since before the auction house bombing.

A cool October breeze blew through the trees carrying with it the scent of grilling meat and car exhaust. Cassandra perched on a bench behind a cluster of red oaks propping her coffee on her knee.

A biker hit a bumpy patch of gravel nearly losing control on the path. The man righted his bike, the front wheel rolling into the grass. When he noticed Cassandra watching him he flipped her off.

She bit back a laugh as he zoomed past.

Ah, New York. It had such spirit. The people were so vibrant and not afraid to speak their minds. It was nice to be out in the city again without a shadow trailing her. Cassandra liked Loki but she also enjoyed having a break from him too.

Cassandra finished her coffee and took her favorite route through the park. She passed through a thicket of trees into a clearing. Leaves covered the grass except for a naked patch of bare earth where nothing grew.