My Demon

Chapter Three

Friday Zander's Father was to eat dinner at Mrs. Austin's house. She had invited him, in hopes to befriend him. It was a strange decision, and Shannon herself didn't fully know why she made this decision, but she knows she's doing it for Zander, and that's all the motivation she needs. 

But what once felt like was days away, was now today.

Today is Friday. 

"Come on Zander, I'm sure everything will be fine," Luke draped an arm around his friend who was just moments ago, pacing anxiously around his room.  

"Are you kidding! Tonight's going to be a disaster!" Zander said, though his words were muffled by his hands. 

"What's the worst that could happen? What, someone dies?" Luke chuckled and rolled his eyes.

"You don't know my Father! My parents didn't get along when they were married. I doubt they'd get along when they aren't!"  Zander leaned back, resting his back against the wall, "And how is he going to react to you!?"

"What do you mean? You and I get along great! Why wouldn't he like me?" Luke raised an eyebrow, giving the grape boy a confused yet concerned look.

It was true, the duo got along wonderfully! Zander of course was cautious at first, but he later found that Luke is relatively harmless. The boy couldn't kill a fly without guilt. And Luke warmed up to Zander quickly. Though first, he thought that after not having a genuine friend for 10 years, it'd take a while for him too, he was wrong. 

"It's not that, it's because," Zander paused, trying to find non-offensive wording.

"Why? Because I'm a demon? You know it doesn't bother me," The demon boy warmly smiled, "if I were anyone but myself, I'd be cautious of me too."

Zander never understood why he said that. Luke knows who he is, he knows he's a good person, why would he be afraid of someone with such a warm heart? That's ironic though, being as even he was afraid of Luke at first. 

They sat silent, neither sure what to say now. 

"Zander," Luke started with a sigh, but paused, "If anything goes wrong, just know I'm here for you. You know I wouldn't hurt anyone, isn't that enough? If anything goes wrong, we'll," he paused again, "make some omelets! Mushroom and cheese, your favorite! With grape juice too, and we can put on some of your favorite pieces while we eat!"

Zander thought it was funny how Luke's smile brought him so much joy. How just a smile seemed to make him feel so much happier. How that smile complimented his eyes so well. His gorgeous golden eyes, like a gold ocean. 

"Alright," Zander said, returning the warm smile Luke held, "Thanks for calming me down Luke."

"Of course! What are friends for!" 

The day went by slowly, each hour more agonizing than the last. Everyone was rushing around getting things prepared for their guests. Mrs. Austin was in the kitchen, making dinner, her husband, Micheal was helping her. Zander, Hailey, and Luke were cleaning, and Bethany was trying to read a book that Zander had situated her with a while ago.

The trio had just finished up when Micheal came into the room.

"Thanks for your help, guys," Micheal said.

"It's no problem Dad, we wanted to help," Hailey said with a smile, followed by a nod of agreement from Luke. 

Zander grumbled, taking the rag he was using and putting it in a bucket.

Luke nudged him with his elbow

"Oh, yeah, really wanted to help."

Michael chuckled at that, "You three should go clean up and have Bethany as well, they'll be here soon."