Hello, Death

Chapter Two - The Invite

" 'You are Cordially invited to Love's Birthday Celebration.' Why do they even try to invite me to parties when I don't even try to go?" I asked Hailey who was lounging on her couch.

After the Judging, I left to find Hailey, who could still see me, and followed her home. It sounds creepy but she didn't mind the company. Even indulged me in human small talk before heading to her apartment. Her apartment walls had a tint of light blue making it look like a small beach house with small house plants here and there for decoration.

Hailey was sitting on the couch, playing on her phone, and from the sound of it, it was probably the game humans were currently obsessed with; flappy bird.

"They're just being nice, and it sounds like this Love person, who I feel bad for because their parents are terrible at naming children, is thinking you would feel left out. Am I right or am I wrong?" She suggested, keeping her eyes on her phone.

I sighed and ran my hand through my dark curls, "You don't know Love. She is so... potent. Just like rubbing alcohol. From a distance she sounds like she can fix all your problems but up close and personal, she's a pain. Literally and figuratively."

Hailey just smirked and rolled her eyes, "What? Do you guys have beef with each other or something?"

I cringed, "Ew, no me and Love don't have... beef... with each other."

She laughed and got up from the couch to get a snack, "You're like me, Nathan. A teenager with mixed feelings about a girl. It's alright! Just let her come to you, bro. It's going to be alright."

That kind of advice went over my head. She sounded like a hippie at this point. I read the rest of the letter out loud and ignored Hailey, "You're allowed a plus one. Hope you have a lovely time!" The last part I said sarcastically before shaking my head and complaining like I always would when I get something from Love, "I don't want to go!"

"Then just don't go, but if you're able to bring a friend you can bring me. I could control your annoyance by just talking to you. We can avoid Love at all costs, eat some cake, and then we can leave." She found an apple and took a loud bite out of it. Acting so nonchalantly about her offer like it was a walk in the park.

"Fine, but only because I need to keep an eye on you at all times and it sounds like you want to go," I grimaced, "But I'm warning you, she's dangerous."

She nodded and spoke with her mouth full, "When ith the parthy?"

I looked back at the letter, "It starts... tomorrow at nine-thirty. What time do you think we need to leave to arrive?" I forced myself to say. I absolutely hated Love's parties.

"Probably about nine. Where does she live?"

I hesitated, "It's called... The Guardian Realm. We all have meetings and parties there. We don't share our home's location. It's a strange place but you will get used to it once you get there."

"And who is this, we?" She asked curiously, her eyes watching me closely.

I paused. Should I tell her? She's only a mortal but she probably thinks the Guardian Realm is some Bar for weird people. She already thinks he's weird...

I'll tell her.

"There are many other people in our group. My title is... Death. Love is one of the other people that are in the group. There is also, Wisdom, Destiny, Sadness, Comedy, Joy, and... Life. Who has been missing for... a long time."

Hailey gave me an amused look as she noticed the hesitation in my voice as I spoke of Life. She just nodded and set the apple down on a napkin, "So... Nathaniel, I'm guessing since you are Death then I shouldn't see you unless I'm dead. Is that right?"

I nodded slowly, "Yes you are correct."

"Then why do I see you?" She asked with an intense stare.

I paused and scooted away from her noticeably. I didn't know how to react to her questions or what I should have said or done. I just shrugged and looked away. He was already breaking so many rules just by being around her.

Hailey nodded and walked over to the bathroom, "I'll be right back."

I nodded but didn't look over to see where she went.

Why does she see me?

Why am I following her?

Is she a lost soul?

If that was the case, then she needed to be brought to the Underworld.

My watch beeped, indicating that there were more souls to collect and judge.

Duty calls.

I looked back to see where Hailey went off to, but quickly turned away and walked out the front door.

I stepped outside and inhaled a mouthful of fresh air. Well... as fresh as it could be since it was New York City. The sound of traffic and the honking of people in their pollution wagons just added to the 'excitement'.

"Let's just go," I said to myself, "No need for distractions."

I left her complex without saying goodbye.

It was easier that way.