In Love With An Angel (a. butler)

Thirty-One.

Austin smiled and removed his hands from around my cheeks. I stepped back adjusting the flaps on my hat after they'd been shuffled in his sudden grasp.

"I like it, it looks cute on you." He said chuckling.

I sighed. It's cute, not silly. The breeze rushed over again reminding me that we were standing out in forty-five degree weather. I dug my hands into my pocket to pull out my phone checking the time.

"Right, I suppose we should continue this later"

I chewed on the inside of my jaw briefly. "I'll talk to Luca and see what I can do"

He nodded. "Marina and I will discuss more. I'll keep you updated on Hawk too, try not to worry again. I'll meet you later."

"Are you guys not..going in?" I asked

"Uh, no. We've got to keep pushing forward with Hawk and the hunt. I'm sorry, but I won't be in today. I just wanted to see you again and tell you this beforehand"

"I understand it's time demanding. But, do you always have to skip class? I mean, can't you at least try to build up the rest of your grades in the time left here? What about after?"

Austin gave a half smile and gazed at me closely. "Unfortunately, school isn't really my thing right now. It'll be fine Rosalina."

It seemed unfair that he had to give up this part of his life simply because of the hounds and the destruction they've been causing so far. What would I have to give up? I thought about the voice from last night again. The hairs on the back of my neck raised. Should I tell him now? It would only drag in more trouble. For now I would keep my silence, for once I wanted to explore a moment with him that wasn't crowded with fear and the concern of the world around us.

I watched him return to the truck with Marina and pull off down the road, my fingers were starting to red and I walked inside the building swiftly before more chills ran through my body. The halls were beginning to clear as everyone were heading to their first period, I gazed around the lockers and I didn't see Luca in the old gathering spot we once had. Part of me felt saddened by the turn of events, how we were all getting closer but now I wasn't involved with them much lately. I thought back to the birthday party and homecoming, the two nights I felt the most joy even in the midst of everything.

I didn't necessarily want that to end so suddenly, months of developmental friendship was now on hold. Uncertain if it would ever resume. Maybe after today Luca will settle and the others will come to terms with the fact that Austin isn't the big bad wolf like they've depicted him to be. If only they could see the side that I do. The caring, gentle and protective side. The part of him that's shielded by the depths of our new found reality.

I peeked down the hall and a glimpse of her bouncy curls stuck out from the crowd as she stood beside her locker holding her phone in her hand. She stared down and typed continuously without looking up. I assumed she were texting Matthew or Sabrina maybe. I sighed and slowly walked over. It had been almost a week since our last little dispute, I hoped she had settle by now too.

"Ellie.." I said

Her eyes rose to meet mine and she lowered her phone allowing me her attention for the moment. "Oh, hey.." she said softly.

"How've you been?" I attempted, a little small talk seemed the way to go but I was unsure. Surprised she didn't just ignore me instead, I needed a little more time to think of an approach.

"Fine, nothing's really changed. You're the one who went off into a.. seclusion..I suppose."

"Considering the way our conversation went last time, I thought you'd be happy to not hear from me again." I admitted, she shuffled from her right leg to the left and took a deep breath.