Waiting For The Beast (Lucifer's Clock Series, Book 1)

Sneak Attack

Angelica didn't mention to Nala and Roman what had occurred between her and Nadia. She didn't want to have to make up a lie to explain what had happened in the bathroom. It seemed like Nadia had decided to forget about the incident as well. She ignored Angelica altogether and the bullying stopped instantly. The only thing Angelica received from her and her friends were wary glances. Angelica could live with that.

A few weekends later she woke up excited. Connie was taking her and Nala on a shopping spree to one of Connie's favorite malls, Tyson's Corner, which was located right outside of Washington D.C. This was her and Nala's first time hanging out, outside of school, not counting the fake sleepover. Angelica took a shower and got dressed in record time. Connie was surprised to see Angelica waiting by the car for her when she came outside.

Michael followed Connie out of the house with a reserved look as if he was nothing more than a soldier or bodyguard overseeing his charge. He had been like that since they had kissed. She wasn't surprised it seemed to be the norm with them now. Something amazing would happen between them, he would feel guilty about it and punish her by retreating into his shell as if nothing had occurred between them.

"Good morning Michael," she chimed as they got in the car.

"Morning," he grunted not looking at her and looking straight ahead.

"You know you don't have to go Mr. Grumpy pants," said Connie from the driver's seat. "I mean really, you're killing the shopping vibes." Michael ignored Connie and stared out the window. Angelica knew he wasn't going to stay behind. He took his job too serious. Now if only he would take her as serious. They picked up Nala, who was just as excited as Angelica. Her hopping in place when they pulled up gave her away.

"Hiiiii!" she squealed jumping into the backseat forcing Michael in the middle of them. Her high pitched squeal was met with Angelica's similar one. Michael frowned at the girls, while Connie laughed. They talked and gossiped as if they hadn't seen each other in years. They drove like this for an hour. Michael almost flew out of the car, before Connie could put the car in park.

After a while the trio was off, with Michael trailing behind them. They gabbed away and went into every store they could think of. Every time Nala bought an item she thanked Connie. It got kind of redundant after the twentieth time. Connie had to explain to her, that buying clothes for herself or someone else was like Nala breathing. It was necessary and had to be done, so there was no need for thanks. After that, Nala promised she wouldn't say thank you anymore. Then they went into Macy's and all hell broke loose.

Connie was in the shoe department trying on ten different shoes literally. Michael was pacing outside of the entrance to Macy's. Nala and Angelica were at the perfume counter being helped by an older lady that was trying her best to persuade them to buy some perfume they had never heard of.

"I would really like to try Justin Bieber's perfume," suggested Nala pointing to the perfume on the opposite counter behind the woman.

"It really is not all that great, unless you want to smell like an old lady," the woman said cackling in a dry cough that indicated her chest was full of phlegm. Nala and Angelica giggled at her joke because they had their own inside joke. Angelica had already commented on how strange the woman smelled.

"Here just try a little bit on your wrist," the woman urged bringing the bottle closer.

"Alright sure," said Angelica giving Nala an, "I'm weirded out" look. Nala returned the look. The woman quickly sprayed Angelica's wrist with the perfume. Angelica put her wrist to her nose, but she didn't smell anything.

"What do you think?" asked the woman with an excited gleam in her eyes.

"Um, I don't smell anything," said Angelica confused.