In another life

Chapter 5

Marcus pushed the drink towards me. "Try it" he smirks. I'm hesitant but I dip my finger in the whipped cream and put it on my tongue. The sensational taste melts on my taste buds and my yes widen as he laughs. I put my lips around the pink striped straw and sucked up. The milkshake filled my mouth and it tasted way better than the drinks at home. "Oh my god" I cheered as I licked the excess off my lips. "Good, right?" Marcus smiled. I nodded frantically then plunged my face into the cream.

"Not half as good as the whipped cream, though" I giggled. His face lit up and he brushed his thumb against my nose and brung it back to him. "Saving that for later?" He teased. I rolled my eyes but I couldn't help but smile. We spent around the whole day there before Marcus took me to the library.

We walked up to the library and he held the door open for me as him and Rex waited outside. I wandered in and there were books everywhere. Rows upon rows, piles upon piles. I could surely get home now. I ran to the 'non-fiction' section but nothing. I hurried to the 'fantasy' section but they were only stories, they couldn't help me. I frowned and began to walk to the exit when the librarian stopped me.

"Can I help you?" she asked in a jolly mood. But right now, I'm not feeling very jolly.                           "You wouldn't believe me" I groaned. Marcus was knelt outside, stroking Rex. A smile grew on my face before I put my attention back on the woman. "Try me" she smirked. I crossed my arms, I only needed to say one word before she hurried me out the door. "Magic" I said in an icy tone.   "Fiction?" She asked as she flipped through a set of books on her desk. I chuckled, no one believes me. Well, except Marcus, I think. "Non-fiction" I sighed as I leant on her desk. 

Not even a minute later, she slams a book on her desk and blows it. "It's been here since we renovated. I don't know what it is. But it's a great halloween trick for your friends. Pretend you're a real witch." She laughs. I laugh with her, if only she knew. I picked up the book and traced my fingers over the letters 'BEWARE'. Beware of what exactly?

"Thanks" I smiled as I tucked it under my arm and walked to Marcus. "There's actually a book for that?" He says, surprised. I shrug and flick through the pages, some words are in bold and some are in italic. They must be important. "I suppose so' I mutter. Rex barks before wandering off, I quickly catch up with him and so does Marcus, big drops of rain suddenly soaking in my skin. I'm still not used to Rex just roaming the streets and now it's raining? Great.

Tears fill my eyes. I don't where this came from but it just hits me. I'm away from my family, and Alex. Alex. He must be so worried. I stop walking and stand in the streets, rain surrounding me. Marcus bumps into me and rapidly turns me around so I face him, my hands are covering my face but my shaking shoulders make it obvious I'm crying. Marcus holds my shoulders and swipes his thumbs on them repeatedly.

"Nova" he says in a soft voice, yet I keep crying. I'm with a stranger. Will I ever see my family again? "Nova, look at me" he demands yet his tone is caring. I shake my head, I'm in such a state.  Marcus drags my hands off my face and I look at him, his hair is dripping and his skin is absorbing the water. "I know, Nova. I know" he coos. I shake my head frantically, trying to spill the words out. "No, no you don't, Marcus" I sob.

He relaxes his grip on me, "I'm not used to this world, I don't know anyone and I'm supposed to be getting married in a month. What if she ruins it for me, Marcus?" I explain. As soon as I said her name he dug his nails into me, I'm surprised he didn't break the skin. "Nova. Whatever happens, don't blame her" he demanded. An unwelcoming burst of liquid ran through my veins, causing goosebumps on my arms.

"No, Marcus. I will blame her if she does something and I don't end up with Alex" I said in icy tone back to him. He stood up straight and took his hands off me, "she's a good person, Nova. She won't ruin anything unless it's your doing". His words came out sharp, and he knew he shouldn't have said that. 

I gasped, unable to find the words. "No, Nova. I didn't mean-" he muttered but I couldn't hear the rest. I ran, I don't know where I'm going. I pass Rex, this isn't where Marcus lives.  He barks excitedly and follows me, "No, Rex! Go!" I shout but he doesn't listen. I collapse onto the wet road and the gravel sticks to my knees, I wrap my arms around the dog and kiss him on the head, "Go find Marcus" I command. Rex listens straight away and runs back, which I am thankful for. I can't be dealing with a wet dog at my house.

I carry on running down the road until I bump into someone, I fall back but he catches me, his 6ft 2 frame, towering over me. "Maya. Where have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you!" He informs me. Jacob. "Please, Jacob. Take me home" I plead. He nods intensely and grabs my wrist, leading me to our house. I hope mum's asleep. One argument is enough for one night.