LONLEY ANGELS

8 - WELCOME BACK?

I never liked to explore new towns, especially not in this case. I mean, no one would ever believe all these stories. Not even a drunk person. Why would they?

But anyway. The four of us have been walking around this creepy town for over an hour or so. And it freaks me out that these people have never stepped a foot out of this town. It has no name. They have no contact with the outside world, it's too dangerous. Even for someone so well protected. But as far as we found out, they don't see the road or Cassie's ghost as gifts or blessings. But they agree it's a great way of protecting their legacies. Some people gave me a strange look, and that felt... for me, cringe. But someone stopped me and decided to chat with me.

"Well, I could've sworn the daughter of Samantha was gonna be the first one to cross the road in decades. You look... Just like your mother, Katherine Ash." The way she spoke was scaring me.

"Did you, um, know my mom?" I decided to ask her.

"Of course. She came here all the time. I was, well, a very important person to her. At least I like to think so. Cross the forest to reach her house. Go at night, and you'll see where your mother used to hide when Antonio was being a moron." The lady told me.

"At night? Into a forest? Isn't it... dangerous?" I ask her.

"Oh don't worry darling. You crossed the killing road. The forest will be nothing for you. But I doubt your friends will be fine. They are not... like you." She said.

"What?" I burst out.

"Welcome back, Samantha!" A guy comes toward us.

"Excuse me? My name is Katherine. Leave my mom alone, you ugly man!" I say back.

"Well, you're just like your mother. A man

ater. She despised men, besides me. I was the only one she agreed to like. I'm Henry Bloom. Nice to meet you." He said, flashing a bright smile.

"I'm not pleased to meet you, though." I say careless. "I'm gonna wait here until Julie finishes shopping, then leave. You people are crazy." I finish my sentences, then ignore them. They seem irritated by my actions, but Julie comes out of the shop with the boys. We leave, returning to the small hotel. Apparently, they didn't have any visitors in the past twenty years. Cool, right?

"You talked to Henry Bloom?" Julie asked me.

"I...guess. I don't like him, though. He's very manish." I replied.

"Manish? Really? He was an important royal son of a mighty king. He was one of his most beautiful sons, but when Cassie was killed, he was trapped behind. Everyone knows these stories. We studied them before bringing you here. Of course we don't know everything... but we are trying. Enough so we could guide you, help you." She says.

"I studied music, by the way!" Jack talks to me, and Theo holds back a laugh.

"Music? Wait, you have music here?" I ask, as shocked as I sounded.

"Well, duh. We would've long dead without Nicky and her goddamn music." he adds proudly.

"Ignore Jack. He's a bit cranky." Julie says. "Lauren has been into this sort of music that you like. Kpop."

"You're joking?"

"Um...No?"

"I think I might leave you for Lauren." I say.

"No, you won't." She disagrees.

I was right though. Me and Lauren have a lot in common. Not just music types. But also types in men. Proud and annoying. Ugh, anyway. The rest of the day we spent it watching Jack's presentation about Nicky Minaj. He had so much fun. And I have to admit, he knew a lot for a dream dude. We sang karaoke together, had super big fun. After all, a lot of crazy things are going to happen. At least we deserve a bit of fun.

That night we stayed awake, because if we slept... Anyway, you get the idea. Me and Theo had time to get to know each other. We talked. About us, about our lives and everything we like. I felt really happy and good to be able to talk to him. He told me it was ok, and that I could take as much time as I needed. The morning came and Jack greeted us. He smiled brightly, as always, then finished eating. So did we.

"The city needs us! Let's go pookie!" he said to Julie, kissed her then got out, and we followed.