The Mermaid Mate

Chapter 12: Grocery Shopping

Chapter 12

She woke up a few hours later, thankfully alright.

"Wha, what happened? Where is Zale?"

"You almost died because of him and the first question you ask where he is." I said harshly. "I told you that it's a bad idea to stick around with him, but you don't listen do you? I don't want to lose you too." I whispered the last part at the thought of losing my sister.

She moved over from her corner of the bed to come over and hug me. "I'm sorry Styx."

"Are you feeling better? We should get you checked" I asked worried that she might be feeling unwell or in pain.

Aphrodite's POV

"No actually, I feel better than I ever have been. I feel great." I smiled reassuringly at my brother and he gave me a confused look. "I don't exactly know what happened, but while I was asleep, or unconscious" I said unsure "I saw mom, and she spoke to me." I said barely above a whisper. Styx gently put his hand over mine, gesturing me to continue. "She said we're in danger and that having a mate is safer for the both of us. She says Zale is powerful but I'm not sure what she meant by that. I don't know if this was a dream or it was really her speaking to me but it felt so..so..real" I said with tears brimming my eyes. I missed mom and I was so scared. "Today's accident was my fault y'know. We were on his bike and I refused to wrap my arms around him although it was safer. When I tried to, I lost my balance and fell off the bike. It's really not his fault Styx."

"Why are you defending that brat?"

"Because, it's the truth. I don't know what he told you but he's probably blaming himself too. It was an accident, and besides, I'm alright now. Whatever he did, it saved me."

"alright Dime. Please go to sleep now alright, you have school tomorrow. Skip if you don't feel well okay." and with that he left the room.

I cuddled underneath my covers and I cried. I missed my parents. I'm making people worry about me by almost getting myself killed. People are still after us. I was scared but I wasn't going to let anyone know. I will do what I have to do to protect my brother.

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I've decided not to go to school today, not because I wasn't feeling well, but because I need time to think things through. What exactly happened yesterday after I blacked out? I almost died? But I'm fine now aren't I? Urgh questions questions and I need them answered. I tried to block out all of my thoughts by listening to songs and playing some games on my phone which didn't seem to help the situation at all. Since I'm at home I should make myself of proper use. I decided I was going to cook dinner for when my brother comes back. I love cooking and I love to try out new things. I haven't had the opportunity to cook in a while so I might be rusty. I looked up some delicious recipes on the internet and decided to make mashed potatoes with grilled salmon in pesto sauce. I hope this turns out good. 

I made my way to the grocery store to purchase some of the ingredients I needed. I could feel a strange presence behind me which I ignored. There's nothing to worry about Dite, just get to the grocery store where there are others. He should be gone by then. I quickly made my way to the grocery store which fortunately was just around the corner. I could still feel him following me. Shit. I walked into an aisle where there was a mirror at the corner which allowed me to get a closer look of him. I pretended to get some stuff while sneaking glances at the mirror. I could see the man slowly approaching me. He is in his mid-forties and had an unkempt look. I would be lying if I say I'm not panicking. I am freaking out! I took my groceries and rushed to the counter to pay. I scanned the area checking where the man was. He was no-where in sight. Phew. I thought. I thought too early because once I walked out of the grocery store someone grabbed my arm roughly. It was him. I screamed and I instantly regretted it. I expected the man to raise his hands up to his ears in pain as I remembered Zale and Styx, but he was unaffected.

"Would you stop screaming woman?!" his voice was gruff and intimidating.

"I saw you leave your house, move out before it's too late." And with that he left.What was that supposed to mean?  I wasn't sure if he was threatening me or warning me. He could have meant anything. I ran home as fast as I could despite the threat of the man. I needed to get into the safety of my home. I tried to push away the events at the grocery store by preparing the salmon and mashed potatoes but to no avail. I prepared the dish and sat at the dining area waiting for my brother.

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Styx POV

"I'm home" I said as I entered the house expecting to see my sister chilling out or watching some television but instead she ran towards me, embraced me and began bawling her eyes out.

"What's wrong baby sis? Did that bastard come here and do something to you? I swear I am going to-"

"No..no" she said as she continued wailing. I cooed her and rubbed her back until she calmed down. "I made dinner for you" she sniffled and looking up at me with her teary eyes. I couldn't help but smile. I sat down opposite from her at the dining table.

"So what happened?" I said as I reached out my hand to hold hers for reassurance.

"I'm scared Styx. I think we should join Zale's pack" She said as another tear slid down her face.