Ephemeral

➵ A New Friend

11 year old Nevah

Biting my lower lip, I eyed the employee, most likely the manager, of the grocery store. Inching my hand towards the big red apple, I quickly snatched it and stuffed it into my oversized hoodie pocket. Walking past the people as stealthy as possible, I headed out of the store.

Don't see me. Don't see me.

"Hey! You! I saw that!" Someone yelled.

And they saw me. Way to go Nev.

"Sir! She stole an apple!"

"It's just an apple." I grumbeld, rushing out of the store.

"Wait!"

"No thank you!" I called back. The customers jumbled out profanities and phrases at me.

I ignored them and ran. The employee chased after me. Zig zagging through the people and cars in the parking lot, I looked over my shoulder. Mr. Employee was a couple of feet behind me, sweat already glistening on his forehead.

Breathing hard, I ran past a corner with a cheeky smile on my face. The older man waved his fist at me.

"I'll call the police on you kid! Just you wait!"

"That's what they all say!" I shouted back, sending him a grin over my shoulder. Shoving past the street of L.A., I did my best to try and blend in. I slowed down into a walk once I knew I was in the clear.

Smiling, I fished out the apple and took a bite. People ignored me as I walked past them munching on the fruit. Stopping at the end of the side walk, I waited for the cars to pass by. Looking both ways, I jogged across the street.

I started to make my way towards my alley, occasionaly checking behind me to see if I was being followed. Being on the street for two years stalked by monsters can leave a young girl paranoid.

At first, I saw nothing out of the ordinary. That was until I saw the dirty blonde hair man make eye contact with me. Fear flooded through my veins. His eyebrows furrowed and he picked up his pace. He started to polietly move past people.

Glancing down at my half eaten apple, I debated if I should save it or throw it at the man. My stomach growled in protest. Biting my lip, I shoved the apple back into my pocket and started to run. I passed my alley and decided to run in the direction of the Los Angeles River.

The man started to jog after me. Pushing away my fears, I sprinted towards the river. All I had to do was jump in and swim to the bottom. He wouldn't follow me.

"Wait, kid! Hey! Stop! Be careful! There's a river!" The man called out, picking up his speed. He was only inches behind me. I could hear his feet stomping the concrete.

Pushing past my limits, I ran faster. Almost there. A smile spread across my lips as I felt the familiar peace and pull of the water. I neared the edge and jumped.

Suddenly, arms wrapped around my waist and tugged me away from the water. I shrieked from surprise, immediately digging into my pocket for the knife. I elbowed the man in the throat. He went into a coughing fit, dropping me on the ground. Scrambling back onto my feet, I pointed my pocket knife at him.

"What do you want? Why did you follow me?" I questioned. The man was bent over, a hand touching his throat. He look up at me, shaking his head with a chuckle.

"Sorry, if I scared ya kid. That wasn't my intention. My father informed me of a demigod that I needed to find and take care of. I'm assuming, you are Nevah Vis?" The man straightend hos posture.

"Who are you? Who is your father?" I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Chris Evans. My father is Apollo. You know about the Greek gods, right?"

"Sort of..." I trailed off, lowering my knife. "And what do you mean take care of me? O'm doing just fine all on my own."

"You're is ripped dirty clothing and you stole an apple." Chris perked and eyebrow and crossed his arms. "Seems to me you need some help."

"No I don't." I stubbornly replied, placing my hands on my hips. "I can survive monster attacks. I have been for a year now."

"You've been on the streets for a year?" Chris's blue eyes widened from shock. "How old are you?"

"Yes. And I'm eleven. Is there a problem?" I sassily said.

"Are you from around here? I haven't seen you around before."

"I was from Texas." I shrugged, flipping my pocket knife closed. "But I go to city to city to run away from monsters and keep them off of my tracks."

"What if..." Chris bit his lip. "What if you lived with me?"

"Live with you?"

"Yeah, I mean," Chris nervously scratched the back of his head. "I'm filiming but I can also train you and stuff. I know how to fight."

"Filiming...you're an actor!?" I looked up at him with amazement. Chris smiled and nodded. "Woah! So cool!"

"I can also feed you and give you poper clothes."

"And a shower?"

"And a shower." I beamed at his reply. I love showers. I missed those the most. "So what do you say?"

"You're not gonna treat me like some charity case right?"

"No, of course not!" Chris shook his head. "We'll be like a family."

"A family?" A small smile spread across my lips. Biting my lip, I thought it over. Free food, free clothes, free showers, a roof over my head, and training. "Yeah, yeah I'd like that. I'd like that very much."

"Well, come on Nevah. Let's go home." Chris reached out his hand and I grasped it. He sent me a smiled and I grinned.

**not edited. Hope you guys liked this! Thought I gave yall a peak on how Chris and Nevah met!

Now, just to let yall knoe that with the third book being a Marvel crossover this is gonna be a huge thing:)

I might put up some more bonus chapters about these two when Nevah lived with him. I'll leave that up to you guys:)

much love,
Lux xx