Saving the Beast

Chapter one

"Get up!" I heard my mother holler, I groaned ask rolled myself out of bed. Checking my clock it stared the time was eight o'clock in the morning. Pulling open my closet I picked a pair of blue jean shorts and a yellow shirt.

Slumping down stairs I was greeted with a array of smiles. "Good morning!" My oldest sister said, "Do you know what today is?" I rolled my eyes, "Saturday?"

She scowled as my triple sisters laughed. "I'm joking. Happy birthday Mary." She beamed and ran to give me a hug. "Allegra! " I sighed making my way to a frazzled Mom.

"Yes?" "Can you runs some errands for me? " "Sure, what do you need." She sighed with relief, "Eggs, butter, strawberries, milk, and on right flour." I raised an eyebrow.

"Please. It's for your sisters cake." I put my hands up and stepped backwards. At least this gives me a chance to return the book I just finished. Before leaving I rushed upstairs to grab the book and a bag.

Closing the front door behind me I made my way to the town. There were no big stores in this little town of ours, just stands with products fresh every day. It was nice I have to admit, but little town means nothing new ever happens.

I chuckle as I recited the list in my head. Let's see, better return the book first then I should go grab the strawberries. "Good morning Allegra!" I turned to see the candle maker.

"Good morning Mr.Long, are you ok? You seem quite frazzled." "No, no, ah! I was just looking for this." He stated holding up a long tool of string. "Where are you off to?" I held up my book, "I have to return this book I borrowed, its about lovers meeting in Paris." He shook his head, "Sound absolutely boring." Shrugging I turned around.

"To each ones own." I muttered turning the corner, and smiled as the library came into view. "Allegra, nice to see practically the only book worm in town again. Did you enjoy the book? " placing it in Mr.Carson's hands I was practically beaming.

"Amazing! I couldn't put it down! Do you have any new adventures?" He shook his head, "No, but you are welcome to read any of the others." My fingers ran over the leather covers. "I'll take this one."

He laughs, " This one, really? You've already read it three times!" "It is one of my favorites. The plot just pulls you in!" "I would hope so. Have a wonderful day and stay safe!" He waves as I stepped out of the shop into a crowd of people hustling about. I guess i didn't beat the morning rush.

Oh well.

Bitting my lip I slipped around the people to the fruit stand, giving the stand owner a smile before picking up a basket of berries. Handing back my purchased I noticed a single orange on top.

Looking up the man winked before turning to the next person, blushing I turned away. As I did I noticed Gabe and Lewis talking in the distance. "Look at her! She doesn't even know how lucky she is!" Gabe shouted as Lewis winced.

"And why is she so lucky?" "Why Lewis today is the day I will ask her out!" Lewis rolled his eyes, "Well...." "Well what." Lewis put his hands together, "Its just Allegra is known for being extremely well read and your..... more athletically inclined."

He thought for a movement, "Your right, but I've been missing something in my love life after all the others and she's got it! What would you call it?" Lewis rolled his eyes, "I think the correct word is sanity." He muttered as Gabe leaned next to him, "I don't understand what you meant by that, but she is also the only girl that hasn't made a complete fool of herself trying to get my attention." Gabe gestured to the other women around them.

Many were hiding or showing off some part of their body, turning Lewis saw Gabe walking toward Allegra. "Wait! What if I talk to her first. I've known her longer after all. I could talk you up to her and then you can swoop in with a date request." He thought for a moment and answered, "That's a great idea! Go!" I looked up to noticed Gabe pushing Lewis towards me.

"Hey Allegra." I smiled, "Hey Lewis, what's up?" "Um I have some bad news."I cupped my hands over my mouth, "You didn't fail your Act test did you? You worked so hard...." I began to trail off, but suddenly he cut me off.

"No! I got the score I wanted." I sighed, "You scared me, don't do that to me!" "Sorry i didn't mean to startle you, also the bad news is um. Gabe wants to ask you out." I stared at him looking for any form of sarcasm, but I found none.

"Your kidding right? You know I will never date him!" He shrugged, "I know that and you know that, but he doesn't. " I clutched my bag tighter, I can't date that jerk! He treats women like they're some sort of prey!

"I came over here to warn you, but he's walking over." I groaned as we turned to see a very smug Gabe walking in our direction. He placed his arm on my shoulders, and smirked. "So what do you say? I'll pick you up around seven."

I gave a small smile before removing his arm. "Thank you for the offer, I don't know what to say." He leaned closer to me putting his arm around my waist. "It's simple really just say yes."

Grimacing I removed his arm once again. "You are right it's simple answer and it's no." He raised an eyebrow, "No?" He asked in shock. "Look Gabe I prefer books and you prefer to run around and you know hunt? We could never make each other happy. Not ever."

I began to walk away as i did i heard Lewis approach him, "So. That was a bust. What do you say, on to the next one?" Gabe gave out a laugh before turning to him, "No this is only the beginning my friend! Don't you know that the sweetest prey are always the hardest ones to catch?" I internally groaned hearing his words.

What's a girl got to do to be left alone?