The Fray

Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

It was him. Of course, it was him. Who else could possibly show up at such an inconvenient time as this?

Agathon had my wrist in a tight grasp as he dragged me towards the nearest tree. I was shoved up against the harsh bark, the flimsy material of my dress providing no defence against the rough edges of the wood. He always did know how to make a bad situation worse.

"For a few seconds there, it looked like you were in real trouble. However, now that I see what you're wearing, or rather what you're not; clothes, I'm afraid I walked into something else entirely," he mused in his usual mocking voice. "Have times really gotten that tough, little human? You're covered in dirt and sweat as well. If my charge is going to be a prostitute then she's going to be top dollar, let's go fix you up. This is just embarrassing."

It really does just get worse and worse and worse with him. I slapped his hand away, unimpressed, before he could lead me back to the house and continue the charade of innocence. Agathon raised his dark eyebrow, amusement dancing around his silver eyes.

"Oh how perfectly gallant of you to come to my rescue after I leave the place full of what could have been sadistic murderers. Thanks."

Agathon flinched slightly from my hostile tone before smoothly recovering to his natural proud stance.

"I was coming, you know, you can't just click your fingers and look this good. It's achieved with time." His tone was clipped, barely containing his anger.

It took everything in me to refrain from hitting him. My nails dug painfully into the palms of my hands as I held them in tight fists, pressing forcefully against my sides. The only incident he's ever shown up on time for was when an ice-cream machine exploded on me and that was just to point and laugh.

I desperately searched his face for any signs of remorse or feeling but yet again it proved to be pointless. His skin glowed with a pale light as all angels' did, allowing me to make out the same nonchalant expression. My shoulders sagged in defeat.

"I hereby set you free from your duties as my guardian," I shrugged, fighting to keep my features just as blank as his.

Agathon chuckled. "I'm not a bird you know, despite the gorgeous set of wings, you can't just release me. If anything, you're the pet in this situation."

"Oh, oh really. I'm the pet, how?"

"Oh I don't know, because you're an idiot."

"Oh yeah, at least I don't go around crapping on people's heads."

"I'm not a bird!"

"Well, you stink like one!"

"What? Do you just go around sniffing birds all day, you little creep?"

We were both breathing hard, holding back from continuing our usual bickering. There were times that I admired the angel's handsome face with its square jaw, straight nose and alluring lips but right now all I wanted to do was claw him to shreds. His beauty was the most deceptive thing about him. My clenched fists once again trembled with the need to violently strike.

Reality finally decided to hit me. It was nearly five in the morning, I abandoned my parents and there could be a killer not far behind. Accepting the fact that Agathon will never be of any use, I stumbled blindly through the grove. Fallen braches and little stones attacked my bare feet, causing me to hiss out loudly in agony every two seconds. The soft flapping of wings that followed behind would appear perfectly innocent to any spectators but, in actuality, the fiend was laughing at my pain.  Typical.