The Dragon's Heart

Chapter 6

     Soph's time at the animal shelter was either taken up by customers looking for animals to adopt, cleaning, or Anthony smiling at her then going around messing with the animals. She walks over as Anthony plays with a small Boa Constrictor.
     "Anthony, please. I like helping out here. Don't get me banned." She says with slightly sad eyes. Anthony nods and put the snake back.
     "I'm sorry Soph. I didn't mean to be a bother." He holds his hands behind his back and bows. "Please forgive me." She slightly blushes and looks around to make sure no one is looking.
     "Okay okay I forgive you. Just stop doing that." Anthony stands back up.
     "Doing what?" He looks at her confused.
     "The whole, 'Forgive me please!' thing! It's embarrassing!" Anthony begins to do it again, but quickly catches himself.
     "My apologies." He resumes walking around the reptiles and mammals housed in the animal shelter. Soph sighs and rubs her forehead.
     "This guy is insane. And how does he know my name? I don't even know his." She stares at him as he walks and looks around. She shakes her head then the manager of the animal shelter walks over with a smile. The older man was always sweet to Soph and he was like a second father to Soph. Everyone that knew him called him Pops. If he wasn't a second father to you, he acted like your grandpa.
     "Thank you again as usual Soph. You are such an amazing person." She smiles.
     "Of course. You know I'm always happy to help Pops." She smiles and hugs him. "Alright. I need to get going. My daily cardio is a must apparently." She chuckles.
     "Don't overwork yourself. Take a breath sometimes." He smiles and shakes his head as she walks to the door.
     "Breaths don't fit into my schedule Pops. You know that." She waves goodbye and Anthony follows. She runs down the sidewalk and Anthony disappears behind her. She turns to see if he's coming with her but doesn't see him following. "What? You know what... good riddance. Such a hassle. Boys are such a problems." She runs faster and finally gets to the coffee shop. Just as she grabs the front door handle she hears a voice in here ear.
     "So this is your second job?" She looks next to her to see Anthony over her shoulder. She jumps out of shock and then takes a deep breath.
     "God dammit... you scared the shit out of me!" She scolds him and glares.
     "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." He smiles.
     "Why do I think you're lying?" Anthony shrugs. "Ugh... whatever." She turns and heads inside and quickly changes. Anthony walks in and finds himself a table. The manager walks over to Soph as she comes out.
     "I'm going to call the police." He whispers to Soph.
     "What?! Why?!" She slightly yells by accident. Anthony sits up straight and looks over.
     "Shhhh!" That's the guy from the News. It looks like he's stalking you." He turns and walks quickly to his office.
     "Wait!" It's too late as she hears the phone ring. Her eyes widen and she looks at Anthony. Her heart drops and she stares at him. Anthony, oblivious to what's happening, smiles. "What am I going to do?"