Black Rose

Chapter 3

The front door opened, surprising us both. We looked up when Alice stiffened, seeing three people angling towards us a forth still at the counter, ordering.

I grimaced when I recognized tall girls in designer tank tops and short shorts as the Darrow threesomes: Amy, Bethany, and Candy. Esther was at the counter paying for everything as usual.

The Darrow sisters hung with the popular girls. Nice on the surface, but I tried to be a popular girl at my old school long enough to know that surface was often just that. They usually seduce most of the people in school and lure them to the club they founded. Although after some time, Alphonse knew about the club and immediately closed it down. I didn’t even feel sorry at all.

Esther seemed nice enough, but I had a feeling they let her hang with them because she puts up to their abuse, wanting to belong. It sickens me watching her pay for everything.

“Hello girls!” Amy said cheerfully as she cocked her hip and put one hand flat on the table, “A pleasant day to you, Angela dear.”

Peered, Alice scooted into the corner of the booth.

I gave her a sour look and replied, “Oh, a pleasant day to you as well, Amy dear. How are you? I am awfully relieved that my recent actions haven’t left any scars on your frame.”

“Oh?” Amy sat, “You’re the one who started it.”

“Did I? I apologize. I did not expect vampires to have moldy and rotten brains since they are, of course, dead.” I said, and Alice was getting red after overhearing our conversation.

Bethany scoffed, picking up one of my food and placing it in her mouth while Candy fumed. I already knew she didn’t like me one bit but what she hates the most is having her race insulted, especially in public.

Alice sat uncomfortably, slightly cowering beside me and whispered, “Angie, I think it would be wise if we leave.”

I laughed, “Are you serious, Alice? That’s not my style and you know that. I’m not turning my backs from prostitutes.”

Candy’s eyes shifted from blue to blood-red, “Dear Angela, I do hope you are not forgetting that demons are creatures of desire, deceit, lies, and of course, lust.”

I couldn’t contain my amusement and laughed again, “Desire, deceit, and lies are perhaps true, but lust? You must be referring to those mongrels that walk in the city. Also, dear, doesn’t lust clearly define your people? By ‘your people’ I mean you and your sisters.”

Their faces turned bleak red with humiliation as the students that overheard us laughed their backs off. “Ha!” I grinned, “Now look who’s the MEG’s now!”

It sounded innocuous, but I exclaimed using my thick British accent. MEG—Most Embarrassing Guy or Gal.

Bethany leaned forward with her hand flat on the table, “You didn’t,” she glared.

I smiled and met her eyes, “I just did.”

Amy’s eyes narrowed, “Bold move, Angela Leroux. You’ll pay for that.” Esther was clearly uncomfortable as she messed with her iced coffee.

In a quick motion, Amy shoved her feet into Bethany to make her move so she could get out. “Later, Angela,” Bethany said as she, Candy, and Amy stalked off.

Esther gave me an uneasy look and stood (since when did she sat down?). Amy mocked, “Bye Alice,” scaring my poor angel bestie as they waited by the door.

I knew my expression was ugly as Esther followed Bethany to the door. Alice exhaled, and then whispered, “Angie, why do you always pick fights with those three? Is it really necessary?”

I rolled my eyes. “Please, you’re not my mom.”

Then she stared at me, “I’m serious, Angela.”

I huffed, “What do you want me to do, then? You expect me to just let them do as they please and lure people again to their god forsaken haven that keeps students their menu for dinner, dessert, and midnight snacks? You know what those three are capable of, Alice. I may not have the right to say this, but enough is enough. They should be satisfied with what this institution gives them just as we are satisfied with what we receive. They need to learn how to be content, Alice, and that’s final.”