Children of the Sea

Chapter 7

 Angel opened the passenger door to a fancy black car and motioned for me to climb in. I stared at him in silence for a few seconds before I sat down. He slammed the door shut and then climbed into his own seat. I watched as he dug through his pockets for a moment before he pulled out a keychain. He started the car and glanced at me before speeding off, out of the parking lot.

His driving reminded me of Willow's except it was a bit more controlled. I actually felt safer in his car than hers and I'm pretty sure Angel hates me. After all, going with him could have been a trap. I noticed that I had thought of it too late we were already speeding off into town already.

The car was silent besides the engine revving as he drove. I stared out the window, watching the trees, hills, and flowers. I felt that it would have been much more serene if it all hadn't disappeared behind me so quick. There was one thing that I was able to make out, however. A wooden, dated sign that read "Welcome to Bernfield."

The bell to the dinner rung loudly as Angel pulled the door open. To my surprise, he waited for me to go first. I mumbled a reply before walking in and then waiting for him. He then walked to a booth in the corner and I followed along in complete silence, too shy to say anything.

"Jeez. Do you even have a voice box?" He said, clearly poking fun at my silence.

"Y-Yes. I do... Maybe I don't want to talk to you." I spoke softly, staring at the table.

He paused a moment before nodding a bit. "Fair enough."

"Good day, Angel." A waitress says as she approached and gave us a friendly smile. "Who's this?"

"No one important. Just a new girl." He said in a monotone voice.

My lips pursed into a pout as I looked down. The waitress shook her head in disappointment, muttering to herself.

"You don't know how to treat a girl properly. No wonder you are single." He sighed.

"I'm single because I want to be. Girls are clingy and annoying. The only one not like that is this one and she's basically a mute sheep."

"I-I'm sitting right here," I whined.

"Yeah, Angel. Be nice. Now. What can I get you, Hun?" She turned to me, saying in a chipper voice.

I paused a moment, not sure on what I actually wanted. Angel focused his glare on me and I looked down at my lap quickly. He sure was intimidating.

"I-I guess a salad... hold the tomatoes. Please." I mumbled, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

"Alright." She nodded a bit, her face close to a notepad that she scribbles on.

"I'll take my usual," Angel speaks up.

She gave him a bit of a look that I couldn't really recognize the meaning of as she walked off. I stared a moment before glancing at Angel. He stares at me and I stare at him. It was so silent between us I could hear the clock behind him ticking away. Every click made my heart jump as his green eyes drilled into mine.

I turned my head a little too quick and gazed out the window. The silence was painful. I searched my brain for something to talk about and found nothing really. So I picked something random.

"Where did that trail lead to?" I asked quietly.

Angel raised an eyebrow. "The trail? That leads to an old barn."

"An old barn? Why is their a trail there?" I questioned.

"Students aren't allowed to drink or smoke on campus so that's where they go." He groaned as he explained it to me.

"Wait... Why were you on that trail?" I furrowed my brows.

"Why do you ask so many questions?" He hissed.

I fell silent for a few moments, just staring at him before I looked down. It would be a lie if I said I didn't think he was a major jerk. I heard a frustrated sigh from Angel. Slowly, I glanced up at him.

"You should talk more. It would make you less boring." He growled.

I didn't say anything though. I didn't want to talk to him if he wasn't going to be nice. That earned another frustrated sigh from him. He harshly set his head in the palm of his hand and leaned on it, staring out the windows into the busy street.

After a few, tense, silent minutes the waitress showed up again, carrying two plates. She set them on the table, before going off to serve other customers. My salad looked a bit bland, but Angel's plate of biscuits and gravy looked absolutely mouth watering.

I took my fork and began gently stabbing at my salad, but for some reason, I was unsuccessful at picking up any of the ranch covered leaves. I tried over and over, but still failed. Not in the mood to deal with it, I pushed the plate away and laid my head on the table, using my thin arms as pillows. I let out a soft sigh and closed my eyes.