Aurora the Goddess in Disguise *Newer*

Chapter 3

New Acquaintances 

The next morning, I headed out to work only to find that my boss went out on vacation. So much responsibility he has. 

I put down my cross-body purse on a stool as a high school boy with a girl that had one arm wrapped around his walked in.

"Hey! Hellllooo?" The girl squeezed the boy's arm tighter as she saw me. 

Just her speaking already got me annoyed with her.

I ignored her attitude and smiled. "Hi, how may I help you today?"

"I would like a Rocky Road with a chocolate chip topping." She scoffed as she checked her phone.

One of my eyebrows slightly twitched. I sighed to calm myself and smiled at the boy. He looked kind.

"I would like the Mint Chocolate Chip and Caramel Swirl. In a cup please." He grinned.

I nodded and scooped out the flavors asked. After weighing their cups and handing it to them, I told the price. They paid and walked outside to eat their ice cream on the benches.

Later on, my shift was over and I locked the ice cream place after turning the Open sign. I then walked little ways to the library. I need a book to entertain me during work. Not many customers.

I opened the entrance door and walked straight to the Fantasy and Romance novels. After a while of scanning, I found a book with all my favorite categories; Fantasy, romance, comedy, and action.

 I nodded to myself for my accomplishment and walked over to an armchair. I opened the book and started reading the first couple pages. It was only the beginning and so many things are happening at once which confused me but grabbed my attention.

"Hey, you're that girl from the ice cream shop!" 

That boy from earlier ran over to me waving.

"Shhhhhh!" The librarian hissed and glared at the boy.

I looked up at him with a relaxed face as he stood next to me. I don't mean to sound harsh but I don't want to talk to him. With that thought, I looked away from him and continued reading my book.

"Well, aren't you nice." He chuckled sarcastically. "Do you read often?" He sat in an armchair across from me and he stared at me waiting for an answer.

I didn't look away from my book. I'm just not in the mood to speak to others right now. But his stare didn't waver. So persistent! Ugh! "Yes, what about you?" I looked at him from the top of my book.

He laughed quietly in accomplishment. "Always works! I mean, of course, who doesn't?" He paused. "Uh, don't answer that." 

I guess I would've laughed when I was alive and free but right now I'm busy waiting for a sign of someone hiding in the darkness needing help. I closed my book and stood up to leave.

"Wait, can I at least get your name?" He walked up from behind me.

I sighed and turned to face him. "Aur-" I stopped. Fake name... Find a fake name! I have to make sure he doesn't see my name in his language arts book or something, knowing he is a high school student and all. I am a goddess, after all. You know, reincarnations.

"Aur- what?" 

"Ariel. My name is Ariel." I then immediately regretted the name I chose. I'm such an idiot! Why of all names do I choose my sister's?!

"Ariel... I love it! I'm Damien! Nice to meet you. See you again?" He spoke fast.

I couldn't snap out of my daze. I shouldn't have used her name but there isn't any turning back. Instead of responding to Damien in words, I slowly nodded avoiding eye contact. 

After walking out the library entrance, I went straight home and told Mother everything except....

"What did you say to him after he asked what your name was?" She looked so curious.

"A-Ariel." I waited for her eyes to slowly cloud over. They did.

Ariel along with my two brothers and father were killed in a prank accident.

"I'm sorry, Mother, I couldn't think of anything!" I could feel my eyes begin to cloud over as well.

"It's okay, dear. I think I need some rest. Good night, my love." She stood up and went into her room. 

I stared down at my hands which carry no warmth which results in its pale appearance. Even as a God or Goddess you can still feel the emotions you felt during death. I felt incredibly sad that I won't be able to see Mother anymore but I was happy that I could see everyone else. A blend of emotions, I would say.

Sadly, I couldn't join them because I am the reincarnation of the previous Goddess Alile of Happiness. I closed my eyes. Sometimes I ask myself, "why me of all people?" But the answer to that is, me, the reincarnation of the Goddess Alile, is too kind for my own good, as my father would say.

Even in times like this when I'm doubting and angry at myself, I kept the promise I made to my dad. Revenge isn't the answer... always listen to how you feel and always show a smile.

I then stood up and walked into my room. I crawled into bed and closed my eyes. I repeated the words, "Always keep a smile and never a frown."