Aurora the Goddess in Disguise *Newer*

Chapter 7

Lost Boy

I walked into the kitchen to find mother making waffles.

"Why so many?" I asked as I sat on the dinner table.

"I'm celebrating of course!" She twirled. "Someone actually fell in love with my little girl!"

The memory of my death flashed into my mind. "Yeah... someone actually..." I sighed.

"Oh, darling. I know the last relationship wasn't that... real... but someone noticed the beautiful girl you are!" She laughed ignoring the fact that she is burning the waffles. "Honey, the last relationship you were in got you killed. The guy was a murder. But this time an actual person fell for you!" 

She said that so casually.

"Mother, you should know what predicament I'm in. I can't fall in love. I don't have much time left." I looked down at the burnt waffle mother passed me.

"How much time do you have left?" Mother looked at me with sadness in her eyes.

"One or two months." I took a bite of the waffle and kept myself from gagging. So bitter.

"That isn't very long..."

We sat in silence for a short while.

"Um... say, tell me more about this Carlos! And the other two of course... but mostly Carlos!" She clapped in excitement and sat down beside me.

I giggled. "Okay, Carlos has a depressing past. His father was killed right in front of him. At a young age even." 

"Oh dear!" Mother nodded.

"But last night, at the party, I seemed to have made him smile for the first time after his father's death." I smiled at the memory of our lips touching.

"Darling, you are just perfect for him!" She clapped her hands and laughed.

My smile faded. "Mother, what is the point? You should know humans never live twice. Even if I wanted to... there will be dire consequences."

"Like what, my dear?" Mother asked.

"You would have to be a sacrifice. I would be your replacement. Something like that." I closed my eyes and pushed away my empty plate.

Mother sighed. "I know. I'm sorry."

"There is nothing to apologize for, mom."

"I know, love. Now, get going! You don't want to be late!" She smiled.

I nodded and stood up. "See you later, mother!" I picked up my book and ran out the door.

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After work, I went to the park hoping to find the helpless. I closed my eyes and exhaled. Positive energy roamed the air but I could sense faint negativity. I opened my eyes and looked around. I walked past the playground. Nothing. I walked to the restrooms. Nothing as well. I then walked to the forest entrance. The negativity grew stronger the deeper I walked into the forest.

I walked deeper to see a small clearing with a river. The river didn't rush. Instead, it was steady and slow. To my right, I could see a small eight-year-old boy sitting on the edge. He sat staring into the water. I walked towards him.

"Go away!" He yelled as he moved away.

"May I sit?" I asked softly.

"No, I don't want you to sit!" He huffed.