The Strange Apprentice- Book One

Chapter 8

The morning of the next day, the first thing I did was look for Constantine. I found him talking to some guys:

- Mind if i speak to you in private?- every single one of this words hurt like knifes stabbing my ego.

- Good morning to you to- One of the guys in his group gave Constantine a weird look.

- Could you leave us alone for a minutes, lads?- he asked his friends.

- Yeah sure, go get her man- the guy who looked at me funny answered.

- Don't worry he is not getting any- they all started laughing including Constantine. We went to a place behind one of the buildings of the NYU, which was usually quiet, everything it was there, were just a bunch of trash cans . Before he could say a word i started talking:

- Okay John, you won. Here I am,as you said I would be. Before I regret this decision you better start talking. Who are you, and why does everytime you come near me, this happens?- I rolled up my sleeves and showed him the chicken skin on my arm.

- Wow, incredible! Turns out I am more irresistable than i thought I was!- he tried to grab my arm.

- Don't touch me, start talking, now!

- Talking? That's no fun! Why should I talk, when I can show you?- he got closer.

- I don't think I wanna see what you have to show me- he was stalling.

-Really? Not even this?- immediately after saying this, he removed his trench coat and toss it aside. He drew a pentagram on the wall with fire coming out of his bare hands.I took a few steps back, while he watched the surprise look on my face. How could I have been so blind?

- Well... this explains a lot. Is that how you knew I had a demon problem?- he nodded his head affirmatively.- And that's why you said I need you... that's why you won't leave me alone. You recognized the talisman. That's how you knew I was a sorcerer too.

- Brilliant deduction. Took you long enough tough. You might be getting slower.

- Yeah, so i've been told-I said remembering Doc's words echoing in my head- That's why you offered your services, you think I need your help to solve my problem. You're a demonologist.

-Also an exorcist and master on the dark arts, but that's beside the point. You know that wasn't such a brilliant deduction, you got one thing wrong.

- Yeah and what was it ?- He got even closer to me, dangerously close in fact, and placed his hands on my hips. I could now see the details of his face.He was taller than me, about 6 ft. No one had ever made me feel this vulnerable before. How could someone be so incredibly dangerous, but never made me feel threatened? He wasn't smiling, he actually had a serious face. Almost like he meant what he was saying. He pulled one of my blue highlights out of my face, and said:

- Magic is not the reason why I can't leave you alone, love.

-If you want to say something just say it John- I said trying to look the other way.

- I could, but what would be the fun in that?- He tried to kiss me, but I put my hands on his chest stopping him. Mostly to stop myself actually.

-What's your game here? I know you are not doing this just because of the kindness of your heart, you want something.

- You underestimate me love, I can be a real gentleman you know- he took a few steps back. He had gotten the message and didn't push it- you should have noticed that by now, but you are too busy playing hard to get. I don't mind, you look bloody gorgeous when you do that.

-Are you really expecting me to believe that?

- No I wasn't, but it was worth the shot. Well a certain amount of money would be quite rewarding. Plus I have to pay rent.

- What makes you think I have money?

- You don't, but the one who gave you that talisman certainly does.

-Well i'm sorry to tell you this but you are not getting anything. I don't associate with your kind.

- My kind?! I am a sorcerer just like you. That's racist you know.

- You are not a sorcerer, you're a con-man. Black magic it's not sorcery.

-Yes it is, is just different, more powerful in fact.

- The word you are looking forward is easier.

- Fine by me.

-Forget it Constantine, you are not getting anything from me.

- You don't exactly have a choice do you?- I shoved him against the wall and used a restraining spell that i had learned a few days ago to glue him to the wall. I got really close to his face so he could understand my message. Of course he had to comment on the matter first:
- I like where this is going love, but do you think this is the right place?- I had to control myself in order not to strangle him.

- Listen pretty boy, stay away from me and from my problems. I don't want to have anything to do with you or with your kind. A deal with a demon already screwed up my life once and i'm not making the same mistake again.- I walked away, he shouted:

- You can let me go now, I got your message.

- Use your magic, since it's so powerful- I didn't even bothered to turn around while I walked away. I had skipped most of my classes this morning ( ruining my perfect attendance but, oh well) and the next thing I did was call Doc. We should have had this conversation a long time ago, but there was nothing else I could do now. I dialed the number and he picked it up in a matter of seconds:

" Strange"

- Doc it's me, i need your help, can you meet me at the Sanctum in about 45 minutes or so?

" Okay I will see you there. Everything okay?"

- Not sure. See you.