Always

Chapter Seventeen

** 3 months later **

Beep beep beep! Slap! My hand slowly falls from my alarm clock as it reads 6AM, a groan makes its way through my lips. "Ugh. I hate Mondays" I grumble to myself as I sit up. I rub my eyes and yawn, taking in my room around me. Clothes littered the floor and I honestly didn't know where my desk went. I think it's the huge pile of clothes in the corner but I can't be sure. I used to be such a perfectionist, my closet so organized it was color coated, but I guess I just got lazy. I stood and stretched, my ankles cracking as I stood on my tip toes in my Mickey Mouse shorts and tank top. My hair was a nest of ugliness. I definitely needed a shower. I headed towards my bathroom and remembered. My hot water got turned off because I didn't pay my bills on time. I guess that's what happens when you get kidnapped by a Norse God.

I felt a pang in my chest as I thought back to my days with him. I couldn't even say his name let alone think about it. I tried to keep myself as busy as possible, but I couldn't escape him. I felt myself looking for his mischievous smirk in crowds, and waiting to wake back up in his palace. I knew I was being stupid. I mean, he kidnapped me. Took me away from everyone and everything I ever knew. I know that. I'm an idiot, because I fell for him and now I'll never see him again.

In the shower I did my regular routines, used my lavender shampoo and my winter wonderland body wash. The water was freezing cold but I was numb and while my body was freezing, I felt only comfort in the cold. Tears stung my eyes as the cold regretfully brought back memories of him. Nothing's been the same since I got back. One moment I was with Loki and the next I was waking up in my bed, like it was all a dream. But I know it wasn't. My family and friends don't seem to remember my absence, or when he first came to New York. I guess he just used his magic to make them forget. I know it happened though, it wasn't all a dream. I remember his face as clearly as I see myself. I remember his laugh, his annoying but handsome smirk, and his lips on mine. I remember everything.

Once out of the shower I quickly threw my jeans and Beatles t-shirt on from the floor and rushed back into the bathroom to brush my teeth. I didn't bother with make up anymore, I didn't feel the need to impress anyone. After a quick blow dry and brush with my hair I grabbed my purse and dashed out of my apartment, snatching my coat on the way out. It was two weeks until Christmas and snow coated the streets. I hated winter personally. The snow is cold and wet, my nose is always runny, and cute cozy couples are everywhere. It's like they stay in all year and only come out when it's cold so they can show the world they have someone to cuddle with when the nights are below zero. But most of all I hated it because the cold tortured me with memories of Loki. He was a frost giant so of course he was cold, but his cold was comforting. This frigid air was just taunting and always nipping painfully at my skin.

I headed in to Starbucks with the cold wind biting at my heels. Jeremy smiled at me widely. Ever since I got back he's been paying special attention to me. Doing things like paying for my coffee randomly, buying me an extra scone, or just flirting. It's not that I don't notice, I honestly am just not interested. I mean, Jeremy's a good guy. Probably a great guy for me. He's strong, kind, and very attractive. Jeremy's just not him. I try not to lead Jeremy on and I've let him know I don't have feelings for him, but he won't stop. After he playfully argues about paying for my drink I finally stuff a ten in his shirt and leave, my smile fading. I called out a goodbye and I wave. I felt guilty but it needed to be done because I was going to be late for work.

I practically ran back toward my store, almost slipping on the ice about five times. The cozy couples parked on the benches or sipping tea at tables laughed at my clumsiness, but I didn't care. The store was the only thing really holding me together. Ivy rarely called anymore, she hooked up with some guy over the summer and I wasn't interested in the third wheel option if we all hung out. Once I had my store in sight a calming sensation went over me, taking out my negativity with every breath. I jiggled the key in the slot to get in and the smell of old books and sage hit me like a ton of bricks. I smiled to myself and sighed, whispering "Finally". I dropped my purse behind the counter and strolled around the store, beginning to organize. My store opened at nine and it was 8:30, but I still needed to organize and clean before my 'open' sign could go up. Even if everything else in my life was broken, my store kept me sane. It was the only thing that made me happy anymore, which was really pathetic. Well for a twenty-four year old I was really living the dream.

After putting my broom away and placing the last book back I turned my sign to 'open' with a smile on my face. I peered outside and I couldn't help but look for him. There's that nagging hope inside me that always says 'What if?'. It's annoying and I hate it, but I do hope. Every time my bell rings telling me someone's entered the store I pray it's him, and every time I'm heartbroken when its not. Why would he come back anyways? I mean I clearly didn't mean much if he sent me away like that. I was angry at him but of course that wasn't my strongest feeling towards him. Why would he come back and visit a stupid mortal? I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. He gets me so worked up every minute of every day, and I bet he doesn't even realize it. Or he does and he's laughing at me, that's entirely possible.

No matter what happens though, I know I'll always miss him. I'll forever be searching for his face and dream about him in my sleep. I'll put on fake smiles and tell my family how happy I am when deep down my heart's breaking. I even watch the news every night, hoping to hear of the evil brother of Thor coming back. But I've heard nothing of the Avengers since he attacked New York the first time. I wonder what he's doing and if he's checked up on me, but I highly doubt it. After all, I'm just a human who fell in love with a Norse God.

*****

Hey guys! Sorry I took so long, you know I got school, dance, all that fun stuff. Been super busy! This isn't one of my best chapters, but I just wanted to give you something to read. Hey so if you want you can follow me on twitter @LeprachaunKid if you want :) OH I KNOW! Here's a crazy thought! Comment or vote? Or become a fan? I won't bite or anything... I swear! Tell me how I'm doing! Got any ideas for the story? I'd love to hear them!

Anyways I love every person that took their time to read my story, I really REALLY appreciate it :) thanks everyone! Hopefully a quicker update next time but I make no promises :P