The Devil in Me

Chapter 10

I hummed a tune to myself as I walked back home on the street of Fortuna. I had just finished a shift at work and was excited to prepare a new meal for everyone. Lady and Trish were planning to stop by again today after a whole week of not seeing them, I missed their presence around the shop, so did Alfie. Dante, not so much.

I looked up at the bright blue sunny sky as the sun shined down yet didn't warm me up against the cold fall air. I scolded the sun mentally to do a better job of warming me up, then laughed at myself for the stupid thought, then apologized to the bright orb in the sky.

I was in a great mood today. I felt like things were starting to look up. I thanked the universe for picking me back up after the hardships I had to endure in the slums. Now I had the chance to live in a different area of the city where it was definitionally safer where I was.

Dante...

My eyes softened unknowingly as his name overcame my thoughts and gazed up at the clouds. I had a lot of things to thank him for. I laughed at myself softly realizing my heart leaped again at the thought of him. I placed my hand over my heart in confusion.

'Ah, there it is again.'

I noticed I got stares from strangers passing by, glancing at me like I was crazy as I smiled to myself in thought. I let out an awkward giggle and walked down the streets again not knowing I had stopped. I tried my best to ignore the public and continued humming my tone.

Until I bumped into someone hard, I stumbled back a few steps but caught myself before I fell back into the concert.

"Ah! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to."

I glanced up to see a red-headed man glare at me in pure disgust with his dark chocolate brown eyes as he clicked his tongue. Out of nowhere, his expression changed to shock as he leaned towards my face and inspected my features closely. I stepped nervously as he invaded my personal space.

"U-um..." I started but his face suddenly turned into spite.

The corner of his lips curved unnaturally big, almost reaching his ears, I stared back at him feeling confused and a bit scared at how he scanned me. I gasped when his once brown eyes flickered into green snake eyes then back to normal. Something about those green snake eyes sent me a great tremor through my body. My eyes widened in fear as I ducked my head down and speed-walked away in my normal direction. After a few steps, I took a quick glance behind me to see he had disappeared out of thin air.

'What in hell?' I questioned.

I shivered, flowed down my back and arms as I started to feel watched. I looked around standing in the middle of the sidewalk, but no one was paying attention to me, only the occasional annoyed looks from passing strangers because I stood still. I pulled my hood up and walked down the streets with my head down, still feeling that creepy sensation of being watched.

I finally reached the door of Devil May Cry and felt immediate ease wash over me as I entered. I pulled my hood back down and smiled spotting Dante and Alfie, trying to shake that odd creepy feeling I had felt a few seconds before.

"I'm back!" I called out and ran up to Alfie to hug him.

"Mommy!" He cheered and hugged me tightly, I kissed his head and pulled away.

"Woo! The chef's back! What's for dinner?" Dante's eyes lit up as I headed for the kitchen.

I arched an eyebrow and placed my hands on my hip, holding back a giggle seeing the sight of Dante's eyes glittering in anticipation. It reminded me of a toddler asking for candy.

"You know, you could get off your lazy ass and learn how to cook for yourself. I'm not your maid." I scolded. Dante thought for a moment and shook his head leaning back on his chair and propped his feet up at the chest, his arms resting behind his head.