3. New Friendships

•Lucian's POV•

She thinks I'm a stalker, huh? I can't believe it. I realize why I'm not a good guy now. Every time I try to do something good, it always backfires. Every single time.

I admit she is pretty. When I bumped into her the first time, she seemed familiar. Maybe I knew her in another lifetime? That's a stretch. I remember everyone I've met.

Her aura is so unique. I can tell she's a good girl, but there's something that attracts me to her. For father's sake, she isn't even my type. I like the seductress type; I like for someone to cause mischief so I can reprimand them. I can tell she's not like that and that's why I can't understand my attraction to her.

She does have curves and she's pretty, but she's not my type. Have I ever dated a girl with dimples before? I don't know. I probably never cared. She has dimples and they're beautiful. Beautiful? What am I saying?

I mean she's not a blonde or the brunette type I like. She has long, curly sandy brown hair and a baby face paired with chubby cheeks. She doesn't fit the seductress type at all. She has chocolate brown eyes and a small beauty mole on the edge of the left side of her soft, brown cheek. She did have perfect teeth though.

I don't discriminate when it comes to women but she was a little shorter than what I bargained for and I still don't get how I'm attracted to her. I wonder if it's the whole "opposites attract" ideology. I mean I stood past six feet and I think she was barely five.

Oh well. It doesn't really matter. I'm not tryin to date her. The nerve of her! To think that I'm a stalker. Pshh. I've never stalked anyone. If anything, they stalk me. Why am I so angry?

I must be frustrated. Yes! That's it. Nothing's been satisfying me lately. I don't know why but these past few years have been dull. I finally decided to take a vacation and hopped through a random portal that led me to Austin Gray High School and I just so happened to bump into a subtle girl like her.

If she's so subtle, then why are you still thinking about her? Shut up conscience, I don't know. I just need to breathe, that's all. I'm a sucker for blue eyes; I've never been a fan of brown eyes. But this girl.. she attracts me for some reason. This must be one of my father's biddings. He never leaves me be. Ugh!

I still can't get over the fact that she had the audacity to actually call me a stalker and insinuate that I'm a kidnapper. The look on her face when I returned her ID was hilarious, but I mean what kind of name is Isabelle? Sounds prissy. I prefer dark names such as Kendra or Chrystal, anything that makes me purr. Isabelle doesn't make me purr.

I just have to stop thinking. I can't let it infuriate me any further. Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale. Repeat. That's it. Mind officially cleared now. I'm okay.

I have to go shopping and buy new clothes. The attire I own now doesn't fit well for a teenager around here. No one wears suits to school. I can't believe I'm living the teenage dream. High school is literally another hell; I don't know why I bothered.

Because it's fun, duh! Yes, brain, you're absolutely right. It will be fun.

I just hate the boy act I'll have to put on. At least, there are girls. I can't wait to raise hell at Austin Gray.

•Isabelle's POV•

the next day

I hate the fact that I have to apologize to that new kid. I had to find Jennifer and tell her about it. That's the first thing that came to mind when I awoke this morning.

I shut my alarm off at 6 and three quarters. I went to bathroom and washed my face, showered and brushed my teeth. I packed my backpack; I put my clothes on for the day, headed downstairs and greeted my parents.

"Good morning, what's for breakfast?" I asked.

My lovely mom replied,"Pancakes and eggs. Did you prefer something else, sweetheart?"

"No thanks. That will work just fine. Do you both have to work late again tonight?"

"Of course sweety. We're very sorry. Here's your breakfast. I have to go. Your dad will take you to school this morning." She kissed me on the cheek, moving a lock of her red hair out of the way and did the same to my dad while he was sipping his coffee and reading his newspaper.

My mom grabbed her car keys and proceeded to leave the house for work; she was a pharmacist and my dad was a construction worker. He finished reading his newspaper while I finished eating. We finished at the same time and I grabbed my backpack that I set by the stairs.

"Let's go," he said to me while taking one last look at his black hair in the mirror. He combed his fingers through the front of it and turned to me, ushering me out the door.

The only thing I could think about was Lucian. How did my ID even get into his hands? Maybe he stole it. I'm an idiot. Why would he steal it just to return it? That doesn't make any sense; I just had to apologize as soon as I saw him.

My dad made sure I was at school before eight o'clock. I searched for Jennifer in the hallway and I found her at her locker. I walked up and greeted her and immediately started my ran about Lucian.

She hit me with, "Well. Just find him and say sorry. It's not an emergency. Just chill. I'm sure you'll see him later."

"Have you even seen the new guy?"

She shook her head no to reply. That explains it. She wouldn't be so nonchalant about it if she actually saw him.

I asked, "Is something wrong with you?" She seemed a little off today.

She responded, "Oh god. Is it noticeable? Yes, Brad stood me up last night. He's such a jerk. He didn't even answer the phone."

I replied, "Just find him. I'm sure he'll say sorry."

She said, "Haha. Real funny. Mocking me isn't going to get us anywhere. Go find your new beau. I have to find Tina and ask about the cheer requirements. I'll see you later, Bunny."

"Sure. See ya." I said.

She left me standing there thinking about my dilemma. She's such an awful friend whenever she goes through something with Brad. I shook my head at the thoughts going through my mind.

Just then, Lucian walked up. What amazing timing! Wait, why is he coming directly toward me? Oh my god! Is this his locker? How did Jennifer not notice him when their lockers are literally side by side?

He coughed, "Excuse me. You're blocking my locker."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know." I stepped aside for him. I stood there for a blank second. I decided to walk away because it was awkward but I turned around and walked back to him while he was still there.

"Can I help you?" he asked.

"Yes. I just want to apologize about yesterday. I didn't realize you were returning one of my belongings. I jumped to conclusions & I want to thank you for giving it back. I'm sorry we started off on the wrong foot. That's all I wanted to say. I'll go now."

I turned to leave but he grabbed me by the arm. It sounds so cliché but I swear I felt a tiny spark of lightning when he touched me.

He said, "Sorry about that."

I said, "No it's okay. You just caught me by surprise, that's all."

With a sigh, he said, "I accept your apology. Just know it's not nice to stare at people when they're walking away either. It's creepy. And don't block my locker again, sweetums. Thanks."

He slammed his locker and left me. He was such an a-hole. And who does he think he is? I'm not his "sweetums". Sicko. Weirdo.

"Hey."

"Ahh, oh god. Jen you scared me."

"I told you to quit daydreaming, didn't I? Did you see that new guy? He's so sexy. I wouldn't mind if he came my way. Just look at him and those biceps. How much do you think he benches? Do you think he benches more than Brad?"

I couldn't stand to hear her talk about him. For some reason, it irritated me. "You have a boyfriend, Jen. You can't have the new guy. Don't be a slut. I'm going to class now but how did the cheer meetup go?"

She responded, "You have a serious attitude problem today. But it went great. I guess I'll catch you second period. See ya, Bunny."

"See ya, Periwinkle." I said

She replied, "Hey, hey, hey. Not so loud. I don't need everyone to start calling me that. I don't care what you say. I'm totally going to get that new guy's number. I'll do whatever it takes to take a bite of that meat. I'm going for it, Bunny. Wish me luck."

I couldn't stop Jen once she set her mind to something. She ran off in the direction of Lucian. But I guess she wasn't too lucky because someone tapped my shoulder. I turned to see Lucian.

"I'm a bit lost. I'm far past intelligent but I can't seem to find Mr. Galdo's class." he said.

"I understand. That's because it's outside. That's a gym class. You might like it since it looks like you work out."

Just then Noelle walked up. She didn't look too friendly when it came to Lucian. "I'm here to borrow Isabella. See ya."

She never does that. She surprised me. "What's wrong Noelle?" I asked.

"Boy trouble. That's all & you looked a bit uncomfortable. So Noelle to the rescue! Let's go and I'll tell you on the way."

"Okay," I agreed. I didn't argue and I never thought twice about it. I was feeling quite guilty that we left Lucian. He was already lost and now he'd have to find class on his own. Oh well. He's a big boy. He can handle it, can't he?

•Lucian's POV•

That brat! I like her nerve. She stole my navigator. I didn't want to use any power unless necessary but I guess I'll have to. This school is so disorganized. Who has a gym class outside? Shouldn't gym class be held in a, you know— actual gym? This is stressful.

Just then, a girl with glossy red lips and black hair walked up to me. She must be the girl who owns the locker next to me. I can tell by her scent.

"Hey hottie. I'm Jennifer. What's your name?"

Oh. She's one of those. "I'm Lucian. Nice to meet you."

"You're a real gentleman, huh? Nice to meet you too. Wanna hang out sometime?"

"Sure. I don't see why not. But could you help me find Galdo's gym class? I'm new here."

"Yes. I know. And of course. Just follow me. You wouldn't want to be late."

On the way, all she talked about was herself. She's pretty but stuck up towards anyone she doesn't know. I can see past her outside demeanor. I can see her soul. She had a hidden agenda; that's why she was on to me. She wanted revenge on some stupid jock she's been hooking up with. I had no problem with it but I just didn't want her to think it would last past that. Plus, I didn't want to involve myself for some reason. She was a turn off to me. And for some reason, her friend was a complete turn-on.

I was relieved when she finally let go of my arm and let me walk into the gym. She said goodbye to me flirtatiously. It made me want to puke.

The aroma of sweat, must and old dirty socks instantly hit me. Vomit was urging to be let go but I suppressed it. I introduced myself and made myself known. All the girls here were instantly enchanted by me. They scrambled to me all at once, engaging with me, trying to get me to hang out with them. They were basically one second away from fighting.

This lasted the whole class period. I tipped the scales sometimes with a little of my power but it didn't have the effect I wanted. They only argued about themselves and what made them more superior to be with me. It was boring.

I was stuck thinking about Isabelle. She looked so gorgeous to me. Just thinking about her made me angry!!! Why am I thinking about her? She isn't my type damnit. I'll just have to sleep with everyone here to get my mind off it. Nah, their souls didn't look worthy enough to be eaten.

On the other hand, I didn't get a chance to look at Isabelle's soul.

"Hey, boss."

All the girls scattered when a demon walked up.

"Hello, sinner." I said.

"What are you doing here? You having a little fun? Raising hell on Earth? Here for a little vacay?"

"You're being nosy. The question is what are you doing here?"

"I'm here on a mission." he replied.

I asked, "What mission?" I was curious to know.

He said, "Im here harvesting a particular soul, boss."

"Whose soul?"

"Her name is Isabelle Smith."

Well. No wonder I was drawn to her. I guess this would be fun.

"No need. She's mine. Return to hell."

And with that, he disappeared back to the ninth level of hell where he belonged. I forgot I had a few servants on Earth. This would be a fun game to play.

"Hey, where did Coby go?" a girl asked.

I responded, "I don't know." Then the bell rang. I was on my way to Isabelle, but her friend was outside waiting for me. Maybe I could get close to Isabelle through Jackie or whatever her name was.