The devil's deal

The deal

CHAPTER 2

THE DEAL

Immediately, the rain started pouring heavily and aggressively as if to mask everything that transpired that night.

"Ooff that happened", the devil said. He approached Ella and tried to help her up but she stood up herself. "who are you? Why did you do that? How did you do that?", She asked. "well I'm not really a devil. I just say it for dramatic effect, I'm more of a demon. That should explain... this" he said pointing at the bloodied mess around them. He brought out a handkerchief from his pockets and wiped the blood of the sword. "Where did the sword come from? Were you walking around with a sword just because you're a demon?", she asked. He walked up to the body of the umbrella he was holding earlier and stuck the sword inside it. "Tadaaa" he said smiles on his face. "Does that answer your question?" He open the umbrella and shielded Ella and himself from the rain. "Now I have one for you. How are you fine after seeing all these" he said. Like a trigger word, she began to reach and throw up. "Aha, that's the perfectly normal human response", he said. "Don't worry about them. they are all trashes that deserved to die. I'll walk you home" the demon offered.

As they left the alley and started walking on the main street, illuminated by the streetlights, Ella had a good look at her savoir. He was tall, and very good looking. Precisely the kind of guy you'd call 'handsome'. Strong defined features with a perfect jawline and piercing eyes. with a head of thick, glossy hair, He had broad shoulders and a tall, lean physique, a strong, athletic build you could almost see through his suit. He seemed confident and a had on a kind of smile that made her want to forget her ordeal. He was humming to himself when he caught a glimpse of her staring at him. "Am I that handsome", he asked striking a pose with his free hands.

"Ugh what a weirdo", she said. "So, why'd you help me?" she asked. They were already in front of her house. "I am a demon, like I said. I'm here to grant you your deepest desires for the cheap price of your soul after 5 years. You'll never find a better deal than this" he said. "As a demonstration, I'll heal all your wounds" he said while touching her. And just like that, she didn't feel pains or feel sore anymore. And her clothes were all dry. It was like magic. "Pretty straightforward huh", Ella said.

"I'll give you time to think about it because I'm a nice guy", he said. "Do you have a name or should I just call you 'demon'?, Mr nice guy" she asked sarcastically. "Call me Aamon", he said. "Aemon?? Like the Targeryan?" she asked wide-eyed and in awe. "No, A-A-M-O-N", he spelt it out. "The demon of life and blah blah blah" he said. "Sweet dreams lil human and think about my proposal' he muttered as he faded into the darkness.

Ella gave a deep sigh. Today had been a very long and very eventful day. Something she'd def not forget soon. She got into her house, removed the clothes she wore previously, went into the shower and took a long hot bath. She tried to wash away all the pent up stress she went through. Done with the bath, she threw herself on the bed and fell asleep immediately. She was pretty exhausted

Morning came soon enough. Luckily it was a Saturday morning. The previous night's event seemed like a dream. She couldn't be sure they actually happened because it was definitely too ridiculous to conceive. Everything was seeming hazy and unclear and then she decided to switch on the TV. 'Boom', there it was on the TV. "A group of wanted serial killers and r****t found 'brutally murdered' in an alley early this morning". "OMG it's real", she thought to herself. Reality was sinking in. She actually met a demon and witnessed murder.

She sat on the sofa in the living room and her head began to recollect the events of the previous night. Her father came from behind her all sleepy eyed and said "morning sunshine", "Did you sleep well?", he asked. She mumbled a yes and turned to face him. He looked at her eyes, then at the TV. When he saw the news headline, he grabbed the remote swiftly and changed the channel. "Crazy things are happening yeah?", he said with a concerned look on his face and a faked chuckle.

She understood he was just trying to protect her from the harshness of reality. "Let me make breakfast Dad", she offered standing up. "Oh no sweetie, let Daddy make you those special pancakes you used to love. I'm confident I can still make them even tho it's been a while", her father said. That brought a smile to her face and a light laugher came out of her mouth. She has actually missed this. Her dad has been really busy since her mother left and hardly had time for her. He worked 2 jobs so he could provide for her. He began to look older than his actual age due to stress but he still managed to put a smile on his face and that gave Ella all the confidence and assurance she needed.

Few minutes later and her dad yelled from the kitchen "a little help, peanuts"

Ella stood up and went to help her dad. No matter how tough life was, her dad came first. A couple of pans and flour and laughters later, pancakes were ready. They started eating the pancakes with syrup and a glass of milk each. Her dad with his mouth full said "Is something wrong?? you just have a worried look on your face". "Uhh nothing dad" Ella said. She did not want to worry her dad who was having an already tough life. he sighed and said "You know you can always talk to me about anything right?. When you are ready, I'll always be here to listen". Ella replied "okay dad. I love you". "I love you too baby" he said while kissing her on her forehead.

After breakfast, her dad went to work.

Ella spent the day lazing around. She listened to music, watched some romcom movies, and texted her best friend, Mary. She was tempted to tell Mary about the things that happened to her but she decided against it as she was not sure of her reaction. They both agreed to meet at a Cafe to catch up in person as it has been a while since they saw themselves.

Ella stood up to get dressed. She chose a simple wear of tracks and a hoodie. It was mid day but the winter breeze was evident