"Let's get some drinks, then we can have a proper chat" said Moloch, snapping his fingers. "I promise, there will be no interruptions from my father. No one can track us here."
A human looking man appeared next to us in a puff of smoke, dressed in a waiter's uniform. He was abnormally tall, sticking out of the crowd like a sore thumb. Although he looked human, his ears were shaved into a sharp point and his tongue was forked, like a serpent. It swayed wildly, flicking out constantly like a snake's tongue. Trying to taste the air.
"Yes My Lord. What can I get the two of you?" he asked, bowing his head slightly.
"I'll take my usual. Please bring my lady friend the Eden Mocktail" Moloch answered, waving his hand to dismiss the waiter.
"The Eden Mocktail? I'm guessing that's without alcohol, right?"
"Well, I could tell you're too much of a goody-two-shoes to have something stronger, so I decided to be the gentleman I wasn't raised to be - And get you something you'd like" Moloch answered, smirking at me.
The waiter reappeared placing our drinks down in front of us. Mine was a swirling, rainbow concoction that constantly moved like there was a mini tornado inside of my glass. I reached for it, sniffing to see if there really wasn't any alcohol present.
You can never trust a demon, after all.
It smelled heavenly, constantly changing scents between different fruits and flowers, making my mouth water. I had the urge to down it in one go.
"Seduction in a glass, right? That's where it gets its name from." Moloch winked. "Anyway, cheers to us Abigail!" He leaned forward, clinking our glasses together.
I gently took a sip of my drink, immediately feeling a relaxing warmth flow through me. I felt happiness radiating throughout, a giant smile instantly spread upon my face. Leaning back into my chair, I sighed happily.
Moloch reached over, clasping my hand in his. "So, tell me Abigail, how do you know my father?"
"I don't really know him as such. I fell asleep one night and he appeared to me in my dream" I answered honestly, swirling my drink in my glass and taking another sip.
Moloch mirrored my actions, sinking lower into his chair and sipping on his drink. "Did he say what he wanted with you?"
"He said he had made a deal with my parents and that it was soon his time to collect" I answered, finishing my drink. A rushing high flowed throughout my body. I felt on top of the world. Confident. Invincible. I was relaxed and enjoying myself in Moloch's company. I felt myself wanting to talk to him and get to know him more. I was willing to tell him anything.
Moloch clicked his fingers, pointing at me. A waiter teleported over almost immediately, replacing my empty glass with a fresh drink.
"Thanks Loch, but right now.. I just want to dance" I sighed in happiness, standing up and walking over to the crowded dancefloor. Bodies were swaying everywhere, while some heavy bass Latin music played. My hips automatically swayed to the rhythm, enjoying the song.
Eyeing Moloch, I motioned him to join me. He sauntered over, pressing his body against mine. I didn't miss the looks of jealousy and envy coming towards me from other girls on the dancefloor, as his hips moved alongside mine.
"What's going through your mind right now Abigail?" Moloch whispered seductively in my ear.
I spun around, so my back was no facing him, grinding myself further against his body. "For the first time in a long time.. Nothing. I feel happy, confident and free. I've never been allowed to go out, have fun. I can finally see what I've been missing."
His fingers dug into my hips as small growl escaped his lips. "I'm glad to see I can help with that. We're all entitled to some sort of escape. I must say, you're a very good dancer." He said, placing a kiss below my ear.
Like a moth to a flame, I find myself being drawn to him. Leaning my body further back into his, I felt all my inhibitions dropping. He turned me so that I was facing him, his eyes not once leaving mine. Electricity in the air crackled all around us, until I found the confidence to finally press my lips to his. Our lips molded together, moving in perfect synchronization. A surge of bravery overcame me, as I slid my tongue into his mouth, caressing his tongue with mine.
Boy did he taste exquisite.
It was like something inside of him awoken. He ran his hands all along my body, kissing me back like there was no tomorrow. I could feel his lust and want deep inside of me, sending volts of electricity through my core.
So this is why people loved to kiss so much.
When I finally pulled back, an overwhelming shyness surged through me. It was the first time I'd ever kissed anybody. What If Moloch didn't enjoy it? What if he regretted it? My insecurities and self doubts started creeping their way back through me. Finally finding the courage to look him in the eye, I saw at once his eyes were aflame. The beautiful blue I once appreciated, was now a full-blown, raging red. What had I done?
"Is everything alright Moloch? I'm sorry if the kiss wasn't enjoyable for you" I said, casting my eyes to the floor.
"What? No? The kiss.. It was... Great. Honestly. Let's go sit back down and finish our drinks" He responded, leading my back to our table.
We both took our seats, my awkwardness not leaving me. I'm not sure what has happened to me tonight, but I'd never once acted this way before. I smiled at Moloch, trying to alleviate the tension. "You know, I think I should be leaving now. I think I've stayed long enough."
"Abi, don't be silly. Drink your drink. Stay a little longer.. With me?" He pleaded, reaching over and clasping my hand.
I nodded, taking a sip of my drink. Almost immediately the feelings from before resurfaced - The confidence, strength and self assurance. Come to think of it, I'd come here wanting to find out information from Moloch, and so far it's been him asking all of the questions. I've been answering him without even wanting or meaning to!
"Feeling better?" He asked.
"Moloch, this drink.. Is there something in it? Like a drug? Or something that alters me somehow?" I fumed, looking to him for clarification.
From the look on his face, I already knew the answer. This was no ordinary drink.
He carefully nodded at me. "But it's not what you think, it's just something that helps you feel good about yourself. that's all! Embrace it Abigail, there's nothing in it that will harm you."
"No, nothing that will harm me! Just make me spill all information to you! If you'd have asked me, I'd have answered you truthfully. Instead I trusted you and was given something that made me act completely unlike myself! You even stole my first kiss! How could you?" I ranted, feeling hurt.
"Abigail, I didn't mean for that to happen, I just wanted to know what was going on between you and my father. That's all. I don't want us to fall out over some silly miscommunication between us."
"Save it, Moloch. You finally removed your mask, now I see you for what you really are. Deceptive, dishonest, fake. To think I actually liked you."
I pinched myself hard on the hand, willing my body to wake up.
"You really want to leave?" He asked me, his face filled with regret.
"Yes. I do. You wanted me to 'embrace' something that altered the person I am? Well you should just embrace the fact you're an asshole. Let me leave!"
Gasps came from around us, people shocked that I would speak to Moloch in such a way.
With a wave of his hand, I could feel myself fading into black. The last words I heard of his were "As you wish."
I finally awoke back in my bath tub, which was now stone cold. I jumped out quickly, my body consumed with goosebumps, my fingers and toes pruned beyond recognition. Sighing, I grabbed my phone from the side. I'd been in here for an hour and a half. It felt like so much longer.
I dried off, wanting to go to my room and forget tonight had ever happened. The feeling of sorrow was weighing my heart down. Moloch had tricked me, and I'd been stupid enough to fall for his lies. He'd even stolen my first kiss. A kiss that I know I'd never be able to forget. Stupid boy.
I shook off the feelings of embarrassment and got to working on drying my hair. At least the long soak in the bath meant that my hair was now egg and flour free.
"Abigail, Josh, dinner is ready." My mother announced from downstairs.
Sighing, I made my way downstairs, hoping that dinner passed by peacefully. I'd already endured enough for today. I took my place at the table and thanked my mother for dinner.
"This looks delicious, thank you Mum."
We said our prayers, and ate in silence, which I was more than thankful for. My father gave me the usual quiz afterwards, with Josh making digs at me throughout. He even showed my parents the video of Melody egging me today.
"So that's why you were in the bath for so long!" Remarked my mother.
They all continued to laugh at me, with Josh clearly enjoying the payback for yesterday. That's when I remembered that I'd saw my Mum at the hair salon.
"Your hair looks nice Mum. Have you had it lightened?" I enquired.
She frowned, a look of shock on her face. "Like I'd ever have time to go to the salon. Anyway, how are things going with organizing the party?" She asked, changing the subject.
"Things are going well thank you. Jess and Leah are great at the kind of thing. I haven't really had to do much at all. I could have sworn I saw you earlier outside of the salon, when I was on my way home?" I was on dangerous territory here, pushing for answers.
"Well, maybe it was all the egg in your eyes!" She cackled, my father and Josh also joined in. Leaning over, she gripped hold of my wrist, digging her nails into my arm. "I've been at church all day. Stop questioning things that do not concern you."
"Sorry, I must have been mistaken" I apologized, feeling blood dripping from my wrist.
She released my wrist, throwing my arm down like discarded rubbish. "Go on, get upstairs to your room. Don't forget your bible study tonight."
I ran upstairs, trying to keep my tears held in from the throbbing pain that had erupted from my wrist. Forgetting about my bible studies, I curled up in bed with Polo, wanting to forget that this awful day has ever existed. I plugged my phone on charge, noting I'd received two messages. Both from Adam.
Adam: This is my number. Save it! Adam x
I clicked on it, saving him under my contacts. The newest text he'd only sent me twenty minutes ago.
Adam: Hi Abi. Still awake? x
Firing out a reply, I was in no mood to chat, or be friendly.
Me: Yes, but I am going to bed now. What was it you wanted?
He texted back almost immediately.
Adam: Woah! Who has pissed you off? I just wanted to say hello and see how you were. That's all? x
Me: I'm fine, just super tired. Sorry! Goodnight..
Adam: Goodnight Abigail x
I felt a little bad, after all, Adam was the only one to step in and help me earlier. With the awful day I'd had, I just wanted it to end, so a fresh day could start. I know that I'd have to deal with everybody laughing at me tomorrow, but tonight? Tonight I just wanted to get over and done with. Snuggling up to Polo, I relaxed, his purring lulling me into the perfect, dreamless sleep.