Looking for the Eclipse

Chapter 1

Nefeli's P.O.V.:

"Miss Neli! Miss Neli! What happened next?" they all asked eager to know the rest of the story.

"Well, what do you think happened?" I asked them back curious to see how their little minds work.

" I think the prince found the princess and they got married" little Cindy said.

" I think the monster took the princess and is holding her " little Tommy said.

" Noo! That's stupid tommy!" little Katy shouts " She would never go with the monster ! The prince is coming!"

"What if the monster looked like a prince?" Someone said and I turn to see David at the door staring at me.

"Well... to be continued..tomorrow! Time to go home everyone!" I said to all the kids' disappointment.

" Miss Neli, if you were my princess no monster would take you!" Tommy said making me smile.

" Thank you my little hero prince" I told little Tommy and gave him a hug.

If it were not for my class my life would be unbearable.

I have always felt out of place like I do not belong. But especially after my father died last year I feel like I just exist... and that is it. Except for "my kids". They are the the ones that gave me purpose and and a few hours with them on fantasy land is a great escape. Monsters, heroes, witches and let's not forget their favorite...werewolves! They dream and I dream with them and that 's my break from life.

"Nefeli are you ready?" ... and with David's voice my break is over.

" Hi David, yes I' m ready. Let me grab my bag and we can go. Thanks again for today!"

" My pleasure miss Neli ! " he said with a weird look in his eyes.

" Maybe we should do this everyday, actually" he said and ....awkward....!

" That would not be necessary but thanks for offering. And coffee today is on me as a thank you for this ONE TIME favor!" I answered hopeful that he gets the hint to back off.

" Ok ok Nefeli got it... I will not offer again but just know that I am always around. If you need anything , I mean... " he said casually

" Ok I will keep it mind" I answered but never again is wahat I really wanted to say.

I am not in the mood to go with him but I do owe him a coffee at least . In the past months he has offered to help me a lot and he kind of always is there whenever I need help. I managed to keep my distance especially since he asked me out on a date and I rejected him. Today however my car would not start this morning and he gave me a lift to work. He offered to drive me back home as well but fortunately I could avoid that one! Thanks to Layla, of course!

I dont know why but my flatmate and bestie really hates the guy!

Once I told her about today she insisted I got to the restaurant she works until her shift finishes and then she would drive us home. I am not really fond of David either. Although he says all the right things, the way he looks at me creeps me out at times. Layla, however, cannot stand him! Being neighbors we happen to interact often and ever since David moved in our building a few months back Layla is convinced he is stalking me. He is probaly overfriendly because he is new, I guess. I know he liked me at first but I was very clear I am not interested.

David's P.O.V:

Stories with monsters and princesses... if she only knew what this monster has in plans for this princess.

I can't wait for the day to come to take the next step.

Ever since we found out about her, the plan was clear. Get close and make her mine. Not for love of course... but for power! And revenge but that 's my father's deal. I just want eveything that she has. Everything that she doesn't even know she has, actually....

I can tell she does not really want to go for coffee with me and that she is here "as a thank you for this one time favor" as she puts it. But I' ll take what I can get at this point. I just need to keep an eye on her one way or another, until everything is set. After that, screw discretion! She is mine either by will or force!

" So Nefeli... where would you like to go for coffee?" I ask although I know the answer to that one...

" Layla 's work" she says straight away as excpected.

Fucking Layla! Always around and always in my way! She was suspicious of me from the beginning and it keeps getting worse.

Layla 's P.O.V.:

" Layla, your friends are here" Justin, the waiter, said.

" My bestie and the weirdo you mean! " I say exasperated

I knew this was about to happen at some point! After she rejected him I noticed a strange streak of bad luck starting to appear for Nefeli and guess who is around.... David of course!

Nefeli somehow could not find her keys 2 weeks ago... David pops up and tries to get her to stay in his appartment until I come along. Luckily, I was close so I reached home right on time to avoid that one! Next week, a delivery guy brings over mystery take out food, ordered under her name, that none of us ordered and " accidentally" leaves it at David's and he has to bring it over ,of course! Whom doe he think he is fooling?! Thank god I opened the door! I kept it brief and he was gone. If Nefeli had opened she would have probably invited him to stay to be nice, although she is always uncomfortable around him. She is too kind for her own good!

And that brings us to today and her car that would not start , for some reason, although it was serviced 3 days ago.... yeah right! It's him and I know it! There is a thin line between wanting someone and stalking someone and I am pretty sure he has crossed it!

"Justin come here please" I call the waiter because I need to make sure they are interrupted soon...

"In about 15 minutes from now, go and tell Nefeli that I need her help in the kitchen for the rest of the day and make sure you are convincing!" That would be a good enough excuse I guess since she helps me out here whenever I need help or when she needs extra cash...

Nefeli' s P.O.V.:

" Nefeli, sorry for the interruption but Layla needs help in the kitchen. We thought you could help out if you do not mind" Justin said.

Layla you are my Savior!! I am extremely happy to be interrupted and I am pretty sure it shows!

" And why would Layla want, out of a sudden, Nefeli's help, if I may ask?" David asks, making both me and Justin look at him, me with irritation and Justin in a loss for words.

" Because Layla wants what Layla wants and that is none of your bussiness my dear neighbor!" Layla said with a sarcastic smile making her grand entrance and coming to our rescue.

I love that she does not give a f*ck what people think of her! I should be more like that especially when dealing with people that do not take no for an answer...

I know I was clear when I rejected David's advances, and he assured me he was not going to mention it again, but he seems to hover around me more and more and it needs to stop.

" David I will go with Layla in the kitchen. Thanks again for your help today!" I said and I stood about to go with Layla.

" Well I do not see why our coffee time should be cut short because Layla says so" he says with a cold look on his face while looking at Layla.

That is it! I 've had it with his persistence!

" Our coffee time will be cut short because I said so David , and not Layla. Thank you again and goodbye!" I said. I grabbed Layla' s hand and walked to the kitchen.

When the door closes, I see Layla staring at me with her eyes ready to pop out of her head and suddenly her laughter starts booming.

" Girl, it was about time!!! FINALLY!! Praise the lord a miracle has happened!!" She says with a proud look on her face.

" Was I too rude? That was not my intention but he starts to make me really uncomfortable and kind of scared.. Do you think it is going to be awkward from now on everytime we see him in the building?"I ask and I am, already, visualising me trying to avoid him and any conversation about today.

" You were not rude but straightforward and, believe me , it was needed. At the end of the day, you said he makes you uncomfortable and scared when you are around him.

Now he is going to make you only uncomfortable but he is NOT going to be around you. So I think the future is looking better for you" she says and we both start laughing. She is right, it was needed and I m better of.