I am the Luna

Ch.2 Allison

    I was falling into crystal blue when a knock on my door pulled me back into the land of the living. Still only half awake, I heard Misty's voice from the other side of the door.

    "Alison, sweetheart, would you like breakfast before we head out shopping?"

    Did I hear her, right? Did she say breakfast? I could eat breakfast all day, every day for the rest of my life. It's my favorite meal of all time. I jumped out of my comfortable bed and to the door. Throwing it wide open, I exclaimed a little too loudly, "Yes, please!" A smile spread across her face all the way to her eyes.

    "Okay, I'll meet you in the kitchen. I just have to get Stacy up."

    I dash into the kitchen to find the table set with a plate of steaming french toast in the middle, along with orange juice and milk. I sat down and waited for the girls. As I waited for them, I recalled my dream. Well, it wasn't so much a dream but more like snapshots. Snapshots of two big dogs playing in a meadow, of me running through the woods, and a set of crystal blue eyes.

    "Sorry to keep you waiting. Someone didn't want to get out of bed," Misty said, coming into the kitchen. I didn't even hear her coming. What is it about those eyes that have me hypnotized? I don't know where I have seen them before.

    "Oh, sweetheart, you didn't have to wait for us. You could have started eating ." Misty explained as she looked between me and my still clean plate. Followed by a very sleepy Stacy.

    "Sorry, I'm usually the last to eat," I explained, sitting up straighter and bowing my head slightly. Indeed, the other places the children that didn't belong to the house ate last. I would always let those who were younger than me eat first.

    "You have nothing to be sorry for. In this house, there is but one rule. As long as you respect one another, there are no rules." Misty explained as she sat in her chair at the head of the table. Stacy plopped down in the chair across from me. Banging her head off the table with a loud 'BANG' as she did so. Misty and I stared at her while she let out a monotoned "ow." I waited for Misty to yell at her to be quiet and eat right, but she never did. Instead, she giggled at the thirteen-year-old. I have to keep reminding myself that this is a normal family. Not like the homes that I was used to. The kind that didn't care about the kids they took in. They only cared about the check they got for each one every month. We were nothing but paychecks and boy, did they remind us of it.

    Halfway through breakfast, Misty turned to me. She asked me a question I haven't been asked since my mom was alive. "Alison, what sort of things do you like?" I didn't know what to say. I have been so used to grabbing whatever I could. I never really had a choice if I liked it or not. "I'm not picky. I like simple things." I didn't know what else to say. But Misty seemed to think I said enough. After a breath, her eyes did that sparking thing again. "Well, then we should visit some of the shops I like to go to. I have a feeling you will find a lot of things. " I shook my head in agreement. It sounded good to me; I was just happy for the little things I had. When I turned to grab another french toast, there was none. I looked around, and it was already on my plate.  I didn't remember grabbing the last piece.

.

    An hour later, we were walking down the main street. We had already stopped at a few shops, and my arms were full of bags. I had found a lot of cute things and even a new pair of converses. Walking into another shop, I could help but notice a bookstore across the street. I really do need a new book. The one I have is getting worn out. Plus, I've read the whole thing about twenty times in a row. "Misty, would it be alright if I go across the street to check out that book store?" She rummages through her purse and pulls out a twenty. "Sure, sweetheart, how much do you think you will need?" Really she has boughten everything Stacy, and I have picked up. Now she's giving me money for books? "Twenty should be more than enough," I said in a whisper. "Okay, how about we meet at the cafe on the corner, say in an hour?" I was full of joy. All I could do was shake my head and hug her. "Thank you, Misty, for everything. You're the best." As I pulled away, I could see the happiness that she felt. It was like everything in the shop got brighter, sharper.

    Entering the book store, a bell chimed. I was amazed. It's what you would think a book store should look like. Shelves full of books lined all three walls, from floor to ceiling. With rows of shelves in the middle. There weren't a lot of people here. Just a man with a five o'clock beard sitting in the corner reading chair and a dark-haired woman scanning the shelves. "Hello, what can I do for you?" A young man, possibly mid twenty, asked, coming into the room from the back. His brown hair lightened by the sun coming through one of the windows. He was kind of cute with his glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. He reminded me of those teachers who wear a sweater vest every day to school but have on shorts and an old rock tee on the weekend. "Um yes, where is your fiction section?" I asked, giving him a kind smile. "Yes, right over there." He replied with a smile that could melt any young girl's heart. I could feel the heat coming into my cheeks. So I just walked away without a word of a thank you.

    I was lost in my book, curled up in a chair. When Stacy's phone went off under my leg. Stacy had given it to me earlier in the day. She said I could use it if I got lost. Jumping due to the unexpected vibration. Taking out from under my leg, I noticed the time. 'How in the world has it been an hour and a half!' I looked at the message on the phone that reads: ALISON IS EVERYTHING OKAY? WE ARE AT THE CAFE. MESSAGE ME BACK MISTY. 'Crap, I have to go.' I gathered up the books I had found and made my way to the register. The man that helped me earlier was sitting behind the counter, reading a book. When I set the books down, he finally looked up. "Did you find everything, ok?"

    "Yeah, just lost track of time," I answered, digging through my bag for the twenty Misty had given me earlier. "Okay, your total is $21.78." Oh great. "Umm, all I have is a twenty. Just take the last book off, please." I asked as I finally found the twenty-dollar bill. Instead of doing what I asked, the man behind the counter put the book in the bag and gave me a boyish smile. Looking at him and back to the bag, I opened my mouth, thinking he didn't hear me.

    "It's okay, I'll cover the rest," he explained with a deep chuckle. Most likely because of the expression on my face. I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks again.

    "Your boss must be pretty cool to let u do that."

    "Yeah, perks of being the boss." I was mouth dropping shocked. I must seem like an i***t. Not knowing what to do, I handed over the twenty, grabbing the bag, I headed for the door. 'Damn, I lost track of time, then I spent the whole twenty dollars. Man, I hope Misty won't be too mad.' I thought as I raced out the door of the book store.

    I was in too much of a hurry and had way too many thoughts running through my mind. I wasn't able to pay attention to where I was going. As I came through the door, a wall hit me. Instinctively I closed my eyes, ready to hit the ground from the force, but I didn't hit the ground. Wait, walls don't move, and they, for shier, don't have muscular arms. I slowly opened my eyes, only to be sucked into crystal blue eyes: those crystal blue eyes, the ones from my dream.

    Through the haze I was in, I heard a masculine voice. "Are you okay?" It was like he was knocking the breath back into me with his voice. Suddenly everything came flooding into actuality. I was wrapped in the arms of a boy about my age. His biceps pressed against my back, pushing me further into his muscular chest. A smiled blissed his lips as I shook my head in response. Even though I can't remember what he asked me. Letting me go slowly, I finally get a good look at him. To say he was hot would be an understatement. This boy was like a Greek god, or at least the son of one. Suddenly I catch the sight of two boys standing next to Handsome staring at us.

    "Are you sure you'll be alright, princess?" He asked, again removing his hands from my hips. Still not able to make my mouth say words, I just nodded. Remembering that I have to hurry and meet up with Misty and Stacy. I reach down for my bags that are still lying on the sidewalk. I turned to walk away when a hand wrapped around my wrist.

    "Hey, wait." Was all Handsome could get out before, out of pure reflex, my fist connected with his jaw. Before I knew it, he was on the ground holding his jaw. His buddies jump to his side, but when they both looked at me. I could see in their eyes the complete and utter shock of what just happened. 'Oh my god, what did I just do?' I rushed forward as Handsome was waving his friends off.

    "I am so sorry. It was a reflex, I swear. I didn't mean to hit you. Are you okay?" I took his jaw gently in my hand. As I looked over the area where I thought I hit him, there wasn't a mark. Then my eyes wear drawn back to his eyes. This time it was like he was the one in a daze. His gaze locked on my sea-green eyes. We were silently sitting on the sidewalk, just staring at each other. Until one of his friends cleared their throat. The look Handsome shot his friend was like daggers.

    "Yeah, I'm fine," he said, turning back to me.

    "I am so sorry. I swear it was a reflex." It was his laugh that stopped my rambling. 'I think this boy needs to go to the hospital.' "What's so funny? Are you sure you are okay?"

    "Yes, I'm fine. It's just that I don't think a girl has ever knocked me on my butt before." Giving him a smirk.

    "Well, I'm no ordinary girl." The look on his face was priceless. As I was laughing, I found my way to my feet. Holding out my hand for him to help him up. He took my hand and stood up but never let it go.

    "What's your name, princess?" What is with the princess crap? I am no princess.

    "Allison, how about you, Handsome?" What has gotten into me? I never behave like this around guys. I've always had more guy friends than girlfriends, but with Handsome. He brings out a side of me. I didn't know was there.

    Flashing me a mouth-watering smile, he says, "Alex."

    'Through clear' "Alex, we better get going. We are going to be late for the meeting." The boys' voice made me jump a little. I pulled my hand from Alex's. Looking down at the ground as Alex shot his friend a look.

    "Well, I should be on my way," I said, my bags over my shoulder. I know how to take a hint that I've kept these boys. As I went to start walking, Alex spoke: "Hey princess, where are you headed?" Agin! Okay, normally, someone, let alone a boy I just met, calling me 'princess' would make me snap. But hearing the name come from Alex's lips seemed to please me in a way. Like a childhood nickname from the boy next door. Turning back around, I avoided Alex's paralyzing blue gaze. "Just down to the cafe on the corner."

    His eyes lit up at my response. "Well, if you wouldn't mind, could I  walk with you?" He drawled smoothly. I couldn't help the butterfly eruption in my gut. He wants to walk with me, Wow eventful day. "Don't you have somewhere to be other than walking with me?" I, with a hint of flirtation, laced in my voice. For an instant, his eyes flashed a brilliant blue. "Princess walking with you is the only place I want to be." He replied, not completely cocky back, but also with affection. The kind of affection that people have when they are in love.

    Turning to the boys that were now a few feet away from us. "you guys go on up ahead, I'll catch up."

    "Alex, what about the meeting? Your dad is not going to be happy about this." The one that spoke earlier replied. The way he said the last part hinted to more than Alex missing a meeting. Actually, seeing him now, he was quite good-looking. Tall with broad shoulders. Tanned skin with chestnut eyes.

    "My dad will be fine, Sam. Just go. Tell him I'll talk with him after." Alex told the boy named Sam. With a shake of his head, both the boys turned and started heading the opposite way.

    As we watched them walk away, I broke. "Please, you should go with them. The cafe is just up the street. I don't want you to get into trouble for walking with me." I couldn't let him do that. I'm nobody, not worth anyone to get in trouble for.

    "Nonsense Princess, you're stuck with me until the cafe. Besides, Sam was my ride." Alex said with a smile. Taking my hand with his and entwining our fingers. "Here, let me carry your bag." He reached for the plastic bag with my books.

    "You don't have to." I tried to protest but was shot down when he grabbed the bag anyway. We started walking hand in hand. This should have been awkward or weird, but instead, it felt natural. The way our fingers intertwined was relaxing. Like they have done this many times before. I didn't want to leave his touch, and by the looks of it, neither did he. The thought made my cheeks warm with heat.

    "So, When did you move into town," Alex asked abruptly, pulling me from my thoughts. I wasn't prepared to have a conversation with him.

    "Ugh, last night," I stammered. What is wrong with me? Since when did I stop being able to speak to a guy? Or is it just Handsome that affects me? "Oh, where do you live?" I rake my brain for the address, but I couldn't remember it. Well, I might as well get this over with. He looks like a popular kid, and I know how they are. At least if I tell him now, it would be before too many people see me with him.

    "Alex, there is something you should know." Anxiety rioting through me. I didn't want him to leave just yet. I panicked so bad that I didn't realize he stopped walking until I pulled into a cocoon of heat and mussels. My breath was caught in my chest. It wasn't until I released the breath that he slowly released me but never taking his arms from around me. When I finally relaxed, I noticed that I wasn't the only one breathing heavily. "You were trying to say something." He said in a deep voice bring his breathing under control. I was. I have completely forgotten what I was saying before. Then it hit me like a freight train. He let me pulled myself out of his arms but never let go of my hand. "I want you to know, before too many people see us, that I'm a foster kid," I told him in one breath. There he knows. He can decide what goes on from here.

    This time it was my turn to stop walking. Alex was laughing. That was not the reaction I was expecting. Reading the confusion on my face, he explained. "Do you really think I would care if you are in the foster system? Or if anyone saw me with you?" Now I feel horrible. I judged a book by the cover. Alex is not anything like I thought he was. "I'm sorry, most people don't like us that much." With this, he gives me a cocky side grin. "I guess I'm not like most people."

    We walked the rest of the way slowly while we easily started talking. It turns out Alex knows Misty. She helps his dad, the sheriff, out on cases sometimes. He didn't specify how or why she helps them. Before I knew it, we were outside of the cafe. I immediately find Misty and Shelby sitting at a table by the far wall. Misty kept checking her phone. More likely waiting for a message from me. Standing in front of the cafe. Neither of us wants to say goodbye.

    "Will you be at school tomorrow?" Alex asked, rubbing his thumb along mine. The motion sent shivers up my arm. Tomorrow? a light bulb went off, right tomorrow is Monday. "I believe so." The response came out in a whisper due to the goosebumps spreading through my body.

    "Good, I'll see you tomorrow, Princess." He said, kissing my hand as a prince would do to a princess. It only made me laugh.

    "Are you ever going to use my name?"

Straightening, he smiles, "I'll think about it, but for now, goodnight Princess." Handing me my bag of books, he gives me one last, the boy next door smile. Then walks the rest of the way down the street.

    Walking into the cafe, I tried to hide the grin I had from being with Alex. Sitting down at the table, Misty looks at me like she had a secret. While Stacy sat across from her eyes, bugged, and mouth open. Neither of them would talk. They just kept staring at me. Not being able to take it anymore, I asked: "What are you guys staring at?"

    "That was Alex Nightshade." Stacy stated, "You were holding hands with Alex Nightshade."

    "I'm guessing he doesn't hold girls' hands that much?" I wasn't sure if that was a question or an observation. The thought of other girls holding his hand made me want to throw up.

    "Oh no, he has a new hand to hold every week but never anyone I know." This made my stomach fall to the floor. Maybe he is who I thought.

    "Okay, that's enough. We don't know his personal life, so we can't judge. Isn't that right, Stacy?" Misty squeezed the last sentence through gritted teeth. Stacy just agreed and looked down at the hot chocolate.

    Later that night, laying in bed, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get Alex out of my head. The way his hand felt in a mine or wrapped in his strong arms made me feel safe. The last thing I remember thinking was, 'Tomorrow is not going to be fun.'