Changing Fate

ch. 7

I ignored the goon squad and made my way to the buggies and then into the store. At least my hair now matched my personality I thought. Maybe I need to be more rebellious I smiled as people looked at me. Gregory's pep-talk had me feeling very confident as I strolled through the market getting what I needed for summer training. I went down the aisle that had sports drinks and hydration packs. There was a man in the aisle but I wasn't concerned, the market had too many people for weird things to happen. I bent down where my knees were against my chest trying to reach for the last hydration sports pack of my favorite flavor. I felt this gross feeling come over me and I stiffened.

The pungent, overwhelming stench of stale beer and heavy whiskey permeates the air, smothering my senses and making it hard to breathe. Suddenly, I feel a presence behind me, and I turn around to see a creepy man standing right behind me. I can hear his deep, raspy breathing and the sound of his shuffling feet.

Feeling unnerved and uncomfortable, I decided to take action and make my presence known. I say 'Gotcha!' in a loud voice, hoping to draw attention to the situation. Though it was more for the fact that I had finally reached for what I was trying to grab on the back of the shelf, the loud sound echoes through the aisle, alerting anyone nearby to the creepy man's presence.

Just as I had hoped, without hesitation Atlas, rushes to my aid, shoving the creepy man away from me and pulling me safely behind him. His protective stance makes me feel secure and protected, and I am grateful for his quick thinking.

I feel a sense of relief wash over me, knowing that I had someone like Atlas by my side. His anger is radiating off of him. I gently grab his elbow, "Atlas, thanks for that." I whisper to him. He turns to me and his eyes roam from my face to my hair. A smile creeps across his face. " I almost didn't recognize you. Your scent and hair are different from before, but I'm glad I know what your voice sounds like." He reaches and gently ruffles my rainbow-marbled hair. " It reminds me of watercolors." He says sweetly.

The rest of the squad round the corner and I hear Farrah gasp, " OH MY GWAD....! RHEA you look like you belong in the circus!" Farrah is now hanging off Asher laughing hysterically at my new hairstyle. I personally, don't care what she thinks. I am in LOVE with it. Oliver walks to me, "Yeah, she belongs in the circus, her hair looks like cotton candy. Bet you she's just as sweet too." He winks at me taking over the pushing the buggy. I blush and look down. We walk the aisles a bit more and I grab the many items I would need for training in the summer heat.

"Man, I'm starrrvvvvinnnggg!" Whines Farrah as she hangs on Asher like a kola. "I can meet y'all at the diner if you wanna go ahead of me. I just have to pay." "Ok, we will go get us a table then you want me to get your drink order?" Asher asks me. "Yea, I'll have a Coke float and a large water with lemon please," I respond. "I'll stay will Rhea to help her load the car. Order me an Arnold Palmer with lemon." Atlas informs his younger twin. "And are you staying or coming there Johnny Boi?" Asher asks Oliver, who raises his eyebrows at the name and lets out a hearty laugh. "I'll come with you Ashy." The squad of three head off to the diner while Atlas and I finish up paying and head to the vehicles to load the groceries.

As we walked towards the pink-frosted SUV to unload the groceries, the sun was shining bright in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow around us. The car was parked a little farther away from the store, and we had to navigate through the busy parking lot, dodging other cars and shoppers with their carts.

Atlas quickly opened the trunk of the car, revealing a spacious compartment that was waiting to be filled with the groceries. I started placing the bags of groceries in the back of the SUV, one by one, feeling the weight of the bags as I lifted them.

However, as I turned to grab the last bag of groceries, I noticed that Atlas had positioned himself between me and the buggy. His tall frame towered over me, and his eyes met mine with a playful glint. His body was so close to mine that I could feel his warmth radiating onto my skin. I lost my balance and fell backward into the open SUV.

Sitting in the back of the car and looking up at Atlas who was smiling down at me, I couldn't help but feel a little giddy. His warm gaze made my heart race, and I felt a rush of emotions wash over me.

Then, I reached out to grab the last bag of groceries from the buggy. However, as I leaned forward, I felt Atlas lean towards me, his face inches away from mine. He placed a soft kiss on my cheek, leaving my skin tingling with a mixture of surprise and delight. I was taken aback, my hand flew up to my cheek so fast and hard that it felt like I had slapped myself as a reflex. However, seeing Atlas's smiling face looking down at me, I couldn't help but smile back and feel a little flustered.

As I gazed into his eyes, I felt an intense draw towards him. It was as though a magnetic force was pulling me towards him, and I was powerless to resist. A spark ignited within me, causing my heart to race and my palms to sweat. But even as I felt consumed by this passion, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear. What if I wanted more than just this moment?

I whispered his name, "Atlas," and he leaned in to kiss me again. This time, his lips met mine in a fiery embrace that left me breathless. It was as though a thousand fireworks were erupting inside me, each one more intense than the last. My body was alive with excitement and lust, and I knew at that moment that I had never felt more alive.