Book 1: Awakening (The VIth Element Series)

Chapter 34: Alex

Lunch was unbearably and unbelievably uncomfortable. I sat between Jasmine and Raphael and had to painfully endure listening to Jasmine's discussion of how she wanted to be met outside her room by Raphael and led down the grand staircase like a princess. Overall, I could tell that Raphael wasn't really enjoying the whole situation either. He clearly found the topic of conversation as awkward as I did. After Jasmine declared that she wanted Raphael to put his arm around her waist, I couldn't take it anymore.

"I'm just going to get my music book before the lesson." I suddenly cried, jumping up unexpectedly and causing Jasmine to look shocked and a bit put out for interrupting her. "I left it in our bedroom." Raphael went to say something. I shot him a warning look. Now was not the time to start having second thoughts. "I'll catch you in class." I called out to Jasmine, as I headed out of the dining hall. Then, I ran as far away from the two of them as I possibly could. This whole Halloween Ball, as much as it sounded ridiculous, was irksome, even though I knew I couldn't blame Jasmine or Raphael for my hurtling emotions. After all, if I had only accepted Raphael's offer to take me to the Halloween Ball earlier, then my emotions would have been completely different. My friendship with Jasmine had ruled all other thoughts at that moment in time. I couldn't turn back time, even if the small, selfish part of me wanted too.

Oh, the joys of being a teenager!

Suddenly, I rounded the corner of a seemingly, empty corridor and barged headfirst into Lucifer. I shouted in alarm, as I ended up flying down the hallway, looking like 'Supergirl.' His strong clasp saved me at the last second.

"Hey Alex." Lucifer said, concerned. I frantically scrubbed my eyes. "Are you OK?"

I nodded my head.

"I'll be alright." I answered, trying to smile, but it was painful. I had hit my cheek on his iron ribs. "I shouldn't have been charging down the corridor like a raging ball. I hope I haven't hurt you?"

Lucifer shook his head and patted his stomach, subconsciously flexing his muscles to show how strong they were. All I needed to do was paint him green.

"No worries." He replied. "I'm fine." Deep down, he knew that I was lying. "Has someone upset you?" Lucifer asked me gently, his features echoing his worry.

It was my turn to shake my head.

"No." I replied, a little too hastily. "Honest. My neck and cheek just hurt from where I bumped into you."

As soon as I had answered him, Lucifer studied me for a minute. He still didn't believe me. After a long, drawn-out sigh, he decided to change the conversation. Gradually, his face turned a deep crimson. Little did he know it was on the same topic that had just been causing me grief.

"Hey...em...Alex...em...do you have a date for the Halloween Ball?" He abruptly asked me, blushing shyly whilst we headed off to Music. "Because if you don't, I...I was wondering if you would like to go with me?"

This comment took me by complete surprise.

My mind went into overdrive.

Oh Lucifer, I thought, my heart softening. You really don't live up to your name at all, but you have such...bad...timing!

"I'd love to go with you." I heard myself retort, before I could even process what he had just asked me.

Bloody hell. I thought. Where had that come from?

"Great." He grinned, looking as if Christmas had just come early. "I'll pick you up about seven thirty if you want?"

I nodded, still trying to process what I'd just done.