Nora's Point Of View:
I hurriedly meandered my way across the crowded car park, nimbly dodging out of the path of an oncoming rusty truck. He swerved across to the other side of the road, and I see by his face that he was not amused at being interrupted on his travels. Regaining my balance, I continued walking in the direction of the boulevard, and the summer fair.
The sweet aroma of donuts filled the air, making my mouth water. I could just imagine the sweetness, the sugary rings of goodness melting in my mouth. Screams of laughter from shrieking children met my ears as I watched them speed along the track of a rollercoaster. I trotted along, my eye searching for Violet amongst the crowds of people that had flocked to the beach front on this warm, sunny afternoon.
The search became more urgent as it became increasingly obvious that she wasn't here. Where had she disappeared to now? I jogged down the main street, looking through shop windows and alleys leading further into town. Just as I was about to ring Patch wondering whether she had called in at the flat or if he'd come to the boulevard and help me search, I spotted her long, wavy dark hair outside of an old second-hand shop. As I approached, I could see that she was in a world of her own, oblivious to what was happening around her. She was standing in the centre of the pavement, and people had to veer around her onto the rode to pass by. Clearly she didn't notice the angry mutterings and piercing glares.
"Violet? Hello, anybody in there? What are you looking at?" I questioned, waving a hand in front of her face to catch her attention. She blinked hazily, turning her face in my direction.
"Oh, hey Nora. Where've you been? I've been standing here for hours!" She shook her head in disapproval, grinning as if she had made a joke. I stared at her for a second in wonder at how quickly her moods could shift before answering.
"I had to see Pepper. He contacted me telling me he had some urgent information to tell me. That's why I had to leave but I'm back now so it's alright. Actually, we have to leave because I have to talk to Patch about something. I'll drop you off at yours, alright?" I didn't want to tell Violet about what Pepper and I had discussed until I had spoken to Patch about what we were going to do about the mission that the higher powers had given us.
"What did Pepper need to talk to you about so urgently?"
Uh oh, just the question I hadn't wanted to arise.
"Erm… nothing much actually. He was just asking how we were and stuff." Well done Nora, way to act completely suspicious.
Clearly Violet had caught on too.
"Just making conversation? Really? You've always been a rubbish liar Nora!"
"I know! Look, I can't talk to you about it until I've talked to Patch, and then I swear I'll tell you everything. But I seriously need to leave now, otherwise I'll be late."
"Late for what? Where are you going?"
"Nowhere – just forget I said anything!"
Violet glowered at me as we approached my car, flinging open the passenger door and throwing herself inside. I rolled my eyes before taking the driving seat and switching the ignition on. It was sweltering, and I could feel the sweat trickling down the back of my neck as we drove through the town toward Violet's house. We drove in an uncomfortable silence, and it was a relief as I bumped up the curb outside her home.
She lived in an apartment building in the centre of town. It wasn't anything fancy, but it did its job well. Patch and I had offered her a room in our new place but she had declined, giving us some personal space.
We sat in the car for a minute, simply staring out of the front window at the building looming over us. Violet sighed loudly before reaching for her handbag between her feet. She looked over at me, and I looked right back. The bond we once had was no longer there, replaced instead by a certain numbness.
"Okay – I guess I better get going then. Talk to me later okay? Just give me a call!" She said, opening the car door and climbing out onto the rough tarmac. I nodded, waving my hand at her. She smiled uncertainly before turning and heading towards the entrance to the building. I watched through the glass doors as she beeped her way past security and began to climb a flight of stairs leading up to her floor.
I indicated before pulling out onto the road once again, this time in the direction of my own home. It was just west of Violets, only a fifteen minute drive. I liked being close. It made me feel more secure that I was on hand in case of an emergency. Emergencies tended to take place an awful lot around here.
Our own apartment building appeared before me as I turned a final corner into the underground car park. I turned and lifter my own handbag off of the backseat. I reverted my position facing forward, and gasped aloud.
A tall, dark haired figure stood in front of my car, staring intensely at my face. I felt as though his eyes were reading my very soul. But I had nothing to hide. Not from Patch.
As he approached the side door, smirking at my surprised face, I wondered how I was going to break the news. That he would have to put off his plans of furniture shopping and paint sampling to hunt down another fallen angel. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car.
Better get it over with I suppose…
Sorry nothing much happens in this chapter, the next one will be more exciting!