Chapter 7

"Why is she quiet? What did I do? Was it because of the hotel?" Joe thought in his head, while he was driving. They are in Delaware, and they have been driving in silence ever since they left.

Annabella still hasn't mentioned the mysterious lady to Joe. She said that those close to her will soon turn their back on her. Who could that be? She is only close to Joe, but no, Joe is her friend, he would never do anything to hurt her.

"Stop the car," said Annabella.

"Why?" replied Joe, surprised Annabella spoke.

"Because I said so, so stop the damn car already."

Joe pulled over, and both of them got of the car.

"What? Why did you make me stop?" asked Joe.

Annabella didn't respond. Instead she opened the trunk of the car and pulled out two swords. She threw one to Joe, and said, "Today, we practice, only swords, no magic."

"Bella, look where we are. We are on the shoulder land of an extremely busy highway. What will they think if they see a middle-aged man and a teenage girl fighting each other with swords? Use your brain, Bella."

"Fine, let's go there." She pointed to the woods. It will make it seem more real that way too."

"Why do you do this to me, Bella?" sighed Joe, as he followed her into the woods.

When they reached the center of the woods, and were sure that nobody can see them, Annabella slashed her sword at Joe before he can even react. "What the he…?!" Joe started to say, but before he could even finish, Annabella striked at him again.

She kept fighting him for another ten minutes, and Joe kept playing defense, Finally, Joe pinned her up against the wall, and she dropped her sword.

"What's up, Bella? What the hell was that?! This is practice, do you understand? Practice. Why in the world were you bent on killing me? I am not your enemy. I am your friend. Please remember that. I know that I piss you off a lot, but it's for your benefit. I do everything that I do, so you are happy and safe. Never forget that, Bella," said Joe in a calm, soothing voice.

Annabella hugged him. All of her doubts about him faded away. That mystery lady lied. No one will turn their back on her. Everyone she trusts in loyal to her and loves her. They would never hurt her.