Cartoons. Morgan was sat on a remarkably soft couch watching cartoons with a demon pixie by the name of Poppy. Morgan tried to stay calm, to think of it objectively, but her mind kept on skipping straight to the fact that she was in a stranger's house. The girl had seemed nice enough not to be evil, helping her when Morgan had been at a lost as to what she should have done. This girl, this…
Poppy had listened to her silent plea for help and acted upon it. Nothing wrong with that, thought Morgan. Except, her mind answered, you know nothing more about her than her name and Oh! WHERE SHE LIVES!!
"This must be weird for you." Poppy said quietly, as if she had been listening to Morgan's thoughts. "I mean, there I was, grabbing your arm, bringing you into my home when we know nothing about each other. But really," she added hastily, "I heard… I mean… I saw you were in trouble, and the rest is history. I'm really, truly, keeping you safe. I swear!"
Morgan smiled at her.
"I believe you." She answered and Morgan visibly say Poppy relax. "So how long do you suppose those guys outside will wait for me?"
"I have no idea" she replied, her face thoughtful now, with her eyes staring off into the distance. "As long as possible?" It was a bizarre answer, one that sent Morgan off on her own thoughts as to who they were and why they were watching her every movement. "That's why I want James here!" Poppy startled Morgan by saying "he should be here by now___"
She stopped talking abruptly and cocked her head to one side as if listening. Morgan listened as well, she faintly heard cars, but that was it. Poppy however, obviously sensed something Morgan could not because her face spilt into a wide grin of happiness and got off the couch from beside Morgan and headed towards the door. Morgan still heard nothing except, oh, now the back door was opening. She stood up and followed Poppy into the hallway.
"James!" Poppy yelled, running into the kitchen and into the arms of a young boy shutting the door.
Morgan stopped in amazement, staring at the boy.
He had dark hair and was of medium height, but that wasn't what caught Morgan's eye. It was the way he moved and well, felt. Now she thought about Poppy was like it as well. Predatory. Just like those bullies. Except___ Morgan thought, it is slightly different. With the people outside of her school she would have said their intent was to kill her. This guy didn't have such ferocity to it. He's like a tame wolf. Morgan thought.
Morgan would have elaborated on the thought except she noticed James was now looking at her over Poppy's shoulder.
His eyes were a piercing grey as he started right at her.
Poppy turned around, still in James arms. Now four eyes regarded Morgan as she stood in the doorway to their kitchen.
"This is James." Poppy said peering up at her boyfriend in obvious affection. "Jamie, this is Morgan."
Morgan felt relief flood through her as she watched James vividly relax. He stretched a hand from around Poppy and it extended in her direction. Morgan shook the cool hand and met the now gentle eyes in a small smile.
"Hi," he said in a calm voice. Too calm.
"Hello." Morgan replied retrieving her hand from his grasp.
There was an awkward silence then James turned slightly and said.
"So, I brought some food."
"Oh," sighed Poppy, but Morgan's stomach gave a loud grumble. Morgan looked up blushing slightly.
"Well, looks like I come bearing gifts at least one of us is in dire need for. We will have to use fingers I'm afraid, as of yet, Poppy and I have been unable to find our new plates…..
"That's Ok," Morgan interrupted hurriedly "best way to eat pizza anyway!"
They both smiled but Morgan felt they wanted to get down to talking instead of eating. "Erm, we could talk while we eat if you like?"
"Sounds like a good idea," said James, ushering Poppy to the small table and the chairs waiting "Let's start with what you know."
