Danielle stepped inside the cafeteria, hoping that she would find a table where she could sit alone. However, seeing the crowd inside the cafeteria, Danielle changed her mind and decided to head towards the big oak tree at the back of the school. The spot was not taken, as it was rare that students would pass that area. So far, Danielle had only seen janitors passing through that area. She had also only come to know of that spot when she had checked out the building on her first night in Clover town.
She was late for class this morning as expected. But Mr Fredman did not punish her. Instead, he was overly concerned as to why she was late. Danielle was not unused to such attention that her male teachers seemed to lavish on her. She was also used to snide remarks from her classmates ranging from 'teacher's pet' to a rumor that she had slept with every male teacher to get good grades. Centuries of experience had hardened Danielle and she no longer cared about how people think of her. She had just barely escaped the grasps of Mr Mills. When the bell signaled an end to his class, she had hurriedly packed her bag and dashed out of the class before he could even turn around and detain her. Danielle knew Mr Mills was deliberately keeping her in detention with him after school because he had heard about the rumors and wanted a piece of her as well. Danielle rounded a corner and saw the big oak tree in the distance. Eager to clear her mind and soul, Danielle walked hurriedly towards the oak tree.
"But that was two years ago, maybe she improved," Aidan suggested. If he knew Clarissa well, she would be extremely hurt if she ever found out Jake's response to her cooking.
"Unlikely so," Jake said. "Enough about me. So what are you planning to do about this mystery girl of yours?"
Aidan leaned back at the mention of his mystery girl. He turned his attention to the entrance of the cafeteria once more and noticed that the flow of people coming in had lessened. He was suddenly filled with panic that he had missed her. His gaze swept across the cafeteria, hoping to glimpse her brown hair in the midst of the crowd. He returned his attention to Jake when Jake called him.
"I'm going to look for her," Aidan answered when Jake repeated his question. He picked up his bag and got up."
"Are you insane? It would take you years to find this girl in a school so big," Jake exclaimed.
"Not if I look hard enough," Aidan said. "I'll see you later. And good luck with your lunch." Aidan grinned and gave Jake a pat on the back before he left.
Aidan headed out of the cafeteria in search for his mystery girl. But where would he start? He didn't know where or whom she usually hangs out with, he didn't even know her name for starters. Unwilling to give up, Aidan looked around and picked a direction to walk in. His thoughts were filled up questions pertaining to this girl. Where had he seen her before? He was sure it wasn't school, but where would he have seen her then? He was sure that if he had seen her on the streets he would have remembered a face like hers. Aidan came to a junction that he had never seen before. The corridor ahead of him seemed to lead him to the gym area while the corridor seemed to lead to the back of the school. Deciding that she would never have gone down the corridor on his left, he walked on ahead.
"Left, my boy. Left."
Aidan stopped in his tracks and turned around. There was no one behind him. He was sure that he had heard a voice telling him to go left. The hair on the back of his neck stood. Where did the voice come? Puzzled, Aidan looked around him once more, making sure that there was indeed no one around him. Had he imagined that voice? And if he had, why did it specifically say 'left? Aidan, his curiosity getting the better of him, took one last look at the corridor ahead of him before he turned and walked down the one on his left.
Behind him, unknown to Aidan, a man in a black cloak was glad that Aidan had done what he had wanted Aidan to do. He leaned against the lockers, watching Aidan walk down the corridor. He started laughing, silently at first, then louder. He wasn't afraid that Aidan might hear him. Aidan would only hear him when he wanted him to. He was already one step closer to his plan and the good news was the angels weren't even aware of his planning.
"Master Lucien, we've found him."
He turned around and faced his minion. James he was called. He was a mortal once. He committed the most heinous crimes and when he died, he was sent to hell. Hell was where Lucien would pick his minions. They were burning in the fires of Hell and would do anything for the man who could get them out. He walked towards James and smiled.
"Come James. Let us find our target," Lucien said as he draped his arm over James shoulder.
James spared a glance at his master. Seeing that a smile was in place of a frown on Lucien's face, James visibly relaxed. His master was in a good mood today and that meant things would be fine for now. He matched his master stride for stride down the hallway, their figures fading as they walked, until they totally vanished and not a trace of their existence was left in that corridor.