"I'll drop you off."
We got in the car. I tossed my hair and tried to make it voluminous.
"Um, ok."
He started to drive.
"Robbie."
"Yeah?"
"I'm glad you offered to help."
He looked at me and then returned his gaze to the road.
"Me too. By the way, what's your name?"
Wow. I haven't even given him my name. "Selene."
He nodded and pulled in to the parking lot. A black SUV with an eagle on the side was parked in front of my apartment, with two men in suits at my door. Robbie parked the car.
"Hold on."
I got out, and started to approach them. Robbie grabbed my hand. I stopped.
"Let me."
I stayed by the car, resting against the side as he walked up to the men. Both wore the same suits, black and white. One was short, with a receding hairline, late 50's with aviator sunglasses while the other was average height, dark brown hair and blue eyes. Handsome, but not my type.
I listened in.
"Can I help you gentlemen?"
The shorter one answered,"Hi, my name is Coulson, Agent Coulson. I work for a government agency and I'm looking for Selene Johnson. Do you know where she is?"
"No, I don't."
"Who is that woman on the Charger over there then?"
He pointed to me.
"That's my girlfriend, Demi."
"Can I ask Demi some questions?"
"Why?"
"Look, Selene is a very dangerous woman, and no matter how hard you try to cover her up, we'll find her. Quit the act, we know that's her."
"Um-"
The men began to walk towards me. I froze. Robbie strode to my side and moved in front of me.
"We don't have time for questions. Sorry gentlemen."
"Selene," I didn't look at him, "You need to come with us."
Robbie grabbed my hand and rushed to the driver's side. He opened the door and guided me in. I sat in the passenger seat and didn't even have time to buckle up before he started driving.
"Hold on."
I gripped the door as he took sharp turns and sped through the streets, the engine growling in response. All of it was happening so fast.
Minutes later, He drove into his garage and got out. He closed the door and I went ahead and turned the car off. He came back and I handed him the keys. I got out as he closed his door and waited for me.
"Who were they?"
"I don't know, but it's not safe to go back there."
"Do you think they're after me for my powers?"
"Possibly. For now, you can stay here."
"Robbie I can just-"
"Its ok. Besides it'll be easier to keep an eye on you here."
"But all my clothes and stuff-"
Keep an eye on me?
"I can go get your clothes."
"Ok."
I walked into the house with him and sat on the couch. I took my boots off and laid back. I crossed my arms. I realized my left arm was soaked. I pulled back the sleeve and found my arm covered in blood.
"Ah shit."
A cut started from my wrist to my elbow. Robbie looked over my shoulder.
"The bathroom is next to the kitchen."
I got up and walked into the bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror. I barely recognized myself. My arm bloody, my skin warm and lightly tanned with my green eyes bright. I looked alive. I began to wash my cut and watched the flesh grow back and heal as I dried the skin. I walked out and laid back. I closed my eyes.
"You don't have to sleep there. You can take my bed."
"I'm fine."
"Seriously though."
"I'm okay, Robbie. Thanks though."
"Sure chica."
Weeks past and we heard nothing from the men or of them. Robbie still insisted I stayed, for safety purposes. I agreed. I walked to Robbie's room.
For the past few weeks we have been exchanging glances and flirting on and off. There was something there, and it wouldn't go away.
Selene.
That voice.
Selene.
I stopped. I know that voice. It echoed in my head.
Your time is running out. I'll be back for what is mine.
"No!"
I dropped to my knees.
Yes.
"No! No!"
Robbie's door opened and he came out.
"Selene? What's going on?"
Gabe emerged from his room.
Ever since I "moved in", the relationship between Gabe and I had become better, but he still had some kind of grudge. Robbie knelt beside me and grabbed my arms gently, urging me up. I came up and grabbed Robbie's hand. Leading him to the garage, I shut the door and looked him in the eye.
"He's coming."
"You mean Me-"
"Sh! Don't say his name, but yes."
"How do you know for sure."
"He's in my head. He's been giving me these visions, these scenes of just horror."
"What did he say?"
"He said-he said: I'm coming to claim what's mine and that my time is running out."
Robbie looked at me, his eyes full of concern but fear.
"He's coming Robbie. He's going to hurt everyone I love just to get what's his." I was crying uncontrollably. My tears not just fear, but anger and frustration.
He pulled me into an embrace. My tears slid down his leather jacket as he talked into my ear.
"He's not getting to any of us. He won't get what he wants, or any of what he promised. He'll only come here and find more hell than he bargained for."
"I don't want him getting to Gabe, or to Red. Or-or you."
I felt him tense up.
He let go and gave me a look of reassurance. Walking back in, he left. I didn't want to go in, not show my weak face to Gabe but also because I needed time to think this over. I opened the car door and sat in the driver's seat.
"Hey Lucy, I can't believe I'm talking to a car right now, but I think you're the only one that will listen. I know he's coming. I feel like its my fault that I drew him here. I mean, he'll get Red, Gabe….Robbie. I'm such an idiot. I've got to fix this."
I patted the steering wheel and got out, walking up to the garage door. I heard muffled voices.
"Why is she even here?"
I stopped and listened.
"Because, she needs help. Gabe we've discussed this. Look, maybe we can go get some ice cream or-"
"No. Robbie I'm done with that. Don't you see what she's doing to you? Your going soft."
"No, in fact she's been a real help. She's kept our fridge full, I can spend more time with you. What is the big deal?"
"She takes a lot of your attention. We haven't gone out just us for a while."
"She can't be left alone."
"Why!? Is she sick? Mentally challenged? Suicidal?"
"No, she has someone- she's in danger."
"Fine cover it up. I'm sick of this."
Pain and hurt struck my chest. I turned and grabbed my jacket from the car, tugged it on and opened the side door. I breathed in the cold air and closed it gently. I walked out and continued down the sidewalk. I had to clear my head and get out of the house.