This chapter isn't terribly big on the action, but I felt Ellie may have needed a bit of a rest.
Chapter Seven
Spinning Madly
If there was one thing Ellie detested more than being alone, it was the four years she spent as an undergraduate. If she had had any choice in the matter, she wouldn't have attended at all. She wanted to write, not take classes. She wanted to travel, to wander, to flee from the depths of the city, not spend her days holed up in a messy dorm room writing research papers and pretending to care about her liberal arts education.
College was far too close to home. Her parents, convinced that there was still a slice of hope for their second child, had insisted she attend the same school as Catherine. It was Ellie's most labored and very final attempt to appease her mother and father.
While they were under the impression that she was majoring in Business with a minor in Literature, in fact Ellie was immersed in the Literature and Composition departments. Keeping her secret was a challenge all too much for Ellie. But she would never cave to her parents narrow-minded ideals.
With the added stress of living a secret life, Ellie had on occasion taken to bar hopping with her eccentric, yet sweet roommate, Elisa.
In short, Ellie was no stranger to the early morning hangover.
She was awake, well awake, before she was able to open her eyes. It seemed her lids were quite immovable on this morning. As her sleep gave way to muddled awareness, Ellie began to remember the events of the night past. With each foggy memory, Ellie felt her heart sink into her stomach. And then, when the final memory slid in and out of focus behind her tired eyes, her heart all but imploded inside of her.
I passed out. Fell over on the middle of the street well after midnight and...some man who knew my name...
There were details that still eluded her. What had happened? Had he taken her home? Who was he? Where was she? How did he know her name?
If I could only open my eyes...
Her arms felt as stiff as her tired bones. With a tired groan, she managed to bring her hands to her eyes. She took her time trying to rub the sleep and irritation from them.
Do I even want to open my eyes? I'm sure I will not like what I find...Well, I haven't got much to lose...I suppose.
Her eye lids fluttered open and she flinched as a wave of light attacked her senses. Slapping a hand over her eyes, she moaned. This sucks. Suck, suck, sucks.
Ellie hadn't experience a proper hangover in over a year. It was like starting from scratch. All over again. Her head was pounding with the force of a jackhammer. Her mouth felt dry and she was desperate for a tall glass of water. She didn't feel the need to empty her stomach...not yet anyways.
Peeling her hand away from her eyes, she ventured another attempt at opening her eyes. It was the hardest part really. If she could manage that...
There.
The quick and easy thrill of her accomplishment was soon killed. She was staring at a ceiling. But it wasn't her ceiling.
Definitely not my ceiling.
Her ceiling was crafted of wood panels painted white. The ceiling above her was neither wooden nor white. Ellie sprung up and sunk back down in one swift motion.
That was stupid. Never try to get up...
Her head, her eyes, her ears were ringing, spinning, and sinking all at once. She looked to her left.
So I'm lying on a couch. Definitely not my couch.
She looked to her right. Ellie had felt that her skin couldn't sink to a paler pigmentation. And yet...
It was the man from the night before. He was lounging rather casually in a large love seat, his elbow resting on the flat arm of the chair, his chin resting on the backs of his lengthy fingers. He was staring in her direction, but Ellie felt as though he were looking right through her. The man was lost in a deep and twisted thought, it was clear from the lamenting look on his face.
Ellie shifted a bit, now feeling the warm blanket that had been placed over her. She watched him.
Even though her eyes felt heavy, she couldn't bear to look away for shut them for a moment.
He's...beautiful.
Her first thought was that he was handsome, but after further consideration she deemed the word entirely unfit. This man, was like no man she had ever seen before.
His features were entirely delicate. His eyes were small, but sparkled brightly even in his sadness. The bones that shaped his cheeks were visible under his clear alabaster skin. His mouth and nose was perfectly proportioned and angled on his long face.
The face of a muse maybe. People could write about that face. An angel...ph listen to yourself there are no angels. No gods, no ghosts, no angels. But...
He looked to be an angel. There was something foreign and unearthly about him. In her recovering state the idea of an angel seemed to be a sound explanation. Even with reason rapping loudly in the back of her mind...
Like...oh, what is that angel's name. Gabriel. More like Lucifer. Reason called.
Lucifer. Who was Lucifer again?
Ellie's squinted her eyes. Too much thinking while she was in such a state was making her head hurt. She tried to shake the flurry of curiosities away. They would have to be patient. She was in no condition to attend to them now. She returned all her thoughts to just staring at the beautiful man.
As he sat, his index finger brushed methodically over the length of his lips. As she watched him, she felt the pounding in her head begin to ebb. Her chest rose and fell with each breath she took. She was beginning to feel better. The initial hell that was the morning after was beginning its descent.
She glanced around the room, still not strong enough to lift her head off of the pillow it rested on.
I must be in his apartment. Ellie thought, humiliated. His very nice, brand new apartment.
The ceiling stretched very high above her. She wondered if it really was so far up or whether her depth perception had yet to recover. The white walls were empty of frames or any sort of decoration. The low table that sat between her and the thoughtful stranger was crafted of black iron and glass. A small vase, empty, sat in the middle.
Although, she could not crane her head wide enough to see it, she could hear and smell a fire crackling away in the fireplace that must be behind her. Giving up on her observation, Ellie turned back to the man on the chair.
She nearly leapt out of her skin when she realized he was looking at her now. She swallowed. His eyes were like beams from a lighthouse, boring into her with fiery intensity.
"Good morning." He said, his voice a mere whisper. Ellie felt her heart involuntarily freeze in her chest. His voice...
She just stared up at him. What did he say? I thought I was listening but...
"Um...hello." She answered lamely, her voice even quieter than his.
He stood so quickly, Ellie felt dizzy just watching him. With two swift steps he had bypassed the iron table and knelt down beside her. Ellie blinked, unsure of why she felt so awfully nervous.
She could feel his hand resting on the pillow, just next to her head. She wanted to move away, but wasn't sure she could do so without looking a fool or spilling the contents of her stomach.
"Are feeling alright, Elizabeth?"
Ellie struggled to withhold the squeak that threatened to leave her lips. Overcome with a feeling of embarrassment and dread, Ellie pushed her self into a sitting position, fighting with her sluggish state. Sliding over to the other edge of the couch, she offered him a small grin so as not to unnerve him.
It doesn't seem as though anything could unnerve him. He has a strange woman, totally hungover, in his house and still he's just leaking apathy.
She straightened her back and folded her hands in her lap. She looked to her left to see that he too had sat on the couch.
She breathed an awkward laugh. "This is your apartment?"
Loki smiled wide. He had never seen her so timid, so careful. It delighted him.
She doesn't miss a trick this one, he thought. Just as well. It would no fun at all if she did.
"I'm sorry." Ellie said, a rosy blush rising on her cheeks. "Who are you? I'm sure you've told me already, but I can't seem to-"
"My name is Eric." Loki said, recalling the name of the man who attended to the woman that his brother had fallen for. "Eric Foster."
"Mmm..." Ellie said. She didn't recognize the name. She certainly didn't recognize him. And he possessed a face that no hot-blooded woman would ever forget.
"Have we met before?" Ellie asked.
Loki shook his head slowly. Ellie's shoulders sagged and a look of distress flashed across her features. Loki, testing the waters, slid closer to her just slightly. He was sure she didn't notice.
"I'm afraid not." He said lightly. "I am...just a passing stranger. A...what is the turn of phrase? A Good Samaritan?"
"Oh." Ellie said, nodding. His gaze on her, his proximity was making her feeling anxious. She didn't know this man. Yes, he did save her more or less. But still. She was in a strange man's house.
God knows where I am.
"Erm, thank you." She said. "I-I'm rather embarrassed. You know...passing out like that. I'm not an alcoholic or a drunk or-or even a recreational, um, alcohol enthusiast. Although, I wouldn't blame you for thinking that I am. IT's not that hard to believe after that spectacle I-"
She was babbling, Loki noted. He was reminded of the woman that Thor was so infatuated with...Jane.
If I am to...use this young lady...I can't have her acting like that scientist. Or I am sure to go mad...
With the slightest twitch of his pinky finger Ellie was compelled to stop her rambling. She slapped a hand over her mouth, a look of apology etched in her eyes.
"Sorry." She said after a short silence. "Do you...can I-I mean may I use your bathroom?"
Loki nodded graciously and gestured towards the bedroom. Ellie nearly flew out of her seat on the couch and focused all of her energy on her legs. She was determined to cross the room without falling.
Loki watched her go. As amusing as it had been to trick the girl into believing that a vengeful spirit was wandering through her home, this was much more entertaining.
Are all mortal women so...taken with men? Or are mortal men so debase a species that any new prospect can cause such foolishness?
Ellie listened to the steady flow of water as it poured from the tap. Filling her hands with the icy cold water, she splashed her face repeatedly. The sting of cold, instantly brought around the clarity she had been fighting for. Gasping, she rubbed the lagging sleep from her eyes and hesitantly glanced into her own reflection.
Well, not too bad and not too good.
Thin smudges of mascara were beginning to drip down her cheeks. Her hair was dented from her sleeping on the couch. Her eyes were pink, not red enough to be looked upon with scorn, but still.
Gathering her hair into a large bun at the top of head, Ellie returned her hands to the flow of the water and tried to rub away the mascara scars. Once that was done she searched around the bathroom. It was large, but narrow. A small window was perched just above the toilet.
Not being able to help herself, Ellie carefully lowered the toilet seat and climbed on top. She peered out of the window, hoping to get a good idea of where exactly she was.
What she saw floored her.
The old Farrow St. Market, the one she always shopped at, was sitting right across the street. She wasn't sure of it at first, as a tall, ivy covered fence was blocking her view somewhat. After leaning forward on her toes, she could make out the lower half of the granny smith apple that served as the Markets mascot of sorts.
The market is only two blocks away from my apartment.
She supposed she should feel relieved, but her heart was still hammering unevenly in her chest.
Well, I guess I should get back out there. She thought ruefully. She didn't know what to say to this man, Eric. I wonder what time of day it is. He said 'god morning' didn't he. Unless he is one of those god awful people that say good morning well after noon then...At least I didn't sleep the day away on his couch.
She placed her hand over the door knob, taking a moment to steady herself. Opening it, she nearly jumped out of her skin. Again.
He was standing right there, leaning against the wall of the very narrow hallway.
"Apologies." He murmured. "Did I frighten you?"
Ellie frowned. He didn't look at all apologetic. He doesn't sound apologetic either.
"N-no," Ellie said, trying to piece together the scraps of her pride. "I should. I mean...I'm sure I have overstayed my welcome. I'll just be heading home..."
As she spoke, she slipped past him and towards the door that could only lead out of the house.
"Elizabeth...?" Eric called. Ellie felt her legs go heavy at the sound of his voice. She looked over her shoulder.
"Yes?"
"Your jacket. And your purse." Eric said, holding them out to her.
"Oh." Ellie said, she waited for him to come to her. She grabbed her jacket first and pushed her arms into it. After adjusting the collar she reached out for her purse but Eric pulled it away. Her hand frozen in the air, she looked at him in confusion.
"Please, Elizabeth." Eric said, a touch of sympathy on his voice. "Allow me to walk you home."
Ellie's brow furrowed. Was he just being nice? She did look a mess. Was he worried about her? Or did he jsut want to see where she was living...
Stop Ellie. She thought. You've always been so paranoid about other people. No everyone is out to get you! He helped you out and look at you. A little frazzled and sore but that's not his fault. Who knows where you would be if he hadn't stepped in...Just...
"Alright." Ellie said. "And please, don't call me Elizabeth."
Loki grinned, relinquishing her purse to her. "Then, what may I ask, should I call you."
"Ellie." She said, pulling her purse strap over her shoulder.
Loki opened the door for her, a frown on his face. Ellie, he thought, such informal nonsense.
The late morning air wasn't as nearly as cold as it should have been on such a winters day. Ellie even thought of removing her coat.
She was standing in a small courtyard, an uneven brick pathway ran from the houses small door to a iron woven gate just a stones throw away. The yard was overgrown with greenery: a dying rose bush, swarms of weeds, and small needle-ridden shrubs. Ellie looked towards the sky which was almost completely blocked out by overhanging cypress trees.
"Shall we go?" Eric asked, his hand on the small of her back. Ellie stumbled forward, not too keen on him touching her.
"Yes." She said, skipping forward to the fence. She didn't wait for him to open it. Tumbling out onto the bust sidewalk, she pivoted around to get a good look at the house. She watched as Eric locked a chain on the gate.
"Have you always lived here?" Ellie asked, not caring if she was nosy.
"No," Eric said. He was looking at her expectantly.
They stood in a stare-down, until Ellie realized that it was she who had to lead the way. Turning to the left, Ellie began a slow walk down the street. Eric was by her side in a quiet instant.
"I only just moved in this past weekend." He said, picking up the conversation.
Ellie nodded, reassured she wasn't crazy. She had walked by that property so many times. Every time she could have sworn that there was no one living there. If she had been able to peek over the towering wall, she would have seen the house. But she always assumed that it was an abandoned lot, overgrown and neglected.
"You live close by?" Eric asked.
"Yes," Ellie said, she took a sharp left turn onto Lyon Street. Her street.
They walked in silence, Ellie feeling the tension thicken with each step. What was only five minutes felt like five days.
"Well, here we are." Ellie said. She waited for the man to say his goodbye and slink back on down the street.
Eric smiled down at her and Ellie felt as though she had just been punched in the gut.
"Erm, Thank you, again." She whispered, her dark eyes locked on his.
"Of course," Loki said, taking a deliberate step closer to her. He was close now very close. Ellie cringed as he hand jetted out and imprisoned hers. Slowly but surely her raised her limp hand to his lips. Ellie could hardly move, could barely breath as his icy lips brushed against the back of her hand.
"It was a pleasure to meet you, Ellie."
Eric turned to leave, his hand still holding hers.
Wait a minute.
Ellie's hand came to life in his. She gripped it tightly and tried to pull him back to her. He was there in a moment, but Ellie was convinced that it was his own duty and not her strength.
Without thinking, she lifted her other hand to his cheek and guided his face closer to her.
Those eyes. She thought. Finally there was something familiar about him. His eyes were so green. They reminded her of...
Oh no, Ellie don't be ridiculous...
As she realized the foolishness of her thought, she also realized how inappropriate she had just been. Leaping backwards to create distance, Ellie blushed.
"I'm so sorry!" She squeaked. "That was—I don't normally go around touching peoples faces. It's just you...I mean, your eyes."
She was stopped by the hand Eric held up into the air.
"No need for apologies," He said airily.
Ellie shook her head back and forth. Maybe I'm still drunk. God, i hope I'm still drunk. He probably thinks I'm a washed up lush...
"Ellie," Loki called, willing her attention back to him.
"Yes?" Ellie replied.
"I don't mean to be forward but..." He stopped, searching for the correct words. "May I see you again?"
Ellie's lips pursed. He wants to see me again? Why? Why would anyone want to see me again. Especially after the display I've been making...He thinks your easy. How can he not.
There it was that terrible voice in her head. Of course he thinks I'm easy. Im just...
Ellie couldn't bear to finish the thought.
"I don't know..." She began, but then realized how inept she must sound. "I don't think so."
Yes, Ellie. You're putting your foot down. I'm not some...No.
"I appreciate what you did for me." She said backtracking. "But. I'm just not...I don't think it would be a good idea."
Feeling tired and pathetic, Ellie only wished to slink away into her bed and forget the past twelve hours.
Ellie thought she thought a flash of anger cross Eric's face, but she couldn't have been sure.
"Very well." Eric said, a coldness leaking into his voice. "I hope you recover well, Elizabeth. Farewell."
Ellie watched him go, her emotions tangling up in her chest.
I just a let a beautiful man, a perfect gentlemen walk away from me.
I sure as hell better be drunk.
Sorry Loki! It's not going to be that easy! ;0) That's what you get from stealing "tricks" from your older bro...
He may talk sweet and seem caring (and genuinely worried about Ellie) but Loki is the god of lies, he can make anyone believe anything. That's not to say that Loki doesn't have a vulnerable side. He's not all evil and dark, I swear! We may or may not see some of that in the next chapter.
Thank you for reading and I would love, love, love to hear your opinions!
Much Love...