Chapter 2

Wind rushed passed my ears, as I ran toward the beach. I could feel my hair falling out of the bobby pins, strands falling in my face. I had lost my flip-flops somewhere behind me. I was going to have to thank Claire for this brilliant out fit that is so easy to run away from creepy stalker people. (Sarcasm.)

“Mercury, come back,” Cody called from behind me as I started to push through the crowd of dancing bodies. I struggled to get passed people.

“Hey watch where you’re going.”

“What the hell.”

“Who is she?”

“Watch where you’re going.”

I could hear people commenting as I pushed past them, but I didn’t stop to respond, and I didn’t really care. I kept running. All I wanted to do was put some distance, and people, between Cody and me.

“Mercury!” I glanced over my shoulder momentarily before I kept going. I could see Cody pushing through the crowd after me.

“No, leave me alone,” I cried.

“Mercury, come on.” I turned and kept forcing my way through the crowd.

“No!” I was just passing the speakers when my foot caught on something, causing me to fall forward toward the ground. I stuck out my hands in front of me to break my fall. I began to tug at my foot, trying to free it.

I rolled over and sat up to find my foot entangled in he wires of the stereo and speakers. Why? Why me? I tugged at my foot gently, afraid to disturb the large mass of partying people, anymore, by unplugging their music. I squinted up at the people in distress, a crease in my forehead, the corners of my lip-glossed lips turned downward.

Loud blasting music added to my distress as I tried to figure out how to get away.

In my panicked state I failed to notice when someone knelt down in front of me. The person cool hand on my ankle brought me out of my frantic thoughts. I stared at the hand in confusion.

“Here,” a smooth tenor voice said as the person started to carefully untangle my foot. I watched the long fingers free my foot noiselessly, my head slightly cocked to the side in interest.

“Thanks,” I said shyly, when my foot was free. The person stood and held his hand out to help me up. I scrutinized it for a second before setting my hand in his and allowing him to pull me to my feet.

“No problem,” the person said as he pulled me up with just a little too much force, sending me into his chest before I could gain my balance. Cold arms folded around me, steadying me.

“Sorry,” I took a step back, glancing up at the person’s face for the first time.

“You sure you’re okay?” he asked, his eyes, turned down toward me, filled with concern. I gazed up into pale, but some how still bright, green eyes, unable to think for a second. I looked down at the ground swiftly, my face growing hot. I peeked back up at Anton Trent before turning my eyes back to the ground. “Are you okay?” he repeated. I glanced up at him again, seeing concern shimmering in his eyes.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I replied, casting my eyes toward the water before scanning the crowd for my stalker. Cody was nowhere in sight.

“What are you looking for?” Anton asked.

“Nothing,” I answered calmly, my honey colored eyes still darting around the crowd.

“You wanna dance then?” Anton offered, holding out his hand toward me. I glanced up at him quizzically before taking his hand.

“Sure.” I followed Anton as he led me through the crowd, toward a makeshift dance floor, a covered picnic area with the tables removed.

As we got closer I could hear the music gaining volume. Then out of nowhere, the song shifted to a slow one. My eyes darted toward the DJ then back to Anton, who was still leading me toward the dance floor.

I felt a light tug as Anton pulled me toward him. I was surprised by how gentle he was. Most guys our age would have yanked on the girl’s arm if they were dancing. Anton didn’t seem to be like that. His other hand settled on my waist as I scanned the crowd before looking up at Anton’s face.

For the two years I’d been watching him, I had never once expected to find my self talking to Anton Trent, let alone dancing with him. He seemed too perfect, with his dark brown hair falling in his eyes. Those eyes.

“You sure you’re alright?” Anton asked, meeting my gaze, his green eyes almost glowing in the darkness. I smiled weakly up at him.

“Yeah, I’m okay,” I answered.

“You seemed a little distressed, earlier,” Anton observed, “Like you thought I was someone else?” I could almost see the gears clicking into place as he fit together what was going on. “Who were you running from?” I turned my head toward the ocean, staring out at dark sky over the water, the moon rising from its depths.

“I don’t really know,” I spoke softly.

“What?” Anton questioned, his forehead wrinkling up a little.

“I said I don’t know, okay,” I answered looking back up at him. “Some guy named Cody.” I could feel the tears glistening on my eyelashes, and apparently Anton saw them. He brought our intertwined hands up to my eyes and wiped the tears off my lashes, the wetted mascara leaving black streaks on the side of his hand. I watched carefully as Anton lifted my hand towards his lips and kissed my knuckles lightly.

“Everything’s going to be okay,” Anton assured, his thumb rubbing my fingers comfortingly. “Does he go to our school?”

“No,” I said softly, my voice sounding dead to me.

“Rival school?”

“No.”

“Any high school?”

“No, that’s all I know about him. But I only found out when I got here. He graduated like three years ago.” I stopped and thought for a second, my eyes wandering around. “He knew who I was, where I lived, where I’d be, when I’d be there.” I glanced up at Anton. “He knew I left early.”

“Mercury, everything is going to be fine. If he ever bugs you again, let me know. Okay? I’ll take care of it,” Anton reassured. I looked up at him again to meet his glowing gaze.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, and pressed my lips against the nape of his neck. I felt his arms close around me.

“Thank you,” I whispered, as we swayed back and forth.