Chapter 10 - A New Friend

"Chaos!" a deep male voice called out.

I jumped at the sound of my name and stopped walking so I could concentrate on my scowl. "Quit trying to scare me, Thomas."

He materialized on the side of the road, wearing an amused grin. "Why so cranky? Is it past your bedtime again?"

I blew my breath out in a huff. "If you came to insult me, go away. I'm not in the mood."

The grin faded, replaced by concern. "What happened? Why are you so upset?"

"Because I can be," I grumbled. Geez, for an angel he sure was clueless. "It's just the same crap, different day. Nothing is ever going to change."

"If it's any consolation, I think you handled the confrontation with Mindee very well."

"And that's another thing," I raged, narrowing my eyes, "I don't appreciate being spied on."

He tried to look innocent. "I wasn't spying on you."

"Oh yeah!" I flared. "What would you call it then?"

He smiled. "Observation."

"Same thing."

Thomas buried his hands in his front pockets. "My only advice to you is to stay in control of your own emotions and never, never loose your temper."

"Easier said than done. I wanted to rip her face off."

His voice turned to a warning. "Chaos, I will not allow you to harm humans."

"You're an angel," I moaned. "You're supposed to say that."

"So are you," he reminded.

"Yeah, but I'm the bad kind. So it doesn't count," I scoffed.

He shook his head. "That's not true, everything counts. When you learn to harness your powers, one of your responsibilities – should you choose to do so – will be to protect humans. Not destroy them."

I pictured Mindee and asked, "Even the ones who hate me?" Thomas nodded. "Great. So I can be even more of a freak than I already am." Not that it mattered because nobody liked me anyway. I'd worked so hard to push people away, it never occurred to me that I might actually miss having some friends. "Thomas," I began tentatively. "Can I ask you a question?"

"You can ask me anything."

I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. "Do you like me?"

He gave me a funny look as if I'd asked him a trick question.

"Not like, like me," I back-peddled, blushing furiously. "I mean...are you in like with me?"

"What's the difference?" he asked, sounding skeptical.

I sighed and rolled my eyes. "Just answer the question."

Wrinkling his forehead, he stared at me confused. "What was the question again?"

"Ugh! You're impossible." My scowl deepened. "Why do I put up with you?"

"Because you like me," he said, smiling crookedly. That one smile made me tingle all the way down to my toes. I wasn't about to let him distract me from being mad. "Go away. I'm not talking to you anymore." With that, I stormed off.

"Do you know how hard it is to have a conversation with you?" he called after me.

Did he really just go there?

I whirled around, anger spilling into my eyes. "Me?"

Thomas glided toward me. He had such a dry sense of humor, it actually took me a few frozen seconds to realize there was no hostility in his words. Just a playful smile that lit up his teasing hazel eyes. In that moment, I felt his otherworldly energy touch me like a cool breath.

"To spend any amount of time with you is like being on duty twenty-four hours a day," he admitted, sounding slightly frustrated. "I never know when you're going to fly into a rage and hurt yourself, or if something else will happen to you..." his voice trailed off as if ashamed. I watched his gaze fall, then come up suddenly, reaching for mine. The pain in his eyes mirrored my own. "Sooner or later, Chaos, you always need to be rescued."

My face crumpled, voice squeezed tight. "What am I? Some kind of charity case?" The truth stung more than his words. He made it sound like I couldn't maneuver my own emotions. What I absolutely hated the most was that he was right. How was I suppose to control my own when I had everyone else piling their emotional crap on me like I was some kind of garbage dump.

I started walking again, this time in a daze. I hated that he knew me so well.

"What are you doing this weekend?" Thomas asked, breaking the silence.

"Do you have brain failure or something?" I grumbled. "I'm still mad at you. Quit talking to me."

Out of the corner of one eye I saw him smile, dismissing the warning as if I hadn't meant it.

He was wrong. I meant it.

Just then I heard a vehicle slowing down. A shiny silver Cadillac with darkly tinted windows pulled up beside us.

"Thomas, can anyone else see you besides me?" I quickly asked.

He shook his head. "Not unless I want them to."

"I'll take that as a no," I replied, turning to face the car.

The front passenger window rolled down and Carmen stuck her head out. "Hey Chaos! Wanna ride?"

"I just live down the road." I pointed to my house past the enormous cornfield.

"Get in. We'll give you a lift, unless you wanna go hang out?"

I glanced at Thomas. I didn't get a chance to tell him about Carmen and now he was shooting daggers at me with his eyes.

Protective much?

I could've stood there and explained to him how I met her at school and stuff, but nobody could see him. I wasn't about to make a fool out of myself. Not on purpose, at least.

I looked past Thomas to Carmen. "Sure, I'd love to hang out."

"Chaos, there's something important I need to talk to you about," Thomas cautioned.

"Not right now," I mouthed. "I'll talk to you later."

"It can't wait," he insisted.

I gave him angry eyes, mouthing the words, "Yes, it can." I was so excited that Carmen had actually drove around to find me, I could hardly focus on anything else. Opening the door, I climbed in the back seat. When I turned to shut the door, I gasped.

Thomas sat right beside me, face smug.

"What's wrong?" Carmen asked.

"Nothing?" I changed it very quickly to, "Nothing's wrong. Thanks for the ride."

Carmen smiled, eyes flitting back and forth as she introduced me. "Chaos, Dad. Dad, Chaos."

I nodded to the back of Mr. Montgomery's head. "Hi." If he heard, he didn't acknowledge me.

As we pulled away from the curb, we passed my house in less than a minute. I cringed in the luxurious leather seat looking out the window at the ramshackle three-story farmhouse my grandfather had built. It was the only house around for miles and miles. If the peeling paint on the wrap around porch and the plastic pinwheels dotting the lawn didn't scream redneck, then the flowers planted in an outdated bathroom appliance smack dab in the middle of the front yard did. My mom called it country charm.

I called it hillbilly.

Carmen turned toward me frowning, as she draped a slender tanned arm across the front seat. "What happened? I looked for you all over..."

I shrugged. "You were busy talking to Mindee."

Her eyes went huge, voice came out high and screechy. Carmen was nothing if not totally animated. "Can you believe Mindee? She is sooo fake! She was all up in my face actin' brand new cause I bested Brian. And then, she was all tryin' to leech off of my awesomeness." I was still trying to figure out if Carmen was speaking English when her pretty face turned to contempt. "Mindee is such a social vulture. She wouldn't let me get away until I promised to hang out with her over the weekend."

That part I understood. "What did you tell her?" I asked, trying to sound like I didn't care. But I did. I totally did.

"That's what took me so long," Carmen began, rolling her eyes. "I told her I'd already made plans with you."

I half choked. "What'd she say?"

"She called you a freak-show, then proceeded to tell me all your dirty little secrets." Carmen grinned devilishly. "But don't worry, I already heard them from everybody else."

Was that supposed to make me feel better?

I glanced at Mr. Montgomery's reflection in the rear view mirror, feeling more than a little embarrassed.

Carmen caught my eyes and gave a not so feminine snort. "Oh, don't worry about him. He's listening to the news on his Blue-tooth." She turned away from me to check. "Aren't cha Dad?"

No response.

"See? I told you. He's a robot." Carmen flashed a smile and turned around in the front seat to face me again. "Everyone's got it wrong about you. Judging from what I heard, I think you're pretty freakalicious. Mindee's the one with the problem. She's a real piece of work." Lifting a brow, Carmen added, "She always been like that?"

I nodded. "Pretty much. Mindee was normal until she hopped on the crazy train and crashed into superficial island."

Carmen nodded in agreement. "I think she's just bein' a hater because I friendscaped her and not you. Ain't it ill how we clicked, boo?"

I was still trying to unlock the meaning behind her words like a slang dork when Thomas broke into our conversation. "I must admit, I am fascinated by all the human drama."

"Oh, put a sock in it," I blurted.

"What did you say?"

My eyes shot to Carmen's questioning look. "Nothing." I turned toward Thomas and said, "There's a huge, hairy bug back here pestering me."

He gave me a satisfied grin.

Carmen continued, totally unaware of the extra presence in the car. "Mindee just loved giving me all the dirt on you."

I bet she did.

I sat silently as Carmen listed off each painful detail, beginning from when school had just started a few short weeks ago. Ashamed, I pulled my hair around me like a cloak of invisibility and sunk down in the expensive seat. I hated being gossiped about. Hated it even more that Thomas had to hear it all while I sat beside him.

Unexpected anger started brewing inside me like a fresh pot of coffee. I felt Thomas stiffen, his energy pressing in on me like a giant, suffocating vice.

I shot him a glance and shifted uncomfortably to breathe. What was his deal anyway? I understood that he wouldn't allow me to hurt anyone, but he never said anything about not ever being able to get  upset.

I may be an angel, but I'm no saint.

Carmen continued talking, unfazed by my silence. "When I told Mindee that I wouldn't hang out with her because I was hanging out with you instead, she said, "It's your funeral," and flitted away. I swear, she's such a drama queen!"

"Why would she say that?" Mr. Montgomery asked out of the blue. Carmen and I glanced at each other, then dissolved into girlish giggles. Coming up for air first, she explained, "Mindee is too busy being jealous, dad. She doesn't want me to be friends with Chaos. It's just stupid, narrow minded high school stuff." Carmen paused, giving an exaggerated sigh. "Be glad you're old and don't have to deal with it anymore."

"I'm not that old," Mr. Montgomery complained.

Carmen cocked her head to one side. "Yeah right. Whatever you say, dad." Turning back to me she asked, "Wanna walk around town before coming over to my place?"

I nodded. "Sure."

Town consisted of a main street and a single row of historic buildings that hugged the sidewalk on either side. With plenty of mom-and-pop businesses and restaurants, there was something for everyone. Although up until now, the only person I'd ever hung around with downtown was my mom.

Cause I'm just that much of an epic loser.

"Okay then." Carmen flipped back around in the front seat. "Dad, drop us off in front of State Grounds. We'll walk home after."

State Grounds was the local coffee shop. It's also a favorite hang out spot for adults, which kind of ruins it for kids. But the owner makes up for it by inviting live bands to play on the weekends.

"Alright," Mr. Montgomery sighed. "But come home right after." He gave Carmen a stern look. "Promise?"

"I will, I promise," she said, leaning over to give him a kiss on the cheek. "Bye Daddy."

We piled out of the car and waited until he drove off.

Carmen gave an apologetic smile. "He likes to overreact cause he thinks were still in LA, and can't let me outta his sight." She nodded to the coffee shop. "Let's bounce."

I walked to the door and held it open, waiting for Carmen to enter followed by Thomas, before entering myself.

Carmen looked bewildered. "Can you believe that jerk Brian? I hope he learned his lesson."

"I'm sure he did." I smiled just thinking about it and followed her up to the counter.

Carmen ordered first. "I'll have a Frappucino Ice Smoothie."

I ordered an Iced Latte.

Bill, the owner, smiled pleasantly as we paid. "Okay ladies, I'll bring your drinks right out to you as soon as they're ready. Have a seat." Tall with an extreme comb-over and jet black handlebar mustache, Bill had an easy going and friendly attitude that made you feel as if you were his most important customer. Even when he was crazy busy. Like today.

If possible, the coffee shop was even busier on the weekends because of the music. There was always a line out the door. Not that I've ever been to listen to the bands. That would mean I had a life.

I didn't.

We managed to find a seat right up front. Carmen picked out the only table placed up inside of an old window display, overlooking the sidewalk. Lucky for me, Carmen sat facing the window so she could watch people stroll by. I was happy sitting with my back to the sidewalk.

I was on display enough at school, thank you very much.

As we waited for our drinks, Carmen seemed to be watching me more than looking out the window. I'm not good with small talk.

Thomas hovered nearby, sulking that he didn't have my full attention. Oh well, he'd get over it. I was geeked to spend time with Carmen.

"Your Dad seems nice," I said, fishing for something to chat about. I hate uncomfortable silences. I'm not quite sure why. They just make me... uncomfortable.

As if zoning out, the light finally came on in Carmen's eyes. "Yeah, my dad's great. My mom, on the other hand, not so much." Her voice went quiet. "She's a whole other story. You'll see when you meet her."

"Thanks for the warning," I said, sarcastically.

Bill brought out our drinks. "Thanks," we said in stereo, and watched him walk away.

I took a sip of my latte and absently played with the straw. "So, what are your plans this weekend?"

Carmen's eyebrows shot up. "Actually, I came to ask Bill about having my brother's band play here."

I almost choked. "Your brothers in a band?"

"Yes," she said, excitedly. "His band is the greatest. They've played concerts all over LA."

I didn't respond.

Carmen gave me a hard look. "You have been to a concert, haven't you?

Still no response.

"You can't possibly be that sheltered?"

Oh, trust me. I can.

"I haven't been to a concert recently," I said, unable to meet her eyes.

Carmen sat forward, breaking my line of vision. I glanced up. "Not recently, or not ever?" she asked, arching one perfectly shaped brow.

Thomas cleared his throat, trying not to laugh. Annoyed, I shot him a dirty look. No longer pouting, he was clearly enjoying my discomfort.

I blushed uncontrollably. "No, I've never been to a concert. Happy?"

Her eyes went huge. "Are you for cereal?

I shrugged. "What's the big whoop?"

"Wait," she said, putting up a hand. "Did you just say, big whoop?"

My frown deepened.

Carmen shook her head and laughed. "You're so country."

Coming from her, it sounded like an insult. And in case I had any doubt, Thomas joined in the laughter. I swear if he wasn't an angel, I'd kill him!

"Gee, thanks," I sulked, addressing them both. "I'm glad you find me so amusing."

If possible, Carmen laughed even harder. Unfortunately for me, her sparkling affect was infectious. I knew then that she wasn't trying to be mean because I couldn't help but join in the fun.

Everyone in the coffee shop turned and looked at us. We were having that effect on people a lot today.

"So," I said, casually wiping away a tear. "When's your brother getting here?"

"Friday."

"Wow, so soon?" I breathed.

Carmen paused to frown. "What?"

I swallowed hard. "You better go ask Bill if he has any openings."

Carmen got up without saying another word and went to the counter. I watched her talk to Bill for a bit. When he shook his head no she returned to our table, shoulders drooping.

"What did he say?" I asked, pretending not to know the answer.

She looked like she was about to cry. "He said he's booked solid for six months with local bands." Her lower lip trembled. "My brother's only going to be here for a couple of weeks. I really wanted people in town to hear his band."

I smiled and tried to sound cheerful. "Don't worry, we'll figure something out."

"How? Do you know someplace else in this hick town where the band can play?" she asked, sounding hopeful.

I shook my head, feeling like a useless dork. "No, but..."

Thomas cleared his throat abruptly, which made me look his way. "How about the cornfield behind your house?"

"What?" I didn't mean to say it out loud.

Carmen glanced over her shoulder to see who I was talking to. No one was sitting with us in the cramped window seats. Not that she could see anyway. Thomas froze as he hovered possessively in the corner, but something told me that she could feel his presence.

Carmen gave me a knowing look. "Is there someone else here besides us?"

You know how a bad idea can seem like a good idea at the time? Like spilling your guts to a perfect stranger. I was simply going to burst if I didn't tell someone.

"I can talk to angels." I left the part out that I was one of them.

"Shut the front door!" Carmen yelled. Everyone turned to stare. Even Bill looked up from behind the counter. I wanted to crawl under the table.

Carmen's hand flew to her mouth as soon as she realized how loud she'd been. "Sorry," she whispered. "Let's get outta here. We can talk on the way to my house."

I managed a weak smile. "Sounds like a plan." Grabbing my bag, I followed her out the door – leaving everyone to stare after us.

Carmen waited for me on the sidewalk. As we started walking, I could tell she was dying to ask me questions. "So," she began, trying to sound nonchalant. "Tell me about the angels."

I opened my mouth to answer, but the words died in my throat. Thomas didn't need to tell me that I'd already said too much. His glare spoke volumes. "It's complicated," I confessed, avoiding both sets of eyes.

Carmen's brows knitted together in frustration. "What do you mean? A second ago you looked like you were dying to tell me. What gives?"

Before I could offer an explanation, Thomas broke in. "Do not tell her anything, Chaos. Not about me, not about you, and certainly not about the Dark Ones. Knowing too much puts her in danger."

I had to think fast to come up with a diversion that would satisfy Carmen and get Thomas off my back at the same time.

Borrowing his idea, I said, "I just thought of a place where your brother's band can play..." I let my voice trail off, hoping she would take the bait.

Carmen looked curious, but hesitant at the same time. "Where?"

Avoiding the smug look of satisfaction on Thomas' face, the words tumbled out of my mouth. "In the cornfield behind my house." The location sounded ludicrous, even to me. But it really was kind of perfect. If I didn't know any better, I would've sworn that Thomas purposefully intended to keep me close to home.

What I didn't know was, why?

Carmen's sapphire blue eyes lit up with the possibilities. "That gives me an idea."

It was my turn to be curious. "What?"

"Come with me and I'll show you," she said excitedly.