Coffee

Chapter 1

My day could have gone much better. Usually bad days are just a bunch of lousy events all strung together without a clear start or end, but let me tell you, I know exactly how mine started.

It all started with Starbucks. I blame my whole bad day on just one cup of Starbucks coffee.

I had started my morning as usual. I woke up, brushed my teeth, got ready for work, and walked to buy coffee from the near by Starbucks. I readjusted my jacket, pulling it closer to ward off the chill of the cool November air. I was about to cross the street when the red, white, and blue lights of three police cars caught my attention. I waited for them to pass wondering if the emergency had also warranted the presence of the city's newest hero Guardian.

I crossed the street and then walked into the Starbucks. I was greeted with the heavenly smell of freshly brewed coffee and welcomed the rush of warmth. I got on line behind the usual assortment of businessmen, hipsters, and college students and waited to order. The sight of the cops had brought back memories of Arron and to be honest I had a hunch that he was the reason for the police cars I had seen. I tried to focus on something else, but was unsuccessful as my mind kept drifting back to when we were younger. I had known the person so many feared and knew as Shadow, back when he was still just Aaron, but that was before he took a turn for the worse. I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as I wondered if there was anything I could have done to prevent what he had become now.

I was dragged back to reality when the pretty blond haired barista asked for my order. I had just opened my mouth to respond when the wall to my right came crashing in. I ducked and turned my back out of instinct as bricks and chunks of sheetrock flew over my head. A few stray pieces tore through my clothing leaving behind scrapes. I turned around slowly and saw a prone figure laying on top of the rubble, only feet away from me. Coughing as the dust cleared, I realized who the figure was. There's a saying, speak of the devil and he shall appear, well apparently thoughts work just as well because lying there was Shadow dressed in his iconic black outfit. We locked eyes and from his position on the ground he smirked and said,

"Hey"

There he was lying in what had once been a wall, covered in blood and bruises, and he said "Hey," as if it was the most normal thing in the world. Just looking at him I could tell he had taken quite the beating. The trained nurse in me awoke and I assessed his condition out of habit. Honestly I couldn't believe he was still breathing let alone talking, I assumed that it had something to do with his power. Although I had know idea how power over dark matter allowed one to still function after being a human punching bag.

Wincing, he got up. He looked around the coffee shop, and summoned his power. The sight of the dark matter gathering in his hands was enough to free everyone from their shock and cause a mad dash for the exits. In a matter of seconds the Starbucks was empty except for me and Aaron, then Guardian stepped through the gaping hole in the wall.

Before I realized what was happening, Aaron had pulled me in front of him. He wrapped an arm around my torso, keeping a firm hold on me as he placed his other hand, emanating dark energy, near my head.

"I wouldn't get any closer if I were you" Aaron said, "at least for her sake."

I shivered at the drastic change in his voice, but then felt a surge of irritation as I realized he was using me as a hostage.

"I just wanted a cup of coffee"I shouted in disbelief.

"Looks like you were just in the right place at the right time" laughed Aaron.

"I think you mean wrong place at the wrong time," I said rolling my eyes.

"Let the girl go Shadow" commanded Guardian, interjecting back into the conversation.

He slowly stepped forward, but for every step Guardian took forward, we moved back.

"You really are not good at following instructions are you?" Was Aaron's sarcastic response. I didn't have to look at him to know he had his characteristic smirk plastered on his face.

To say the mood was tense would have been an understatement, but I wasn't worried that Shadow would hurt me, after all he was still Aaron to me. Sure he had gotten into some serious trouble, and I was definitely not happy being a hostage, but my real worry was that he would be the one hurt at the end of this encounter. The uneasy stalemate was broken when Aaron suddenly released me and shoved me foward. When I regained my balance I realized that Aaron had been purposefully backing us towards the door so he could escape.

I watched as Guardian rushed outside after him and I quickly followed suit. Outside a crowd had gathered and I saw that Shadow had disappeared. I did my best to do the same so as not to be questioned about what had just happened.

I quickly made my way back to my apartment using the back streets and called my boss, to tell her I wouldn't be coming in.

I walked with my hands in my pockets and my eyes on the pavement, until I heard movement in an alleyway. I warily neared the alley as horror movie scenarios ran through my mind.

What are you doing Leah? I thought to myself. Don't be the girl who's curiosity gets her killed, you always said you wouldn't be that girl.

I was just about to turn away when I heard my name being called. It was faint and strained. I took a step into the alley and noticed a familiar figure. He was hunched over and leaning heavily on the wall. His face was pale and his hand cradled his ribs. He took a step towards me, before his face contorted in pain and he fell onto his knees.

I rushed forward, kneeling in front of him. I placed my hands on his shoulders to steady him.

"Long time no see" Aaron said with a weak laugh.

"You're hilarious" I said sarcastically, but couldn't fight the small smile that twitched at the corners of my mouth.

However, I quickly became serious as I took in his appearance. Almost all of his visible skin was decorated with painful, purplish-blue splotches, his clothes were torn and covered in blood. Somehow he still had the energy to send me a smile, although doing so was obviously painful.

Suddenly all the disapproval and irritation I had been feeling towards him was replaced with pity. I didn't see the criminal or the public menace, instead I saw the little boy that I had climbed trees with in the park, the one that had gotten into a fight because of me when we were in school, and I had helped with homework.

In that instant I knew I had to help him, I had to protect him, even if technically doing so would be considered aiding and abetting. With a heavy sigh I pulled his hood over his head to make him less noticeable.

"Put your arm around my shoulder" I instructed.

"What?" he asked.

"I'm helping you, just shut up and do as your told."

"I'm going to regret this" I muttered as we began the slow trek back to my apartment.

"Man am I glad you were getting coffee today." He laughed weakly.