I did this rly fast so excuse how messy it is *^*
Aria's POV
I was humming softly, my fingertips grazing over the spines of the books at the local library in town.
I haven't been back here since...
I shook my head, my smile that had faltered returning. I'm home now, that's all that matters.
I can't keep letting the past control me.
The city had never been my scene...loud, busy...
I much preferred this little hick town. It brought back memories, some of my childhood and some I'd rather forget.
But it was home.
I paused briefly on a small novel. Picking it up, I looked over the cover.
The Radio Killer.
I cocked my head, turning the book over to read the back. It was talking about a deadly serial killer in the 1920's. My eyelids lowered in annoyance.
Of course he has his own fuckin book.
I put it back, continuing on my search. I was currently looking for a book on the supernatural. I really want to find out how I can stop these dreams, before I see something I truly don't have the stomach to see.
I was getting frustrated, my brows furrowing as I helplessly skimmed these books, until I heard a soft voice.
"Aria Laurent?"
My ears perked at the sound of my full name, and I turned to face the source of the voice. My eyes widened on the tiny old woman standing a few feet from me.
The old librarian, Mrs. Ida.
She's still alive?!
My face broke into a smile, my feet carrying me towards her.
"Hello, Mrs. Ida! Im sorry I didn't say hello, I didn't see you when I came in," I apologized sheepishly, and she waved her hand.
"Oh, sweetie, no need...so what has you back in town, dear?" She sounded perplexed, which is reasonable.
Both of my parents are gone. I'm an only child. Everyone knows why I left...
"Oh, I live here again," I chuckled softly, and her wrinkled eyes widened. She grabbed my hand tenderly.
"You do? Well that's wonderful news! Be careful though, dear...he hasn't left, you know—"
"Hehe...T-that's ok Mrs. Ida. No need to talk about that...the past is the past, right?"
Right...?
Her smile softened, her eyes holding a knowing look, "Indeed, sweetheart...now, what's your poison? Romance? Horror?" She began shuffling through the books.
I watched her, rubbing my arm slightly, "uh...paranormal actually," I chuckled nervously.
"Paranormal...? Well..." she shuffled over to a smaller section, sweeping her hand towards it, "here you are, dear."
With that she gave me a soft smile, walking back to her desk.
I started looking through all the supernatural books, sighing softly when nothing seemed to be what I was looking for.
That is, until I came to a small, worn looking book. The cover was faded, and I could just barely tell what it said.
A Guide to the Paranormal
Bingo!
I smiled big, trotting up to the checkout and placing the book down. Mrs. Ida glanced at it, and tilted her head.
"Oh dear, a ghost problem?" She teased me lightly, and my smile turned a bit sheepish as I glanced off to the side.
"Uh...not exactly," I chuckled, pulling out money to fully purchase the book instead of renting it.
Mrs. Ida, however, refused.
"No, dear, just take it. It's old, probably would've ended up in the trash anyway," she said softly and I blinked.
Reluctantly I accepted with many thanks, and she simply waved me off. Her eyes crinkled when she smiled, but then her smile faded and I was confused.
I turned to face the door, and froze. My blood ran cold, my breath hitching.
The man standing there immediately met my eyes. His eyes narrowed, his large frame blocking the exit.
"So it's true...you're home."
I've been in town for an hour! How did he already hear?!
I took a step back, my hands shaking slightly. I swallowed my fear, however, and reclaimed my steps.
My eyes hardened, "I am. I don't see how it's any of your business," I spat back.
I made my way towards the door, preparing to push past him and leave.
"Now if you'll excuse me—"
He grabbed me by the shoulders, making me gasp and my heart palpitate with terror.
"JOSHUA."
Both of us looked towards the front desk. Mrs. Ida was out of her chair, scowling at Josh.
He grumbled before shoving me away from him, making me stumble. I huffed, straightening my jacket before shoving the door open and heading home.
I could feel his eyes on me the entire walk back to my car.
**
When I got inside my house, it was still. Quiet.
I stepped into the foyer slowly, "Alastor?"
I called his name. No answer. I can't feel him either.
I sighed, setting my stuff down. I guess it's just me tonight.
My keys clattered when I set them into the little ceramic bowl by my front door, my mind wondering back to the library.
My eyebrows furrowed.
He knows I'm home...
Quickly I shook my head. I need to shake off this fear he put in me. He wouldn't dare lay a hand on me after last time.
I placed the little book on my entrance table, heading to the kitchen to start dinner.
I grabbed the apron Alastor left that had the funny phrase on it. Reading over it, I giggled to myself before tying it around my waist.
I had thought it was a small apron, but it turns out it was just small on him.
On me it's huge.
I started grabbing ingredients to make a simple pasta, silently thanking Alastor for stocking up my pantry and fridge.
I still wonder why he bothered to do that.
Getting everything ready, I glanced at the little radio that he'd left here from my second day. Reaching forward, I ran my fingers over the smooth metal and polished wood.
Curiously, I turned the dial. A station came to life, playing soft music. It sounded like jazz. I hummed and switched the channel.
I did that two more times before my eyes widened.
"Good evening sinners! This is your sweet Radio Demon tuning in for my evening broadcast—!"
"Alastor...?" I whispered softly. My mouth formed a soft line before my lips turned up into a little smile. Part of me wondered how I was getting this channel, but I suppose it's just because it's one of his radios.
So, I started making my dinner, listening to him talk on and on about the happenings of hell. From what he's saying, hell is a lot different from what I thought it was.
I had already forgotten about the library incident, just listening to Alastor's voice come through the old radio.
My soft smile faltered when there was a knock on my door.
I put down my spoon, turning the heat off the stove. I had just finished, but I've been expecting a package so I probably should go grab it really quick.
Wiping my hands on a towel, I walked over to the door, putting a friendly smile on my face.
I grabbed the door handle, stupidly not bothering to check before swinging it open. I opened my mouth to greet who I thought was the delivery man.
My smile slowly fell, my eyes widening.
I looked up into the eyes of Josh...
His sick sneer widened and he shoved his way in.
"Well..." he grabbed the door, slamming it shut and blocking it, "what a pleasant surprise."