This song fits this chapter by Sick Puppies You're Going Down. I like to call this chapter "Shadow's plan back-fired on him" chapter. It got screwed pretty bad and it ended up being something he probably regrets for the rest of his life. Back to the story....

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Previously...

 When Shadow said he'll get back to me about when it was safe to be near each other since he didn't want me to be in danger or anything near that word. Ha. Yeah well I found out 3 days later after our strained conversation my answer...

It was a late Sunday afternoon. I liked how peaceful the neighborhood looked just filled with tranquility and the sky looking gentle and soft above our heads. I saw this all while standing on the porch of our house while watching a light drizzle of rain falling on us, but not on me on the grass since I was protected of the roof on top of me.

For the past 3 days I've been hanging out with my friends since they felt it was their duty to make me feel better and all even if I insisted it wasn't necessary, but my friends were stubborn so yeah it didn't work. But I looked at the bright side of this: they distracted me from worrying of Shadow too much since I didn't want to be too clingy too him AND I needed some quality time with my friends.

I'm actually enjoying my weekend since we made turkey sandwiches in Thursday with them and Seth wasn't kidding when he said he was gonna "crash" 'cause when the girls and I finished washing the dishes since he was already done with putting the stuff away, we came back to be greeted with Seth snoring lightly in my favorite couch with my blanket wrapped around his slender body. We left him at peace,BUT Ruby took pictures of him because she thought he looked cute,BUT the real reason was to post them on Facebook. So yeah I hope no one gets hurts if she posts them. I shaked my head, murmuring Ruby,Ruby,Ruby what are we gonna do without you...

"Arielle you hungry?" called Jodie's gentle voice.

I glanced at her over my shoulder as she stood in the doorway then glanced back at the sky and responded with a nod and said,"Yeah let's go." Then we headed inside with the smell of my mom's homemade chicken mole enchiladas in the air. I exhaled, savoring it's smell and making my mouth watery.

Right on cue my mom descended from the kitchen with an apron tied around her waist and two plates with chicken mole enchiladas in them in each hand. Behind her Seth had two more plates, helping her serve it around. 

We followed her as she went to the dinning room since she didn't like it when we ate on the living room,especially when the room was covered in carpet.

When mom set the food down she said,"Well guys I hope you enjoy my enchiladas, but unfortunately I won't be able to join you since I have a date with John. Remember him, sweetie? Yes well I'll be gone for a few hours and oh-" she exclaimed as she checked her watch around her wrist. "I have to get ready!" With that she left us to enjoy our food.

We all stared at her as she left then we shrugged it off.

Jodie was next to me with Ruby and Seth in front of us as we sat down to eat. It felt weird like...too proper since we never ate here only at the kitchen island. The dining room was like a decoration or something like that. Something to see not sit in. Well until the holidays came in then yeah we ate here with cousins and other relatives.

Anyway Ruby was thinking about going to the mall, just to look around, and then take a walk around the park for some fresh air. Perfect. And no that isn't sarcasm...I think.

Seth cocked his head,"That does sound...relaxing I guess. BUT if going to the mall turns out to be ME carrying your bags AGAIN I don't think so."

Jodie giggled while Ruby rolled her eyes. Oh yes, the last time we went shopping I remembered Seth sprawled on the floor with shopping bags around him while people stared at him with the WTF look on their faces.

"Oh c'mon it wasn't that bad AND it wasn't that many bags for your information!" said Ruby, pointing out with her forefinger directed at Seth.

Seth shot her his oh-really-you-wanna-bet look. I just clicked my tongue and then ate.

"If were gonna do this we should ask Arielle's mom since she doesn't want Arielle to wander off in the woods because of her "accident"!" said a sneaky Jodie,quoting in the air "accident". I froze there. Did they suspect? Do they know and decided to throw it in my face? No they don't know, I thought. They don't.

I relaxed a little bit as I heard them laughed at Jodie's joke.

Ruby nodded,"Yeah we should though. Let's wait till she comes down and then we'll tell her. But are you guys in though?" We nodded even though maybe Seth's in danger of carrying Ruby's bags again. I saw this since Seth had a worried look in his eyes. I laughed silently at this. Then I popped a piece of enchilada in my mouth.

An hour later my mom came down looking not herself in some ways with that pure purple dress she wore. It went with her blond highlighted hair though it would look weird with my red hair. Not a perfect fit.

Pretty elegant and sophisticated. Not a big fan of dresses when it involves wearing it out on a evening dinner in an expensive restaurant. 

Me and Ruby were throwing foam at each other and laughing about it instead of finishing washing the dishes. When my mom came out we were drying off. 

The only thing I did was gape at her along with Ruby. Jodie just grinned while Seth shamelessly whistled at her. I glared at him.

Mom blushed and then said sternly,"Now Seth behave yourself. What do you think girls?" I only gaped at her in shock while Ruby grinned and gave her two thumbs up.

Mom smiled gratefully and said,"Well thank you Ruby!" 

"You deserve it! John will probably be smitten when he looks at you!" Ruby complimented.

My mom just blushed and smiled while she grabbed her purse from a nightstand beside one of the couchs.

Jodie asked her about the mall and going around the park thing,"So can we Mrs.Martinez? Just for a few hours?"  

Mom cocked her head to the side in deep thought. "Well...I guess you can since I think Arielle needs some fresh air and to get her sour leg to get better with walking around for awhile. So yeah guys you can go,but don't let Arielle wander off in the woods, seriously!" she added with a laugh when she saw I was glowering at her. Can they just drop it?, I thought sourly.

Before I could add a bitter comment at that,bright headlights shone through the window curtains in the front of the house. Yippee John's here, I thought humorlessly.

Mom nervously rearranged her hair and smoothed down any wrinkles on her dress quickly as she realized who it was. Mom grabbed her purse and headed toward the door.

She glanced back at us and said,"Well I'm off guys! You better be home before 9 Arielle or I'll hunt you down. Vanessa is staying at her friend's house for the night so don't worry about her and that's it. I have to go now,enjoy your day!" She opened the door,blew me a kiss,and with a happy wave to the others she left. 

I sighed and plopped unhappily on the couch. As you can I'm not a big fan of John and probably never will be. They've been dating for 4 months now not that I kept count or anything like that... I just hope she doesn't end up getting too serious with the guy before consulting us about the matter. You've just witnessed how she acts when you mention him, it's obvious she's falling for him. I sound selfish I know, but I can't help worrying for her if she gets hurt again...

I sighed yet again. I need a distraction...

Jodie broke the heavy silence I was creating,"C'mon guys we better get a move on before it gets too dark to go anywhere!" With that we got to our feet and grabbed our stuff meaning our sweaters.

Ruby scowled at Seth,"Get your HANDS of my WALLET!" As Seth stood frozen in the act of having his hands on her wallet which was inside her purse. Jesus Christ Seth! You've already got in trouble with Ruby before we placed a foot outside!

Seth had his hands in the air in surrender,but he was laughing mischievously nonstop. That silly act made us burst out laughing. In the next minute or two we were grabbing our sides in pain which made us laugh more!

Jodie put her hand up and in a breathless voice saying,"Ok,Ok guys! I think we've had enough! No seriously let's STOP! My sides are killing me!" 

Ruby was leaning in the kitchen door,"Yeah me too. Let's go to the mall since it's 4 something already now."

30 minutes later...

There were Halloween decorations everywhere since it's the middle of October. Seth was playing a game in the Arcade while we were looking at clothes in a near shop. Well Ruby and Jodie were, I was just trailing behind them since I didn't feel like looking at clothes right now. Just by saying that I probably sound like a downer,but I'm not. 

Ruby showed me a type of red blouse with some glitter spread in the clothing with a belt attched to it in the waist and wanted my honest opinion in it.

I furrowed my brow and appraised the blouse,"Wow. I like it because it has a feisty side to it and it will look good on you because red always looks good on you!" I placed my hands inside my sweater pockets and looked at her.

Ruby studied the blouse and with a pained sigh she placed the blouse back with the other blouse,"Yeah I like it,but I have a lot of new clothes that I haven't worn yet. So I can't waste my money on clothes right now until next year." Ruby bit her lip which had gloss on it.

Jodie gaped, which was so unlike her, at Ruby when she heard Ruby say that,"Did I just hear that come from Ruby Maldonado's mouth or have I literally gone deaf?!"

I smirked,"Sadly,yes she said 'no' to the blouse. I was afraid this day will come... Oh Ruby! What would you do?" I looked at her with feigned pleading.

Ruby had her eyes narrowed and then slowly she was smiling mischievously. I eyed her suspiciously as so did Jodie.

"Don't worry girls. Everything will be alright..." With that she started laughing like Dracula. Jodie and I glanced at each other. 

"Too much? Am I creeping you out more than I already am?!" Ruby said as she stopped dramatically laughing. 

I just smiled while Jodie said,"I say this because I care for you. You have issues my dear friend." Ruby glared at her.

I smiled,"You know she's kidding right? Anyway we should go find Seth he probably won't be able to get away from that Arcade when he gets totally into them." Jodie giggled while Ruby eyed her. Then we left to find Seth. Just like I thought,he was absorbed in his own world when we found him in the various machines spread out in the huge Arcade.

I tapped his shoulder,but I was greeted with only the wave of his hand saying Do-Not-Disturb. I tapped him again and he swiveled around so fast that I almost fell on the floor,but Jodie caught me.

Seth had annoyed look on his face, but it disappeared in shock to apologetic when he saw me.

Seth lend his hand to me,"Oh hey sorry 'bout that Arielle! I just didn't see you there!" 

"How could you? When your focused on that game your playing! Pay more attention! What happens if it was an old lady!," criticized Ruby. 

I accepted Seth's hand and he pulled me up. I gave Ruby a sterned look. It wasn't his fault. And the last part wasn't necessary.

Seth held his hands up in protection and defendantly said,"Hey! I said I'm sorry ok! So you really don't have to criticize at me at all! Anyway why would an old lady need my help?!" 

I sighed. "What happens is she needed help with some groceries she just bought and thought you looked kind enough to help her!" she shot back.

I placed my hands on my hips and tapped my foot."Okay,Okay guys cut it out! Ruby it wasn't his fault  and I accepted his apology! Can we just stop this because it's pretty ridiculous if you look at it my way. Now both say your sorry!" I shot at them both.

Seth and Ruby looked at each other and said,"Sorry." Jodie nudged them to hug. They did and it was cute! I smiled.

When they broke apart Seth was smiling sheepish and Ruby was blushing in shame. I whistled and they gave me hard looks for that which made me laugh.

After that we headed to a smoothie shop with Seth staring longingly at the Arcade. We spent like almost 3 hours going through the place, the mall was that big, but we couldn't we go through every shop since we got bored of the mall and wanted to go to the park. Somewhere quiet and peaceful.

While Ruby and Jodie rummaged through clothes,shoes,and accessories I was looking at books at the Borders bookstore in the mall. Seth was somewhere nearby, but I didn't bother to check since I was distracted. I haven't read any books for a long while now since I hadn't had the time and I read all the books I bought last fall. So yeah here I was, delicately going through shelves of new books from my favorite authors. I was standing at the 'Teen' section where the romantic novels were, checking out Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (Check out her books guys!). She was a new author and her first book already got me by the amazing cover and the summary of the book. I'm gonna buy some 3 or 4 books to start off with and then I'm hitting my couch to read one of my books.

I checked out Hush,Hush, Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia,  Radiant Shadows (Wicked Lovely) by Melissa Marr, and Fang: A Maximum Ride Novel by James Patterson. Good choices if I say so myself! Before I paid for them I looked around more, admiring the covers,titles, and being intrigued by the summary of the books I was looking at. 

"Wow!' I said as I looked over the shelves that held a lot of copies of Twilight, New Moon,Eclipse,and Breaking Dawn. There was the original covers of the books and the new covers for Twilight and New Moon. I had all of them, but only with the original ones not the new ones and I'm not wasting my money on the book just because it has a new cover! No thank you! I fell in love with the books, but not the movies, they just ruined the vision I had of these books. So yeah I never watched the movies even if this girl I know Avril has invited me to see the movies, but I nicely decline. 

Anyway I looked over the books for a few seconds and moved on, but I accidentally I bumped into someone dressed in black. I almost fell, but he caught me by my left arm. The books that I had in my arms were the ones that fell to the ground. I caught myself by a shelf and bent down to grab my books from the ground, but the guy already picked them up and pointed them in my direction since they were mine. I swallowed and slowly grabbed them from his hand. I saw a flash of skin in his wrist since he was wearing those fingerless gloves and his sweater covered his arms.

Etched permanently on his wrist was a skull and crossbones tattoo and I saw it in a blur since he retracted his hand quickly. I looked up at him in curiosity. Instead of leaving like I thought he was he stood there for a few minutes. 

He was dressed fully in black from head to toe. I couldn't see his face since his hoodie hid his face, but I could see a bandanna tied around his neck with a skull and crossbones on it. 

I murmured,"Sorry and thanks." 

He raised his head a little bit,"You should be careful more," he said in a husky and thin voice that gave me the chills to go through me. 

I tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear,"Ha yeah I should. I'm a klutz. Thank god you were here or I would've gotten my nose broken!" I bit my lip and prepared to leave since I don't normally talk  to strangers.

"Yes well who knows what would've happened... Good-bye now." With that he swiftly passed me and was out of the door. I stared after him with no emotion just insecurity for myself. When he passed by me his eyes met mine and they were a type of silver color... or maybe I got it wrong.

A woman tried to go through me so I moved aside automatically. I bit my lip and then quickly went to the cashier to pay for my books. The woman behind the cashier smiled at me and placed my books on a bag. I gave her my money and she said,"Have a good day now!" I gave her a tight smile and left Borders in a fast pace.

What I wanted to do right now was be with my friends and forget my strange encounter with that stranger. 

But I couldn't push this feeling in my gut that told me something bad was gonna happen... And the feeling in the back of my neck that I was being watched... I accelerated my pace and went to find my friends.

Minutes later...

So we were just preparing to leave the Mall, but we were checking if we had everything we had since we came here:cells,wallets,shopping bags,etc. We just bought small things and not worth a lot of money. Like Jodie bought a collection of small Peace sign earings in different colors, Ruby a lovely scarf because the wind was started to be aggressive here, and Seth a few CD's. Ughh I hate the cold! 

I checked my pockets for my phone and I came up empty handed.

I gaped at my bare hands. "Oh my god! My phone's missing! How did that happen?!" 

"When was the last time you had it?" said a helpful Seth. 

I went through my memories. "Uh...The bookstore! I checked for the time and I guess while I was grabbing a book I placed my phone on a...shelf! Oh my god my mom's gonna kill me!" I was falling apart. The phone was new and my mom will be pissed!

"Well why don't you go back to Borders and see if you can find it and hope no one stole it?" said Jodie.

"Yeah! We'll wait for you and if you want we could go with you to help you" said a positive Ruby. 

I bit my lip,"No that's alright! Um...why don't you go buy something to eat and I'll meet you there?"

"Well I don't want leave you alone Arielle and I wouldn't mind helping you. But if you want to-" I interrupted Jodie.

"Yeah I want to. Don't worry ok and I'll be alright! Nothing bad is gonna happen!" I added with a hasty laugh.

Seth looked unsure,"Are you really sure gummy bear? 'Cause I don't like leaving you alone in a big mall like this." For once I didn't snap at him for that.

"Yeah I'm sure. I'll be alright guys! Why don't you go to McDonald's, it's a block away from here so I 'll get to you guys quickly?" 

They murmured,"Yeah I guess we could go there" and "Are you still sure though?" 

"Yes! I'll catch up with you guys in a few minutes and if a miracle happened that I found my cell quickly then that will be in a few seconds! Now go!" Before I pushed them out the door, they seemed convinced that they went on their way. Though they glanced back at me with nervous glances. When they rounded the corner to one of the nearest exits of the Mall I sprinted to Borders.

In 3 minutes I got there with a thudding heart and sweaty palms. I entered Borders with ease so they won't know something was wrong and headed to the 'Teens' section. I went through every shelf and I guess in the 10th shelf or so I found my cell hidden behind some huge books that made my cell invisible. With a silent victorious shout I grabbed my phone from the shelf and and in a quick pace I exited the Mall .

A slight breeze hit my face that made me shiver in my sweater and bring it closer to me. I looked around to find that I was in the Mall parking lot still full of cars. The dark sky