Chapter 2: CIGARETTES

"ONE SILVER MARLBORO." I asked the young, innocent girl at the other side of the counter. Her ringlets of light brown hair bounced in the golden sunlight. Her pale fingers tugged on the sleeves of her baggy black hoodie. Her eyes widened slightly, gaze raking over my flawless yet deadly body.

Hana...

"No refunds," she reminded me, pink glossed lips pursed in a thin line. Anxiety poured from each shaky breath she took.

I nodded.

I watched her walk slowly to the back of the gas station, lifting herself up on her toes to read the label of the box of cigarettes.

"Here." she stated. Her airy voice filled the dull buzz of the silence. She bit her lower lip nervously, her deep stare consuming me, eyes locked on mine.

She handed them to me with a trembling hand.

I glanced down at the box, avoiding her gaze so she wouldn't see the disappointment in them.

She really doesn't remember.

"How much?" I murmured. She flinched at the sound of my voice. I felt myself cringe inwardly.

She's scared of you.

"$9.42." she said softly. I passed her a ten, faded from being crumbled in my back pocket.

As she slid it into the register, I turned to leave, only to hear her wince under her breath.

I glanced over my shoulder and noticed she was clutching her hand.

Blood dripped from her skin.

Shit.

The spicy scent of crushed berries waved my senses, drowning me as hunger twisted inside my stomach, then roared at the back of my throat. I flicked my tongue over my lips, then closed my eyes, not wanting her to see the intensity in my eyes. My insides burned, as if my blood had turned to acid. I clasped my hand over my mouth, trying to cover the smell.

"Are you okay?" the girl asked, her breathing hitching in worry.

I was silent as I passed her a stray yet clean napkin at one of the tables.

Wrapping it around her finger, her eyes were still focused on me.

Hana...

I swallowed thickly, attempting to wash away the hunger as well.

Buh bump... Buh bump...

I took a few steps back, as if it would help the warmth of her body to leave my senses. Her soft ivory skin like sun-baked honey—

I inhaled sharply.

"You forgot your change," she whispered, but I remained still.

The girl turned away shyly, back faced to me as she left the change on the counter. I reached my hand out to meet hers. To tell her that I was sorry and that I didn't mean to scare her.

But I didn't.

My hand fell to my side, and I took a step back.

"Do you need a ride?" I murmured, my voice smooth and gentle. I had seen her before, walking here, despite the rain. I was glad to see that she had turned, a small smile on her angelic face.

She's not her.

"Sure."