Free Spirits (Spirits Series Book 1) by Destiny Patterson Page A

don’t see her as she approaches me but if I don’t acknowledge her she’ll follow me all day.  Thinking quickly I duck into an alley, of course she’s right behind me, and pull out my cell phone.  Taking out an ear bud I pretend to call someone and hold it to my ear.
    “Journey,” Abigail says, “how are you? Did you find him?” She asks hopeful.
    “No, not yet. I am going to look today.”
    “Perhaps I could help you.”
    “That will not be ne cessary.”
    She looks me over, “You are a very peculiar girl ladies do not wear trousers.” She shakes her head in disapproval.
    “I don’t really care for dresses.”
    She giggles, “I am sure that displeases your parents.”
    “Actually yes, my mom wishes I were more like her.”
    “Most mothers do.” She looks at me sadly.
    “Are you alright?”
    “I…seem to have lost everyone. It gets rather lonely. Perhaps you could come to my home, keep me company sometimes.”
    “You live alone?”
    “Yes.”
    “Do you talk to anyone?”
    “Occasionally. Molly and a few newcomers to the neighborhood.” She shakes her head and lowers her voice, “I believe the poor dear has lost her mind.”
    “Who?”
    “Molly, she is persistent that someone murdered her.”
    “That’s not,” I catch myself before I say uncommon.
    “Sane?” she asks.
    “Uh, yeah. I must be going now.”
    “So soon?”
    “Yes, I apologize but I have prior obligations.”  With a coffee cake and latte.
    “I will not keep you then.” She says sadly.
    “I’ll catch you later.”
    She looks at me strangely again and nods briefly, “Yes, well then, goodbye.”
    I wait until she is out of sight before putting up my phone and a ll but run to Starbucks.  There’s a group of teenagers seated around a table talking and laughing as I approach.  A couple of them glance at me briefly as I pass then continue their conversation.  Its times like these I really miss Kadence, when she was in the land of the living.  She knew what to do or say and before I knew it we were hanging out with kids we just met.  Not me, I give a quick smile or nod and continue on my way to afraid to look like a fool but Kay never met a stranger.
    “Hey, what can I get you?” the blond behind the counter asks.
    “ Venti skinny caramel latte with a triple shot and a coffee cake.”
    “Sure.” She says.
    “Oh, could you put whip cream on the latte?”
    “Yeah.” She smiles with an odd expression.
    Maybe I have something on my face… Definitely keeping my head down until I can check.
    “Have a great day.” She smiles as she puts my things on the counter.
    Nodding I take them and head outside making sure to sit far away from everyone. 
         I grab my compact and book from my bag and do a quick check after sitting down.  There’s nothing on my face, I mean I didn’t do my makeup but its not like I have a protruding zit or deformity.  Why is everyone looking at me like I’m nuts? The chair opposite of me scrapes across the concrete and I glance up.  Holy mother, it’s the cute guy from yesterday.   I look back down quickly knowing he’s dragging it off to join the group.
    “Skinny with whip, huh?”
    Snatching my head up I find him sitting across from me.
    He smiles, “Sorry I overheard your order, seems sort of pointless if you ask me. Why not just go all out and be bad?”
    “It’s still less calories?”
    He chuckles, “True. Anyway I’m Carson.” He holds out his hand.
    I have one of those moments where it feels like an eternity has passed and I’m just sitting there staring at him like a dork so to make up for time lost, which was probably only a few seconds, I hastily reach to shake his hand and knock my latte all over the table.  Seriously! Smooth! I’m so embarrassed I want to hide under the table!  “I’m so sorry.” I say gathering my things.
    He snatches my book before it soaks up more sticky liquid, “Hey, don’t worry about it. I just hope this didn’t get