'Keep...running,' thought Zoe as she willed her alcohol-induced body to keep her sore feet from moving, her high heels clutched in one of her hands. Regardless of her state, she knew it was pointless to try to outrun a vampire without any defence. It was only made worse by the fact she was struggling not to stumble over, her brain fuzzy from the amount she'd drunk, which she hadn't thought had been that much. Apparently she was mistaken.

Zoe didn't need to turn around to feel the vampire's breath getting closer and closer to the back of her neck, or to know his eyes were filled with a hunger which only occurs when they hunt. She was his wild animal and no matter how hard she tried, she'd be on his radar which was almost impossible to escape.
"What's the matter witch?" the vampire taunted as his breath hit the right side of her ear. "Forgotten your magic wand?"
He cackled before Zoe could respond, easily tossing her into a stone wall, as if she weighed of nothing. Zoe screamed in pain as the right side of her body was in agony. Panting heavily, Zoe clutched at her ribs, certain they were now broken. She attempted to sit up and felt a shooting pain run up her body. His footsteps amplified as he approached her. Zoe glanced up to see the hunger still dominant in his eyes. She clenched her face up in pain, wishing the pain would stop. She scrambled her fuzzy brain for any kind of spell to help her but the only spell that occurred was an electric shock spell.
She didn't have time to wonder how powerful it would be as he bent down to her level. Reaching out, she touched his arm. He yelped in shock which at least told Zoe it had more effect than she'd expected but it didn't do as much damage as she'd like. Growling in anger, the vampire rose again, this time bringing Zoe up with him and throwing her across the street into the opposing stone wall. If Zoe's body had been screaming in agony before, this had become unbearable. She was certain she couldn't move, paralysed by the pain she felt coursing through her body.
She shut her eyes, deciding she couldn't bear to see the triumphant look on a vampire's face. She heard his footsteps approach once more, bending down to hover above her. She waited for the fangs to pierce through her skin, feeling the breath wash over her face. It stank of blood, as she had suspected.
Her evening had drastically changed from the fun evening she’d had, at a summer party Victoria held every year…

Zoe waited with baited breath as Alice glanced at herself in Zoe's mirror. With anticipated relief, Zoe saw Alice smile slightly, showing her pearly white teeth. Zoe smiled in response to Alice’s reaction, along with her own appearance.
"You are certain this will work?" asked Alice with uncertainty.
"Yes!" answered Zoe in the same tone she had all night to Alice's doubts.
She looked herself once over before nodding her head slightly. "I trust your opinion."
"Good! Now let’s go. I don’t want to be too fashionably late."
"Can you be too fashionably late?"
"Trust me, yes."
Alice looked slightly confused but nonetheless trusted her best friend. Holding out her arm, Zoe looped hers through and the pair clicked their fingers at the same time. Teleportation for beginners was always a strange sensation but the pair were so used to it, it was as natural as breathing. A few seconds later, they opened their eyes to behold the sight of the gold gates towering over them, indicating the property of a wealthy person.
Zoe tapped the gate gently twice, which sprang to life with a person’s facial features. The gate glanced down at the pair, squinting slightly. “Name,” spoke the high pitched feminine voice.
“Zoe [insert surname],” answered Zoe.
“Alice Fitzgerald,” answered Alice.
The gate closed its eyes before snapping open and grinning. “Welcome to the [insert surname]’s property. I sincerely hope you enjoy your stay.”
The gate, and in turn, its face, swung down the middle to reveal a well-kept large front garden. Smiling, they entered at the same time, following the fairies to the entrance of the mansion. As they walked, they could hear the gentle trickle of the water fountain nearby, with perfectly kept flowers and groomed bushes. It was little wonder her family frequently won garden competitions. The pathway was light cream tiles merged together to create a pathway, with little fairies dotted at the sides, as if they were being lead to a palace.
The mansion entrance had always been a sight of wonderment to anyone who saw it. It had eight windows across, four on each side, with four windows up, with a large wooden door that could allow any size creature inside. The wooden door had been painted a gold colour and the entire house had gold dotted around, with pillars on the ground floor only. From the outside, it was evident where the balconies lay in several rooms and, by chance, the two girls saw people dotted around outside on them.
The pair walked up the five wooden stairs to the porch and approached the gold front door. Zoe thumped her knuckles against the front door twice before waiting. It took a whole minute before the door swung open to a very enthusiastic Victoria, grinning widely at the pair.
“Welcome to my home!” greeted Victoria, pulling Alice into the briefest hug before embracing Zoe. “I hope you enjoy your evening! I have some house rules though.” The two girls stepped inside as the door shut gently behind them, their attention fully on Victoria. “There are rooms that are off limits, but I assume you know that. In case you attempt to go into one of those rooms, it will emit a loud noise and suck you into a random room in the house. If you enter a room, you have to give it at least half an hour before you can leave, so choose wisely. Obviously you can glance around a room, but that’s all you get in order to make a judgement.
“Please no vomiting. You vomit, you clean it up. I’m not being responsible for your mess. If you want to have sex,” she paused while Alice looked shocked. “Keep out of my bedroom. There are a few select rooms for that cause but I’d rather you didn’t. But as always, a summer romance is just too ‘irresistible’. Luckily, I don’t think either of you are the type.
“I think that’s all. So, as I said, enjoy your evening! The night is young, like us, so we need to enjoy it! Soak up the summer while you can. Before you know it, it’s wasted away to nothing.”
Victoria smiled at them with the fakest smile as she told them to leave. Shrugging, they moved past her and down the never ending hallway. There were more rooms than anyone could ever count so the pair glanced at each other as they both headed down the corridor ahead of them.
“If I see a room I like, I’ll go in it,” said Alice.
“Yeah, same.”
What the girls didn’t know was of Victoria’s system, who stood smiling as it began to take effect. The rooms would light up if it appeared to be their kind of room. There were several for Zoe but she kept walking until Alice looked longingly down a side corridor.
“Do you mind?” asked Alice, glancing at her best friend.
“Of course not. Go!” responded Zoe, smiling warmly at her.
Grinning widely, they briefly hugged as Alice bounded gleefully away. Zoe instinctively knew it would be a room filled with books as that was Alice’s style. She also predicted Victoria’s presence at her side, as she’d teleported and linked her arms with her, leading her to a particular room.
“Nice system,” commented Zoe.
Victoria shrugged. “It’s easier for predictable people, such as Alice. It’s harder for mysterious types.”
“So where are we going?”
Victoria’s eyes lit up. “To my party room. Only the most important people go in. Obviously.”
“Obviously,” repeated Zoe tiredly.
Victoria stopped in her tracks. “You don’t sound that interested.”
Zoe felt guilty as she realised how hurt Victoria was over her disinterest. “I am, I promise. I’d just like to dance rather than socialise.”
“You can do that.” Zoe raised her eyebrows. “You can!”
“Vic, you know what room I want to go to.”
Victoria pouted. “Just half an hour?”
“How about, when I get tired of dancing, I’ll spend the rest of the party in your room?”
Victoria debated this. “You promise?”
“I promise.”
Victoria sighed, reluctantly unlatching herself. “Well…have fun.”
She sadly walked back down the corridor to the front door, having heard a loud thumping noise. Zoe bit her lip, on the verge of changing her mind but decided against it. Several rooms lit up for her but there was one in particular which shone the brightest. Grinning, she strutted over, grateful no-one was watching.
The door was a black door with a modern edge to it. She pushed gently and instantly knew this was the room for her. She was greeted with loud music, a dark room lit only by bright lights and a dance floor thriving with people she knew. Without a moment’s hesitation, she instantly went over to the dance floor and began dancing like this was the last time she ever would.
It was an atmosphere she thrived in. People surrounding her, having as much enjoyment out of dancing as her, and it didn’t matter who you were or what your dancing ability was. So long as you enjoyed yourself, the whole experience was immense, and irreplaceable. It was a merge of faces, surrounding her.
After a while, she grew sweaty and in desperate need of a drink. She slid past fellow dancers to the bar across the way, finding several people talking in a hushed conversation. As hushed as a conversation can be in a room with loud music. She ignored them, pouring herself one of her favourite alcoholic drinks. She chugged it down, not realising how thirsty she had been. In fact, she’d been so thirsty she poured herself another one and again chugged it again before starting her third. It was as she stood for a few seconds, catching her breath back, a friend approached, smiling warmly at her.
“Hey Zoe,” she greeted.
“Hey Isabelle,” greeted back Zoe.
“How are you?”
“I’m great. Tired, obviously. Yourself?”
“The same. Tired but exhilarated. Have you learnt the new dance routine for the summer show?”
“No. I’m nearly there but there’s always one step I mess up.”
“Well hey, if you need help, I can always help.”
“Are you sure? I mean, it is the summer holidays now.”
“Of course! Fellow dancers help each other out. Besides, the show wouldn’t be nearly as good if a few of us kept messing up. It’s better to get it right through practise.”
“When is the show again?”
“In the sixth week. So the middle week of our summer holidays.”
“Okay, thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” There was a slight pause. “So…any plans over the summer?”
“Not really. I mean, I’m going away with Alice and our families for a week, then our usual week long holiday with my family. Not to mention in the café for mum. She insists. But otherwise, I’m pretty free. What about you?”
“Well we might be taking a few weeks off to explore [insert location]. It’s so…magical, not to mention and new and exciting. I can’t wait! Then we might take a few days or weeks off in Atlantis. But otherwise, I’m pretty free too. We’ll need to meet up at least once during the holidays.”
“Obviously. You need to help me perfect my dance routine.”
“I will, I promise. It’s just a matter of practise.”
“I wish that were true.”
“Don’t worry, you’ll get there.”
“Thanks Isabelle.”
“You’re welcome. Now, back to the dance floor!”
Smiling after her, Zoe watched her leave her side and easily fit back into the crowd, having the time of her life. Sighing slightly, she glanced at the door before glancing back at the dance floor. Her body told her to dance again but her brain told her to take a break by going outside. Zoe agreed with her brain, deciding she desperately needed fresh air to hit her overly warm body.
She slipped outside with her cup still clutched in her hand. The rooms lit up again but Zoe ignored them, walking straight to the back garden doors, which opened out onto a spectacular garden. If anyone had thought the front garden was huge, they would be mistaken by the sight which greeted them. Zoe had been here multiple times before so the garden hadn’t the same wow factor in regards to the size. However, she was still mesmerised as she still had parts of the garden to explore yet.
The breeze was welcoming on her skin, sending shivers down her body. She ignored them as she walked easily down the gravel to the fountain which was easily one of her favourite parts of the garden. She noticed several people sat around but she ignored them, feeling the cold surface beneath her chill her slightly. She swigged down her drink, glad to have finally quenched her thirst. The drinks had started to take an effect though, as she felt her head become slightly fuzzy. No doubt, she’d probably stumbled down the gravel, but she didn’t care.
The gentle sound of water trickling relaxed her as she stayed sat down for a few moments with her eyes closed for a few moments. She heard the presence of a person sit down beside her but she didn’t want to open her eyes. She was perfectly content.
“Hey,” said a familiar male voice.
Sighing, she opened her eyes and smiled at him. “Hey,” she responded.
“You look cold,” he stated, starting to shrug off his jacket.
“No Jeff, I’m fine. It’s more the opposite.”
“You’re too hot?”
“Why are you surprised? It is summer.”
“True but I suspect you’ve been dancing too.”
“Of course.”
“Well that’ll be why. So…have you been caught by Victoria yet?”
“No. I did promise I’d go into her room when I was finished dancing but I want to avoid it if I can help it.”
He smiled slightly. “She can be a handful at times.”
“I know.” There was a pause. “So what’s with the makeover?”
“Do you like it?” His face lit up with pride.
“Uh yeah! You must have seen how many girls were falling at your feet in the last week?”
“Somewhat. I’ve had a ton of girl’s attention tonight as well.” He sighed, exasperated.
“You don’t like the attention?” Zoe asked, confused.
“I thought I would but no, I don’t.”
“Is this anything to do with Alice?”
“Pfft, no.”
“Jeff.”
“Fine, yes, it is. She’s gone all quiet on me.”
“Al’s gone shy? Wow! You must’ve become too attractive,” joked Zoe, but Jeff’s eyes widened. “Jeff relax, it was a joke.”
“No, I think you’re right. She was alright with me before but now she won’t even meet my eyes.”
“Give her a bit of time. She knows it’s you beneath that. Her brain’s just tricking her.”
“How long do I have to wait?”
“I don’t know. I’ll break her down for you, if you want?”
“If you could?”
“Of course. Anything to get you two lovebirds together.”
“I’m not sure she wants to date though.”
Zoe sighed. “Jeff, I can assure you, she does.”
“Yeah, right.”
“You won’t know unless you try.”
“I was so close before but now I’ve done this? I might be back to square one.”
“No you’re not! If you just talk to her, you won’t be. Do you want me to come with you? I can start the conversation.” Jeff snorted. “What?”
“Sorry. Just trying to imagine you in the library.”
“Hey! I’ll have you know, I’m an amazing reader.”
“So you’ve moved up beyond the picture books?”
“Ha ha, very funny. You know I read proper books.”
“Actually, I’ve yet to see proof of that.”
“Well one day, I’ll show you. But for now, we’re going to get you and Alice talking.”
“Zoe, it’s a nice gesture but honestly, you’d get bored. And you have to spend half an hour per room.”
“So? Who says I can’t read in that time?”
Jeff shook his head, standing up. “Alright. I owe you one.”
“I know.”
Jeff held out his hand to Zoe, who took it willingly. Linking arms with him, the pair walked back inside with Jeff leading her to the right room by following the light, which was invisible to Zoe. Down a few corridors later, they found the room. Jeff unlinked the pair, pushing on the door, allowing the pair entrance into the room.
Zoe instantly spotted Alice. She was sat in a corner with a book in her hands, reading intently. Zoe grinned, trying not to laugh at her whilst shaking her head slightly. A party and she was reading. It always fascinated Zoe by what Alice often did at parties.
“Hey Alice,” said Zoe as she approached, making sure she was near enough so she wouldn’t disturb anyone else.
Alice’s head snapped up, smiling at Zoe before instantly blushing at Jeff and avoiding his eyes. “Wh-what are you doing here?” asked Alice, confusion spread across her face.
“Well I wanted to see how my best friend was and I happened to bump into Jeff on the way in,” answered Zoe. Alice raised her eyebrow up in suspicion.
“You do realise you have to spend half an hour in here?”
“Yes, Jeff told me that too. Why don’t either of you believe I enjoy reading?”
“Well as I said, you can only read picture books. No wait, picture books with a big font size, right?” said Jeff, leaving Alice to grin at his joke.
Zoe rolled her eyes. “Hilarious.”
“Maybe you should spend the time doing your homework?” suggested Jeff. Jeff and Alice caught each other’s eyes before bursting out laughing. While Zoe was annoyed with the insults, she couldn’t help feeling happy Alice was at least reacting to Jeff.
“She probably hasn’t even started,” commented Alice with a smirk on her face.
“Have you started?” asked Jeff.
“Of course!” responded Alice. “I’ve started human studies.”
“Ah. I’ve started creature studies.”
Zoe turned on her heel, on the verge of leaving when she heard Jeff call her name. “Yeah?” asked Zoe as she turned back on her heel.
“Has your dad mentioned anything more on the robot issue?” asked Jeff, concerned.
Zoe sighed. “No. All I know is he’s working extra time and whatever he says on the issue turns to gibberish. Sorry.”
“Update us when you learn more,” said Alice.
“I will.”
Zoe heard Alice and Jeff chatting once more about the summer work as she turned on her heel and walked down the hallway, grinning proudly. She searched down the towering bookshelves, wondering what book to pick out to read. She could choose from any genre, yet she didn’t know where to begin.
She closed her eyes and thought about what type of book would interest her most. Coming to the conclusion she most fancied a romance novel, she instinctively knew where to go. Rows and rows of books about romance, but none stuck out particularly. Biting her lip, she chose a book on the fifth row up, clicking her fingers so the book flew into her hand. Grinning, she opened the book, intrigued by it.
Minutes passed before turning into an hour. Zoe hadn’t noticed as she walked to a seat, too mesmerised to put down the book for even a second. She had become so intrigued, she didn’t notice Alice and Jeff approach, even hear them call her name.
“Zoe!” said Alice, shaking her.
“Sh!”
Glancing at each other, Alice and Jeff debated what to do before Jeff grabbed the book off Zoe. Protesting, Zoe rose out of her seat, her eyes only on the book. She started to jump in her heels to get the book back but Jeff was holding it too high above her head to reach it.
“You’re reading this rubbish?” asked Jeff, trying to hide a laugh.
“It’s not rubbish! Sally is about to see whether David is true to his word or not! Give. It. Back!” whined Zoe, still jumping.
“Jeff, don’t. Romance novels can be good.”
Zoe stuck out her tongue as Jeff reluctantly handed her her book back. Grinning, Zoe instantly dove back in but then glanced up. “Has it been half an hour?” she questioned.
“It’s been an hour,” said Alice.
“What, really?! I’ll finish this another day.” Clicking her fingers, the book flew out of her hand and flew off to the right bookshelf, to return to the right place. “I’m gonna go to another room now. Will I see you later?”
Alice shrugged. “Maybe.”
“Right. Well in the instance I don’t, goodbye,” said Zoe, hugging Alice.
“Goodbye,” replied Alice, returning the hug.
When she’d broken the hug, she bounded off towards the door, smiling as she left. Zoe knew Alice wouldn’t want to walk home with her now she had Jeff, if anything happened between them. Regardless, she could walk home alone. She didn’t mind.
She bit her lip, wondering whether to give in and go along to Victoria’s room before deciding she hadn’t danced in a while. She headed to her favourite room so far, instantly feeling welcome with the crowd around her. It was as she danced she spotted Willow, smiling at her as she danced her way over.
“Hey,” shouted Zoe over the thumping music.
“Hey,” shouted back Willow. The pair shared a hug before dancing once more. “How are you?”
“I’m good. How are you? Have things improved?”
Willow frowned. “Unfortunately, no. We’ve found a new home but how long for? Everything has become complicated.”
“Oh no! My offer still stands.”
“Thanks but you know what Roxy’s like.”
“Yeah.” There was a pause. “So how is the dance routine coming along?”
“I’ve almost got it. There’s just one move I can’t get.”
“Same! We should practise it together. Isabelle said she’d teach me but it’d be easier if we just learnt together.”
“Definitely. What about one day after work?”
“Perfect! We can practise until the show.”
“It sounds like a plan.”
“A perfect, flawless plan.”
“Have you only just came into this room?”
“No. I was here before but then I got tired so I went outside for a while and then I happened to bump into Jeff so I went with him into the room where him and Alice were.”
“What’s happening with them now?”
“I’ve officially made Alice un-shy.”
“Oh good! The sooner they get together, the better.”
“I know!”
“Well Roxy might want to see me again soon.”
“Stay for a few more songs.”
“I’m sure a few more couldn’t hurt.”
They smiled at each other as they continued to dance like it was the only thing they could do. They danced until their feet hurt and they no longer had the energy to carry on. Exhausted, they danced over to the sides, where Willow swigged down a drink before leaving to find Roxy. A minute after she was gone, Zoe decided to leave to find Victoria and her room, since she had promised.
The lights led her upstairs, shining bright like a fairy had decided to lead her there. Following the blinding orb of light, she arrived outside a room and knocked twice gently. The door swung open to reveal a drunken Victoria.
“About bloody time! Where’ve you been?!” she demanded as she fell onto Zoe.
“I lost track of time,” lied Zoe lamely.
“Well at least you’re here!” Victoria managed to turn them round and walk into her room, the door shutting afterwards. “Look who has finally joined us!”
Zoe was regretting her decision already. Groaning internally, she saw people she despised but nonetheless, she had promised Victoria. Besides, she had to spend at least half an hour in there, regardless of whether she wanted to leave or not. Victoria dragged her over to the bar, which was filled with unlimited drinks. It didn’t surprise her that the majority of the people in the room were drunk after seeing the bar.
“Here, have this,” said Victoria as she thrust a glass into her hand.
Zoe suspected it contained enough alcohol to get her drunk after a few sips but she knew Victoria’s determination to get Zoe drunk. Why it had become a thing, Zoe didn’t know, nor did she particularly enjoy it. In fact, she resented it. Zoe glanced at Victoria and immediately regretted it, deciding to take a few chugs at the drink. Victoria grinned, slinging her arm around Zoe’s neck.
The effect hit almost instantly as she started to feel light hearted once more. She dreaded how this would work out when she’d have to walk home, stumbling and wobbling everywhere, perhaps even vomiting. She shuddered at the thought. Yet it had happened many times before.
The rest of the time went past in a blur. Zoe didn’t remember what had happened. One moment she’d drank a cup of alcohol, the next she was taking off her tights, for reasons she couldn’t remember. She vaguely remembered talking to people, but the faces all merged into one. She remembered singing loudly beside Victoria, drinking more. She remembered trying to dance and failing. She remembered playing some drinking games and having a brilliant time. She remembered spilling secrets to people, as they spilled secrets back.
It became too much for Zoe after hours had passed. She didn’t know how many hours had passed and she didn’t care. She remembered hugging everyone before she went, some getting a few hugs as they went back for more. Victoria had the last hug though, as Victoria had insisted on it.
“We…we need to…to meet up…over…over the summer,” slurred Victoria.
“Yes. Yes we do!” proclaimed Zoe. “I’ll…keep in…contact.”
“Great! Bye!”
“Bye!”

With clenched eyes, Zoe wondered if she were sober whether she’d be in this mess. She perhaps might have thought up a spell but she was still light headed and her brain wouldn’t function. She waited, preparing herself to die. She wondered what her last thoughts would be but her mind was blank.
“Leave her alone!” said a gruff male voice.
Zoe slowly opened her eyes as the vampire’s head whipped round to look directly at the stranger. Zoe had never felt so relieved by a stranger, despite the fact he looked so mysterious and unwelcoming. The vampire sneered as he clutched Zoe by the front of her dress.
“What are you going to do about it?” he asked.
“This,” said the stranger, smirking as he raised a hand.
The vampire went flying towards him before being thrown into a wall. Panting, Zoe had never been so relieved by the presence of a stranger. Her life had almost been ended, so to have another breath felt amazing.
Her saviour glanced at her, observing her. “Are you okay?” he asked as he approached.
Zoe wanted to say yes but her body screamed in agony. Shaking her head as she clenched her teeth together and her eyes squeezed shut, wishing the pain would stop. “No,” she croaked out.
Frowning, her saviour bent down beside her, flinging the vampire once more into the wall as he lunged at the pair. Gently, the stranger moved his hand over Zoe’s body, healing her as fast as he could. Zoe could feel her body healing, the agony fading away to nothing. Now all Zoe felt was weak, as her body had endured a lot.
The only things she knew about her saviour was he wore a black ring on the middle finger on his left hand and a small scar on his right arm, barely noticeable if she’d only spotted it for a few fleeting seconds, as she had. He wore a black hood that went over his face to cover his eyes, only the lower part of his face on show. The rest of his outfit was also black: a black jacket with black jeans and black shoes. It was little wonder he hadn’t been noticeable. He could blend in anywhere.
The stranger stood up and held out his hand, carefully helping Zoe stand up. Zoe winced as she felt her feet hurt from her heels, or lack of now after she’d been tossed into the wall. She noticed them lying on the other side of the road, which she’d have to collect. She attempted to walk and felt stiff. Healing clearly wasn’t his strongest point.
“Thank you,” said Zoe, smiling genuinely at her saviour.
“You’re welcome,” he said, a hint of smile on his face. “You’d better go before he recovers.”
Nodding, Zoe left without another word. She ran quickly across the road to collect her heels before continuing walking. She bit her lip, wondering whether this was a sensible idea after what just happened. But with her brain being so fuzzy, teleportation wasn’t a good idea. She could end up anywhere in the world and then she’d be lost and stuck. Sighing, she started to walk when she glanced back at the stranger, seeing him beat the vampire to a pulp.
There was something about the stranger which intrigued her. He seemed troublesome, dangerous, all the words she shouldn’t want to like in a person. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn’t, but there was something about him. She cautiously crossed the road again, waiting at the end of the street for him.
He didn’t initially notice. He was too preoccupied with beating up the vampire. Something Zoe should have despised about him, yet she didn’t. Purely because that vampire was going to kill her otherwise. Once done, and looking satisfied, he walked away before stopping as he saw Zoe.
“Hey. I don’t suppose you could walk me back?”
He seemed to debate this before agreeing. The pair began to walk before he spoke. “So why are you walking alone this late at night unprotected? Where’s your wand?” he questioned.
“I was coming home from a party. Let’s just say, the organiser of the party got me very drunk. Besides, it’s a party. I could have lost or broken my wand, and then I’d be in even more trouble.”
“Are you still drunk?”
“No.”
“Good. Surely you can teleport now?”
“I-I don’t want to try.”
He looked directly at her, with his electric blue eyes. “I cannot walk you home. I have to be elsewhere. Please, try.”
Feeling nervous, she saw him for the last time before she closed her eyes and snapped her fingers. She didn’t want to open her eyes, in case her worst fear had come true. She slowly prised her eyes open to see her house stood before her, much to her delight. Sighing in relief, she walked easily up the pathway and into her house, unaware of what time it was. Nor did she particularly care. All she wanted was to get into her warm bed and rest her drunken head, and her slightly aching body.
The last thought she had as she clambered into bed before sleep consumed her was of her saviour and who he was. He’d appeared very mysterious, which only made him more intriguing. She at least remembered his faint scar and his gold ring, with a black emblem printed onto it. She figured she wanted to find this stranger once again, regardless of how and when. She hoped it would be in a normal circumstance rather than another life threatening circumstance. That was her wise, but whether she got it or not was another matter.
She had decided, as her eyes grew weary that she’d keep this as her little secret. She didn’t want anyone to know and proceed to fuss about it. She didn’t want her saviour to be hunted down, in case he wasn’t who she thought he was. She didn’t want anyone to warn her against him when her heart told her otherwise about him.
She wanted this mysterious stranger to remain that way, until she learnt more about him. It would be her secret, something which made her feel special and have a smile on her face as she succumbed to sleep.

Zoe awoke with a throbbing headache, which she should have suspected after the night out she’d had. Groaning, she shuffled downstairs to have breakfast, which she’d hope would make her feel better. She wasn’t sure what she could stomach yet, but she didn’t care. She needed anything to stop a hangover.
Her younger sister, Delilah, was not at all sympathetic. “Victoria had another party didn’t she?” Delilah asked. “So how hung over are you?”
Zoe groaned as she plopped down into a dining room chair, resenting her sister for her taunts. “Very,” Zoe croaked, glaring at her sister.
Delilah smirked proudly as she ate her breakfast. Their mum walked in a few seconds later, smiling brightly. “Good morning!” she chirped.
Zoe groaned again, resting her chin on her arms. “Can I have some breakfast?”
“What would you like?” asked their mum kindly.
The touch screen menu sprang up before her, revealing options that made her mouth water. She glanced at them all, wondering which would the tastiest, and potentially, the best for a hangover. She flicked through pages before settling on pancakes with a golden syrup and a glass of orange juice, to awaken her. Her mum immediately went to work after the order had been sent through, leaving Zoe to stare at her sister.
“Don’t,” hissed Zoe as Delilah began tapping her cutlery against the table loudly.
“I will if I want to,” retorted Delilah.
Zoe lurched across the table with the intention of grabbing the cutlery, only Delilah had been too fast for her and held the cutlery out the way. Glaring at her younger sister, Zoe collapsed onto her arms again. The pair sat in silence until her mum walked in with Zoe’s breakfast. Zoe’s face instantly lit up, the scent enticing her. She sat up, with the plate in front of her, trying not to drool over her food. She shovelled a mouthful down, eating like she hadn’t eaten in months. Her head ached, the crunching making it worse, but the rumbling in delight overpowered that.
Noticing her two daughters were distracted, Annabelle decided to take this opportunity to drop the bombshell she knew they wouldn’t like. “Girls, I need you to work today.”
As predicted, both girl’s faces fell in dismay. “But I have a hangover!” protested Zoe.
“Mum, please,” begged Delilah.
“I’m sorry girls but Maria’s cancelled last second. Turns out her [insert creature] has caused havoc which she’s trying to repair. It’ll only be for an hour each, since we do have other employees. Delilah, you can take the first shift. It starts at 10 until 11. Zoe, your shift begins at 11 and ends at 12. Okay?”
The girls couldn’t protest as their mum always worked, regardless of whether someone was ill or not. Grumbling, the pair agreed. Delilah left the dining room instantly to get ready while Zoe sat down for a few more minutes, content where she was.
BEEP!
Zoe groaned as the noise resounded around the room. Annoyed, she flicked up her screen, seeing a notification from Alice. She opened it, not wanting to hear a repeat of that loud noise.
“Hey Zoe. I realised too late a loud noise is not what you need on a hangover,” spoke Alice. Too right, thought Zoe. “But I wanted to meet up. When is good for you?”
Zoe decided to spend back a message. “Hey. Mum’s making me work so come anytime between 11 and 12 at the café. Please? I’d really rather have the company.”
Once she’d sent the message, and turned down the noise level on her screen, she shrunk it back down to fit into her clothes. She shuffled upstairs and took a shower, feeling the hangover fade away into nothingness. She ensured she had a long shower so she could feel better about herself before carefully choosing her outfit. She had a work uniform but she needed to change afterwards. She chose light knee length shorts with a white crop top, showing off her slender figure. She applied the minimum amount of make-up, accessorising with a gold pendant and a few gold bangles on her right wrist. They slid up and down her arm, clinking as they did so.
Once she was ready, she gazed at her appearance and was seemingly satisfied. It was now 10:15am, giving Zoe a glorious 45 minutes to just relax. Deciding to take advantage of this, she plopped down on her bed and opened up her screen, instantly opening the social networking page everyone went on. She often took a daily joy out of seeing everyone’s post-party statuses.
She read several, giggling at the obvious hackings of other people’s accounts. But the pictures were by far better. The pictures, when tapped, would instantly relive the moment as if you were there, giving Zoe a laughing fit. Several pranks had ensued, featuring Zoe herself. Despite being the victim in some of them, she still found them hilarious. She hadn’t realised how drunk she’d been though as she cringed looking back over her statuses. Unfortunately, with the current system in place, you couldn’t delete a status once posted, meaning you had to view this for the rest of your life. If she thought her page was bad, she didn’t dare to think of the overly drunk people.
Unable to resist, she located Victoria’s page and looked on it. Status after status had been made, most from her. Then there were pictures she was tagged in as well as multiple pictures she’d taken herself. Again, once a picture was uploaded, it could never be deleted. You could untag yourself from it, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t still there, stuck endlessly in the system. Zoe got a pleasure out of Victoria’s drunken state, finding her hilarious when she was drunk.
Having laughed so hard her ribs hurt, she decided to take a break and visit her favourite celebrity’s pages. They had to be even more careful what they wrote as fans could interpret what they said in multiple ways and become offended or angry. Depending what they wrote or uploaded would determine how fans would see them.
Zoe’s celebrity crush was [insert name]. She couldn’t explain what it was about him that she particularly liked, or why she liked him. But she could pinpoint the moment she’d fallen in love with him. It had been his first performance, which she had thoroughly enjoyed. She hadn’t expected to fall in love however, considering she didn’t know much about him. His true colours had come out throughout the entirety of the concert, revealing what he was really like. It was backed up by his online page, showing how genuine he was. Roxy had prodded holes in her adoration by claiming he was faking it to make money but Zoe always argued back, unable to hide her anger.
She swooned as she saw yet another charitable event he’d partook in. A few statuses interacting with fans only a few minutes ago persuaded her to try, because one day, it’d work.

Hey [insert name]! I’m about to go to work and I’d really appreciate it if you could comment on this. I love you x

She knew Roxy would inevitably comment on the status, claiming you couldn’t love someone you didn’t know but Zoe ignored the comments since she’d heard it too frequently now to care.
The relaxation would now have to end as she realised she’d have to go to work now. Sighing, she padded downstairs and made sure everything was locked up before stepping outside and teleporting to the street outside the café. Her mum had blocked anyone from teleporting directly into the café because otherwise it’d never stay hidden like it was.
The café was small in comparison to the two buildings on either side of it, with only a mere three floors compared to the ten floors on the two buildings. Annabelle had never felt intimated by this as she cherished her shop like she’d cherished her own children. The café had a big red sign which read ‘Relaxation Haven’. There was glass windows which gave quite a view away, while the doors were also glass. The reason the café was seemingly invisible was because the shop only revealed itself to those who were in need of an escape from their life. Only then would they see the café. Even when with others, only one of the group could see it and the others wouldn’t, which made the person either determined to go into an invisible café (which, in turn, made them disappear) or they thought they were going crazy and forgot about it. To anyone who did eventually spot the café, it was hard to resist it as the aroma enticed a potential customer to go inside and taste the delicious coffee or mouth-watering food.
Despite hating working there, Zoe did love the café. She wouldn’t change the café in the entire world. She occasionally checked to see if anyone was watching her enter the café, and to see if she could persuade a potential customer to enter with her. Today, she didn’t feel like doing so, deciding her mum would rather she was on time so Delilah could go.
Zoe noticed the usuals, having their usual breakfast meal. A new face caused her to smile, ready to serve them, if Delilah hadn’t already. The instance Zoe walked in, Delilah paused what she was doing and looked directly at Zoe.
“Oh thank you for arriving! Now I can leave!” exclaimed Delilah, practically running out of the café without finishing whatever it was she had been doing.
That was often something that annoyed Zoe about Delilah. She never finished whatever it was that she was doing, leaving her to clear up the mess. Maybe it was because when they were younger, Zoe had often cleaned up after her sister so now she just expected it. Either way, she didn’t like it. She rolled her eyes as she walked into the back where her mum was happily creating food.
Zoe clicked her fingers, changing into her work uniform. Her crop top became a plain black t-shirt and her knee length shorts changed to black jeans, with her converses. Her accessories temporarily disappeared into their safe and her hair was scraped back into a ponytail. She went over to her mum and kissed her quickly on the cheek before going back to the till.
She went over to the new face as they studied the menu, whilst looking relaxed but bored. “Have you been served?” she asked.
“No. The young lady said she would but that was fifteen minutes ago!” the woman replied.
“I’m incredibly sorry for my sister. What can I get you?”
“The monster deluxe combo.”
“Excellent choice. What meat?”
“Hm…” pondered the woman. “I think I’d like hippogriff.”
“And any sides?”
“The blood fingers.”
“And drink?”
“The ice cold freeze smoothie.”
“Anything else?”
“No.”
“Okay. We’ll get that to you as soon as possible.”
“Thank you.”
“That’ll be 16.35 [insert currency].”
The woman dug around for coins. She withdrew them and placed them into Zoe’s hand. Zoe checked that was the correct amount before thanking her again and disappearing into the back.
“A monster deluxe combo, with the hippogriff, the blood fingers and the ice cold freeze smoothie,” recited Zoe.
“I do love when they ask for the deluxe combos! It’s always such a bizarre mixture.” Zoe smiled at her mum’s enthusiasm. “You can get the smoothie and the side.”
Nodding her head, Zoe easily prepared the smoothie and placed it on a tray. Clicking her fingers, the tray flew off to the correct table as Zoe made the blood fingers. The sauce was actual blood but the fingers were chips which appeared to look like fingers. Someone would dip the finger into the sauce and proceed to eat.
The side didn’t take long to create and once it was done, she again placed it on a tray and sent it off. Then she walked out and sat down on the chairs for the employees. Rush hour would happen when Zoe left, thankfully for her.