Chapter 8 - Time Spent In Nature (2/2)

”Huh?” Esme's hand relaxed from the sound of a familiar chirpy voice.

”Leo drank too much last night and called in sick today. Niko said you'd be fine taking the shift, but I wanted to double-check!” Hana continued in her bright and cheery voice.

How did she get my number? As much as she liked the girl, she didn't appreciate Niko giving her number out. When she sees him, she will mention this little mishap.

” 'kay,” Esme replied, her voice was full of sleep but sharper than she intended it to be. She couldn't help it though, this made her feel uncomfortable; who else did he give her number to?

”Oh, Niko said he couldn't get a hold of you and even after I phoned a few times, I was beginning to worry!”

Worry? Why? She checked her phone and was baffled because it was still only 11am. Maybe it was because she was now meant to start at 12 instead of 4pm.

”I was just sleeping. No need to be dramatic,” Esme joked. ”I will see you at 12 then.”

”See you soon, honey!”

The call cut off, and Esme checked her call log; her eyes widened at how many missed calls there were. She was in such a deep sleep it worried her.

”Nothing happened, though,” Isana spoke softly in her mind. ”You needed to sleep; it's not good to go 24 hours without sleep.”

”Hmm.” Esme knew Isana was right, but she was still nervous that she became too relaxed. Just because she was in vampire territory, it didn't mean she shouldn't be on her guard at all times. Whether it was werewolves, hunters or vampires, Esme needed to stay alert even during sleep. Which was rather ridiculous considering she lost herself to her nightmares most nights.

Sigh.

Esme shut the phone and started to get ready. Soon after showering, getting changed and clipping her hair back in a half-up hairstyle (her signature hairdo), she was good to go. Esme left her apartment in a hurry, with a slice of toast in one hand and her backpack in the other. She rushed off down the stairs and out towards the street.

Esme arrived at ONYX's quiet parking lot. With a displeased look on her face, she wondered why she was asked to come in at a time when it was apparent it would be dead. Esme used her fob at the glass door entrance and walked through until she was in the bar area. Esme halted and frowned when she saw Leo behind the bar turning on the coffee machine whistling a tune.

Her eyes moved to Hana, who seemed to almost skip to her position, her curls bouncy on her head. Esme narrowed her eyes at the girl's lie. ”Woah! Chica, you can be so scary sometimes!” Hana giggled and put her arm over Esme's shoulder, looking down at her and flicking her wrist, so a black card was in her line of sight. ”I had the feeling you wouldn't come if I told you the real reason you are here..”

Esme huffed in annoyance. ”You're damn straight.” She looked at Leo's back then returned to look at the card in front of her face.

”Whether you like it or not.. We are going shopping!” Hana squealed, making Esme press on her ear and remove herself from Hana's arms. She walked back towards the doors, her mind already on how comfy her couch was. She opened the door and halted on the spot.

”Where are you going?” Niko stood in front of her, tilting his head to the side.

”Home. I must have mixed my shift-”

”No, you are on time,” Niko interrupted, his voice calm. Esme looked at him suspiciously, making the vampire's lips twitch in amusement. ”You are to go shopping with Hana. I get the sense she will be very helpful in your trip today.”

He turned on the spot and started to walk down the hallway, avoiding the light shining through the glass doors of the club. Esme followed him, letting the doors swing shut behind them. ”What do you mean? I'm not going shopping!” Esme exclaimed in a panic. She didn't want to waste her precious money on clothes.

Niko stopped and whipped his head back to look at her. ”You WILL go shopping. That is an order, Esme. You have been wearing two lots of the same clothes night after night. In the nicest way possible.. You need to dress up more..” He trailed off, watching Esme's eyes narrow and her lips thin. ”You won't need to pay for a thing,” He added.

Esme's eyes lit up immediately. She didn't mind a new change of clothes for work; though she wouldn't be able to fit them in her bag, she could leave them in her locker. ”Well, why didn't you say that in the first place, Niko! Sheesh,” She smiled playfully.

Even though she acted like clothes shopping wasn't her thing, it really was. She used to love shopping, but now she was nervous at the idea of being in a shopping mall and choosing the right outfits. Her clothes didn't exactly scream high-end fashion; they were just comfortable and easy to move around in.

”Let's go, chica!”

Hana's voice filled her with dread and excitement.. It might be nice to have some time away from her dreary thoughts and look at clothes, acting normal.