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On the way out, we pass Anita, who is skulking like a dark shadow in Direview’s halls. I feel sorry for her. I don’t know why. I suppose she’s a fellow captive. There’s something lost about her.
“Anita, do you want to come shopping? Cosmos is taking us.”
“Let me ask Thor,” she says before smirking. “Just kidding.”
“Where’s Nina? You think she’d want to come?”
“I’m sure she’d want to come, but she and Bryn disappeared into their room and haven’t emerged since. So I guess it’s you and me and Cosmos. Wait. Does that make me a third wheel? I don’t want to third wheel. Maybe the two of you should go. Enjoy the romance.”
“Where’s your romance?”
Anita shrugs. “Thor’s around somewhere. Don’t worry about me. It’s sweet of you to think about me, but I don’t need to shop right now. Have fun in town.”
“She’s sweet, for a demon,” Cosmos says as we leave Direview.
“I like her.”
“Good. It’s good to make friends. And there are hardly any people who understand what being part of the Brotherhood is like. It’s a strange world, running parallel with what most people call the real world. You’ve had a taste of it so far, but it runs deep. Nina’s an innocent to it all. But Anita, aside from being a demon, she might be able to provide some deeper insight.”
I like that he’s willing to change his opinion. When he first met Anita, he was ready to slay her. Now he’s telling me to make friends with her if I like. Flexibility doesn’t seem to be one of the core tenets of this cult There’s some hope for Cosmos yet.
We drive down to the village. It’s not London, but it’s something. There aren’t a lot of shops down there, but there is a chain store or two with generic clothes, and that’s all I need. Some pants, some skirts, some tops, some workout clothes. I’ve never been much of a shopper. I find myself kind of nervous as I walk the racks with Cosmos not all that far behind me.
He dresses very well, and what I’m picking out feels sort of… I don’t know. Basic? I frown to myself in the changing room mirror and decide that maybe I’ll be more adventurous, like Anita is and like Cosmos is. They both have an edge to them that makes me wonder if those two aren’t a better fit than him and me.
I emerge wearing slacks and a beige sweater.
“What?” I ask the question, noticing a strange expression on his face. He must think I am such a nerd. He’s probably wondering why he picked me up. Oh right, the alleged angel blood. That’s delusional.
“You’re beautiful,” he says.
I blush and try not to smile too broadly. I like him liking me. Out here in plain public, we’re an odd couple. But in his eyes, I’m beautiful. I don’t know why. But I know that he’s not a liar.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
He takes me by my hands and draws me back into the changing room, closing the curtain behind us. “I want to make you happy, Elise. I know we’re still strangers to one another. And I know I’m not exactly husband material. But if you’ll have me, I’ll make you happy.”
I stare into his face. I can’t believe a man like this is making these vows to me. He’s so much more… everything than I ever thought I’d have.
“I’m not an angel,” I tell him. “I’m just a woman. And I’m going to disappoint you in the end because I’m not an angel. I’m a scientist.”
“You’re my angel,” he tells me, cupping my face in his hands.
My heart is breaking, because I know that all his desire for me is based on a delusion. Yes, I saw Crichton’s head turn to fire, and maybe I have to admit the existence of demons. Fine. But it’s still an incredible stretch to imagine that there is anything special or angelic about me.
“Excuse me, sir, madam, only one person can be in the changing rooms at one time.”
An English woman has come to kick us out of the store, but not before I get some sensible, comfortable clothing to wear. Cosmos doesn’t make any trouble, but I see the reckless grin he flashes her as we leave, and her answering blush. He’s sexual dynamite. He could have any woman he wanted. It’s going to really hurt when he realizes that he doesn’t want me after all.
“Don’t sulk,” he says. “You’re far too classy to be fucked in a changing room, anyway, aren’t you?”
I find myself grinning. Yes. I am far too classy… or I thought I was.
He takes me out to the car, having paid for everything I picked out. I’ve never been treated by a man this way. I’ve always looked after myself completely. It feels nice in some ways, but terrifying in others. I feel warm at the idea Cosmos wants to look after me but scared at the notion I am dependent on him now.
