"So, as I was saying before," Athena said. "I've noticed something magical in town ever since ..."
"Whoa, look at that," Zoe said, interrupting her ... again.
Athena sighed and then looked. They watched as an older car hit the car in front of it and then the driver emerged, probably to exchange insurance information. Oddly, the man was dressed in a white lab coat. He had wispy white hair, making him look kind of like the stereotypical mad scientist.
The two Goth girls just stood there and stared as the old man got slugged by the other driver and another man emerged from the other vehicle and took something out of the old man's car. It looked like a briefcase.
Then there was some yelling and the other driver got back in his own car and sped off. The one with the briefcase, however, was running in their direction.
"Do something," Zoe said.
Athena grabbed hold of her crystal pendant and muttered something under her breath. It was just a simple spell.
As the man with the briefcase passed Athena and Zoe, he suddenly stumbled and went sprawling towards the ground.
"Is he ..."
"He's just unconscious," Athena said, picking up the briefcase.
The old man looked up, trying to make sure he knew where the guy was heading, when suddenly the guy tripped or something. That Goth girl, the one in the black dress, she must have tripped him. The old man took his time getting up this time. And when he was back on his feet, he walked towards the two Goth girls. It was easy to get to them, because they were also walking towards him.
"I believe this is yours?" Athena asked.
The old man smiled. "Thank you ... uh ... young lady. That briefcase is very important to me."
Athena handed it over.
"If there's anything I could do for you, just name it," the old man.
"There's only one thing I want right now, but I don't think you could help me."
"Oh? What is it? Tell me."
"Well, there's this girl at my school who constantly annoys me. She thinks I'm some sort of devil worshiper, but I'm not. I just wish we got along better. Maybe if she got to know me better ..." She looked over at Zoe, then back at the old man. "Sorry. I'm rambling. It's just all wishful thinking anyway."
"What's this girl's name?"
"Nadine Ferguson."
"Ferguson? Like Laura Ferguson?"
"Yeah, I think that's her mom. Do you know her?"
"Actually, yes. And if her daughter is anything like her, then no wonder she's so annoying." He paused for a moment, in thought. "I can help you."
"Excuse me?" Athena asked.
"I can help you with your problem. It's actually why I'm here in town. I've got other clients that I'm helping with problems similar to yours. I just need to know one thing. What's your name?"
"Athena ... Athena DeVries," she answered, not knowing why the old man needed to know her name.
He smiled. "I think Nadine will seem quite different tomorrow ... after I have a talk with her." He nodded. "Good day." Then he returned to his car and drove off.
"What the fuck was that all about?" Zoe asked.
Athena shrugged.
