Chapter 9

After leaving the Café, Annette drives Todd to the furniture to order new furniture for his room. "Do you have an idea what furniture you want to get for room?" Annette asks.

"Not really," said Todd. He looks out the car window and watches the buildings zoom by as they drive down the street. "You know that black and white cat that lives in your garden? How long have you been taking care of it?"

"I've been taking care of that cat since the day you last visited. That was back when you were ten years old. He's a bit of an old cat."

"I'm sorry I didn't visit you for so long." Todd still had to play the part of Annette's missing grandson. He had no idea what happened to him. All he knew was, from what Annette told him, Annette's grandson stopped visiting back when he was ten years old after his father got into an argument with Annette. Todd had seen over the years families get torn apart over something as stupid as an argument. Most likely somewhere along the line was that Annette's son didn't like the fact over how she was raising her grandson.

After another fifteen minutes, Annette pulls into the parking lot of Furniture Plus, the furniture store. "The main thing we need to get is a new bed and a dresser for your room. If you think we need to get anything else, I'll see if I can squeeze it into the budget."

"If money is an issue, Annette, I have some money saved up I can loan you," said Todd as he unbuckles his seat belt after the car comes to a complete stop. All Annette had to do was ask Todd for more money and he would provide. Money wasn't an issue for a demon to procure. In the case of Todd, because of his rank and status in Hell, he had amazed a large sum of wealth. He wouldn't need to worry about taking the money from somewhere else when he can just use his own.

"Nonsense, Todd. Keep your money and save it for college. Use it to further your education." Annette shuts the car off. She unbuckles her seat belt and puts her car keys in her purse. "Your grandfather left me a good amount of money. I just have to budget what I have so I don't spend it all at once." Annette gets out of the car.

Todd was beginning to learn that this old lady was a bit stubborn when it comes to asking for help.

"Annette I'm just saying...." He gets out of the car and sees Annette looking him dead in the eyes. Giving him a 'Do not test me' look. A slight blush creeps across his cheeks. Annette will not allow Todd to help her with money matters. "I'm sorry," said Todd in a hushed voice.

"I know you are just trying to help, Todd, but I am fine when it comes to money. Like I said, I just have to make sure I don't overspend." Annette heads towards the main doors of Furniture Plus.

"This contract may run me through the wringer. Never have I dealt with someone so stubborn and one who refuses my help," said Todd to himself. "I'm still working with the contract. Unless she tells me she doesn't need my services, my contract is still valid." Todd heads towards the main doors of Furniture Plus. "And once she tells me that she no longer needs my services, I'll take her soul back with me to Hell."

As Todd heads towards Furniture Plus, he still sees a few people here and there either run scared or freeze in place at the sight of him. "Maybe it's time I take on a more human appearance." He heads inside and finds Annette talking to someone. "Another one of your friends?" Todd politely asks.

Annette jumps slightly. "Oh dearie me, Todd. You scared me. Yes this is Gabriel. He was once one of your grandfather's co-workers down by the docks. Arthur and Gabriel used to own a fishing boat together. They would go out and fish up some of the fish for the town."

"Unfortunately we no longer have the boat. I had to sell it a few years ago to make ends meet." Gabriel approaches Todd. "So this is Todd all grown up?" He looks Todd up and down. "Dressed a bit differently than the rest of the kids his age these days but it is what the kids feel that should be in style nowadays." Gabriel had a bit of a rugged look to him. Todd was reminded of the make-up that was used in the TV show, Vikings. Gabriel had a grey heard that was neatly trimmed with a small braid on his chin, which was tied with a small black bow. He wore a flannel plaid shirt and blue jeans.

"Was beginning to wonder where you disappeared off too, Todd. Last we all had seen you was back when you were ten years. But now that you are back here in Amber Falls, we don't have to worry as much over Annette." Gabriel laughsba little and Annette swats Gabriel's arm.

"You were a tease back in high school, Gabe. And your still a teases even now." Annette goes to grab a cart and puts her purse in the child seat. "Come along now, Todd. We still have a lot to do before it gets dark." She pushes the cart down the aside that had lamps in it.

Todd was about to follow after Annette when Gabriel puts his hand on his arm. "Yes?" Todd had to fight back his reflex to stop himself from yanking his arm away from Gabriel's touch.

"Make sure Annette is happy. She hasn't been herself since Arthur passed away. If you want to know about your grandfather, give me a call." Gabriel procues a piece of paper and a pen from his pocket. He quickly jotted down his phone number and hands it to Todd. "See ya later, Todd."

Todd watches Gabriel leave Furniture Plus. Chalk that one up as one of the few pleasant human interactions I have had so far, Todd thinks to himself. He follows after Annette.

"Go ahead and choose a lamp you want, Todd. I've decided we'll take care of the small stuff today and get the larger furniture on a later day." Annette reaches into her purse and pulls out a wrapped butterscotch. She hands it to Todd. "Give it a try, Todd. It's Wither's Original. Not as good as my home-made butterscotch but it'll do."

Todd thanks Annette for the candy and takes from her. If I'm not too careful, I may end up getting fat, Todd thinks to himself as he mentally laughs. He knew that Annette genuinely cared for him.