rebirth the awakening of a witch

7/31/2019 Rebirth the Awakening of a Witch

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PROLOGUEIwasrunningasfastasIcould,neverlookingbackforfearofwhatwastocomewhenarayoffiresuddenlydashedabovemyheadandlandedno,crashedbeforeme.Myfeetfeltliketheyhadamindoftheirown.Iwantedtomove,tokeeprunningaway,buttheykeptmestill,dumbstruckatwhatwasbeforemeagirlwithjet-blackhair,muchlikethecolorofaravens.Shewaskneelingbeforeme,headboweddownwithherlonghairflowingaroundher.Liftingherface,shefinallylookedatme,hergoldencat-likeeyesflingingshotsofvenomoushatredandrage.Ididntknowwhattothinkwhenshesuddenlystoodupandstretchedherarmsoutatme,spurtingjetsoffirefromherhands.Iscreamed,feelingtotallyhelplessandresolvedtocoveringmyfacewithmyarms,mylastpitifulattempttosavemyself.Rightthen,Iexpecteddeathtocomequick.Ididntwanttofeelthepainofburning.Ididntwanttofeelanguish.Staydown,Sky!Astrainedvoiceorderedme.Iglanceduptoseeaboywithlong,dark-brownhairbeforeme.Hiseyes,whichwerenowfilledwithintenseconcentration,weretherichestcolorofsilver-grey.Whatishedoing?Hesgoingtogethimselfkilledtosaveme?Wait.Whyisnthedead?WhyamIstillalive?Amillionofquestionsranthroughmyhead.Ishookthemoff,tryingtoconcentrateonwhatwashappening.Youllhurtyourself!Itriedtosaytohim,butnowordswerecomingoutofmymouth.Hewasgoingtodiebecauseofme,andIcouldntdoanythingtostopitfromhappening.No,saveyourself.ImanagedtosayinatinyhoarsevoicethatsoundedlikeIvebe

enchewinggravelforfartoolong.Hedidntleave.Hejuststoodthere,armsoutstretchedoutward,formingadark-bluebeamoflightningbeforeus,likehewascreatingsomesortofabarrier.Afterwhatseemedlikehours,perhapspleasedwithhiswork,heturnedtome,concernanddreadclearlyetchedinhisfeatures.Hisbeautifuleyespresentedcompleteworry.

CHAPTER1Iwokeuptothat,feelingtheboyspiercingsilvereyeslookingbackatmeasIstaredthroughthedarknessofmybedroom.Icouldnttakehiseyesoffofmyhead.Itslikehebrandedmewiththem.Ifrowned.Thathadtobethestrangestdreamever.ShakingmyheadlikeIwastryingtochasetheimageofhiseyesoutofit,Iglancedatmyalarmclockonthebedsidetable.Themetaldevicestaredbackatme.10:12PM.

Great.Isleptwaytooearly.Itwasaschoolnightafterall,andthisdayhasbeenoneofthemosttiringdaysforme,anyway.Ialwaysliketokeepmyselfbusy,whichwastotallyunnecessary,becausethethingsthatkeepmeoccupiedweremyfriendsclubs,whichweremorehecticthanmyownArtsclub.AfterhelpingoutAnneandNick,Iwenthomelate,tired,andcompletelydrained.Ididntevengettochangemyclothes,satisfiedbyjustcollapsingonmybed.Sighing,Iclickedmybedsidelamponandgotoutofbed,aimingstraightforthebathroomthatwasadjoinedtomyroom.Afterfresheningup,Iopenedmydrawerchestandlookedformyoversizedshirt.ImomentarilygaveintothepleasureoffeelingthesoftmaterialslidingdownmybodyasIputiton.Ilovedsleepingwiththison.Itwasoneofmydadsshirts,andIsmiledatthatmemory.Iwentstraighttomybedandsnuckupunderitscovers,stretchingbeforeevent

uallyturningoffmybedsidelamp.IwasabouttoclosemyeyeswhenIsawapairofstronggreyeyesgazingdirectlyatme.ItwasalongtimebeforeIwasfinallyabletogobacktosleep.Itwaspitchblack.Icouldntseeanythinginfrontofme,evenmyhands.Ifloatedaroundaimlessly.Waitfloated?Thenithitme.Iwasntfloating.Iwasflying,flyingtowardssomethingandnothing,thewindjustpassingbymeinslow,subtlemovements.Icouldntseeathing,butIstillkeptgoingstraightahead.ThatswhenIheardaloudclashingsoundfartomyright,followedbyajaggedlineoflightaiminginazigzagfashiontothegroundbelowlightning.Itwasgoingtorainsoon,butIdidntmindthat.Mybodystilldidntstopglidingthroughthe


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blackness,andIjustkeptflyingforward.Suddenly,Istopped.Ilookedaround,tryingtofindthereasonwhyIdidntcontinuemovingforward.Istillcouldntseeanythingbecauseofthedark.Severalboltsoflightningstruckagaininadistance,performingamagnificentlightshowthatnoonewaswatching.Itinstantlylituptheentiresurrounding.ThistimeIcouldclearlyseethemassivecliffaheadofme,theblackangrywavesoftheseacrashingagainstthelargerocksbelow,andthedarkfigureafewfeetfromme.Igasped.Iwasshockedtofindsomeonethere.Itwasasifheappearedoutofnowhere.LightningstruckagainasImovedclosertohim,usingthelighttomyadvantage.Thehoodedfigurewascompletelydressedinblackclothing.Hejuststoodstill,clearlyabsorbedinsomething.WhenIwasnearenough,Iinstantlyregrettedshorteningthedistancebetweenus.Chillsrandownmyspine,andIshudderedasIgazedbackatapairofgolden-yelloweyes,fullycloakedwithhatredandangerthatmatchedwellwiththescornfulsmileonhislips.Iblinkedseveraltimes,groaningwhenrealizationhitme.Ugh!Whatwasthat?ThathadtobethescariestnightmareIvehadinyears.Ipulledonmybedsheetssothatitcoveredmyentireface,tryingtocalmmystillrapidheartbeat.Iriskedapeektomybedsideclock.7AM.Isighed,andslidbackunderthesheets.Iwasalreadystartingtocalmdownwhenthecoversweresuddenlyyankedawayfromme.Iglancedtothatsideofthebed,tothedirectionwheremysheetswent.ItwasAndrea,holdingacakewithacandle-likefireworkontopofit.ThecornersofmylipscurvedupwardwhenshestartedsingingaHappyBirthdaysong.MyNanawasthekindest,sweetest,andmostadorablegrandmotherever.Icouldnt

haveaskedforabetterguardianwhenmyparentsdied.Shealwaysdidtryherbesttokeepupwithme,tryingtofillthegapingholeinmyheartwhenNicholasandCelineMatthewspassedaway.AndIlovedeverybitaboutthisbuoyantpersoninfrontofme.Shelookedexquisiteinthemorning.Hershort,blondecroppedhairstylesuitedherbubblyandyouthfulpersonalitywell.Mygrandmahasalwayshadapassionforfashion,constantlybuyingmethings,reasoningthatshehadtoomuchfreetimeonherhands.Thiswasalsothereasonwhymybestfriendsadoredhertobits.NickandAnnelovedhangingoutatmyplacesimplybecauseNanawasthere.Ihuggedhertightlywhenshefinallyfinishedsinging.Thanks,Nana.Iloveyou,IsaidwhileIturnedmyheadtoplantakissonhercheek.Iloveyou,too,Dear.Happy18th!Shechirpedinasingsongvoice.IletgoofherandsmiledbroadlyasIlookedatthecakeshewasstillholding.Blueberrych

eesecakewasmyultimatefavorite.Shewouldntmakeanythingelseonmyday.Iturnedbacktoher,planningonthankingheragainwhenshecuppedmyfacewithbothherhands.Oh,theywouldbesoproudofhowyouvegrown.YouresimplystunningeverytimeIlookatyou,Child.Youremindmesomuchofyourmother,Shesaidsoftlywhileshestaredintentlyateverycornerofmyface.Ifeltmyeyeswellupintearsatthethoughtofmymom.Thatwasourcurrentpositionwhenaknockcameonmybedroomdoor.WebothturnedatthesametimetoseeAnneonthedoor.Oops!DidIcomeinatabadtime?Shegrinnedsheepishlyassheplacedahandonthebackofherheadandstartedstrokingherhair,anunconsciousgestureshedoeswhenevershefeelsuneasy.Shewasleaningonmynowcompletelyopenedbedroomdoor,herlongauburnhairtiedupinaneatbutslightlyloosebunwithsomecurlsslippingonthesides.Sheb

eamedatus,herazureeyessomewhatshiningbrightlybecauseoftheslightpinktingeonherfreckledcheeks.Nonsense,Anne.Comein.Illjustbringthiscakedownandsliceitup,Nanasmiledwarmlyather.Turningbacktome,shekissedthetopofmyheadbeforegrabbingthecakeandheadedoutthedoor.Besuretohurryup,girls.Shecalledouttous.HappyBirthday,Skylar!Annesaid,skippingherwaytomybedtogivemeahug.ThanksAnne,Ihuggedherback.AnnaMariePerrywasthesisterIneverhad.Itreatedhermorethanabestfriend.WheresNick?Iasked,glancingoutthedoor,expectinghimtocomeuptomyroom,t


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oo.Oh,hesprobablystrugglingwiththepresent.Shereplied.Justthen,afluffybrown-headedcreaturepeeredatmydoor.Ifrowned,lookingatit.Anneturned,followingthedirectionofmygaze.Webothlaughedwhentheoversizedbearfinallymanagedtoshowitselfthroughmydoor,almostcoveringitsentireframe.Apairofarmswasholdingitbyitsneck.HappyBirthday,Sky!Nickcranedhisheadtotheside,makingsuretohaveaclearviewofmewhilehewasgivingoutthegreeting.Ismiledasheslowlysettheoverlylargebearonmybed,catchingsomeoftheraysstreaminginmyroomonhisblonde,wavyhair.Hereturnedmysmilewithoneofhisbeamingones,crinklingthesidesofhiswarm,hazelbrowneyesanddisplayinghisdimplesoneithersideofthecheeks.MysmilewidenedwhenIsawhimsmilelikethat.LikeAnne,DominicAdamswaslikefamily.HewasthebrotherIneverhad.ItreatedthemlikesiblingssinceIdonthaveanyofmyown.Ohmygosh,youguys.Thankyou!Iexclaimed.Istoodupandhuggedthemboth.Justgivemethirtyminutes.TheyhuggedmebackbeforeIloosenedmyholdonthemandplantedkissesontheircheeks.Thesetwoweresoawesome.Aftertheyleft,Iheadedtothebathroomforaquickshower.WhenIcameout,theexcessivelyhugebearoccupyingmybedalreadyhadafewfriendswithhim.Isawadark-brownleatherjacketandamidnightbluetanktoparrangedneatlyonmybed.MyNanasdoing,nodoubt.IsmiledasIgazedlovinglyatthegiftsshelaidout.Yep,myNanawascool.Ihurriedlydressedandlookedaroundmyroomformyleatherbrownankleboots.Myroomwassimple,justthewayIlikeit.Thewallswerepaintedoff-white,gi

vingtheroomapositiveandvibrantfeeltoit.Itwasanaverage-sizedroom.Mybedwasrightacrosstheroomfrommybedroomdoor,comfortablyrestingonawallbetweentwodouble-hungwindowswithdarkbrownwoodenframes.Thecurtainsonthesewindowswereofmossygreen,sportinggoldprintsofstars.Thisprintedpatterncompletelymatchesthoseofmybedsheets.Twomatchingbedsidetableswererestingrightbeloweachwindow,oneoneachsideofthebed.Afive-drawerwoodenchestwasdirectlyacrossthebed,leaningagainstthewall,andcarryinganarrayofpictureframesandtwosmall-pottedplantsontopofit.Awalnut-coloredstandingmirrorwasexactlybesideit.Mysturdy,woodenstudytablewaslocatedafewfeetfromtherightsideofmybedwithaswivelchairsituatedonthespacebelowthetable.Mysmallwalk-inclosetwasdirectlyacrossmystudytable,afewfeetfromtheleftsideofmybed.Rightbesideitwasmyownbathroom.Ifeltproudofthisroom,butImparticularly

proudoftheartpiecethatwassecurelyplasteredonthewalldirectlybehindmybed,justaboveitsheadboard.Itwasawoodcarvingofauniquetree.Ipainteditinacollageofdarkblueandlimegreen,makingitlooklikeitsmadeofmarbleinsteadofwood.IdidntknowwhatkindoftreeitwaswhenImadeit,butIlovedeachofitsintricatedetails.Theinspirationjustcametomeinadream.Takingmyeyesoffthepieceofart,Iturnedtolookatmybedroomdoor.There.RightbesideitweretheanklebootsIwaslookingfor.Iimmediatelygrabbedthemandputthemon,goingtothestandingmirrortogivemyselfachancetocheckonmyappearance.Peoplehavealwaysfoundmepretty.ItsprobablybecauseIremindthemofmymom,andCelineMatthewswasbeyondpretty.Shewasgorgeous.Evenso,thetruthis,Idontseemyselfaspretty.AllIseeisagirlwithwaist-length,dark-brownh

air,sidesweptbangs,andslimbuilt.Iscannedmyface,andIwasimmediatelystaringbackatmyownreflection.Ihavetosaythatmyeyesweremybestfeature,becausetheywerethesamecolorasmymoms,butherswereashadelighterthanthedeepblue-greenorbsthatweregazingbackatme.AllmylifeIvenevermetanyonewiththesameeyecolorasours.Igaveasmallnod,pleasedagainatmyNanaschoiceofstylishclothes.IswearshesevenbetteratpickingoutclothesthanIwas.Ihurriedlygrabbedmybagfromthestudytableandwasrummagingthroughitscontentsformyphone,checkingformessages.BythetimeIgottothediningarea,AnneandNickwerealreadyhalfwaythroughtheirslicesofmybirthdaycake.


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Iglancedatthembothandsmiled.Thethreeofuswereaweirdclique.Imean,innormalhighschools,ajock,anerd,andanaveragegirlwouldneverbefriendswitheachother.Wegotpastthat,though.Weneverreallybelievedintheclassichierarchythatinvolvedhighschool.Nickisyouraveragepopularguygoodlooks,greatbody,friendly,smart,andisafootballplayer.YouwouldntexpectgoldenboytobepartoftheAVclub,though.Butheis.Nickdidntcarewhatpeoplethink.Helovesbeingbehindthecameraandincommandofthesoundandvideosystemsatschooleventsasmuchashelovestheadrenalinerushhegetsinthemiddleofagameonafootballfield.UnlikeNick,Annefitsthementaldescriptionofnerdtoateestraight-Astudent,andabsoluteScienceandMathgenius.Ifyoudidntknowher,youwouldthinkshesjustoneofthoseaveragegirls,butshehasthesedark-rimmedglassesalwaysrestingonhernose,givingthenerdauraaway.ShehasanenthusiasmforpoetryandiscurrentlythepresidentoftheschoolsLiteraryClub.Me,Imjustanaveragegirlwhohasapassionforart.LikeNickandAnne,ranksdontbothermeatall.Ifeelthattheyrejustbothersome,andIwouldntwanttodoanythingwiththem.Iwasrelativelyfriendlytoeveryoneatschool.Maybethatsthereasonwhytheytreatedmethesameway.Likewise,itwasprobablytheexactreasonwhyNickandAnnehavealwaysbeenmybestfriendssincetheninthgrade.Wejustdidntgiveadamnaboutbrandsandcategories.IsatonmyseatatthediningtableandhadNanahappilyservemeplatesoffood.Afterfinishingup,weallmadeourwaytoschool,fullysatisfiedwithNanashome-cookedmealasalways.Thewholedayseemedtoblurpastme.Everythinghappenedasusual.Exceptforafewbirthdaygreetingsfromfriendswhoknewofmybi

rthday,nothingoutoftheordinaryhappened.BeforeIknewit,itwasalreadythreeintheafternoon,andschoolwasdonefortheday.Iwavedmyfriendsgoodbye,makingthempromisetoheadtoLaBellasthiseveningforasmallbirthdaydinner.Asforme,IwasnowonmywaytomakeaquickstopatTerenceHillCemetery.Itwasashort,five-blockwalkfromtheschool,andittookmelessthantenminutestogetthere.Ilovedvisitingmyparents.SomehowIfeltthateachvisitbroughtmeclosertothem.Itriedmakingthisaritual,visitingthemonceortwiceaweekforthepastfouryears.MostofthetimeIwouldtalktothemforhours,butthereweretimeswhenIjustvisittheirgravetogivethemflowers,promisingtospendmoretimewiththemthenexttimeIcameover.IknewtheyweresadeverytimeImadeaquickvisit,butIalsoknewthattheywouldunderstand.Ifitwasntforschoolworkandsocialresponsibilities,Iwouldvevisitedthemeverysingleday,b

uttheywouldntwantthatfromme.TheywouldvewantedmetogoonwithmylifeasnormalasIpossiblycan.SoImdoingjustthat.Intheend,Ispentanhourtalkingtothem.WhenIturnedtowardsthedirectionofthecemeterysentrance,abouttostartmywalkhome,Ifeltadistinctpresencearoundme.IdontknowwhyIfeltthisway,butstrangelyenough,Iwasntevenabitalarmedbyit.Isomehowfeltcomfortedandsecuredbytheaura.Iwasnowcarefullycontemplatingtheideaofmyparentsbeingherewithme,literallywatchingme.Iturnedaroundtoglanceattheirheadstoneandsmiled.Onceagain,Istartedtrekkingthewalkhome.IstillfeltthatunusualpresenceuntilIwasashortdistanceawayfromthecemeterysvicinity.Iarrivedhomeapproximatelytwentyminuteslater.IstillhadtimetorelaxabitsoIheadedtothekitchenwhereIknewNanawouldbe.Wespenttimetalkingaboutmyplansthisevening.Iinvitedhertocomewithusforthenthtime.Ims

uremyfriendswouldntmindsincetheyalllovedher,butshedismissedmewithaflickofherhand,orderingmetohavefun.TimewastickingslowlysoIdecidedtotakealongbathbeforegettingreadyfordinner.IwashappywithwhatIchosefortonight.Iworeadarkblue,short-sleevedtunicwithwhite,miniaturetribalprintsscatteredatthehemandneckline.Itwasfittedaroundthebustareaandhunglooselyallthewaydowntomyderriere,coveringmybutt.Isportedblackleggingsunderitandhavemyfour-inch,lightbrownanklebootson.Idecidedtocurlmyhairalittleandletitdroptomyback.Idebatedwhethertoputmake-uponanddecidedtoapplydark-coloredeyeshadowandredlipstick.


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Nickpickedmeupafewminuteslater,andweheadedtoLaBellasrestauranttogether.ItwasasmallItalianrestaurantinRattfordCliffs,famousforitswarmandwelcomingambience.Bythetimewearrived,Anne,Jessica,andSandrawerealreadywaitingforus.AsmallbannerwiththewordsHappy18th,SkylarMatthews!writteninblackinkwastapedtothewallbehindourtable.Ismiledatthesweetgestureandhuggedeveryoneatthetable,sayingmythanksasIgaveeachoneofthemapeckonthecheek.LikeAnne,SandraAnderson,apetitegirlwithshoulderlengthblondehair,wasastraight-Astudent.However,shewasatimidgirl,notatalllikeAnne,whowasanimatedalmostallthetime.JessicaCarter,ontheotherhand,waslikeNickinsomeway.Shewasoneofthecheerleadersinourschoolandwaspopularwiththeguys.Shehadthatlongblondehairandsapphireeyesthatboyswoulddiefor.Again,thesightofusfive,sittingandenjoyingeachotherscompanyinasingletablewasunusual.Theentireeveningwaspleasant.WewerealreadydecidingonwhattoorderfordessertwhenIsuddenlyfeltthatoddpresenceagain.Thistime,though,itwasgrowingstrongerasifitwasslowlycomingtowardsme.Justthenthedooroftherestaurantopened.Icouldnthelpturningmyheadtothatdirection.Incametwopeople.Atallandleanguywithlong,dark-brownhairentered,followedbyaslightlyshorter,blonde-hairedgirl.Theguylookedlikehewasaboutmyage,andIdontknowwhy,buthelooksreallyfamiliar.Heseemedtoscantheroomlikehewaslookingforsomething.Then,ashewasslowlymovinghisgazeinmydirection,Ifeltmyheartstartbeatingfast.Silver-greyeyeslockedonblue-greenandIimmediatelyfeltweightle

ss.IjuststaredbackathimandwasabouttosmilewhenIsuddenlysawangerinhiseyes.Theshockofitmademerecallsomething.Silver-greyeyes.Long,dark-brownhair.Hewasinthatdream.Mydream.Butitcouldntbe.Thatboyfrommydreamlookedatmewithcaringandconcernedeyes.Thisone,ontheotherhand,wastryingtoshootboltsoffurytowardsme,andfornoapparentreason,too.Ifeltmyspiritssink,makingmemiserablefornoexplainablereasonascold,darkgreyorbscontinuedondartingshotsofobviousrageatme.

CHAPTER2Thatuneasinesscontinuedonthroughouttherestoftheevening,eveniftheyweresatonthefarthestsidefromourtable.Icouldntgethisdarkstareoffmyheadorthelonelyunexplainablefeelingthatengulfedmebecauseofit.Ifeignedinterestontheseriesofconversationatourtable,butIcouldntfullyconcen

trateonanythingbuthimandhisshowofresentment.Itriedtothinkofreasonsforit.MaybeIwasjustbeingparanoid,thinkingthatitwasdirectedatme.Perhapsitwasforthepersonbehindme.Ishrugged.Maybethatwasit.Thenallthatsleftisthereasonformymysteriousunhappiness.Iwasstillbotheredbyitwhenthetimecameforeveryonetosaytheirgoodbyes.Ididntseetheboyandhiscompaniononourwayoutoftherestaurant.Yes,Iwastotallyconvincedthathewasntchannelinghisangeratme.Hecouldnthave.Wedontevenknoweachother.Thenextdayatschoolwasuneventful.OrsoIthought.Nick,Anne,andIallwentonwithournormalroutines.NickheadedtoAnnesfirstbeforepickingmeup,andwealldrovetoschooltogether.Wewerehappilychattingbesideourlockerswhenthatsamedisturbingandstrongpresencebotheredmeagain.IturnedtothedirectionwhereIfelttheaurafrom.Thatwaswhenasuddenwaveofmurmursf

loodedthehallway,interruptingtheconversationbetweenNickandAnne.TheybothturnedtothedirectionwhereI,andeveryoneelse,wasalreadylookingat.ThemostunexpectedpersonIanticipatedtoseeonMasonvilleHighwashere.Hewascasuallywalkingthroughtheschoolcorridorwithconfidentstrides,unmindfulofthehushedwhispersthatsurroundedhim.Hewasmagnificent.Thedarkleatherjacket,theteal-coloredshirthehadunderthat,thewashed-outpantshesported,andtheblackChuckTaylorscompletelysuitedhisbadassaura.Buttheclothesheworeandhowgreattheylookonhimwerenomatchfortheexquisitenessofhisface.Hewasblessedwithstraight,dark-brownhairthatreachedthelengthofhischin,higharchedbrow,deep-setsilver-greyeyes,celestialnose,and


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lipstodiefor.Ijustgawkedathim,thinkinghewouldjustpassmeandmyfriends.Whenhestoppedafewfeetinfrontofus,NickandAnnestiffenedoneithersideofme.Mymouthdroppedopenwhenheturnedhiseyesonme,amusementclearonhiseyesbeforeheshiftedbacktothatfumingstare.IwasntsureifIjustimaginedtheamusedexpressionIsawthere,butIwasnowcertainthathewastargetingthoseblazingsilvergawpsatme.NickandAnnemusthavenoticedhimglaringatme,becausetheirheadsbothturnedbackandforthbetweenthetwoofus.Itwaslikeastaringcontesttowhichhelost.Heturnedbacktohisconfidentwalking,headingtowardsthedirectionofthePrincipalsoffice.Nickwasthefirsttorecover.Whatthehell,Sky?Whowasthatdude?Hesaid,hisvoicefilledwithcontempt.Hedidntbotherlookingatmewhilehesaidthatandwasbusystaringatthestrangeboysretreatingback,probablytryingtoboreaholeonit.Nickwaslikethat.HewasextremelyprotectiveofAnneandI,alwaysreadytopounceonanyonewhowouldwanttohurtusinanyway.Thiswasmyfirsttimeseeinghimreactlikethis,though,sinceIwasparticularlycivilwitheveryoneatschool.Skylar?Annecalled,slightlynudgingmyrightshoulder.Areyouokay?Sheaskedinaconcernedvoice.Ittookmybrainaminutetoregisterwhatshewasasking.What?Oh,Isaid,blinking.Yes,Anne.Imperfectlyfine,ImutteredwhileIshiftmybagonmyshoulder.Whowasthatanyway?Heactedlikeheknowsyou,Sheasked,atraceofconcernstillringinginhervoice.UhmIreallydontknow,Imanagedtosay,quicklysearchingmybrainfortheright

nswers.Iveneverseenhimbefore,Ilied.Annejustlookedatmeskeptically,probablydecidingifshewasgoingtobelievewhatIjustsaid.Damn,thisgirlreallyknowsme.Thebellsuddenlyrang,savingmefrommorequestions.Shejustshruggedandgrabbedmyhand,leadingmetoourfirstclassofthedayPhysics.IturnedtowaveatNick.Thethreeofusdontalwayssharethesameclasses.AnneandIhavethesamePhysicsandCalculusclasswhileNicksharedGymandSocialStudiesclasseswithme.ThePhysicsroomwasalreadyfullyoccupiedexceptforthreefrontrowseats.Mr.Burns,ourPhysicsteacher,wasntthereyet.SoAnneandIhurriedtotwooftheseats.Iwasbarelyabletosettleonmyseatwhenthatannoyingauraappearedagain.WhenMr.Burnsappeared,hewasntalone.Behindhimwasthatbadassguywiththedarkstares.Mr.Burnssettledthebookhewascarryingonhistablebeforeturn

ingtotheclass.Okay.Settledown,children,Hesaid,scanningtheroomthroughhiseyeglasses.Wehaveatransfereestudentjoiningustoday.Heturnedtotheguyandcockedhisheadtotheside,signalinghimtointroducehimself.NamesAdrien.AdrienFields.Nicetomeetyouall,Hesaidinhisdeepvelvetyvoice,smilingtotheclass.Iheardthegirlssquirmintheirseats,probablytalkingaboutthegorgeousguyinfrontoftheclass.Again,hedidntseemtomindthemtalkingabouthim.Hejustlethisgazeslidetheroom,clearlylookingforanemptyseat.Whenhedrewhisgazetome,hedidntbotherhidingtheangerthatseemedtoautomaticallyplantitselftherewheneverhelookedatme.Whatisitwiththisguy?Seriously.Butdespitetheannoyancethatwasnowbubblingupinsideme,Istillfeltmyheartbeatatarapidpaceatthatlook.Hedidsomethingdifferentthistime,tho

ugh.Hetriedtohidehisangerandsettledwithaflat,non-caringexpressionandsaunteredovertomysidetowheretheonlyvacantseatintheroomwas.Nowthatthatssettled,Mr.Burnsstarted.Letsgoaboutthediscussiononstaticctricity.Hestartedwalkingtothebackofhisdesk,pullingoutasmallboxfromthedrawer.Goon.Passthisaroundandpartnerupwiththepersonsittingtoyourleft.Whenhesaidthat,Igroaned.Great!Nowcomesthefunpart.Whentheboxwaspassedtome,Islippedmyhandinsideandpickedoutapinkballoonwithastringwrappedaroundit.Iwasstilllookingatitwhenitwassuddenlysnatchedfrommyhand.Iturnedtoglareathimandwasabouttosaysomethingwhenhestartedblowingontheballoon.Ijustblinked.Mr.Burnshasntevengivenout


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anyinstructionsyet,andhewasalreadyfoolingaround.Whenhefeltmeblanklystaringathim,heturnedhiseyestolookatme.Wow.Hiseyeswereadeepershadeofsilverthangrey.Theyweretrulyamazingandannoyingatthesametime.Becausejustthatsimple,harmlessstaresetmyheart,whichwasalreadybeatingwaytoofast,intoagallopingspeed.Staticelectricity.Ivedonethisbefore.Hestatedinamatter-of-facttoneasheremovedtheballoonandtieditwiththestring.Hehelditoutformetohold,andIeagerlyandstupidlyheldontoitlikeachild.Igazedbackathimandcaughthimstaringatme,too,anamusedexpressioninhiseyesbeforeheimmediatelymaskeditwithavacantone.Imustbeimaginingagain.Ms.Matthews,sinceyoualreadyseemtoknowhowthissmallactivitysgoingtowork,pleaseletMr.Fieldsholdtheballoon.Helookedatmefondly,ateasingtoneclearinhisvoice.Iblushed.Playnicenow,Hewinkedatmeandturnedbacktocheckhoweveryoneelsewasdoing.Iinstantlygavemypartneradeathglaretowhichheonlyreturnedwithamuffledlaugh,turningitintoacoughinstead.Heturnedawayfrommethen,pullingtheballoonsstringatthesametime.Beforeheturned,IwassocertainoftheentertainedexpressionIsawonhisfacethistime.WhyyoulittleExcuseme.Hesaidsuddenlyasheplacedtheballoononthesideofmyhead.Iimmediatelypusheditaway,thinkinghewasuptosomethingagain.Whatareyoudoing?Iwhispered,notwantingtocatchMr.Burnsattentiononceagain.Icouldnthidetheannoyancefrommyvoiceanymore.Hejustshruggedandsaid,Physics,asifthatexplainedeverything.Withoutwarning,heplacedtheballoononthesideofmyheadagainandslightlyrubbeditag

ainstmyhair.Iimmediatelygrabbedholdofhishandtostophim.Allofasudden,alittlecurrentranthroughmyhandfromwhereItouchedhim.Iinstantlywithdrewmyhandasifitwasseared.ButIdidastupidthingagainbyriskinglookingupathim.Theexpressionheworemirroredmyown.Hisdarksilvereyesappearedpuzzled.Then,justasswiftasthatbewilderinglooksurfaced,italsovanishedrightaway,onlytobereplacedwithahardenedexpression.Hedroppedthehandwhichwasholdingtheballoontomyheadandturnedtofacethefrontoftheroom,probablyintentonignoringme.Iwasreallyirritatedthistime.Ididntevenknowhim!WhenIturnedtofacethefrontoftheroom,mimickinghisaction,thestringoftheballoonhitthesideofmyface.ThatswhenIrealizedthatthepinkballoonwasnowsticking,onitsown,tothesideofmyhead.Icouldnthelpmyself.Ilaughed,immediatelycoveringmymouthbeforeMr.Burnscallsonmeagain.Isneakedaglanceinhisdire

ctionandsawasmilethreateningtoescapehislips.Hewasstillstaringatnothingatthefrontoftheroom.BeforeIcouldstopmyself,Igrabbedtheballoonanddirectlystartedrubbingitonhishair.Ihurriedlyturnedbacktofacethefrontoftheroomafterdoingthat.Iheardhimsnickeringsilently,butIdidntlookathimrightafterthatagain.Bythetimethebellrang,Ialreadyhadallmythingsinmybag.IwaswaitingforAnnetofinishfixingherthingswhenInoticedsomeonestandinginfrontofme.Ilookeduptoseehimstaringdownatme.Iraisedmyeyebrowsathim,ignoringthefastbeatingofmyheart.AdrienFields,Hesighedandstretchedouthishandtome.Istaredathowhisjawwasclenchedandhowhiseyesseemedtobeuncertain.Whataweirdguy.SkylarMatthews,Ireplied,shakinghishandverybrieflybeforeinstantlydroppin

gitbecauseofthecurrentIfeltatthatsmallfriendlyaction.Hejustnoddedandturnedtoleavetheroom,andIendedupstaringathisback,completelybemused.Hewassuchabizarredude.AfterthatoddincidentinPhysicsclass,Iconcludedthatmyluckwasfinallyrunningout.Apparently,DaggerEyeswasineveryoneofmyclasses,andwespenteachoftheminaclosedroomtogether,exceptingymclassbecauseMr.York,ourGymteacher,decidedtodividetheclassintotwogroups.HewasoutinthefieldhandlingalltheguyswhilethegirlswereleftwithMs.Thomas,theassistantgymteacher.BythetimeIarrivedhome,myheadwashurtingsobadthatIwasworriedabout


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developingamigraine.Iimmediatelywenttomyroom,droppedmythingsonthestudytable,kickedmybootsoff,anddoveforthebed,notbotheringwithachangeofclothes.BeforeIknowit,Iwasalreadyfastasleep.Shewaslaughingsohard.ItwasthefirsttimeIheardherlaughlikethatforaverylongtime.Hemusthavesaidsomethinghilarious,becauseonlyhehadtheabilitytomakeherlaughlikethat.Igazedatthetwoperfectlylovedupcoupleinfrontofme.Hewasfeedinghergrapes,andsheflickedhisnose,anaffectionategesturesheonlydidtothetwoofus.Wewereoutpicnickingonafieldsomewhere.Itwasbrightandsunnytoday.Celineturnedtolookatmeandgavemehersweetestsmile.Sheliftedherhandtomeandcuppedmyfacewithit.Iloveyou,myAngel.Staystrong.Shesaid,hereyesgrowingmistywithtearsbuildingupinsidethem.Shebentherheaddownandkissedmyforehead.Ijuststaredather,confused.Nicholasruffledmyhair,soIturnedtohim.Hesmiledashelookedintomyeyes,hisowndarkblueshowingalltheaffectionheheldforme.ThenIsawsomethingbluemovingaboveus.Ibentmyheadskywardstoseewhatitwas.Itwasabeautifultreethatlookedlikemarble,blueandgreenwasscatteredeverywhereonit.Eventheleaveshadthesamecolor.Theentiretreesparkledasthewindhurtledpastit.Justthen,Ifeltmyeyelidsgrowheavy,andIyawnedoutloud.Mydadjustlaughedandplacedbothhishandsundermyarms,liftingmetohimlikeIweighednothing.ImusthaveweighednothingbecauseIfeltsmallinhisarms.IfelthimkissthetopofmyheadbeforeIfinallysuccumbedtounconsciousness.

Iwokeupwithtearsstreamingdownmyface.Iliftedmyhandtowipethemandcurledmyselftoafetalpositionafterwards.God,Imissthemsomuch.Inowrememberwhythemasterpiecehangingonthewallbehindmewasextremelyspecial.Itremindedmeofmyparents.ItwasthefirsttimeIhadthatdreamsinceIwas14yearsold,exactlyonthenightwhenmyparentsdiedonthatcaraccident.Somehow,thewordsmymomsaidstucktome.Iknewitwasacoincidencewhenshesaidthemafewyearsback,butnowIwasntreallysure.Ikeptonhuggingmybedcoverstightly,calmingthesobsthatstillkeptoncoming.ThenIfeltasoothingpresencesurroundme.Ithadthesameauraasthepreviousones,likeitwasrighttherewithme,actuallytouchingandenvelopingme,tryingtoappeaseme.IinstantlyfeltatpeaceandwasdriftingbacktosleepmuchfasterthanIexpected.WhenIopenedmyeyesagain,thesunwasbeatingthroughthewindows.Iturnedt

omysideandgrabbedholdofmyclock.Itwasalmostnoon.Istretchedoutbeforeclimbingoutofbed.Iwentstraighttothebathroom,fullyplanningontakingalongandrelaxingbath.WhenIwasabouttoundress,IrealizedthatIstillhadmyclothesonfromyesterday.Isighed.Ireallyneedtostopsleepingwithmyschoolclotheson.IcontinuedundressingasIwaitedforthebathtubtofillupwithwater.Ipickedupmyhairstickfromthesideofthesinkandthoroughlyconcentratedontwistingmylonghairintoabun,pinningthestickinplace.WhenIwasdonewiththatlittlechore,Islowlysteppedintothetubandrestedmyheadonthesideofthenowwarmfiberglasssurface.ItookmytimesoakingthereandwasntreallyplanningonleavingyetwhenNanaknockedonthebathroomdoor,callingoutmyname.Shepoppedherheadintothesmallopeningofthedoorandsaid,Ithoughtwecouldgoattendmassrightafterlunch,Dear.IheardFatherReynoldswasdoingthe

sermon.Shelookedatmeexpectantly.Ijustsmiledmyapproval.Shesmiledbackandleftafterwards.Ihurriedlytoweldriedmyselfandwenttoprepareformass.FatherReynoldsservicewasoneofthemostlookedforwardtosermonsinRattfordCliffs.Inmyopinion,thereverendhadaknackforpreaching,whichiswhyIwasntsurprisedtohavethetownschurchpackedwithpeople.NanaandIwalkedtothesideoftheaisles,lookingforanemptyspacethatcouldfittwopeople.WhenIspottedone,IguidedNanainthemiddlesectionofthechurchwereanearly-filledpewwaslocated.Asweslowlymadeourwaytothatspot,thatfamiliarnaggingpresencesneakeduponmeagain.Itsbeenhappeningseveraltimeslately,


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andIwasgraduallystartingtofeelconcerned.Itwasntbecauseitscaredme.ItwasbecauseIwasntfrightenedbyit.JustwhenNanaandIsatdown,Ispottedsomeoneafewpewsaheadofus.AdrienFields.Inoticedthathispreviouslyrelaxedpositionsuddenlystiffened.Thenhestartedfidgeting,craninghisnecksohecouldseeabovetheheadsofpeople.Heobviouslylookedlikehewaslookingforsomeone.Whenhisheadmadeacomplete180-degreeturntotheback,Iheldmybreath.IdidntknowwhybutIjustdid.Oureyesmet,andIwasmentallypreparedtoseetheraginglookIwassosurewouldbethere.Instead,Iwascompletelystunnedwhenhegazedatmewithsadeyesthatwerefilledwithsympathyandconcern.TheexpressiononhisfaceinstantlybroughtbackthedreamIhadofhim.ItwasalmosttheexactlookIveseenonhimbackthen.IwasstillcaughtoffguardbywhatIsawthatIdidntknowhowtoreact.SoIjustgavehimasmallsmilebeforelookingaway,tryingtofocusonanythingbuthimandthedisheartenedlookonhisface.Icouldstillfeelhimthrowingthatintentstarebackatme.Pleasedontlook.Stopwatchingme.Faceforward!IcommandedhiminmymindasIrepeatedlychantedthismantrainasingsongvoiceinsidemyhead.IsuddenlyfeltlikeIwasgoingcrazy.Iveneverreallydoneanythinglikethisbefore,andIwascertainthatIvenotoncefeltthisbotheredwithsomeoneinthepast.WhatdisturbedmemostwasthatIseriouslydidntknowwhyIactedthisway.Ifounditpainfullookingathimwiththatkindofexpressionimprintedonhisface,andlikethedepressingfeelingIfeltwhenIsawhimbackatthatrestaurant,IcouldntfindanylogicalexplanationfortheemotionalturmoilIwascurre

ntlyexperiencing.TheReverendcouldnthavemadehisentranceatamuchmoreconvenienttime.Thechurchorganstartedplayingamelodichymn,signalingtheappearanceofFatherAlbertReynolds.Everyonestoodup,andIsilentlythankedGodforsimplecustomssuchastheentranceoftheofficiatingpriest.IstoodlikeeveryoneelseandturnedmybodysothatI,too,wascompletelyfacingthedirectiontowhereFatherReynoldswasgoingtodohisentrancemarch.Muchtomydismay,thepriestsarrivaldidnthavemucheffectonhimasIexpecteditto.Icouldstillfeelhimlookingatme.Hejuststoppedwhenitwasannouncedthatwewereallowedtosit.Andonlythendidmybreathingandgallopingheartstarttocalmdown.

CHAPTER3

AccordingtoNana,theentireservicewasexcellentasexpectedoftheReverend.IwouldntreallyknowbecauseIwascompletelydistracted.Ikeptglancingathisbackduringtheentiredurationofthemass.Icouldnthelpit.Itwasalmostlikeamagneticwaveexistedbetweenus,andIcouldntbringmyselftoignorethefactthathewasthere.Once,whileIwasstaringathisback,theblondegirlwhosatbesidehimturnedtowardsmydirectionandlookedatme.Unlikehim,shedidntshootdaggersofhatredwhenwefirstlaideyesoneachother.Shedidtheexactopposite.Shesmiledwarmlyatme.Whenshedidthat,Icouldnthelpsmilingback.Nowwhycanthebelikeher?Outofnowhere,somethingunusualhappened.Thegirlblushedandabruptlyturnedbackherhead,facingforward.SheelbowedAdrienonhissideasshehastilyturnedherfocustowardsthemass.

Ialmostscratchedmyheadincompletewonder.Thatgirlwasthesameonewhoaccompaniedhimbackattherestaurant.Dotheyhavearelationshiporsomething?Theyseemtobeprettyclose.Iimmediatelystoppedmybrainfromcontinuingonwithitstrainofthoughts.WhatdoIcare,anyway?Ishookmyhead,touchingoneofmytemplesintheprocess.Myconfusionmusthaveclearlyshownonmyface,becauseNanaturnedtomewithaworriedexpressiononherface.Ismiled,hopingtoreassureher.Shereturnedthesmileandturnedherattentionbacktothepriestssermon.Itriedfocusingonthemassafterthatbutmiserablyfailed.Intheend,Istillkeptonglancingathisback,andthenaggingfeelingofcuriositywouldntgoa


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way.Thenwhenthepeace-be-with-youwereexchanged,Isawhimturntothegirlandgiveheralightkissonthecheek.Yeah,thatconfirmedit.Afterthatincident,Ifinallymanagedtocompletelyignorethem.Istillwasntabletofocusonthemass,becauseforsomeunexplainablereasonIfeltmyangerbuildupforhim.Thatnight,Ifinishedallmyworkinrecordtime.ItsamazingwhatthemindcandowhenyoutotallywanttoblockoutsomethingawfulanddisturbingmeaningAdrienFields,ofcoursedespiteitsunknownreasons.Asexpected,Islippedseveraltimes,butlookingattheblue-greencollageofamasterpieceonthewallgavemepeaceofmind.Isighed.Thattreeismagical,andmyappreciationforitgrewasIdiscovereditsnewuse.IthinkIoveruseditspowersforthatnight,though,butitkeptmesaneanyway.SoIguessitdidntcomplain.WhenIexhaustedmyselftosatisfaction,Ifocusedonpreparingmyselftobed,takingallthesweettimetheworldhastooffer.IwasabouttoclimbonthebedwhenmyphonerangtotherockversionofPachelbelsCanoninD.ThatmustbeAnne.Ilinkedthatringtonetohernameinmyphone,becausewebothlovethatversionbetterthantheoriginalclassicversion.Hello?Iwascurioustoknowwhyshescallingmebutgladfortheaddeddistraction.Hey,Girl!shereplied.Irolledmyeyesatthechoiceofnameshecalledme.Sheclearlyneededsomething.NotthatImind.Ilovehelpingmyfriendsout.Hey,Anne.Issomethingwrong?Iaskedwhileclimbingmybedandgettingmyselfcomfortableunderthecovers,myphonecaughtinbetweenmycheekandshoulder.Nothingreally,shesaid,pausingabitbeforecontinuing.IjustrememberedIdidn

gettoaskyouaboutthathottietransfereestudentyesterday.Igroaned.Ididntexpectthat.Ithoughtshewouldjustletitgo.Damnit,Anne.Stopbeingakeenobserverwhoknowsmetoowell,andadamngeniuswhocantseemtoforgetanything!So?shesaidontheotherline,prolongingtheowhenIdidntanswerherrightawaOkay,okay.ThatdayhestrolledintoschoolwasntreallythefirsttimeIsawhim.Hewasattherestaurantthenightbeforewhenwewerehavingmybirthdaydinner.Iblurtedout,notevenpausingtobreathe.Shewouldveforcedthatinformationoutofmeanyway.Shecanbethatpersistent.Ididntmeanto,butIgotannoyedwithher,andthatrarelyhappens.ItwasallAdrienFieldsfault.IhissedasIcursedhiminsidemyhead,stoppingabruptlywhenIrealizedIwasstillonthephone.Isighed.Ithinkthatwasalittletooharsh,blaminghimforAnnesactions.

Wait.Howcouldyouhaveseenhimandeveryoneelseatourtabledidnt?Trustme.IfaguyashotasthatwouldenterarestaurantwithLaBellassize,Jessicawouldvenoticedrightaway,shenarrated.Ihuffed,blowingmybangsoutofplaceintheprocess.Shewasright,though.JessicaCarterwouldhavenoticed.Itsnotthatshesaslutorsomething.Shesjustgreatatspottinggorgeousguys.Itslikeshehasabuilt-inradaronherheadonlyforthatsolepurpose.Itssortoflikeanantennaforhotguys.Besides,Annebreathed.Therestaurantwasdimlylitthatnight.Sandyrequestedthatfromthemanagerbecauseoftheeyepainsshesbeenexperiencinglately.Aftershesaidthat,Ithoughtaboutit.ShesrightaboutSandyseyepains.Ihaveheardhercomplainaboutitafewtimesbefore.ButthatdoesntclearlyexplainwhyIwasabletoseeAdrienthatnight.Iwasalsopositivethattheyveseenhim,too.

Imean,hewasrightthere.Thatsjustsilly.Ishruggedofffurtherthoughtsonthesubject.Idontknow.MaybeJessissharingherradarpowerswithme,whichImverymuchfinewithout,especiallywhenitcomestothatthatguy,Irepliedandheardherlaughattheotherendoftheline,irritatingmemore.Sky,IwassittingrightnexttoyouatPhysicsclass,youknowAndIhavetosay,shestarted,obviouslypausingfordramaticeffect.Youguyslookcutetogether!Sheburstout,makingmepullthephoneawayfrommyleftear.Ifeltmyfacewarmupjustbecauseofwhatsheshared.IneverthoughtthatIdeverbethisannoyedwithAnne.


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Thisisthefirsttimeshehasmadeacommentaboutmeandaguylikethat.ShewasfullyawarethatIhaventhadaboyfriendmyentirelife.IjustdidntfeellikeIwasintodatingmuch,andIdidntseeanyofmyguyfriendsinthatmanner.IguessIjustlookedforacertainkindofconnection,thesameonethatmyparentshadwitheachother,butthatnevercame.SoIjustwavedthethoughtofaboyfriendoff.Great.IwassosetonforgettingeverythingaboutAdrienFieldsdisturbingpresenceandherecomesmybestfriend,shoutingabouttheguyonmyear.Ishookmyheadandclickedmytongue.ThishadtostopbeforeIdirectedmyangeronthewrongperson.Okay,Anne.Listen,Imhonestlytiredfromallourhomework.So,asmuchasIwouldliketodiscussthistopicrightbeforebedtime,Ireallyliketocatchsomesleep,Ihurriedlysaid,notallowinghertosneakawordin,whichImsureshewasitchingtodo.Iheardhersighontheotherline.Okay,Sky.IllseeyouonMondaythen.Shefinallygaveupfornow.Loveyou,Isaidandquicklyendedthecallbeforeshechangedhermind.Isighedandplacedmyphoneinsidethedrawerofmybedsidetable.Foranerdygirl,Annewassurelyauniquecase.Ishookmyheadandfinallygaveintothewelcomingheavinessofmyeyelids.IclosedmyeyesandhappilyblockedallthoughtsofAdrienFieldsandhisdisturbingsilvereyes.Hey,Nickcalledouttome.ItwasMonday,andwewerenowbehindtheschoolgymwherethedressingloungeswerelocated.Hey,Icalledbackashestoppedrightinfrontofme.Iwasstandingrightattheentranceofthefemaledressinglounge

andwasabouttogoinwhenhewalkeduptome.Becarefuloutthere.Iknowyourenotverygoodatsports,hespokewithamischievousexpressiononhisface.Mybestfriendshavealwaysknownofmyclumsinesswhenitcomestosports,andvolleyballwasnotanexception.Infact,itwasmythirdleastfavorite.Dodgeballandbaseballweretoptwoonmylist.Ijusthateactivitiesthatinvolvedrunningandballs.Itendtosurpriseeveryonebytrippingonmyowntwofeetinacompletelyleveledsurface.Isighed.Thanks.Illtrymybesttolive,Irolledmyeyesandjoinedhimashelaughed.Everyonewasusedtomyclumsiness,sotheyalldidtheirbesttosteerclearofmeorhelpmeupwhenIvealreadyfallenflatontheground.Wecontinuedonmakingsmalltalkwhenthatfamiliarauraenvelopedmeagain.InoticedNickstiffeninfrontofme.Hiseyesslowlyturnedtosomethingbehind

me.Dontlooknowbutthatnewguyshere,hemutteredunderhisbreath,neverglanngatme.Hewasstillstaringintentlyinthatsamedirection.Heclenchedhisjaw,andIjusthadtoturnaroundtolookatwhatcausedhisannoyance.JustwhenIturned,Ialmostbumpedintosomeone.IlookedupandwasabouttoapologizewhenIsawhissilvereyesthrowanintentstare.Notatme,though.HewaslookingatsomeonebehindmeNick.Isuddenlyfeltsomeoneshandonmyelbow,pullingmesoftlybutfirmlybehind.Sky,Nicksaidinacontrolledvoice.Iturnedtohimthen,bewildermentclearonmyface.HedidntlookatmeandjustcontinuedonstaringAdrienFieldsdown.Goinandchange,hestated.Illseeyouatthegym,helookedatmethen,andhisfacesoftenedabitonlytoturnbackintothatangryexpressionwhenheagainstaredbackatAdrien.ThenIfeltAdrienstiffenonmyotherside.Andthetensionbetweenthetwoof

themsuddenlybuiltup.Oh,hellno!IgroanedandlookedatNick,touchinghimonhisarmbeforehedidsomethinginappropriateandgethimselfintrouble.Itsalright,Nick.Isaidinacalmandsoothingvoice.IactuallyhavesomethingttalkaboutwithAdrienaboutPhysics,Isaid,shruggingandwonderingwhatonearthmademesaythat.IwouldhavegladlyfollowedNicksinstructionsandcomebargingintothelounge,justsohecouldbeatthecrapoutofAdrien.Nickturnedandlookedatmewithadoubtfullookonhisface,probablythinkingifheshouldleavemealonewithhim.Isighed.Nickwassooverprotective.Toooverprotective,Ithink.Iraisedmyeyebrowsathim,challenginghimnottoleave.


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Hesighedandsmiledatmebeforeturningtogo.WhenNickwasfarfromearshot,IfocusedmyattentiontoAdrienFields.Igavehimaquestioninglook.Yes?Iasked.ItwasntthefirsttimeIveseenhimthisday.Wedidsharethesameclasses.EarlierthismorningduringPhysicsandLiterature,wecompletelyignoredeachother.Hedidntsitnexttomeduringanyoftheseclasses,whichImreallygratefulfor.AndnothinglikelastweeksepisodeinPhysicsclasshappenedagain,whichwasgreattoo.Iwouldntreallywanttogetintroublewithanyofmyteachers.Hebenthisheaddowntolookatme.Myheartstarteditsmarathonrunwhenoureyeslocked.Hedidntsayanythingandjuststaredbackatme.Thiswasstartingtoannoyme.IdidntlikehowIfeltlightrightatthatmoment,withonlyhiseyestoholdmedownandmakesureIstayedrootedtothespot.Ididntwanttodoanythingwithhim.Heopenedhismouth,seeminglywantingtosaysomethingatthatmoment,thencloseditagain.Ijuststoodtheredoingnothingbutstarebackathim.Allofasudden,hehardenedhiseyesandclenchedhisjaw.Henowheldthatsameexpressionasthenightwemet.Isteppedbackabit,feelingmyspiritsdropatthatlookheheldforme.Hewasthefirsttobreakeyecontact.Heturnedhisfacetothesidesohewouldntbeabletolookatme.Isawhimclosehishands,clenchingthemintofists.Whatthehellisupwithhimanyway?Ifeltangersurgethroughme,andIstoodfirmonmyground.Bynow,everyonewasinsidetheloungesgettingchanged.Sonoonewasgoingtohearanyofthis.Whatthehellsyourproblemwithme?Isnapped,lookingathimmenacingly,hopingm

yeyeswouldlethimfeeltheuneasinessIfeltwhenhethrewmethatdaggerstareofhis.HedidntlookatmelikeIwantedhimto,butIdidnoticehisexpressiontonedownabit.Nothing,herepliedsilently.Hestilldidntlookatme.Getchanged.Werealreadyteforclass.Hewalkedawayfrommeandstrodetowardsthemaledressinglounge.Iwasleftalonethere,stilloutragedatwhatjusthappened.Iseriouslywantedtopunchsomething.Itooksmall,deepbreathstocalmdownbeforemakingmywayinsidethedressinglounge.Everyonewasalreadydressedintheiruniforms.Crap!Istartedpanickingandfocusedonmylatestobstacleyet.Volleyball.Igroanedinwardlyandhurriedlychangedintothegreyshirtandredmid-thighshortsthateveryoneelsewascladin.Gymclasswasunbearable.Naturally,Ialmosttrippedandhurtmyselfacoupleo

ftimes.Myteammatesjustdidtheirbesttostayawayfrommewhenitwasmyturntoservetheball.IalmosthitNickonce,andhewasontheoppositeendofthevolleyballcourt.Itwassheerluckthathehadfastreflexes.Ismiledsheepishlyathimandhejustlaughed,probablyalreadyexpectingthingslikethattohappen.Today,Mr.Yorkplacedtheentireclasstogether.Theguyswereplayingindoortennisonthehalfsectionofthegym,andthegirlswereplayingvolleyballontheotherhalf.Thesituationwastotallyunfair.Iwishedwecouldtradeplaces.Ifeltmuchsaferwithtennisthanvolleyball.Atleasttheballwassmaller.Mr.Yorkblewhiswhistleandtoldustochangecourts.Itlookedlikehewasntreadytoquituntileveryoneofusknewhowtoproperlyservetheball,especiallyme.So,whenwewereonourappropriateplaces,hepassedtheballtomeandblewhiswhistleagain,signalingmetostartserving.Imademywaytotheend

linetotakemyproperposition,settlingforanunderhandserve.Itdidntreallyworkwellformyfirstserve,butMr.Yorktoldmetotryagain.SoIdid.Thistime,myserveperfectlywentoverthenetandeachoneofmyteammatestensedup,preparingthemselvesfortheopposingteamscomebackthrow.TheywereparticularlywatchfulofKayeMichaelsserve.Shewasagreatvolleyballplayerandcanreturnoneofthemeanestspikesever.Thegamewentwellforacoupleofminutes,theballconstantlymakingitswaybackandforthoverthenet.Eachteamwasgettingtensedinreturningtheballtotheopponent.Ofcourse,Itriedjoininginmyteamseffort.Everytimetheballflewovermydirection,Imanagedtohititwithmyclaspedhandsandhurriedl


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ysteppedasidesomyteamcouldbringitbackoverthenet.Itwasthefirsttimethatagamewentthiswellforme.Itwasnicetofeelsomeadrenalinerushevenifthegamewewereplayingwasntacompetition.Finally,wescoredanotherone.Oneofthegirlsfrommyteamspikedtheball,andnoonefromtheotherteamwasabletotouchit.Ace!Mr.Yorkcriedoutenthusiastically.Icouldtellthathewaspleasedwithhowthegamewasgoingforbothteams.Heblewhiswhistleagain,signalingtheendofanotherset.Heonceagaintoldustochangecourts.BythetimeIwalkedovertotheothersideofthecourt,Iwasfeelingconfidentmyself.Mr.Yorktoldmetostarttheserveagain.ThistimeImanagedtogettheballoverthenetinonetry.Niceone,Matthews,Mr.Yorkcalledout.Igrinnedatthatsmallcompliment.Thisset,liketheonebeforewentwell,too.Bothteamsweretied.EverythingwasfununtilKayethrewalloftheirteamspassesatme.Shemusthaveseenmeastheweaklinkandtoldallherteammatestopasstheballatmydirection,possiblyhopingthatIwouldjustrunawayandleavemyteammatestorescueme.Iwasdoingwellatfirst.Igotreallyconfident,andIwasabletohiteverysingleoneoftheirpassesandleavemyteammatestoreturntheball.Thenshesuddenlyspikedtheballtowardsme,andallmyconfidencecrumbled.Ijuststoodthere,closedmyeyes,andwaitedfortheimpact.Butitnevercame.Despitethepanickedchaosinmyhead,Ifeltasuddenrushofaircomingtowardsme,carryingthatstrongaurathatIhavebeenextrasensitivetosincelastweek.Istillwaitedforsomesortofcollisiontohappen.Nothing.WhenIslowlyopenedmyeyes,Isawatennisracque

tjustafewinchesfrommyface.Iblinkedbackonce.Twice.Thrice.IwasstillconfusedwhenIsawtheballlyingontheground.ThatswhenIturnedtomyleft.AdrienFieldsstoodtherewithhisrighthandextended,holdingtheracquetthatsavedmyfacefromcomingintocontactwiththeball.Anoverwhelmingfeelingwashedovermeatthatmoment,andIjustgapedathim,completelyinawe.Ididntevennoticethathewasanywherenearme.Someoneshookmyshoulder.IstaredatSarah,oneofmyteammates.Skylar,areyouokay?sheasked,checkingtoseeifIwashurtanywhere.Whenshesighed,IturnedbacktoAdrien.Healreadydroppedtheracquetbythen.Hisbackwasstillfacingme,buthehadhisheadturnedsidewayssohecouldlookatme.Thankyou,Imumbled.Hegavemeasmallnod,ablankexpressiononhisface.HestartedwalkingawaywhenKayecamerunningtowardsme.Ohgosh,Skylar!Imsosorry,shesaid,lookingreallymortified.Igotallcompeti

ive.Areyouhurt?SheheldmyhandandroamedhereyestocheckifIwas,notevenbotheringtowaitformyreply.Imalright,Kaye.Itsreallynobigdeal,Iassuredher.SheseemedtotakethataasignthatIforgaveher.AndIdid.NoonegothurtsoIdidntfeeltheneedtoholditagainsther.YouresoluckyAdrienhappenedtobethere,shesaid,bitingherlipandlookingguiltyalloveragain.Yeah.Luckyme,Isaidsarcastically.Ididntconsidermyselfluckyforhavingtoowethatguyanything,butIguessthatcouldntbehelpedanymore.AndIalreadythankedhim,afterall.WhenMr.Yorkwascertainthateverythingwasalright,heblewhiswhistleandannouncedthatclasswasover.Ihurriedlychangedoutofmygymclothesandwentstraighttotheschoolcafeteria,fullyintendingonavoidingAdrien.IdidntrealizethatIleftNick,too,andweusuallygotothecafeteriatogethe

r.Hey,Nick.Ismiledapologetically.Guesswhat?Iactuallydidprettywellingymclass,Isaid,stillabitexcitedwithwhathappenedearlier.Ireallydidfeelproudofmyself.Ohreally?heasked,clearlynotbelievingmeandtotallyforgettingthatIlefthimaftergymclass.Obviously,hedidntwatchmeplay.Ijustnoddedandsmiledathim,gladthathedidntseemtomindbeingleftbehind.Whenwewerealreadyseatedatourusualtableinthenowcrowdedarea,Ifeltthatsamestrongairsomewhere.IturnedtomysideandsawAdrienagain.Hewascarryingatrayoffoodandwasabouttositononeofthetablesnottoofarfr


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omus.Hewassoonjoinedbytwoofthebesttennisplayersinourschool.Wow.Lookslikesomeonesbeingrecruited.Ismiledtomyself.Atleasthewontbebyhimselfanymore.Iimmediatelystoppedmyselfthere.WhywouldIcare?Iwasprobablyjustfeelingabitgrateful.Iwassoannoyedwithmyselfandtookitoutontheappleinthemiddleofmytray.WhenIfinishedeatingthepoorfruitinasavageway,Ihadthatweirdfeelingthatsomeonewaswatchingme.SoIturnedmyheadtotheside,onlytofindapairofamused,deepsilvereyes.Adrienwaslookingatme.Hewassittingcomfortablyinthemetalchair,lettinghischinrestonthishand.Icouldtellthathewaspretendingtolistentowhathiscompanionsweresaying,buthiseyesgavehimaway.Hedidntlookawayfrommelikehewouldnormallydo.Inamatterofseconds,hedidsomethingIwouldneverhaveimaginedhimdoing,knowingthatIwaslookingrightathim.Helaughed.

CHAPTER4Ifeltmycheeksblowupinflames.Oh.My.God!Adriensawthat.Heactuallysawmemakeafoolofmyselfbyravishingthatpoorapplewithinminutes.No,secondsmaybe.IfeltlikeIcouldbemistakenforatomatowithhowmuchIflushedrightnow.Oh,God.Pleaseletanearthquakecomenow,leaveabigcrater,andletmefallintoit.Iwouldreallylovetowelcometheideaoffallingintoanabyssrightatthisinstant.Myfriendsmusthavenoticedmeallflusteredup,becausetheconversationatou

rtablesuddenlystopped.Isighed.Ijustrememberedsomething,Iexplained.Theyseemtobuyitandcontinuedonwiththeirtalking.Iturnedthecoreoftheappleandstabbedmyforkthroughit.Traitor.IglancedbackatAdrien.Hewasnowtalkingwithhiscompanions,butitwasclearthathestillheldsomecontainedlaughterwithinhim.Iclenchedmyhandsintofists.Thisissoannoying!Idesperatelywantedtopunishmyselfforexposingmyselflikethatinfrontofhim.Afternoonclassesstarted.Weonlyhadtwomoreclassesleftbeforeweweredonefortheday.IhadCalculuswithAnne,sowemadeourwaytoMs.Solisroomtogether.Notmanypeoplewerethereyet.Wechosetheseatsinthemiddleoftheroomandheadedovertogetsettledforclass.IwasbusyfumblingthroughmythingswhenIfeltthatstrongauraagain.Oh,goaway!Icommandeditandcontinuedonsearchinginsidemybag,lookingformyp

en.Iheardsomeonecleartheirthroatbesideme.IlookedupandwasshockedtoseeAdrienthere.Hestillhadthatentertainedexpressiononhisface,andhiseyesstillshoneoflaughter.Iblushedandagaingotirritatedwithmyselfthathewasabletoseemelikethat.Heflauntedacrookedsmile,whichwasenoughtosetmyheartintooneofitsmarathonsonceagain.Thisseattaken?heasked,hisdeepvoicealmostformingamelody.Wait,what?Hewasreferringtotheseatonmyside.Stupid.IfeltlikeIwashavingaheartattack.Iliterallyshookmyheadtowakemeup.Nope,Isaid,turningbacktolookthroughmythingsforthatthingIwaslookingforearlier.Great.IevenforgotwhatIwaslookingfor.Suddenly,ablackpenshotoutinfrontofmyface.Iturnedtohimandhejustraisedhiseyebrowsatme,cockinghisheadtotheside.Heplacedthepenonmydesk.

Errthanks,Imumbled.Iwatchedhimdistrustfully.Howdidheknow?Ishepsychic?JustthenIfeltAnneleaninclosertomeasshemovedherdesknearermine.Shebroughtherhanddownonmydesk.Hi!AnnePerry,shesaid,smilingasheshookherhand.Hey!AdrienFields,hereplied.Wehaventbeenformallyintroduced,Annesaid,ateasingtoneinhervoice.Myjawdroppedopen.SoItookthelibertytointroducemyself,shecontinuedon.Igroaned.Thatsjustgreat,Anne.Thanks.Adrienjustlaughedather.Actually,SkylarandIdidntknoweachother,hesaidinhissmoothvoice.Geez!Evenhisvoiceisbeautiful.Iflushedatthatobserva


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tion.Wejustmetonmyfirstdayhere,heclarified.OnlythendidMs.Solisentertheroom,makingbothofthemstopwiththeirfriendlychat.Oh.ThereisaGod!IshotAnneahatefullookandshejustwaggedhereyebrowsatme.CalculusclassseemedtorunbysoslowlythatIfeltliketimewasplayingatrickonme.IcouldntreallyfocusmuchonMs.Solislecture.Iwastoopreoccupiedwiththeboysittingnexttome.Icouldntreallyunderstandhim,letalonekeepupwithhim.MaybethatsthereasonwhyIwassobotheredwithhispresence,becausehewasunlikeanyoneIveevermet.Hismoodswingsareoutofthisworld,andhehastheabilitytochangethemasifhewasjustflickingalightswitch,whichdrivesmecrazy.Iwishhewouldjustmakeuphismindandsticktoone,soIcoulddecideifIwasgoingtostayangrywithhim.WhatsbotheringmemorewashowdrawnIwastohim.Itwasntbecauseofhislooks,buthowheactedtowardsme.Noonesactedthewayheactsaroundme.Hewascompletelyruiningmylifesincehecamehere.Itslikeheturnedmeintoanotherperson.Iusedtobecivilwitheveryoneinthisschool.NowmycleanrecordwasruinedthemomenthesteppedfootonMasonvilleHigh.Itsweird,andImhavingahardtimefiguringitout.Thatmaybetheexactreasonwhyheappearedsoappealing.TheresjustsomethingabouthimthatIcantquitepiecetogether.WhenCalculusfinallyended,IwavedAnnegoodbyeandwasabouttoleavetheroomwhenIrememberedsomething.IturnedaroundtowhereAdriensattogivehimhispenback,buthewasnotinhisseat.Iinstantlyscannedtheroomandfoundhimleaningagainstthedoorframewithhisarmscrossed,whistlingtohimself.

Iwentoverandgavehimhispenback.Hejustshookhishead,sendinghislongdarkbrownhairinamildtossingmotion.Myheartstumbledonitsbeatsagain.Hepushedthepenbacktome.Youstillneedthatforthenextclass,hesaidandstartedwalking.Iwaslefttherestandingwithasurprisedexpressiononmyface.Ugh!Heissoconfusing.Youcoming?WellbelateforSocialStudies.Mr.Robertswouldntbehappy,hesaid,clearlyboredandannoyedaboutsomething.Ohcrap!IhurriedlyranpasthimandIinstantlyfelthappyaboutthatsmallvictory.Thisisjustchildish.Really,Skylar?Yourethatbotheredwithhim,huh.Thanksforthepen,bytheway,Icalledout,staringstraightaheadasIwasbrisklywalkingtotheclassroom.WhenIreachedMr.Robertsroom,Nickwasalreadythere.Heturnedaroundandraisedhiseyebrowswhenhespotteduswalkingin.Pleasedontlettheatmospheretu

rnoutthewayitdidthismorning.Imnotsurehowmuchself-controlIhadlefttokeepNickoutoftroubleandleavehimtodowhateverhepleaseswithAdrien.IsmiledatNickandwenttoplacemythingsontheemptyseatbesidehim.IwasshockedwhenIsawthemshakehands.NickAdams.AdrienFields.Yeah,Iknow,Nickpaused.ThanksforhelpingSkylaroutatgymclassthismorning,hesaid,cockinghisheadtothesideandusingittopointatme.Whatthe?Heknewaboutthegymincident,andyetheactedsoinnocentthathedidntseemeplay.Anothertraitor.Noproblem.Adriensmiled.Iwasjustluckytobestandingnearher.Ihopeshedidntbotheryoumuch,though,hejoked,immediatelyshieldinghisheadasImildlyslappedthebackofit.

Pig,Ideclared.Andtheybothjustlaughedatme.Isighed.Imsurroundedwithtraitors.FirstAnnenowNick.SocialStudieswasaboreasusual,butImanagedtomakeitthroughwithmyeyeswideopen,whichwasafirst.IwasstillbotheredwithAdrienspresence,andthatmadeithardtofocusonanythingelse.Despitebeingtroubledbyhimsittingrightnexttome,Iwasalsobecomingwearyofhim.IfeellikeImthrowingawaypreciousenergyatbeingconstantlyonmyguardaroundhim.FinallyadmittingtomyselfthatIwasthatbotheredbyhispresencefeltlikeareleaseforme,andIinstantlyfeltlighter.IsomehowfeltnormalmuchmorenormalthanIactuallywasbeforeImethim.


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ThelasttimeIfeltlikethiswaswhenmyparentswerestillalive.Sure,IhaveNanaandmyfriendswithme.AndIalwaysthoughtthatwasenough.Butwhenmyparentsleft,Ifeltthatsomepartofmediedalongwiththem,likehalfofmegotdisconnectedwiththerestoftheworld.NowIcouldfeelthatconnectionagain,despitehowunhealthythatbondmightbe.Iwascompletelyperturbedthatthemereappearanceofthisboycouldhavethismucheffectonme.Iriskedglancingathimfromthecornerofmyeye.HewasrestinghischinonhishandashefocusedonwhatMr.Robertswastalkingabout.Iwassilentlythankinghiminmyhead,notgivinghimthesatisfactionofknowingthathejusthadagreateffectonmylife.IwassomehowgratefulforhissuddenentranceintoRattfordCliffsevenifhisappearancedidbotherthehelloutofme.Iwatchedashedrummedthedeskwithhisfingersandstretchedhislegsoutunderit.WhenIdraggedmyeyesbacktohisface,Inoticedasmirkonhislips.Ifrownedanddraggedmyeyeshighertohiseyes.IfeltmyeyeswidenwhenIsawthathewaslookingbackatme,hiseyesburningwithvictory.Ugh!Thatwashisplanallalong.Botherthehelloutofmethroughhisnearnessthencatchmeredhanded.Ifeltmybloodrushtomycheeksasangerwashedoverme.IforcedmyeyesbacktoMr.Roberts,whowasnowdiscussingsomethingaboutslopefields.Icockedmyheadslightlytooneside,allowingmyhairtofalltothesideofmyface,thoroughlycoveringmyviewofAdrien.Finally,thelastbellforthedayrang.Isighedandstretchedmyhandsinfrontofme.Mr.Robertsgaveoutafewmoreinstructionsbeforefinallydismissingtheclass.

Hey,youguysupforsnacks?Nickaskedbothofus.Sure,Iimmediatelyreplied.Iwasfeelingabithungry.Adriendidntanswer,though.Isawthatasaluckysignandsmiledtomyself.Iturnedaroundtoseethathewasstandingrightnexttomydeskwiththatuncertainlookbackonhisfeatures.Ismiled.Ifounditfunnythathewasfeelingsoindecisiveabouttrivialthingsassnacksandwascompletelyconfidentstompinghiswaytoschoolonhisfirstday.Whataweirdo!Hejustlookedatme.Nickwasoutsidetheroomnow,tryingtocontactAnneandtheothersonthephone,andwewerebothleftaloneintheroom.Hesuddenlysmiledatme,hiseyesthrowingmeoneofthosegameonlook.AnnesaidshellmeetusatFlorasNickcamebackin.Actually,Ialreadyhaveplans.Thanksanyway,Adriensuddenlysaid.Hewavedatusbeforeleavingtheroom.

Whatnow?Ifrowned.Iwassosurethathewascomingwithus,whatwiththatlookhehadonaminuteago.ThewholedrivetoFlorascafwastorture.IcouldntgetAdriensfaceoutofmyhea.Heisuptosomething.ItriedmybesttojoininwithwhatNickwassaying,mostlyjustnoddingatwhateverhewastalkingabout.ButIcouldntfullyconcentrateonanything.Whenwearrivedatthelittlecafthatwasjustafifteen-minutedrivefromschool,Anne,Jessica,andSandrawerealreadythere.AssoonasNickandIwerecomfortablysat,everyonestartedwiththeireverydaychitchat.Thiswashoweverygettogetherwithmyfriendswouldstart.Despiteseeingeachotheratschooleverysingleday,westillfoundsomethingtotalkabout,whichwasalwaysoneofthereasonswhyIenjoyedtheircompany.Justwhenwealreadyfinishedordering,Ifeltthatfamiliaratmospheresurround

meagain.ThistimeIcouldnthelphavinganawfulfeelingaboutit.Jessicasuddenlysquealedlikealittlegirl,andIjusthadtoturnbacktothedirectionshewasstaring.MyeyeswidenedatthesightofAdrienparadingintothecaf.Whenhesawus,hesmiledandimmediatelywentovertoourtable.IgroanedinwardlyasIfeltmyheartraceashewasslowlyapproachingus.Whydoeshealwayshavetoappeareverywherelikethis?Justwhenthatthoughtstruckme,IconcludedthattheworldwaspunishingmeforreasonsIdontevenknow.Hey,hesmiledateveryoneingreeting.Whenhisgazedroppedtome,hesmirked,aclearchallengeinhiseyes.Ifeltmybloodboil.Thiswasclearlyhisplan.Damn,DaggerEyes!


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Ireallycouldntdoanythingelsewithwhathappenednext.Mytraitorousfriendsinsistedthathesitwithus,especiallyJessica.Thanks,hesmiled.Ireallyappreciateit,hesaidashesatdownrightnexttomemuchtomydismay.HeshouldhavesatbesideJessica,whoobviouslylookeddisappointedthathedidntchoosetheemptyspacebesideher.Iimmediatelyfeltbadformyfriendandinstantlyannoyedattheguywhowassittingtomyright.Didntyousayyouhavesomewhereelseyouhadtogo?Nickasked,curiosityevidentonhisfeatures.Yes,hedid.Thankyou,Nick.Whatexactlyhappenedtothatplan?IthoughtasIobservedhimwhileheexplainedhimself.Oh,planschanged,heshrugged,lookingatmeinthecornerofhiseyewiththatsatisfiedlookonhisfaceagain.Igasped.Everyoneturnedtomethen,causingmetoturnmygaspintoafakecough,whichhehappilypretendedtotapmyback,ashowofmockconcernetchedonhisfeatures.Wheneveryonewasagainbusywiththeirconversations,Iturnedtoglareathim.Yousneakylittlerat!Hejustsmirkedatmeandtookasipofhiscoffee.TherestoftheafternoonwentonlikethatmetryingtomurderAdrienwithmyeyes,andhimjustgivingmehisinnocentexpressionandcasualdevilishsmirks.Nooneseemedtobebotheredbythetwoofusactinglikethat.EvenJessicawhostartedtalkingwithAdriengaveupafterhejustkeptonnoddingandgivingshortreplies,obviouslynotinterestedinwhatshehastosayaboutcheerleadingandstuff.Itriedtojoininwiththeconversation,ignoringthedisturbingpresencesittingrightbesidemeandtheconstanthammeringofmyheart.Imanagedtodojust

that,butitonlylastedforafewminutesbecausebythenIwouldfeelhiseyesonme.Afterthat,Iwouldjustnodallthroughouttherestoftheconversation,notbeingabletodigestmostofthethingsthatmyfriendsweresaying.ThereweretimesthatIwasbotheredbytheexpressionhehadonwhenIcaughthimlookingatme.Heseemedconcerned,confused,angered,annoyed,andbored.EachoftheseexpressionschangedeverytimeIglaredathim,skillfullyusingmyeyestotellhimtobackoff.Muchtomydisappointment,everyonewasenthralledwithhimbytheendofthenight.Itseemedlikeeveryoneactedliketheyknewhimalotlongerthanafewdays.Hourslater,Nickreceivedacallfromhismomandsaidhehadtoleave,too.JessandSandyalreadyleftafewminutesago,sayingthattheyhadtomakeaquickstoptogetsuppliesfortheirproject.

Nick,couldyougivemealifthome?Annesuddenlysaidwithanexpectantlookonherface.WhenNicknodded,sheimmediatelywavedatusandtheybothleftthecaf.IsighedwhenIrealizedAnnepurposelyplannedthis.Illgiveyouaridehome,hesaidsuddenly,whichshockedme.Iturnedtostudyhisexpression.Hehadthatflat,boredexpressionagain,notcaringintheleast.Ijustshrugged.Despitebeingannoyedwithhim,Icouldusearidehome.Ididntfeellikewalkinghometoday.Thanks,Imumbledbeforestandingandgatheringmythings.Aswewalkedtothecafsparkinglot,Igotcuriousthinkingwhatkindofcarhedrove.Ihaventseenhimactuallydrivetoschoolbefore.MyeyespoppedwhenIsawthedirectiontowherewewereheading.DirectlyaheadofuswasasilkyblackJaguarconvertible,comfortablyrestingunderatreeattheendoftheparkinglot.Iimmediatelystopped,causingAdrientostopandt

urnbacktome,apuzzledexpressiononhisface.OhmyGod!Yourcarsbeautiful!Iexclaimed,totallyunsureifthatwasthecorrecttermtodescribeit.IblushedwhenIrealizedwhatIjustdeclaredoutloud.HowcouldIhavenotseenthiscarbefore?Well,Icouldnthave.Weveneverreallybeenciviltoeachothersincehetransferredhere.Whenhesawmyface,hejustlaughedandwalkedbacktopullmealongwithhim,makingmyheartdrumathowcasuallyheheldmyhand.Ididntpullmyhandbackwhenhetoucheditevenifitfeltlikeitwasbeingelectrocutedbyhim.Hestillcarriedthatamusedexpressionasheslowlymaneuveredthecaroutoftheparkinglot.


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Wedidnttalkaswedroveallthewaytomyhouse.Somehow,Ididntmindatall.Iwasactuallycomfortablewiththesilenceforsomeunexplainablereason.ItwasunusualhowIfeltateasebeingaloneinacarwiththisguy.Nottomentionhowmyheartstillbeatfastathowclosewewereinthisconfinedspace.Whenthecarparkedoutsidemyhouse,Iturnedtohim.Thanksfortheride,Isaid,lookingstraightintohiseyes.Iimmediatelymadeamentalnotenottodothatagainataclosedistance.Hewaseasilydrawingmein.Yourewelcome,hesaidasheflashedmeacrookedsmile.Iimmediatelyopenedthedoorbeforemyinsidescompletelyturnedintojelly.IfrownedasIwalkedallthewaytothehouse.WhenIwassafelyinside,Iheardthecarenginestartandspeedaway.Hesadamnlightswitch!Idontunderstandhimatall.IsighedasIpreparedmyselfforbed.Thatnight,Isleptwithabotheredexpressiononmyface.Ifeltmyselfbeingthrownsomewhereataveryfastpace.ItwassoswiftthatIwasterrifiedofthrowingup.ItalmostfeltlikeIwasspinning.Itriedtostopmyselffrommoving.ButIcouldnt.Icouldntevenclosemyeyestopreventmyselffromgettingdizzy.JustwhenIthoughtIcouldntholditanylonger,Istopped.Ithoroughlyscannedmysurroundings,wonderingwhereonearthIwas.Theplaceseemedpainfullyfamiliar.IcouldntpointoutwhereIwasexactly.Iwasstandingontheedgeofacliff,lookingatthebrilliantshowoflightningintheheavens.IshudderedwhenIsuddenlyremembered.Thiswasthecliffinmypreviousdream.Butitsomehowfeltdifferent.WhywasntIflying?Betteryet,whywasIstandin

gontheexactspotwhereIshouldntbe?IpanickedwhenIrealizedIwasexactlyonthatsamespotwherethathoodedfigurestood.Ifrozeatthesuddenrealizationthathewasgoingtobehereanymoment.MybreathingincreasedrapidlyasIcommandedmyselftostartmovingandrunaway.ButmybodystilldidntallowmethefreedomIbadlyneeded.Insteadofrunningaway,itsteppedfurtherintotheedgeofthecliffandpeereddown.IimmediatelystoppedwithmyinnerbattlewhenIrealizedIwaslookingdirectlyatatown,frowningwhenunderstandinghitme.IwasinRattfordCliffs.ThecliffwhereIwasrightnowwasthehighestoneinourtown.WhatamIdoinghere?Suddenly,anarrayoflightningappearedfollowedbyseveralsuccessive,loudsparringofthunder.

RattfordCliffs.Iheardsomeonesay,makingmejump.Wheredidthevoicecomefrom?Thisistheplacewherethatgirlishiding...thegirlwithdarkhairanddistincteyesofblue-greenthemarkofroyaltyinourworld.Igasped.Hestalkingaboutme.Butwait.Ifrowned.HowamIroyalty?Iwaspuzzledandscaredatthesametime.IwasabruptlyalarmedathowlongIhavebeenstandinghere,wastingvaluabletimelisteningtosomeonetalkingaboutcrazythings.Justthen,aheavydownpourhurriedlyfleddownwards.IwatchedasRattfordCliffssoontransformedintoadarkblurrycanvass,theintenserainswallowingwhatlittledetailmyeyescouldmakeoutofthedarkness.Isuddenlyfeltmylipsstretchoutandmyeyeswiden,andIfroze.Iwasntintendingondoinganyofthesethings,butIfeltmylipsturnintowhatcouldonly

beasinistersmile,andmyeyeswereablazewithcrazedmadness.HorrorcompletelystruckmewhenIrealizedthatthehoodedfigurewasntcoming.Hewasalreadyhere,withme.AndIfeltmymouthdryupinintenseterrorasIrealizedIwastrappedinsidehishead.Iwilledmyselftowakeup,butIcouldnt.Whatwashappening?WhycouldntIwakeupwhenIwantedto?Lightningstruckagainasheletoutabellowingcryoftriumph,drowningmyhorror-struckscream.

CHAPTER5


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IscreamedasIwokeup.IwasfreezingandyetIfeltmyselfsweatingatthesametime.Lightningstruckoutsidemywindows,andaseriesofthundersuddenlyroaredtolifeafterwards.Iveneverexperiencedfearlikethisbefore.WhydidIfeellikeIwasstillinsidethatnightmare?Andwhydidithavetorainthishardjustlikeitwasthen?Itriedtocalmmyselfdown,huggingmykneesandrockingmyselfbackandforth.Iwasjerkedawake.Skylar.Iimmediatelyliftedmylegsoffthebed,cradlingmyheadinbetweenmyhandsasIrestedmyelbowsonmyknees,tryingtocalmmybreathingsoIcouldthinkclearly.Whenmyheartbeatsloweddown,Iwalkedtomybedroomwindow,restingbothmyarmsonthewindowframes.Theywouldcomeknockingonmydoorsoon.Iclenchedmyhandsintofists.Itwontbelongnow.Ipunchedthewallbesidemywindow,clenchingmyfistsharderuntilmyknucklesturnedwhite.IclosedmyeyeswhenIheardhurriedstepsinthehallwayfollowedbyhastyknocksatmybedroomdoor.Adrien,Elisesaidbreathlessly.Heshere,Coleinterrupted,hisvoiceabitstrained.Iknow,IsighedasIturnedtofacethem.Getready.Yourebothcomingwithmestatingtomorrow.Isaid,tryingashardasIcantocontrolthesituation.Beonyourguardatalltimes.Sheshouldntbeleftaloneatallcost.Werenottakinganychances.Igrabbedmyjacketandhurriedlywentoutsidemyroom,racingforthegaragewheremycarwasparked.Ijustneededtobesure.ItwasalongtimebeforeIwasfinallyabletosleep.ImanagedtocalmdownjustafterIfeltadistinctpresence,thatsamestrong,soothingaurathatseemed

tomakeitselfknownrecentlywheneverImdistraught.ThistimeIcouldhaveswornIcouldalmosttouchit,likeitwasinthesameroomwithme.IwokeupwiththenastiestheadacheIveeverexperienced.IcouldntreallyswallowanythingthatNanaservedontheplate.Iforcedafewbitesdownjustsoshewouldstopfussingoverme.Ineededtimetothink.SoItoldNanaIwasgoingtoschoolearly.Tooearly.ItwasonlyhalfpastsixinthemorningwhenIstartedwalkingoutside.IsentNickamessage,tellinghimnottopickmeup.Istartedtrudgingthethirty-minutewalktoschool.Onmyway,Icouldvaguelyfeelsomeonewatchingme.IpausedeveryminuteorsojustsoIcouldlookbehindme.Noonewasthere.IshookmyheadandgrabbedmyjacketclosertomebeforeIstartedwalkingagain.Iwasjustbeingparanoid.Thatnightmaresgoingtoruinmyday.Icanfeelit.

Igroaned.Mydaysjustkeepgettingbettereveryday.Isighedandpausedataparkbench.Itwasstilldrenchedfromlastnightsstormyweather.Iopenedmyshoulderbagandgrabbedafewtissues,wipingthemonthespotwhereIwasgoingtosit.Theygotsoakedalmostimmediately.Ishruggedoffmyjacketandplaceditonthebench.Ialreadylookbadtodaysoadampedjacketwouldntdothatmuchdamage.Itwasnicejustsittinglikethis,justfeelingthecoolbreezepricklemyskinandleavegoosebumpsalloverit.Itwasfartoochillyformytaste,butthecoolnessofmyskinwasanicereminderthatIwasawakeandperfectlyincontrolofmybody.Itookdeep,slowbreathstocalmmythrobbingheart,aneffectclearlybroughtonbyareminderofthatterriblenightmare.WhenIopenedmyeyes,thatweirdfeelinginstantlycamebackagain,theatmosphereofbeingwatched.Icouldinstantlytellthatthispresencewasnotlikethe

previousones,buttheybothhaveasenseofcalmenvelopedinthem.Thisone,ontheotherhand,wasofamildernature.IshookmyheadslowlysoIwouldnttriggeranotherheadache.Yes.Thiswastheworstheadacheever.Itsobviouslygivingmefreecontroltostudyandcomparevariousaurasthatwerenaturallynonexistent.Isighedandstoodup,grabbingmyjacketandstartingtheremainingtwenty-minutewalktoschool.Icouldstillfeelthatstrangeaura,butIignoredit.ItwasonlyafewminutespastsevenwhenIreachedtheschoolparkinglot.Inoticedafamiliarcarparkedrightinthemiddleofthelot.Iimmediatelyfrownedatthethoughtofhimbeingherethisearly.Ihurriedmypaceandwentstraig


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httothehallwaywherethelockerswerelocated.IwasinthemiddleofgettingthethingsIneededforthismorningsclasseswhenIfeltthatalltoofamiliarpresence.Itwastooclose,toostrongthistime.Ihurriedlyclosedmybagandturnedaroundonlytogetsmashedintoahardobject,instantlymakingmestepbackafewsteps.Myworldwhirledinstantly.ThenIfeltstrongarmssteadyingmebymyshoulders.Iheldmyforehead,tryingtostopmyheadfromspinning.Sky?Thevoiceasked.Icouldeasilytellhewastiredwiththewayhisvoicesounded.Ilookedupathimandsawhispenetratingsilver-greyeyes.Unlikemostusualdays,heactuallyheldatraceofgenuineconcerninthemthistime.Ialsonoticedthathehaddarkcirclesunderhiseyes,confirmingmynotionofhimbeingtired.Iwonderwhathedidtolookthisexhausted.Ishookmycuriosityaway.Youlookawful.Isaid,finallyfeelingthenauseasubside.Helaughed,droppinghishandsfrommyshouldersasheshiftedbacktohisannoyinglyamusedexpression.Thanks.Youlookgreatyourself,hereplied.Iwavedahandtohim,dismissingthetopicasIwalkedaway,desperatelytryingtoleavearespectabledistancebetweenusbeforeadifferentkindofnauseastartsdeveloping.Iheadedrighttothedirectionoftheschoolgroundswhereseveralbencheswerelocated.Iwaspositivethathewouldhaveleftbythen,butIwassadlydisappointed.WhenIwasabletositononeofthewoodenbenches,Iwassurprisedtoseehimactuallythere.HesatonthesamebenchIwascomfortablysittingon.Ifrowned,thoroughlyplanningontellinghimtositonanotherbenchwhenIsawhimrestinghisheadonthebackofthewoodenmaterial,hisey

esclosingslowly.HelookedreallywornoutthatIcouldntmakehimleavenomatterhowannoyinghewas.IsighedwhenIrealizedthatIdonthavetheenergytobickerwithhimtoday.ImimickedhisactionandwasabouttoclosemyeyeswhenIsawamovementinthecornerofmyeye.Iimmediatelyopenedmyeyesandturnedtothatdirection.Isawtwogoldenhairedindividualsslowlymakingtheirwaytous.Iimmediatelyrecognizedtheblondegirl.ShewastheonesittingbesideAdrienduringthemass,thesamegirlatthatrestaurant.Ifrowned,wonderingwhatshewasdoinghere.Whentheywerebothstandinginfrontofus,Adriensuddenlyspoke,makingmejump.SkylarMatthews,mytwinsiblings,helazilysaid,wavinghishandatallofus.Iturnedtoglareathim,annoyedathowhedidtheintroduction.Twins?Isudden

lydigestedwhathesaidandlookedatthepeopleinfrontofus.Theydontlookliketwinsatall.Maybethatsalwaysbeenthecasewithfraternaltwins.Ihavetoadmitthatthethreeofthemtogetherwouldmakeastunningsight.ThegirlwaslovelierthanthelasttimeIsawher.Theboy,ontheotherhand,hadaboyishcharmtohimdespitehisstylishlytousledshorthair.Theyallhadsilvereyes.Iblinked,amazedbythatfact.Itwasrareforallsiblingstoactuallyhavethesameeyecolor.IdidnoticethatAdrienseyeshadadarkershadeofsilverthantheoneshissiblingshad,though.Istretchedoutmyhandtohissisterfirst.Nicetomeetyou,IsmiledwarmlyatherwhichIknewshewouldreturn,judgingbyhowshesmiledatmebackatthechurch.Iwassurprisedwhensheignoredmyextendedhandandsuddenlyhuggedme.Youresolovely,shesaid.Ilaughedathercommentandhuggedherback,reachingmyfreehandtohertwininstead.Hegladlytookit,smilingatmewhilehedids

o.Wow.IfAdriendyedhishairblonde,hecouldtotallylooklikehim.ImCole,hesaid,stillshakingmyhand.ThisoverlyexcitedlittleminxismytwinElise,hesaidinateasingtone,hisobviousfondnessofhissisterclearinhisvoice.IlaughedatwhathesaidandhowElisewasnowjokinglystabbinghimonhisribswithherfingers.SheturnedbacktomeandgavemethecoffeeIdidntseeshewasholding.Ismiledmyappreciationandgladlytookthecupfromher.ThisisexactlywhatIneeded.IsawhergivingAdrienone,too,andIwasremindedagainofhowdog-tiredhelooked.IwasstillpreoccupiedwithwhyhelookedastiredasIwaswhenElisegrabbed


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holdofoneofmyfreehands.Thisisgoingtobesomuchfun.Welldefinitelybeseeingmoreofeachothernowthatwevetransferredhere,shechirped.SheremindedmesomuchofAnneexceptthatshewasgoingalloutwiththeenergeticvibe,muchmorethanAnnewas.Ijustsmiledatherwhilemybrainwasscurryingforareply.Oh,soyoureattendingschoolhere,too.Istartedandcontinuedonwhentheybothnodded.ThenwhydidntyoutransferherewithAdrien?Iwouldhavelikedmeetingyoubothearlier,Isaidandsmiledatthem.Iwouldhaveactuallyenjoyedmeetingthembeforehand.TheyprobablywouldhavetakenmyattentionawayfromAdriensnastiness.IfeltEliseshandstiffenalittleassoonasIgotthatquestionout,butshequicklysmiledsosweetlyatme,makingmewonderifIjustimaginedthingsagain.Wehadtodealwithsomefamilymatters,Coleanswered,sittingnexttomeonthebench.HesmiledbroadlyandIcouldclearlyseethetwoofusgettingalongwell.Thetwinswerefriendlyenough,unlikeAdrienwhonowheldthateternallyboredexpressiononhisfaceashewasdrinkinghiscoffee.WedbetterheadontothePrincipalsofficenow,Sis,Colesaid.Eliseseemeddisapointedathavingtoleavesosoon.Ijustsmiledatherandwavedabitwhenshegrinnedbackatme.Whentheyweregone,IturnedtoAdrienandsmiledathim.Heraisedhiseyebrows,probablywonderingwhatbroughtthislightmoodon.Ishrugged.Yoursiblingsareadorable.IwishIhadoneortwoofmyown,Iblurtedoutwithoutthinking.IcouldalmostimaginehimsmirkingatmeatwhatIjustsaid.

Hejustshrugged.YoucanborrowElise.Shecanbeahandfulsometimes,hejoked.Iblinkedback.HewasasfondofhissisterasColewas.Wow.Heishumanafterall.Ilaughedatthatthought,notatallmindingthathewasrightinfrontofme.WhenIlookedbackathim,hewasstaringatmewithashockedexpressiononhisface,whichheimmediatelychangedbackintothatflatexpression.Hewasntfastenoughthistime,becauseInoticedhimclenchhishandsrightafterhesportedthatvacantexpression.Isighed.Werebackatthathatredthing.Iglancedatmywatchwhilefinishingthelastofmycoffee.Itwasalready7:45.Ididntrealizewevebeensittinghereforthatlong.Letsgotoclass,IsaidasIstoodupandthrewmycupintoanearbytrashcan.Areyoufeelingbetter?hesuddenlyasked,clearuncertaintywrittenonhisface.Iwassurprisedathisquestion.Yup,Ibegan.Andyou?Ihesitantlycontinued.HelookedassurprisedasIwasaminuteago.Hejustnodded.

Idontunderstandhimatall,andIfeellikegivinguponthewholeprocessofunderstandinghowhistwistedbrainworks.Ofcourse,Ididntdothat.Hewasfartoointerestingtojustletgoof.Throughouttheentiremorning,hesatrightnexttome.Idontknowifhewasthatpersistentindrivingmemadwithhisnearness,buthesuccessfullymanagedtomakemeforgetaboutthatdreadfulnightmare.So,inawayIwasgratefultohimagain.Itwasnowlunchtime,andwewereatourusualtableatthecafeteria.Bynow,rumorsaboutthejuniortransfereeshavespreadlikewildfire.ThehushedwhisperscontinuedonasIspottedColeandElisewalkthroughthecafeteria.WhenIcaughttheireye,Iwavedthemovertoourtable.Elisesfaceimmediatelylitup,andIsawColerollhiseyesassheskippedherwaytous.TheyremindedmesomuchofAdrien.Theydidntmindpeopletalkingaboutthemandjustcontinuedonw

alkingconfidentlyasiftheydidntnoticeanything.Guys,meetEliseandCole.Iintroducedthemtoeveryoneonthetable.TheyreAdrieyoungertwinsiblings,IexplainedasIwatchedmyfriendsexpressionschangefromconfusiontounderstanding.Theymusthavenoticedthesimilarityintheeyecolor,becauseIsawtheireyeslitwithamazementthesamewayminedidthismorning.Ismiledandturnedtothetwins.Thesearemyfriends.Nick,Anne,Jessica,andSandra,Isaid,motioningforthemtositwhileintroducingmyfriendsintheorderthattheywereseated.Adrienstayedsilenttheentirelunchhour,muchmoresilentthanhewasyesterd


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ay.Hewasntreallyjoininginontheconversation.Ifounditstrange,especiallywhenInoticedhowexceedinglywatchfulhewasofme.WhenIleftthetabletobuyorangejuice,Icouldeasilyfeelhiseyesonme,followingmyeverymove.AndwhenIwasbackonmyseat,Inoticedhimletoutaraggedbreathasifhewasrelievedorsomething.Whenthecafeteriascoffeemachinesuddenlybrokedown,Iknewsomethingwasupwithhim.Theawful,loud,crashingnoisewasenoughtomakeeveryonejumpinsurprise.Nothim,though.Itwaslikeheexpectedittohappen.Isawhimjumpupfromhisseatbesidemewithoneofhishandsinstantlyonmyshoulder.Hisexpressiondidntlooksurprisedatall.Itwasjustfilledwithintenseconcentration.Assoonasherealizeditwasjustthecoffeemachine,hedroppedhishandfrommyshoulderandsatrightbackdown.ButIcouldstillfeelhimtenseup,hiseyesstillinthedirectionofthemachine.IwasmoreperturbedwhenIrealizedthatitwasntjusthim.Inoticedthetwinseyeingtheentirecafeteria.Itwasntthenormalcalmgrazingofthearea,too.Theywereactingliketheyweresurveyingtheentirecafeteriaorsomething.Isighedattheideathattheymightbemorelikehimthantheyledmetobelieve.IguessitwasnormalforthemtoinheritsomeweirdattributesfromAdrien.Thenagain,IguessweirdnessmustrunintheentireFieldsfamily.Whenschoolwasover,IdecidedtowalkhomesoIcouldpassbythecemetery.Icontinuedonponderingwithmythoughts,revertingbacktothatnightmare.NowthatAdriensdisconcertingnearnesswasntaroundme,thenightmarecamebackinfullswing.Asifthatstillwasntenough,mythoughtskeptroamingbacktohowAdrienandthetwinsactedduringlunch.Itwassuchanodddisplayofbehaviorthat

IcouldnttakeitoffmyheadevenifIwantedto.Somehow,theeventsduringlunchequallymatchedhowthehorriblenightmarebotheredme.IhavenoideaifIwasthatdeepintomythoughtsthatIwasntabletonoticeanythingthathappenednext.IwasinstantlystunnedwhenIheardaloudhornnotfarfromwhereIwasstanding.Itwascomingsocloseandsofasttowardsme,thesoundofitshorngrowingloudereachsecond.Allofasudden,Ifeltthatfamiliar,safepresencethathasbeenhauntingme.Ifeltarushofwindrunningtowardsme,andthenextthingIknew,Iwasflyingwithmyheartrunningwild.IvaguelyrememberedbeingenvelopedbysomethingstrongandwarmbeforeIwasswiftlyturnedsoIwasfacingdownward.ThenIfeltathump,andtheflyingstopped.Iblinkedatthesoundofsomeonegroaning.IgaspedwhenIrealizedIwaslyingontopofsomebody.Ihurriedlyliftedmyselfup,butthatpersonsarmswouldntl

etgo.Ilookedup,andmyeyeswidenedwhenIsawAdrienclaspinghiseyesshut.Heseemedlikehewasinpain.Adrien?Icalledouttohim,unabletokeepthefearoffmyvoice.Hewincedandslowlyopenedhiseyes.Areyoualright?Ididntknowwhatjusthappened,andIpanicked.IfelthimloosenhisholdonmesoIimmediatelygotoffofhim,helpinghimsitasIsettledmyselfonhisside.Iskimmedmyeyesalloverhim,instantlystoppingwhenIsawbothofhisarmsscraped.Ifrowned.Whatexactlyhappened?Whywashehereanyway?IturnedwhenIheardfootstepsbehindme.Thetwinswerebothrunningtowardsacar,Eliseslowlysignalingthedrivertorolldownthewindowtohisside.Whataretheydoinghere,too?IgazedbackatAdrien,stillconfused.InoticedhisfacesuddenlyhardenwhenColeandElisemadetheirwaytous.Myhouseisnearhere.Icancleanyourwoundsforyou,Isaidtohim,myvoicewa

sfilledwithconcern.Imfine.Dontworryaboutit.HistonewassoharshthatIwascompletelytakenabkbyit.Ilookedathimtoseethathiseyeswereholdingamenacinglook,andhishandswereclenchedintofists.Ifeltmyownangerflareup.Ididnttellyoutocomeandrescueme!Adrien,whatexactlyisyourproblem?Ididntdoanythingtoyou.Doyouhonestlyhaveaswitchonyouremotions?Becauseyourmoodswingsaredrivingmemad!Iblurtedout,pausingtocatchmybreath.Yourefuriousatmeonemoment,teasingmethenext,thenyourebeingnicethemomentafterthat,Icontinuedon.Iwaslookingathimheatedlywhenasuddenideastruckme.Areyoubipolar?Iasked,raising


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aneyebrowathim.IbrokeoutofthatangrytrancewhenIheardsomeonelaugh.Itotallyforgotthatwewerentalone.IturnedaroundandblushedprofuselywhenIsawEliseandColedoubleoverinlaughter.IgentlybitmylowerlipandturnedmyattentionbacktoAdrien.Hejuststoodthere,stiffasaboardwithhisjawdropped.IbitmylipharderwhenIsawhimregainhiscomposure.Whenhedid,hiseyeslitwithamusement.Adrienobedientlycamehomewithmeafterthat.ColeandElisecame,too,andNanawasmorethanhappytomeetthemall.ShewasparticularlyfondofElise,whoequallyreturnedtheaffectionshewasgivingher.WhilethetwinsandNanawerebusyinthekitchen,bakingupsomethingforsnacks.IwaswithAdrieninthelivingroom,thoroughlyengagedinnursinghiswounds.Adrien,thankyouforwhatyoudid.Youdidnthaveto,butyoudidanyway.Andforsomeoneyouclearlyhaverepulsivefeelingswith.ImurmuredimmediatelybeforeIlostmycourage.IcouldfeelmycheeksflamingasIwassqueezingwateroutofatowel,lettingitfallstraighttohiswounds.Irefusedtolookathimandfocusedontakingcalmbreathsinstead.Iwasshockedwhenhestoppedmyhandfromcontinuingonwithwhatitwasdoing,sendingthosealltoofamiliarelectricalcurrentsflowingthroughme.Ilookedathimthenandsawthathiseyeswerefilledwithhesitation.Skylar,Idonthateyou,hestarted.Ididnthaveanychoice.Ihadto,hesaidwonviction.

CHAPTER6Iblinked,staringathimasIregisteredwhathejustsaid.Hehadto?Whatdoesthatmean?Washefeelingobligatedtodothat?Washeforced?Ragerushedthroughmeasseveralthoughtsranthroughmyhead.Iimmediatelypulledmyhandawayfromhisgraspandstareddarklyathim.Well,nexttimeyouwonthaveto,Isnapped.Rightatthatmoment,NanacameoutwithColeandElise.Theysurepickedtheperfecttimingtocomeoutofthekitchen.Adrienjustlookedatmesadly.Helookedlikehewasbattlingwithhimselfoversomethingashelookedawayfromme,clenchinghishandsashedidso.Ifeltmyeyeswaterupbecauseoftheangerthatcloakedme.Gran,itssoniceofyoutobakeforus,ElisesaidasshehuggedNana.Butwereallyhavetogo,Coleinterrupted,affectionatelyholdingbothmyNanasha

nds.UnderstandingwasclearonAndreasfeatures.Yes,mydears.Pleasecomebacksoon,shesaidasshebothpattedthetwinsontheircheeks.Ididntevengettolookatthem.Ijustsatthere,clenchingthetowelashardasIcould,completelyignoringthepainitbroughttomyhands.Elisewentandpattedmeonmyshoulder.IcouldonlynodatherandColeastheyheadedoutofthehouse,pullingAdrienwiththem.Assoonastheywereout,Nanarushedovertomyside,gentlytakingthetowelfrommyhandsandwrappedmeinherarmsasthetearsslowlystartedtoflow.Idontknowhowlongwestayedlikethat,butNanawasextremelypatientwithme,rubbingmybackandjustleavingmetocrymyeyesout.Afterwhatseemedlikehours,Ifinallymanagedtostopthetearsfromfalling.Thankyou,Nana,IsaidsilentlyasIkissedheronthecheek.Youresimplythebes

.Isettleddownonthecouchassheplacedmyheadonherlap.Westayedlikethatforafewminutes.IjustletherstrokemyhairuntilIwascompletelycalmenough.Skylar?shecooed.Iknewthenthatshewantedtoaskwhathappened.Sheonlyusedmynameinraresituationslikethis.Hmm?Ihummedasshecontinuedonpattingmyhead.Youknowyoucantalktome,shestarted.Iveneverseenyouactlikethat.Shewheredasshekissedthetopofmyhead.Iknow.Ijustheconfusesme.Ifrowned,strugglingtogetthewordsout.Justthethoughtofhimandhisfascinatingsilver-greyeyessetmyangerandconfusion


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back.Isighed,takingcalm,deepbreathstosoothme.Giveittime,dear.Youllfigureitout.Nanadidntsayanythingelseafterthat.Sejustcontinuedonstrokingmyhair.Asthenightcontinuedon,Ijuststaredattheceilingofmybedroom.Itwasreallydisturbinghowmuchitupsetmethathesaidthat.WhatdidIexpecthimtosayanyway?Irolledover.Ivebeendoingthatalotinthepastcoupleofhours.Istillcouldntgetmyselftosleepdespitemydeprivedstateofthatluxurylastnight.Isighedandfinallygaveup.IchangedmypositionandmovedallmypillowstotheoppositeendofthebedasIcomfortablysettledmyselfthere,myheadcompletelygazingatthemasterpieceonthewall.Ijuststaredatitforafewmoments,hopingthatitwouldworkwondersformelikeitdidlasttime.ItwasntlongbeforeIfinallydozedoff.Idid,however,feelthatfamiliarauracovermeinwhatseemedlikeawarm,comfortingembrace.Iwassuddenlyswathedinathickfog.Icouldntseeanythingbeyondthepackedcloudofsmoke.IwilledmyselftomoveuntilIcouldseesomethingclearenough.IstoppedwhenIsuddenlywalkedintowhatlookedlikearoom.IcontinuedonwalkinguntilIcoulddistinguishwhatelsewasinside.Icouldonlymakeoutchairsanddesksaclassroom?Iwasntsure.Thefogwasstillfollowingmeeverywhere.Allofasudden,Ialmostbumpedintosomeone.IwasshockedwhenIrealizedthatIdidbumpintohim,butIactuallywentthroughhisbodyasifhewasalsomadeofthemistthatsurroundedme.Istoppedonmytracksandturnedback.Icouldmakeoutfourhazyfigures,butIcouldntbesure.Itwasstillhazyeverywhere.Iwentcloser,nearenoughsoIcouldtrytomakeouttheirfaces.Icouldmakeouttwoindividualswithfairheads,standingbesidesomeonewithadark

erheadinbetweenthem.Itlookedliketheywerediscussingorarguingwithsomeone.Iturnedmyheadaroundtothefarendoftheroom.Thefourthfigurestoodthere,leaningagainstwhatlookedlikeawindoworwasitawall?Thisfigurelookedtrappedasthethreeappearedtobecomingclosertoher.Suddenly,aloud,explosivesoundwentout.Icouldonlycovermyearsintimetoblockoutsomeofthesharpsound.WhenIturnedtolookatthefigures,thefirstthreewereonthefloor.Iturnedtolookatthefourthfigureandsawsomethingextensivelybrightbehindit.ThelightwastoodazzlingthatIhadtoshieldmyeyesabit.Wasitpossiblethatshewastheoneresponsibleforthatintenselight?IgotreallycuriousasIsteppedclosertoher.Justthen,Isawwhatappearedlikeapairofarmsencloseher.Theycamefromw

ithinthatlightandalmostlookedlikesnakesastheywrappedthemselvesaroundher,pullingheralongintothebrightballofheat.Everythingwasmuchfoggierafterthat.ThenitgotextremelywarmasIfeltmyselfbeinghauledaway,myeyesgivingintotheheavinessastheheatswallowedme.IsighedasIdraggedmyfeetdownthestairs,makingmywaytothekitchen.Ihadaweirddreamagain.Atleastitwasntlikethatnightmare.IstoppedmyselfasIshudderedatthereminderofthatawfulnightmare.NickandAnnewouldbehereanyminutetopickmeup.WehadplannedongoingearlytodaysowecouldhaveAnnetutorusonsomeoftheCalculusproblemswedidntunderstand.WhenIreachedthekitchen,Nanawasstillbusyfryingupbacon.Iwentandhuggedherfrombehind,snatchingapieceoftoastasIwentawaytositonthetable.

Goodmorning,IcalledoutasIheardthefrontdoorofthehouseclose.Theywerehere.Goodmorning,Andrea,NicksaidandsaunteredovertoNanatogiveherapeckonthecheek.Nanajustlaughedandsmiledathim.Oh,andyou,too,Sky,hesaidashesettledhimselfdownbesideme.Irolledmyeyesathim.Whatsforbreakfast?Anneexcitedlycriedoutasshemadeherwaytothechaironmyotherside.Baconandeggs,Dears,Nanarepliedinasingsongvoice.Anneclappedherhandsinagiddywaythatmadeuslaugh.Shejustrolledhereyesandpickedatoastfromtheplateonthetable.


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Hey,guys.JessicashavingpeopleoverherhousethiscomingSaturday.Canwego?sheaskedbeforeshestartedmunchingonasmallpieceofthebread.Ithoughtaboutit.Sure.Thatseemslikefun.Nick,yourecoming,right?Iturnedtolookathim.Heshrugged.DoIhaveachoice?Bothyourparents,hestarted.andguardian,hesashethoughtfullyglancedatme.wontletyououtthatlateunlesstheyknowyourwithme,hesaidcockily,butweletitslide.Whathesaidwasdefinitelytrue.NanaandAnnesparentswouldntletusoutlateatnight,unlesstheyweresurethatNickwascoming.TheyformedaspecialbondwiththeguyandleftbothmeandAnnetohiscare,knowingfullwellthatNickwouldalwaysbethereforusifeversomethingwentwrong.NanapattedNicksheadasshehappilyplacedplatesofbaconandeggsinthemiddleofthetable.Wegladlyateourbreakfastanddroveofftoschoolafterthat.AsmuchasIwouldliketobeinschooleverysingleday,Iwasntfeelingthathappyaboutittoday.Schoolmeantclasses,andclassesmeanthavingtoseeAdrieneverysinglehour.Igroaned.Sky?Nickdrapedhisarmovermyshoulders.Areyoufeelingalright?Youseemedoutofitsinceyesterday,hesaidasheplacedhishandonmyforehead,checkingtoseeifIhaveafever.Ismiledweaklyathim.Ireallydidntwanttotalkaboutit.Itsokay,Nick.IIntgettofinishwhatIwasabouttosayasIsuddenlyfeltthatfamiliarauraagain.Thistimeitwasdifferent,likeitwascompletelyengulfedwithanger.Anditwascomingfast.IturnedaroundandsawAdrienfuriouslystompinghiswaytowardsus.Iglareda

thim,wonderingwhatswrongwithhimtoday.HestoppedwhenIstaredhardathim.Colewasbehindhim,puttinghishandonhisbrotherschestasifhewastryingtoholdhimbackfromsomething.IpulledNickandAnnetowardsthedirectionofthelibrary,which,unfortunatelyenough,wasrightbehindthespotwheretheFieldsbrotherswerestanding.Wewalkedpastthem.IsmiledatColeandElise,whoseemedtohavejustcomefromtheparkinglot.TheybothsmiledbackandpulledAdrientotheoppositedirectiontowhereweweregoing.Sky,whatjusthappened?Anneaskedassoonaswewereseatedinthelibrary.Shewasclearlyconfusedandcuriousfromthetoneofhervoice.Ireallydontknow,Anne.ButIdontwanttotalkaboutit,IquietlysaidbothtoerandNick,gazingupatthemfromthebookthatIwascurrentlyreading.Nicksighedandshrugged.Anne,ontheotherhand,wasobviouslydisappointedbut

didntpressfurtheronthematter.Wewentonstudyingafterthat.ItriedmybesttounderstandwhatAnnewassaying,butIcouldntfullygraspeverythingasmymindwassomewhereelse.Therestofthedaywasuneventful.IdidntgettoseeAdrieninanyofmyclasses,whichwasbotheringme.Idontknowwhy,butitseemslikeIvegottenusedtohisannoyingpresencealwayslurkingaround.Isighedwhenitwasalreadythelastperiodofthedayandhestilldidntshowup.Iguessitwasbetterthisway.Assoonasthebellrang,Iwavedgoodbyetomyfriendsandimmediatelylefttheroom.IwasgoingtovisitmyparentstodaysinceIdidntgettodothatyesterday.Ishookmyheadasthepreviousdayseventsstartedfloodingbacktome.ThoughtsabouteverythingrelatedtoAdrienfilledmymind.IwassodistractedwithmythoughtsthatIwassurprisedtoalreadybestandinginfrontofmyparentsgravestone.

HiMom,Dad,IwhisperedasIlovinglyletmyhandtraildownthecoldstone.Iusuallystartmyconversationwiththemlikethis.AndIknewthatIwouldbespendinglonghourswiththemtoday.IfeltlikeIhadsomuchtotellthemsinceIlastvisitedthemonmybirthday.BythetimeIwasdonepouringoutmysentiments,Iwasdefinitelyfeelingalotbetter.Myparentsalwaysdidknowhowtocheermeup.Andtheystillhavethatmagic,evenaftertheyregone.Iplantedakissonmyfingersandlightlypressedthemtotheirheadstonebeforestandinguptoleave.Iwascompletelysurprisedtoseethatitwasalreadythisdark.Iglancedatmywatchtoseethatitwasalreadysevenoclock.Ijustspentmorethanthreehour


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swithmyparents.IpulledoutmyphonefrommybagandtypedinIllbehomesoonandsentittoNanaasIdecidedtotaketheshortcuttomyhouse.Iturnedleftatthenextcorner.Thisstreetlookslikeitsneglected.Ifitwerentforafewstreetlights,Iwouldneverpasshere.TonightsjustoneoftheexceptionssinceIwasalreadythislateingoinghome.Nick,Anne,andIdiscoveredtheten-minutewalkingtimethisstreetcutsoutfromthecemeterytomyhousewhenwewenttovisitmyparentsafewyearsback.IveonlybeenwalkingforafewminuteswhenIhadthatstrangefeelingthatIwasbeingfollowed.Ishudderedatthatthoughtandjusthurriedmypace.Iheardfootstepsbehindme,quicklypickinguptheirownspeedasIpracticallyrantowardstheendofthestreet.WhenIfeltthatIwasnearingtheendofthesemi-litstreet,Istoppedabruptly.Mybreathingcaughtupinmythroat,andmyheartstartedbeatinglikecrazyasIsawtwomenblockingtheway.Theysneeredwhentheysawmeandstartedwalkingtowardsmydirection.Icouldntgetthroughthatway,soIretracedmystepsquicklybeforemymindwouldbeengulfedwithpanicthatitwouldntbeabletothinksensibly.IthoughtIwouldbeabletomakegoodprogressinthatdirectionuntilIsawtwomoremencomingtowardsme.Onewasbaldandtheotheronewasoverlytanned.Istartedbackingupawayfromthem.Iwastrapped.TheywereonlyafewfeetoneithersideofmebeforeIfeltthatusualaurarunningtowardsme.Itcarriedthatwarmandstrongatmospherewithit.Andforsom

ereason,myfearslowlystartedtodissipate.Ifeltsafedespitebeingsurroundedbyfourgangsters.Whenoneofthemen,astoutone,grabbedmebymyarm,Iglaredathimbeforekickinghimhardinthecrotch.Heimmediatelyletgoofmyarmanddroppedtothefloor,shriekinginpain.Ididntknowwhatpossessedmetohavethatkindofcourage,butIdidntfeelthatfrightenedanymore,evenastheyallstartedcomingatmeatonce,causingmetobackintoacorner.Justthen,adarkfigureappearedononeendofthestreet.Iturnedtohisdirectionevenbeforehewasabletostepintothelimitedlightofthestreet.Igaspedwhenthelightfinallyhithisface.Adrien,Imouthedout,butnovoiceactuallycameoutofmymouth.Heviciouslylookedateachmanwhonowturnedtohisdirection.Withoutwarning,twoofthemenchargedathim.Ilostthoughto

rebirth the awakening of a witch

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