“Yes. Yes, I do.” She leaned back and crossed her arms over her chest.
“Of course you do,” he muttered.
I for one was thankful she was right behind us.
Mike swallowed hard and turned to me. “Lucy?”
My gaze stayed out the window, although I didn’t really take in the clear blue sky or the blur of houses as the bus pulled away.
“Please, look at me.”
The sadness in his tone made my shoulders relax a little as I turned to face him, eyebrows raised.
“Get on with it,” said Suzan.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
My throat tightened.
“She knows. She doesn’t care,” said Suzan.
“Can you stop? I’m talking to Lucy and it’s already hard enough without you butting in,” he said.
“She obviously doesn’t want to talk to you,” she replied. “And as her friend it’s my job to make it hard.”
“She can’t get a word in with you talking for her,” he bit back. “Can you at last try to be quiet?”
Part of me was thankful they were arguing. It took the focus away from me.
“You’ve met me, right?” she bit back. “I was born talking.”
A smirk tugged at the corner of my mouth.
Mike groaned, running his hand over his face and slouching into the chair.
He was trying. I had to give him that. He’d messaged me so many times I’d lost count since the incident at touch training, and I’d met him with radio silence. I knew it’d be easier to let go of whatever feelings I’d had for him if I didn’t see him so much, but seeing him so desperate for me to hear him out tugged at something in me I couldn’t ignore.
“It’s okay,” I told Suzan. I turned to Mike. “I’m listening.”
He ran his fingers through his dark hair. “I’m so sorry. I screwed up. I should’ve checked if what I’d heard about Dylan was true before I said anything to you. I was worried about you and didn’t want you to get hurt. Then Charity got all jealous and I didn’t want to fight with her again. I’m tired of fighting with her. But I shouldn’t have stayed quiet while she said those things. I should’ve stood up for you. I’m such an idiot.”
“Yes, you are,” I said.
“Agreed,” piped up Suzan.
“I just thought we were friends so when you said nothing it hurt me,” I started.
“We are friends and I’m so sorry I upset you. I’ve been beating myself up ever since. You’ve been nothing but kind to me and then I let her talk to you like that.” He shook his head. “I talked to her when you left, told her she was wrong and that she owed you an apology.”
Charity had tried to message me too, but I had a feeling her apology was only to make Mike happy.
“What made her so angry with me?” I asked. “I’ve done nothing to her.”
“She thinks you have a crush on me and that you’re trying to steal me away or something,” he said. “I told her it’s not true, but she’s jealous. She doesn’t even like me spending so much time practicing with my band. I think if she had it her way we’d spend every moment together.”
So, I wasn’t the issue at all. It was anyone who spent time with Mike that made Charity upset. She’d always been so nice to me until they started dating. Now, I wasn’t even sure I’d bother going to our final game. The last thing I needed was another confrontation with her.
“She is pretty full on,” added Suzan.
I’d almost forgotten she was sitting behind us.
“I’m sorry, Lucy, and I promise I won’t ever let you down like that again. I miss our talks. I’d like my friend back,” he said.
My insides warmed but I ignored them. “If we’re friends, then no more interfering with my relationship with Dylan. I really like him and every time you’re involved it gets weird.”
“Cross my heart.” He did just that.
“You aren’t seriously going to forgive him that easy?” added Suzan. “At least make him buy you a present or something.”
He held up his finger. “I do have something for you. I even called your dad to make sure it was okay.” He dug through his back pack and pulled out a white envelope. “One for you, and one for my annoying sister. An ‘I’m sorry I was an idiot and a bad friend’ gift.”
I opened the envelope and pulled out to two tickets that read, ‘Admit one: Bilstone Battle of the Bands.’
Suzan reached forward, her eyes widening as she took one of the tickets. “Okay, I forgive you.”
Mike’s deep blue gaze met mine and I knew I couldn’t stay angry at him.
“I forgive you,” I said.
He exhaled a sharp breath. “I’m so relieved. I know touch season is almost over so technically we won’t be seeing as much of each other but I hated you hating me. And Suzan’s been unbearable to live with.”
“You mess with my friend, you mess with me.” She shrugged and relaxed back against the bus seat.
Pride swelled in my chest.
“Is your band playing at the battle of the bands?” I asked.
“Yes. I know I said you could have a sneak peek but I’m working on something special and I want it to be a surprise,” he said.
“I can’t wait to hear… what’s your band called?” I asked.
“Don’t laugh,” he said.
“Why? What is it?”
Suzan leaned forward.
“Bilstone Boys,” he said.
We both laughed. “Who came up with that?”
“Ruben, our singer. We didn’t have a name and needed one to sign up for the battle of the bands and he said that’s the first thing that popped into his head. He promised we’d change it.”
“Bilstone Boys,” I said to myself.
“Sounds like you’re going to be wearing white suits and singing a pop ballad,” laughed Suzan.
“Do you all do the same dance moves?” I added.
The bus pulled up at school.
“I’m starting to rethink my apology,” he said as we climbed off.
“You can always retract it and we’ll go back to ignoring you,” I said.
“No, I’ll take the pay outs over silence any day.”
Someone called out, “Mike,” and waved him over.
“I’ll talk to you later?” he said.
“Yes.” I watched as he walked away, and my shoulders softened like a weight had been lifted. It was much harder being angry and ignoring him than it was forgiving him and letting it all go.
“Are we going to invite everyone else?” asked Suzan as we made across the lawn to school.
“Yes, but Becca’s still grounded. Ethan might be able to convince Rachel to come though.” I wriggled my eyebrows.
“They’ve been getting along very well, haven’t they? I don’t think I’ve ever seen Rachel smile so much,” she replied.
As I packed my bag after Maths I checked my phone to see I had a message from Suzan.
Meet me under our tree.
I quirked an eyebrow. That was where we always met now, with the boys. Part of me missed our old spot in the library courtyard, but the boys liked to throw a football and it didn’t feel like we were hiding away anymore. For the first time I understood what it was to be a teenage girl. To have friends instead of being a loner and avoiding Tracey and her herd every lunch break. I had a feeling she’d be leaving me alone for a while.
Weaving through the crowd of kids on the pathways, I crossed the oval walking towards the Poinciana tree we sat beneath every lunch break to spot Dylan standing alone holding a white piece of cardboard. He wiped one of his hands on his school shorts and gave me a smile.
Looking around, I saw no sign of Suzan or the others.
“What’s going on?” I stopped a few steps away from him searching for our friends.
Something wasn’t right. Dylan was stiff, and he didn’t say a word. Where was everyone? And why was he holding a piece of cardboard?
“Why are you holding that?” I aske
d.
Music sounded from behind me and I turned, trying to find where it was coming from. Dylan cleared his voice and I returned my gaze to him as he dropped a piece of card to the ground, revealing one beneath it that read: LUCY, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.
My cheeks warmed, the music’s romantic lyrics rolling over me.
He dropped another, the one underneath saying: KIND AND…
The next read: YOU MAKE ME HAPPY.
“You make me happy too,” I told him.
He dropped that card and the one underneath read: WILL YOU BE MY GIRLFRIEND?
My heart thudded in my ears and my throat tightened. Girlfriend? He wanted me to be his girlfriend?
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“More than sure. Lucy Briar, will you be my girlfriend?” He bit his bottom lip, hands shaking.
Tears welled in my eyes and my chest swelled. “Yes. Of course I’ll be your girlfriend.” My body was alight as I stepped towards him.
He dropped the final card and wrapped me in a tight embrace, pressing his lips to mine, warmth surging through my entire body.
When we parted I leaned back, not letting him go as I looked into his earthy eyes. “That was the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me.”
“I was so nervous,” he confessed. “I’d convinced myself if you said no I’d pretend it was a joke then run away.”
“I wish I’d known that. It would’ve been funny to see,” I said.
“I would never have been able to show my face again.” He kissed me again.
“Everyone else knew didn’t they?”
“Of course we knew.” Suzan said from behind me, holding up her phone. “I had the honour of playing the music. I also knew you’d say yes.”
The others joined her.
“Naw, you’re so cute.” Ethan punched Dylan in the arm. “But I’m glad we don’t have to crouch behind those bushes anymore.”
“You were all watching?” I asked.
“Yup,” said Becca. “I can’t believe you didn’t see us. Or hear Suzan with all of her oohs and aahs.”
“What? It was cute,” said Suzan. “The music was my idea. It really set the mood, didn’t it?”
“It was all perfect.” I squeezed Dylan and he kissed my cheek.
My body was light and giddy. Things were finally looking up. Catherine was gone and I had a relationship with my dad again, Tracey was leaving me alone. I had amazing friends, and now I had a boyfriend. My first ever boyfriend. If I was any happier, my heart might burst and my cheeks ached from the smile spread across my face.
“I know how we can celebrate,” said Suzan. “Mike gave Lucy and me tickets to the battle of the bands. You guys should get tickets and come with us.”
“Mike?” Dylan hugged me tighter.
“It was an ‘I’m sorry I was such an idiot gift’,” I said. “His band’s playing.”
“Sounds fun,” said Sam.
“You know I can’t go.” Becca pouted.
“Can’t you ask, just in case?” asked Rachel.
We all looked at her.
“Are you saying you’re going to come?” Suzan’s eyes widened.
She shrugged. “I like music. As long as my parents say it’s okay, I’ll come.”
“Sounds like fun,” said Ethan. “I’ll go.”
Ethan and Rachel exchanged a glance and her cheeks turned pink.
25
Olivia
THE FLYING PHOENIX
Ember in my arms, backpack over my shoulders, the balloon’s magic pulled me deeper into the ship. I ran downstairs and along hallways, my legs and back burning and aching, until we came to double wooden doors. Slowing, I swallowed down the lump in my throat and put Ember down kneeling to her height.
Tear’s streaked her face and I wiped them from her cheeks with the back of my hand.
“I’ve got you, okay?” I told her, still not knowing how I was going to save her from Lukah’s wrath before I left. Could I climb into my balloon and leave them all to be punished for saving me?
She sniffed and nodded.
Releasing a long breath, I did my best to expel the tension in my muscles and the ache in my chest before I pushed open the doors.
We stepped inside, Ember’s small hand in mine.
Thick silver smoke filled the room. It was hard to tell how big the room truly was the smog was so thick. It rippled and waved, glistening from an invisible light. Turning back to the door, it slammed shut and locked, making me jump. I gripped the handle, but it wouldn’t budge.
I hugged Ember closer to me.
“Olivia?” she asked.
I crouched down to her height. “It’s okay. We’ll be okay.” If only I believed my own words.
She pointed to the smoke and I turned to see Lukah emerge, his open long purple jacket revealing his muscular chest decorated with a thick gold chain. His dark features were handsome, alluring, and it was easy to see how so many had fallen victim to his manipulations. But his potions and magic had no hold on me now, and the only feeling coursing through my veins was anger.
“What have you done?” I growled.
“Me?” He tutted me, as he sauntered closer. “It’s unfortunate you chose this path. I could truly see the two of us together. Our magic combined, we could’ve done incredible things. But now, I have to take it from you.”
“You can’t have it,” I said. “I won’t sign one of your contracts.”
He waved his hands, the smoke dissolving and disappearing. A performance. Everything was a show for him, a way for him to feel in control, to use his magic to create awe and intrigue while he deceived and tricked you.
Behind him, Ember’s dragon, Ebony, writhed on the ground, her huge obsidian form muzzled and chained. Adrena stood beside the great beast, malice in her eyes. Hidden behind the dragon’s lashing tail was my basket and deflated balloon, its pull stronger than ever.
“Ebony,” cried Ember. Her hand slipped from mine as she ran for the beast.
Ebony tried to call for the girl, her roars turning into whimpers as they were muffled by the muzzle around her snout.
Adrena waved her hands, lightning striking out from her fingertips and zapping Ebony’s metal collar.
The dragon wailed, my insides churning at the sound. Ember dropped to the wooden floor with a shriek. I ran to her, checking her over.
“Their bond is strong,” said Lukah. “For years I’ve tried to sever it, bind the beast to me. But, alas, I have been unsuccessful. But with your magic, the strong bond you have with the balloon, maybe it can finally be done.”
“All of this has been so you can make Ebony your pet?” I bit at him.
“Not a pet. A weapon. With her I’d shred the man who cursed me to be bound to this ship and no longer would I have to travel the skies. I could be free.”
“The old ringmaster,” I said, more to myself than him.
“He tricked me.” Lukah’s arms waved theatrically. “He took my dreams of joining a circus and shackled me to this ship.”
I’d almost feel sorry for him if he hadn’t done the same thing to his crew.
“And where does she fit in to all of this?” I gestured towards Adrena.
“I’m loyal to Lukah,” she said. “He gave me my heart’s desire and in return I’ll do all I can to find a way to set him free.”
“Magic. All of this is for magic?” I asked.
“No, not just magic. Though, that has been an incredible perk.” Sparks danced around her finger tips. “My heart’s desire was much more important.”
My eyebrows creased. What could she mean?
“Apollo,” whimpered Ember.
The captain? My eyes widened.
As if summoned by Ember’s words, the doors burst open and Apollo strode through them, Blaze struggling in his firm grip.
“What do you want me to do with him?” asked Apollo, as though oblivious to the situation he’d walked into.
Then it dawned on me. “You used magic to make h
im love you, didn’t you?”
Something flickered across Apollo’s gaze, but his eyes stayed on Lukah.
I’d been so desperate for William to love me. So desperate I’d climbed into a hot air balloon and left everything behind. But given the chance would I have enchanted him? Used magic to make him love me back? I shuddered at the thought. Could I have turned into Adrena?
“Tie him up over there.” Lukah waved his hand toward the side of the wide room.
Apollo did as he was instructed.
“Oh, I nearly forgot something,” said Lukah. “Would you like to know how I found out you were searching for your balloon and dragging my crew into your rebellion with you? Apollo, fetch our friend.”
My heart climbed up into my throat as Apollo disappeared behind the dragon before reappearing with Calix, or at least someone that resembled Calix dragging behind him. Calix was bloodied and beaten, his right eye swollen and bruised. His hands were bound and his mouth gagged. Tears stained his face.
“This is who betrayed you,” declared Lukah.
Calix shook his head, his eyes pleading for me not to believe Lukah.
“He didn’t betray me. You tortured him into submission,” I snapped back.
“He did take some convincing,” said Lukah. “You’ve pulled much loyalty from some of my crew in such a short amount of time.”
“The only person here who betrayed me was Adrena. She pretended to be my friend, to care for me, but was helping you the whole time. I was stupid for not seeing it before, but now I do she’s just as pathetic as you are,” I said.
“Don’t take it personally.” Loretta walked through the door, drawing our attention. “She sacrificed her own sister to get what she wanted.” She stood beside me and Ember. “Oh, hey, Lukah.”
Rage flared in Lukah’s eyes. “You’re taking her side?”
“You can’t be that surprised,” she said. “My sister tricked me into binding myself to you, but for a long time I’ve seen who you truly are. A scared, pathetic little boy who wants someone to love him but doesn’t have the capacity to love anyone more than he loves himself. Or did you enjoy me stroking your ego that much you didn’t notice how much I despise you?”
Circus in the Clouds (The Balloonist Chronicles Book 3) Page 19