“I’m sorry. I didn’t do it on purpose. Don’t be mad.”
“I’m not.” Not about that at least.
“What does this mean?”
Ava shrugged, and walked to the front door.
“Don’t say anything to your dad. I don’t need him hating me more.”
She looked up at him. “You want me to lie to my dad?”
“Please, Ava. I don’t want anyone to be angry.”
Of course. Everything was always about him. She sighed, lowered her arm, and then pushed open the door. Thomas conveniently positioned himself to hide her hand. They entered the dimly lit living room. The TV was on, but her dad was fast asleep.
“Hey, Dad.”
Her father jerked his eyes open. “Hey,” he acknowledged them both. “Did you have a good day?”
“Sure. Thomas and I are going to watch a movie.”
Her dad raised his eyebrows. “Okay.”
Ava knew he could tell she was acting suspicious. She tried not to sound so rushed, but she had to do something soon. The pain ached too much. She and Thomas made their way to the stairs.
“Don’t stay up past ten-thirty,” her father called. Ava knew that was his secret code for Thomas to be gone by then.
“Okay,” she called back, and then trudged upstairs.
Once in her room, she glanced at the clock on her nightstand. Eight forty-five. Peter would be off soon and on his way. Ava went to the medicine cabinet in her bathroom, and grabbed a tube of ointment. She had to think of a way to get Thomas out of there or call Peter.
“Shouldn’t you run it under water first?” Thomas asked.
“I don’t want anything stinging it,” she said, and tried opening the tube one-handed. “Here, I’ll do it.”
“I got it.”
Thomas sighed. “Give it to me.” He snatched it from her hand.
“I’m not disabled, you know.”
“What is with you? I said I was sorry.” He took her hand, squeezed some clear ointment out of a tube, and rubbed it over the imprint of his hand. “I can’t believe I did this.” He shook his head. Anger seeped into his rubbing. “How could I have done—?”
“Ow! Not so rough.”
“Sorry. Do you have a bandage?”
Ava grabbed a wrap from the cabinet and put it in his hand. He needed to hurry up and leave. She shifted her weight and bit her lip.
“Will you stop fidgeting?”
She hadn’t even realized she had been twirling her ring. “Sorry.”
He unraveled the bandage and wrapped it around her hand. “What are you so worried about anyway?”
Ava forgot he could feel her worry. “Nothing.”
He pinned the bandage from coming loose. “There. I hope it heals soon.” He kissed her injured hand.
“Me, too.” Of course, they could have avoided all this had they gone to Savina’s.
“I don’t understand what we did to get headaches like this. It feels like someone just hit me with a bat fifty times.”
She handed him a bottle of headache medicine. “Here.”
“I don’t need it.”
Ava rolled her eyes. “Of course not.” She popped open the bottle, and swallowed two pills.
“I’d rather try something else.” He leaned down, and kissed her softly.
She pulled back. “Thomas, you should go.”
“What? I won’t be so rough.”
“Please.”
“Let’s just watch a movie. Come on.”
“No. My head is killing me.” And I need to call Peter.
He exhaled. “I’m not going to try anything.”
“I don’t feel good.”
“I don’t either, but let’s just lie down.”
“You can’t fall asleep here.” Why wouldn’t he just leave? How was she going to talk to Peter with Thomas there?
“I won’t.”
“Fine.” He was so stubborn. “I just have to get some water,” she lied.
“Can you bring me some?”
“Sure.”
Ava closed her bedroom door, and then walked downstairs to the dining room. Her father was on the other end still watching TV, or asleep. She pulled her phone from her pocket, called Peter, and he answered within seconds.
“Hey, I’m about to head over,” he said. The sound of his soft, soothing voice brought her heart to a rapid beat. It was as if the throbbing pain from her head and hand moved to her heart. She needed to calm down so Thomas wouldn’t ask questions.
“I have to cancel tonight.”
“Oh. Is everything okay?”
“I’m just getting a migraine.”
“Yikes. I hope you feel better.”
“Thanks.” Strangely enough, the pain had gone away. Maybe the medicine had kicked in.
“Hope I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said.
Her heart lurched. “Me too.”
Ava hung up the phone, and almost on cue, the pain returned. How strange? Had she been so happy to hear his voice that any pain she felt was ignored? She thought that was a bit dramatic. Still though. That was a close call. And Ava couldn’t afford to have anymore. She had to start ignoring Peter McNabb from now on.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
OUTCAST
Ava was probably the dumbest person. Why on earth had she gone to school with a migraine? On her birthday of all days. The bright fluorescent lights almost blinded her. Every sound made her cringe, and every movement she made stirred the uneasy feeling in her stomach. Her head would not stop pounding as she sat in algebra. She had decided to ignore all logic, and go to school. Apparently, she was so desperate to see Peter. But Ava missed him last night. Even if she had to break off their friendship, nothing could prevent her from seeing him at school.
Algebra was no picnic since Mrs. Duke spent forty-five minutes reprimanding a student. Melissa was absent, and she didn’t see Thomas this morning. They had probably stayed home like smart people.
The bell shrilly rang, and she winced. How much more of this could she take?
Ava shuffled to chemistry, took her seat, and braced for the bell. She feared the nausea overtaking her, and held her head in her hands. And she wanted Peter to see her like this?
Then she felt a slight hand on her shoulder.
“Ava?”
She exhaled deeply with relief at the sound of Peter’s voice.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Yeah.”
“Are you sure? You look like you’re going to be sick.”
“I’m okay.” She removed her hands, and met his dark brown eyes. Suddenly, the nausea disappeared, the throbbing in her head vanished, and the lights didn’t seem as bright or the sounds as loud. How could all of it just fade away like that? What kind of sickness was this?
“What happened to your hand?” He asked, and then the bell rang, sending him to his seat.
She didn’t flinch this time from the loud ring. “I…burned it.”
“Ouch. How?”
“I took a hot pan out of the oven.”
Peter cocked an eyebrow. “They invented pot holders for that reason you know?”
She rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t thinking.”
“Clearly.”
Ava playfully hit his arm. “Don’t be mean.”
He chuckled. “You’re starting to get some color back.”
“That’s good,” she said, but wondered how she was about to hurl seconds before Peter came in and now she was fine.
“Happy birthday,” he said, and placed a box on her desk.
“Peter, why did you get me a present?”
He shrugged. “I wanted to.”
She opened the small box and pulled out a CD case. On the cover in Peter’s handwriting was the title Ava’s Mix. She looked at him, but he just grinned. “What’s on it?”
“You’ll like it, I promise.”
Throughout class, she didn’t pay attention to the lecture because she and Peter were flirting and passing not
es. Like every day, he walked with her to her locker after class.
“Where’s Thomas?” he asked.
She shrugged. “I don’t think he came today.”
“Shall I walk you to lunch, then?” He smiled, a little smugly.
“Yes.”
When they entered the cafeteria, Ava expected to see Gillian, Jeremy, and Lance, but the table was empty.
“Whoa, where is everyone?” Peter asked. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that table empty.”
Had they all stayed home? Why hadn’t any of them told her? “Could I sit with you today?” She didn’t exactly want to sit with Valerie, but if it meant more time with Peter, she’d do it.
He smiled, showing his dimples. “Of course.”
She followed him to the lunch line, but looking at the beef patty swimming in a brown sauce made her groan. Of course, there was always pizza and fries or a salad. But nothing appealed to her.
“You should probably eat something. You still look a little off. No offense,” he quickly said.
“None taken.”
“Let’s just get some salad and fries.”
“Okay.” She liked the way he nonchalantly included her in this plan. After paying, he led her to his usual table. There sat one guy and two girls. Each of them stared at Ava with their mouths open. She sat next to Peter.
“This is Tony.” Peter pointed to a boy with dark skin and black hair, who was to the left of Ava. He had a friendly smile, and she recognized him from the football games as the drum major. “Amanda.” A girl with thick dirty blond hair and soft blue eyes that sat next to Tony. “And Valerie.” She looked as if Ava was imposing on them. “Everyone, this is Ava.”
She politely smiled, but felt awkward.
“Nice to meet you,” Tony stumbled over his words.
“You too,” she said.
“H-how are you?” he asked.
“I’m good, thanks.” Why were they staring at her? Was she some sort of freak? Did she look that bad? Was it her bandaged hand? Could they sense that she was different?
Ava poked at her salad, still feeling their eyes on her. She’d never felt so self-conscious.
“What’s wrong?” Peter whispered in her ear. “Are you starting to feel sick again?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“What brings you to our table?” Valerie asked, and crossed her arms. “None of your friends are here.”
“I invited her,” Peter said with a hint of annoyance in his voice.
Valerie threw him a disapproving look. “Why?”
“Lay off, Val,” Tony said. “You’re welcome to sit with us anytime.”
“Thanks,” Ava said.
Valerie released a disgusted sigh, and glared at them.
“What’s with the necklace?” Amanda asked.
Ava couldn’t tell what was worse—Mel and Gillian tag teaming her over being friends with Peter, or Valerie and Amanda grilling her. She had never felt such animosity from others. Then again, the only one outside her circle she spoke to was Peter. She felt uncomfortable with them and realized she missed her friends.
“What about it?” Ava asked.
“Are you Wiccan or something?”
“No.”
Valerie laughed. “She’s in love with the devil.”
“Valerie, stop.” Peter snapped. “It’s just a necklace.”
Ava remained calm. “Why would you assume that I’m in love with the devil?”
“Because you’re wearing his symbol. You and all your little friends.”
“So did anyone watch the game last night?” Tony asked.
Ava balled her hands into fists. “It’s not the devil’s symbol, but what’s it to you?”
Amanda leaned on the table. “Do you manipulate people like Xavier does?”
“Obviously,” Valerie said. “She’s got Peter wrapped around her little finger. Do you cast spells on anyone? I mean, that’s what people are saying.”
“What’s the deal?” Peter asked.
“I don’t care about your rumors,” Ava said.
“Are you trying to get Peter to join your little group?” Amanda asked. “Like Xavier did with Seth.”
“What? No.”
“Whatever,” Valerie said. “You’re just like him.”
What was with this girl? Ava glared. “How dare you say that?” Her necklace warmed. She needed to get out of there.
“Aww, did she hurt your feelings?” Amanda asked.
Tony nudged her. “Amanda.”
“What is with you two?” Peter asked them.
Ava didn’t care to know. She stood, grabbed her bag, and took a step.
“Ava, don’t,” Peter said.
“That’s right, run away like you always do.” Valerie mocked.
She had had enough. She stopped, turned, and got right in her face. “You want me to leave. You’re afraid of me. Afraid of what I might do.”
“Like you could really do anything.”
“You don’t know what I can do.”
“I’m shaking,” Valerie said, but Ava could see the fear in her eyes.
“Ava, wait.” Peter called after her, but the bell sounded, and his voice was lost in the crowd.
The torturous lunch ended, and Ava was well on her way out the door. How could she have let Valerie get to her? She was stronger than that.
The second she left the lunchroom, her migraine returned. She couldn’t possibly last the rest of the day with this pain and decided to go home.
Ava walked outside and trekked across the courtyard.
“Skipping today?” She heard Xavier’s voice behind her.
She stopped abruptly. Her fingers curled into fists.
“What do you want?” she demanded.
He gave a cocky smile. “I thought we could talk.”
“Yeah, you’re the last person I’d ever want to talk to.”
“I know my first impression was not friendly.”
“What tipped you off?”
Xavier gave a small laugh. “I must apologize for that. I was only experimenting with something.”
“I think you’ve done enough experimenting. What have you done to Seth and the others?”
He shrugged. “I just needed some friends. Speaking of, sounds like you could use some new ones. They don’t seem very respectful of you. You would fit in perfectly with me and my group.”
“Wow. Can I sign up now?”
“I love that fire in you.” He smiled, but it only made her shudder. “I also love that necklace by the way. It’s so…radiant.” His black eyes taunted her. “Does your crush know what it means?”
Ava glared. Had he been spying on her and Peter? “What are you talking about?”
“I think you know exactly what I mean.”
Did he know what kind of necklace she wore? Could it be true that he was an Enchanter? He had to be. And he had to know that she was.
“You don’t scare me.”
“Good. That’s not my intent. I only want you as my friend.”
“That won’t happen.”
“That’s a shame. I think my next friend will be Peter McNabb. I suspect he is rather special. Something about him…” He shook his head.
Ava clenched her fists tight, and kept her breathing leveled. “Stay away from him.”
“But he’ll make a great addition”
“What is your deal? Why are you manipulating these people?”
He stroked his chin, and then smiled. “You’ll find out soon.”
Her hands suddenly felt wet, and she felt water around her fists. She didn’t want to look down at them for fear that Xavier would see. “Leave Peter alone.”
Xavier chuckled, as if he was trying to be friendly. “I tell you what.” He hooked his arm around her neck. “Why don’t you become my new girlfriend, and I’ll leave Peter alone.”
Ava clenched her teeth, and pushed him away harshly. “Get away from me.”
“Think about it. Until then.�
� He saluted, and then walked away.
Ava was right all along. Xavier and his friends were Enchanters. And he was recruiting. How could she warn Peter? How could she protect him? Would she have to join him to keep Peter safe?
Once home, after taking medicine, she curled herself underneath the blankets, and fell asleep.
Ava leisurely opened her eyes, and saw that it was late afternoon. Nausea swirled in her stomach as she rose from her bed. She moved as though she were walking through cement. Her muscles ached. Her right hand throbbed in every crevice from Thomas’ss burn. She didn’t understand why she still felt like this. Maybe she needed to see Savina.
The doorbell rang, and she hoped it wasn’t Thomas.
She answered, and Peter stood on the other side. She was glad to see him, but still didn’t know what to think about lunch.
“Hey,” he said. “I tried calling, but you didn’t answer.”
“Sorry. I was taking a nap.”
“Oh. You’re looking better. How do you feel?”
She thought for a moment. Her head had stopped hurting and she wasn’t nauseous. “Good.”
Ava hesitated, but then stood aside and let him in. She closed the door, made her way to the kitchen, and Peter followed. She was going to grab a glass of water, but thought better of it, not wanting him to see what she could do, so she leaned against the counter.
“I’m so sorry about Valerie and Amanda.”
“Did I do something wrong?” she asked.
“No. They just don’t want me to be friends with you.”
“Why?”
He wavered. “They think you’re going to toy with me.”
“Why would they think that?”
“Because you have a boyfriend.” He looked away, acting as if he held something back.
“What else?”
“They think you and your friends are all in this thing with Xavier. And of course, people are spreading rumors about your necklaces. Valerie and Amanda think all of you are.” He paused. “Strange.”
Guessing by how Valerie and Amanda acted toward her, strange was probably nice compared to what they had actually said.
“They don’t even know us,” she said. “Why does she think I’m going to ask you to join my friends? What did she mean by that?”
Peter faltered once more. “Xavier’s been watching us. At least, she thinks he is and that he’ll take another one of us. Or whatever he’s doing. I don’t know. This whole thing has gotten all of us paranoid.”
Under A Blood Moon (Elemental Enchanters) Page 14