“Alright,” he said.
This is where I started feeling awkward. It never used to be like this, but there were a lot of things between us now, like a river full of things.
“Ah, I'm going to go call Liz now,” I said, pushing away from the table and getting up.
“Okay.”
I walked into the living room and picked up the home phone, dialling Lizs number from my mobile phone.
She picked up on the first ring luckily. “Hello?”
“Hey Liz, it's just me,” I said.
“Layla!” she nearly screamed into the phone.
I smiled. “Yeah, I just wanted to tell you that I decided to come to the movies with you girls.”
She started screaming excitedly from the other end of the line. I gritted my teeth together and slightly pulled the phone away from my ear until she stopped.
“Yeah, so what time is it?”
“It's tomorrow at the Roseville cinemas, 6:00pm, but were all meeting up out front first,” she informed me.
“Okay, well I'll see you then.”
“Okay, see you there Layla,” she said before I hung up.
Well, at least I had that done and I was only slightly dreading it. Now all I had to do was reason with myself to leave Sam for the night.
****
“I still think you shouldnt be driving around without some sort of license,” I said to Sam.
He had insisted on driving me to the Roseville cinemas, which was 20 minutes away and the closest cinema to Forestville, then picking me up after the movie. I told him it was ridiculous that he drive me when he could risk getting caught by the cops. But being the most glorious person to me, he had somehow persuaded me to let him drive by telling me he wanted to show me how his Hummer H2 handled.
“I've been driving for years and havent been caught once, and I technically have my full license anyway. But you like it, right?” he asked, excitement sparked bright in his green eyes when he looked at me.
“Yes of course, but how haven't you ever been caught? And how do you have your full license?” I asked.
He looked over at me and smiled blindingly. “I think I have a built in radar,” he said, pointing to his head. “And I had it made up about a year ago, apparently I'm 21.”
I smiled and shook my head. “Amazing.”
We pulled up across the road from the small theatre and I recognized a few of the girls sitting out front. I smoothed my hair and clothes out. It had been a while since I had really been out and I was feeling self-conscious.
“You look beautiful,” Sam complimented.
“Thank you. I'll see you in an hour,” I said, pecking him goodbye and getting out of the car.
I walked across the road, pulling my jacket around me more and I turned around to take one last look at him. He was smiling his perfect dazzling smile out the window. I smiled back and mouthed I love you and that made his smile grow even bigger. Then I turned and crossed the road before he drove away.
I was out front now. I was with most of the girls from my old lunch table. We were just waiting on Mara, she was always late so we told her the movie started at 5:30pm instead of 6:oopm, that way there may be a slim chance she was on-time. I was sitting down on the cold ground next to Venessa and Kytia, and they had just started talking about guys.
I decided to butt in, I was bored.
“So… Venessa, when are you going to admit youre going out with Robbie Knox?” I asked slyly.
She looked at me with guarded eyes. “We're not going out okay.”
“Sure you're not,” I said slowly.
I smiled at Kytia and she smiled as well. Everyone knew that something was going on between Venessa and Robbie, but they weren't giving any clues away.
“Guys seriously, just drop it,” she grumbled.
I raised my hands in apology. “Sorry, just curious.”
“Umm,” she grumbled, looking at me skeptically.
I looked over at Kytia and shrugged. “What about you Kytia?” I asked.
“Nah, no boys in school are interesting,” she said.
I looked at her and started laughing, and she started laughing too.
I stood up and called everybody to attention, I was curious. “Guys, raise your hand if you're going out with a guy,” I said to everyone. “Come on, dont be shy, its just between us girls.”
Mandy raised her hand, then Mara who had just shown up, and Ria.
“See,” I said to Venessa. “It's nothing to be ashamed of.”
“Well, what about you then Lays?” Mandy called out.
I smiled nervously.
“It's one of those scorching hot guys at that table you sit at now, isn't it?” Sandy asked with a smile on her face.
“Maybe,” I said, flushing.
They all laughed and that only made me flush more. I hoped they couldnt all see that, but knowing me, they probably could.
“Alright, alright. Since were all here lets go see the stinking movie,” I said, trying to change the subject.
I started heading for the entrance of the cinemas and behind me they were all still laughing as they were getting up. Mandy and Whitney came and put their arms around my neck to cheer me up.
We were sitting there in the dark warm cinema watching the comedy chick flick, and to be honest, I was nearly falling asleep. It wasn't funny at all and it was really sappy. I was seated between Mandy and Sandy who were both practically falling asleep too, and the funniest thing in the cinema was probably the fact that people were falling asleep. It was so lame. About half way through the movie, just when it was getting good, finally, my phone started vibrating in my pocket.
“Mandy, I'll be right back. Save my seat,” I whispered to Mandy.
“Sure,” she whispered back.
I got up, and as I walked up the aisle to exit the cinema room, I noticed Venessas seat was empty.
“Hello?” I answered as I walked out of the cinema room.
“Watch your back,” someone murmured.
My eyes widened and I almost dropped my mobile phone. I turned around and searched the cinema complex. There was at least one hundred people in the small complex tonight, there was no way I was going to be able to watch my back. I had a good guess who just called me, but maybe they were just trying to scare me. It could be a bluff.
I shook my head and slid my phone closed. I just needed to snap out of it.
I went into the bathrooms and washed my face. I looked back in the mirror and hardly recognized myself. Not just because I had my hair pulled back, but because I looked terrified. My skin looked pale and it is usually near a tanned colour, my eyes were wide in shock or fear and I was shaking. I could visibly see I was shaking in the mirror, I needed to calm down. I turned around and leaned against the sink. I closed my eyes and rubbed my fingers against my temples.
“It's okay,” I whispered to myself. “You're going to be fine.”
My mobile went off again and I jumped. I pulled it out of my pocket and hesitantly slid it open.
“Hello,” I answered unwillingly.
“Layla, run. Run to the front of the cinemas now!” Sam shouted through the phone.
I shoved the phone in my pocket and ran out of the bathroom. I ran through the cinema and out into the lobby. It was packed tonight, people were lining up for the next movie showing already, so I had to almost push through the crowd to make my way out. I was nearly at the front doors when I looked behind me, and out of the corner of my eye I saw Toby from the Warrigal coven, right on my tail.
“Crap,” I whimpered, it was no bluff.
I was so close to tears and he was so close to me it wasnt funny. I pushed my way through the crowd even faster and ran through the front doors of the cinema into the cold nights air. I looked around frantically and couldnt see anyway to escape.
He was right behind me now, I had to lose him.
I ran around a corner and down the closest alleyway. I was searching for a place to hide, I remembered there was a
garden on the other side of the cinemas, it was in the dark as well so that will give me more cover but I would have to loop around. I knew my way around the cinema pretty well, inside and out, so that will come in handy.
As I ran down the alley I saw two figures behind a Dumpster out of the corner of my eye. I thought I recognized them when I over shot them. I came to a sudden halt and walked backwards, then Venessa Evans and Robbie Knox came into view; they were making out.
“Oh my gosh,” I said slowly, stunned and out of breath.
I heard footsteps behind me and I took off again. I rounded another corner and ran the last straight. I knew the garden was right around the last corner up ahead. I wondered why Venessa went missing not long before I walked out, I knew her and Robbie― I ordered myself to snap out of it. Focus on your life Layla, I said to myself.
I raced around that last corner and finally saw the thing that would hopefully save my life, so I dived into the garden without stopping and then froze instantly. I tried to stop breathing heavily by covering my mouth and I saw him pass, I heard him run up another alley and then silence.
I was thinking about staying in the damp garden as long as he didn't come back. Then my phone vibrated.
“Shoot!” I whispered.
I fumbled around to answer it, my hands were shaky but I finally got it.
“Hello,” I whispered, out of breath.
“Come out, come out, where ever you are,” the person on the other line said slowly.
I hung up the phone and dialled Sams number, I was really getting sick of them calling me.
“Lays,” he answered.
“Where are you?” I whispered, crouching even lower in the garden.
“I'm out the front, can you see me?” he asked, his voice hard.
I looked around in the dark and crawled slowly through the mushy dirt, trying to avoid branches. I could see better now because I was at the edge of the garden and I could visibly see an outline of the Hummer.
“I think so.”
“Good, try to make it to me on three,” he said.
“Okay.”
He didnt seem very far away from me, I thought I would be able to make it.
“One… two… three, run!” he ordered.
I bounded out of the garden and bolted to the Hummer, clenching my phone in one hand. I was almost there when Sam got out of the drivers side.
“Lays, over here!” he shouted.
I ran at him and he caught me before suddenly whirling me around him and blocking out my view of what was in front of us.
“Stay away from her,” Sam hissed.
I stepped to the side so I could see a little. It was Toby who was in front of us. He must be alone.
“Ah, young Samuel. Don't fret, Im only here to deliver a message,” he said, smiling darkly.
“Then deliver it and scram Toby,” Sam said more calmly.
“We want her and we will get her, so watch your backs because we will be waiting.”
Sams arm pushed me behind his body, blocking out my view again as he held a hand on my waist.
“Over my dead body,” Sam said coldly.
“That can be arranged.”
I heard Sams chest rumble. “You will never get her.”
“You won't be able to stop us,” Toby replied blankly.
Sam lowly growled under his breath. “Get out of here.”
Toby smiled and I heard him speak to me. “See you soon Layla.”
“Leave!” Sam shouted.
Toby laughed a hard laugh then walked away. As soon as he was out of sight Sam relaxed and slumped over, and I caught him before he could fall.
I noticed that we had drawn the attention of a few people but they looked baffled, like they didn't know what to do.
“You shouldn't have come,” I said, positioning him upright.
I felt too shaken up, as if too much adrenaline was running through my body and making me want to vomit my guts out, but yet again I felt exhausted as well.
He laughed. “I can't just leave you to fend for yourself, its not very gentleman-like.”
We stumbled our way over to the car door and stopped at the passenger door.
“I know that, but someone else could have come,” I said sadly, knowing that every minute he wasnt resting the more exhausted he became. “I'll drive,” I said.
He gave me the keys, no arguments, and jumped into the passenger seat.
I went around the car and jumped in the spacious driver seat, it felt good to be in a warm comfortable place with someone I loved.
“Can you drive?” he asked cautiously, putting his seatbelt on.
“Piece of cake, Adam taught me for two years straight,” I answered, starting the ignition and putting my seatbelt on.
“Well, there's some good news at least.”
Sam fell asleep on the way home and I smiled at the overprotective fool. He was trying to protect me even though he is barely able to walk since the incident, he was always so exhausted and I felt very guilty for his pain.
I looked over at Sam, his hair was falling over his face and his arms were folded over his chest. I guessed even when he was asleep he could feel pain.
I sighed, disgusted with myself, and turned my attention back to the road and kept on driving towards the Archer house.
When he is still asleep, I thought to myself, Ill heal him some more, transfer more of my energy into his body without him knowing.
I pressed the gate button on the dashboard of the Hummer and the front gates opened. I drove up the driveway towards the house, and when I reached the top of the driveway I drove around the garden in the courtyard and headed for the monstrous garage.
I stopped and pressed another button on the dashboard and the boot opened in the Hummer.
“Oops,” I said quietly as I looked behind me. “Alright, second times the lucky charm.” I turned and pressed another button and this time the garage door opened up, turning the bright brilliant light on inside.
Thank god I pressed the right one this time, I thought to myself.
I pulled in next to the white Dodge Viper and turned the ignition off, getting out of car and closing the boot on my way around to Sams door. I opened his door and he was still sound asleep. I reached my hand forward and stroked the side of his smooth face gently with the back of my hand, smiling slightly. I pushed out some of my energy towards him and I felt it leave my body and enter his as the blue light reflected off us both. I ran my hand down from his face to his chest. It was only a little bit of energy though because I was feeling very drained myself, but hopefully this would help.
“Sam,” I whispered, shaking his shoulder lightly after I had finished.
He opened his eyes and got out of the car instantly. I put my arms around his waist to help support him and he put one of his arms around me, stumbling towards the door that led to the living room. We made our way through the house and eventually to his room, but not without difficulty. He jumped straight into his bed and I jumped in next to him, wrapping my arms around his warm waist. He pulled me closer to him and his thumb started rubbing my arm soothingly.
I was absolutely exhausted and would love nothing better than to lie down and relax next to him for a few hours.
My hand entwined with one of his as I could feel his breath in my hair. I fell asleep listening to the steady rhythm of his heart, all my worries werent forgotten as I tried to relax and hope everything would be okay, they were just pushed to the back of my mind for the mean time. Wait, I accidentally left the movie without telling the girls… I laughed to myself. Oops, Ill fix things up tomorrow.
3 Months later
13. Relationships
It was Wednesday May 7th. It has been a little over 3 months since weve heard from the Warrigal coven. We were all superstitious and had been on guard the whole time, but things were starting to ease.
I walked into my Biology class with Sam and we took our usual seats. I was feeling nervous all day today because we had de
cided to tell dad that Sam was officially my boyfriend. And when I say
we I mean him: Sam. I was still worried about how dad would react, but the plan was to tell him we were going out for a party at Sams house and he was picking me up Friday, then hopefully dad would get the clue. I hoped he would be alright with Sam and I being together, since our relationship has gotten a lot better since February. I think he could handle it maturely. Dad understood me more, and inside, I was as glad and proud of him as I say I am.
“Alright class, today we will be studying diseases and what causes them,” Mrs. Nelson announced, walking into the classroom.
There were a lot of moans from the class, especially from Luke behind me, but I just snickered. I really didn't mind Biology, especially because Sam was here and if I didnt understand something, he would explain it to me better than the teacher. He was so smart. Biology was also one of the subjects I was good at, I wasn't the best at it, but I could pass it. Not without difficulties of course.
“Yes, I know. But it will all be over with before you know it,” she said, writing notes on the board.
While Mrs. Nelson was writing I started getting nervous as home time drew closer. I was again thinking about dad... and Sam, sitting in the same room... with me.
“Are you sure you want to meet my dad?” I whispered to Sam.
“As sure as I love you,” he replied, smiling easily.
“Okay,” I said, unsure.
“And I have met him before, just not as your boyfriend,” he emphasized the word with a smile.
I was dreading this so much, but at least he wanted my dad to know. This was a good thing, right?
Today I asked Jane to drop me off at my house, promising I would come over later to help set up the party for Friday. Apparently all the guests were friends of the Archers who had Supernatural abilities as well. They were throwing this party as a cover to asking them for their help. We knew the Warrigal coven were up to something, so we had to be prepared. We needed all the help we could get.
I unlocked the front door and went straight to the kitchen to put dinner on. While it was simmering, I quickly went up to my room and switched my computer on, getting out of my uniform while I waited. I checked my emails and had one from Mandy.
The Hidden Revelations: First Light Page 25