“Is he trustworthy?” I ask nervously. “I mean, I know he’s your family lawyer, and I don’t want to offend you… but after Mom’s lawyer…” I shrug, trying to compose my thoughts. “It’s just… I don’t know who I can trust outside of you guys. I know I don’t talk about him a lot… but my Father is supposed to be some kind of big shot. Are you sure it’s safe to talk to this lawyer?”
“Absolutely! Our parents have known and trusted him for years,” Ian assures. “I already took the precaution of doing my own background check. Not only on him, but also on your father. There is no evidence of any kind of connection between them. I’m certain he is safe and that you can trust him to handle the legal stuff. However, I have to warn you... he’s a bit... eccentric.
“What do you mean?” I frown, perplexed.
“He’s a conspiracy theorist… His legal practice only takes on select clients and specific types of cases. Outside work, he lives under the radar, using an alias. He wants to meet you in person before finalizing anything. If you want to do this, he’s available Sunday. You’ll have to meet him on the mainland; he won’t come to the island. But don’t worry, Jared and I will go with you.”
“Let’s do it. The sooner I get this shit figured out the better. I don’t want to have to deal with Mom’s creepy lawyer any more than I have too.” I sigh, continuing on with my own bad news. “Speaking of Ms. Blackmore, going to the hockey game with you guys is not in the cards for me. Once school is out Friday, I need to go pick up that check from her office, then go to the bank and open an account to deposit it. Oh and I guess I also need to find out what I have to do to access the house account and make sure nothing gets shut off on me.”
“We can help you with that, Emmy,” Ian jumps in, sharing a look with Jared.
“That’s right, Pixie. If you’re staying home then we will too.”
I shake my head. “You don’t need to do that. You guys should go to the game as planned.”
“And leave you here alone?” Jared scoffs, running his hand through his hair. “Nah, I’ve been getting enough shit this week for “faking” the severity of my injury during tryouts. I’m good with skipping the game.”
“Wait, what are you talking about?” I frown, twisting to look directly at Jared.
“Apparently Coach caught wind of the fact that we were dancing at the Halloween ball. He’s decided I must have been faking how bad the sprain was to get out of playing this season.”
“But that’s ridiculous! If you didn’t want to be on the team, you could have skipped tryouts like Ian did! OMG, he was there, he saw you get hurt! Is this guy a moron or something?”
“Aww, you do care, Pixie,” Jared smirks, and I roll my eyes. “But it is what it is. I did recover faster than I should have, so I get why he thinks that.”
“Wait, What are you talking about?” I frown.
“We think the energy exchanged during the ritual must have sped up the healing process,” Ian interjects in a low voice. “What should have taken 6 to 8 weeks to heal, only took 4.”
“Maybe the doctor was mistaken about the severity?” I counter. “I mean it’s not necessarily magic related.”
“It doesn’t really matter if it was a misdiagnosis or magic,” Jared sighs. “Either way, I'm still out for the season. And it doesn’t stop Coach or the rest of the team from being dicks about it.”
He shrugs it off, like he doesn’t care, but I find it hard to believe he’s not upset. It sucked enough to be sidelined due to an injury, but to have people thinking he was faking. Ugh, I can’t even imagine.
“Besides,” Jared continues. “Since Ian found evidence linking Invictus Investments to the shell company that paid for the rental car, we’d all feel safer if you don’t go to Ms. Blackmore’s office alone. I don’t want to scare you, but there is no guarantee Ms. Blackmore isn’t also connected with the Magi.”
The rest of the guys chime in their agreement, and I look around at them in surprise. I hadn’t realized they were paying attention to our conversation.
“Ok, ok. You’re right,” I admit, throwing up my hands. “I shouldn’t see the lawyer alone. Thanks for being willing to stay home and go with me.”
“Of course, Emmy,” Ian smiles. “We’re your family.”
Thursday, November 5th
∞
“Hey Trouble, are you coming with us tonight?” Clayton asked quietly, taking the seat across from me. “There’s a pre-game party happening down at the beach.”
I can feel the guys watching me, and suppress the urge to sigh. Ugh, why does it have to be tonight? I just want to finish reading this story and shut out reality for a while longer. Setting the book down, I look around the table at them.
“Sorry guys. Not tonight. I just want to stay in and read.”
“Aww, come on,” Clayton pouts.
“That’s no fun, Sprite.”
“Since when do you want to go hang out with the masses anyways?” I counter, eyebrow raised.
Sebastian shrugs and grins. “Since we’d be there with the most beautiful girl on the island, Sprite.”
I roll my eyes and shake my head. “Thanks, but no thanks. I’m just not in the mood. Besides, shouldn’t you three be resting up for tomorrow’s game?” Standing, I grab my book and messenger bag right as the bell rings. With a wave, I make my way downstairs. The guys noisily scramble to catch up, and I resist the urge to laugh. Ian’s the first to reach me, falling into step at the bottom of the stairs.
“We don’t have to go to the party,” Ian offers. “We can hang out at your place or the cottage, watch a movie or two.”
“No thanks, Ian,” I shake my head, smiling to soften the blow. “You guys go ahead and go to the beach. I’d rather be alone for a bit. I have a book to finish.”
Ian opens the library door and motions for me to go first. Ignoring the crowded hall, I head straight for the nearest exit. I’d rather take the long way around the parking lot, than be stuck in the school. I can feel Ian behind me, but he doesn’t say anything. Walking fast, I make it to the van in less than 5 minutes. Breathing a sigh of relief, I lean against the side. Ian slowly approaches, his ocean blue eyes inspecting me closely.
“Emmy, you know we’re here if you want to talk,” his earnest expression breaks my heart and I raise my hand to stop what’s coming next.
Over the last few days, they’d all been trying to get me to talk about Mom’s leaving. They didn’t understand that I didn’t want to rehash it again. She made her choice and there isn’t anything I can do about it. I just want to forget about her and everything else, if only for a little while.
Ian frowns, but doesn’t say anything as the rest of the guys join us. Clayton unlocks the doors before going around into the driver's side. Everyone is quiet as we climb in and get settled. The uncomfortable silence stretches on as we pull out of the lot.
“Look, I know you guys are just trying to help. But I really don’t want to talk about Mom.”
“Come on Sprite.”
“If you’d just…” Jared starts.
“Let it go, guys,” Samil breaks in, cutting them off. “It’s ok, Em. We get it. We’ll drop you off and give you some time.”
“But...” Samil’s glare cut off whatever Ian was going to say.
“I'll be over after midnight, if that’s still alright?” Samil asks. I nod, giving him a grateful smile.
∞
The van pulled up in front of my house and I scrambled to unbuckle my seatbelt.
“If you change your mind…” Clayton offers as I hop out of the front seat.
“I know how to get a hold of you,” I assure, turning to giving him a weak smile. “Really, I do. Maybe next time.” With that, I quickly shut the door, cutting off any further protests.
Hurrying up the porch stairs, I disable the alarm and unlock the front door using the app. I open the door just wide enough to slip in and quickly lock it behind me. Safely inside, I pull back the front curtain and give the thumbs
up, signaling that it’s ok to leave.
As the van pulls away, I breathe out a sigh of relief. I know they’re just trying to help. But sometimes they need to back off a little. It takes so much energy just to keep it together and go through the motions at school; I don’t have anything left over to spend on rehashing the past or worrying about stuff outside my control. I need to stay in the moment and focus on one thing at a time. And right now, that’s finding out how this book ends!
Friday, November 6th
∞
This week has passed in such a blur; it’s hard to believe it’s already Friday. Of course it could be that I’ve been mentally checked out most of the time. At least I’ve already dealt with this week’s trip to my locker.
Ever since the twins managed to see the glitter bomb episode, I’ve been sneaking in visits when the guys were busy. I didn’t want them to see any new “gifts” that might have been left for me. Luckily I managed to lose them long enough to swing by before Fashion Construction… yesterday? Or was it Wednesday? Eh, whatever, one of those days. Although, honestly, I almost wish I hadn’t.
When I opened the door, a flood of paper poured out, spilling across the floor. I pick up a few, just to confirm it was the same old spiteful hate mail left by the jealous and narrow minded. I could hear the laughter and snickers of the passing students, while their emotions pressed in and suffocated me. I’d had to fight to push more energy into my shield until the feeling faded.
Surveying the mess, I shook my head and rolled my eyes. Apparently they hadn’t figured out that I just don’t care what they say, and I had better things to do with my time than read their petty messages.
I swept the rest of the vile letters out of my locker to join those already littering the floor. With my locker clear of trash, I tossed my text books inside, close the door, and spin the lock. Ignoring the whispers arounds me, I’d walk away.
As far as I’m concerned, it’s not my mess to clean up. I give zero shits who sees the lies and bile in those notes. I refuse to let the assholes with their ignorant opinions affect me. Perhaps if the school janitor looks at them as he cleans up, he might share them with the school administration, letting them see the bullying that goes on here every day.
The lunch bell rings, bringing me back to the present and the rapidly emptying classroom. Grabbing my phone, I shoot off a quick text.
Me: I need to make a pit stop. Meet you out by the bus.
Angel Sebastian: We’ll be waiting.
Tank Clayton: Hurry, Trouble!
“You want me to wait for you?” Jared asks, gathering his books.
“Nah, I’ll catch up. See you there.”
Grabbing my things, I swing by the restroom. After a quick stop there, I rush through the halls and out to the parking lot to wish the guys off.
I hear them before I see them. Everyone’s gathered in the parking lot closest to the gym. The hockey team and the cheerleaders mill around in small groups around the school bus. Apparently the school arranges a special ferry to take the bus to the mainland and back, but to make the game on time they need to leave midway through the day. From the party vibe, everyone was happy to be getting out of classes early. I suppose that was one of the perks of joining the team.
I spot my guys huddled together, a little ways away from the rest of the crowd and I pick up the pace.
“Hey guys!” I call. As one they turn to look at me, smiles lighting up their faces. Samil, Sebastian and Clayton are all looking incredibly hot in their red and black team jerseys.
“There you are, Sprite,” Sebastian says, slipping an arm around my shoulder. “We were starting to think you weren’t going to make it.”
“Of course I made it! I wouldn’t miss an opportunity to see you guys in your matching outfits.” I wink; I turned into him for a quick hug before pulling away. Samil’s right there waiting for his hug and I move into his open arms. Stepping back, turn to hug Clayton but he surprises me by sweeping me off my feet and spinning me around.
“Clayton, put me down!” I laugh, playfully slapping his shoulders.
“Ok! Ok, Trouble! No need to beat me up,” Clayton grins, setting me back down.
“I’m sorry I can’t be there,” I tell them for the millionth time. “I’d much rather be watching your game, than stuck here going to the lawyer’s office.”
“It’s ok Em,” Samil pats me on the shoulder. “We’ve got plenty more games to come.”
“Everyone on the bus,” the Coach yells, causing a flurry of activity amongst the rest of the students.
The guys rush in for a final round of hugs before joining the line to board the bus.
“Good luck, guys!” Ian calls.
“Bring home the win!” Jared cheers.
Sebastian is the last to board, blowing a kiss before the door closes. The rest of the well-wishers drift off and the lot clears. But the twins and I stay; waving goodbye till the bus is out of sight. The shrill sound of the warning bell in the distance demands that we get back. I can’t help but feel jealous that the boys got to cut out early. Silly really. I’ve only got two classes left, and one of them is Study Hall.
“Well, I guess we should get going.” I sigh, turning back towards the school.
“Yup.” Jared agrees, taking my arm. Ian moves to my other side and together we walk back to campus. My steps slow as we approach the fork in the path where we have to separate.
“Welp, I’ll see you guys in Study Hall.”
“See ya later, Pixie.” Jared says, releasing my arm.
“Bye, Em. Have fun in Fashion class.”
“I’ll do my best,” I chuckle. No point boring them with the details of how disappointing the class has been thanks to the underachieving substitute teacher.
The twins wave in unison, before breaking off towards the band room, and I continue on to the main building. I can feel the stares as I enter the building but I refuse to acknowledge the attention, striding confidently down the hall.
A vibration in my pocket catches my attention, and I step out of the flow of students to look at my phone.
Prince Charming: You look positively radiant today
Seriously??? You’ve got to be kidding me. With all the craziness since the Halloween ball, I must not have blocked the Voodoo Priest’s text messages.
Me: I’m not interested, Creeper. Lose my number
“Come now, is that anyway to treat an admirer?”
I jump in surprise and spin around to find myself face to face with a surprisingly good looking guy. His thick, dark brown hair is slicked back, and his lips curled in a half smile, half smirk. Without his voodoo priest costume he looked almost normal, if a little overdressed, in his dark slacks and white dress shirt. He reminds me of Tom from the late 80’s show “21 Jump Street”. One of the stations ran a marathon of the reruns while I was stuck in the hospital. Tom had been pretty hot, played by Johnny... something or other.
“Damn, you just can’t take a hint. I’m not interested.” I say, pushing past him.
“Really? Or are you worried your boyfriends will get the wrong idea if they see us talking.” I feel the pressure of his energy pushing against my shield as he follows along behind me.
I roll my eyes and keep moving, hoping he’ll go away. “They’re not my boyfriends. And I can talk to anyone I like.”
“Even better, then there’s no reason for you to turn down my dinner invitation. I’m new here. I’d like for us to be friends.”
I spin around and glare at him. “Look…”
“Elijah,” he interrupts with a smile.
“Elijah,” I spit out. “I’m not interested in having dinner with you. Not tonight or any other night.”
“Hey, you can’t blame a guy for trying. After all, you are by far the most interesting woman I’ve met on this little island.”
I throw up my hands in frustration, and decide to try a different approach.
“Look, Elijah. I’m sure you’re a nice guy under the cheesy pic
kup lines, but I’m really not interested.”
“You know a person can’t have too many friends, Princess. Think about it.” With that he turns and disappears into the crowd.
Ugh just what I need, more trouble.
∞
After study hall, it’s a short walk to the parking lot and the twins’ dragon-mobile. The name seems appropriate for their black four-door Cadillac sedan, with its white and blue dragon motif. We pile into the big car and head downtown to take care for my errands. It only takes 10 minutes to reach the large red brick building housing the lawyer’s office. Pulling up to the curb, Ian puts the car in park and turns to me.
“Do you want us to come in with you?”
“Nah, this should just take a couple of minutes. Keep the car running, I’ll be right back,” I reply, climbing out.
I hurry up the stairs, wanting to get this over with as quickly as possible. Opening the door, I can already feel the heaviness in the air. I take a deep breath, quickly reinforcing my shields, then step inside.
The waiting room is just as empty as last time. The receptionist is behind her desk, typing away at her computer. Funny that she always seems so busy when she and Ms. Blackmore are the only ones here. Today she’s wearing a powder blue blazer with large shoulder pads. Her eyeshadow matches her jacket, giving her an almost clown like appearance. I’m not sure who told her that was a good look, but they were very, very wrong.
Crossing over to the desk, I wait for her to acknowledge me but she doesn't look up.
“Excuse me,” I finally say. She continues typing for a few more minutes before slowly looking up at me, her lips pinched with disapproval.
“Do you have an appointment?” Ms. Congeniality asks shortly.
“Hi, I’m Emilienne Langmore,” I say, plastering a smile on my face. “I’m here for my disbursement check. Ms. Blackmore said I could pick it up today.”
“I’ll have to verify that,” she says, looking me over suspiciously. Grabbing the phone, she quickly dials a number before turning her back to me.
“Ms. Blackmore, there’s a young woman here…” Ms. Congeniality stops talking and glares at me over her shoulder. “Just a moment,” she says into the receiver before covering it with her hand.
Wave of Truth (The Magic Catalyst Chronicles Book 4) Page 2