“You did? ...You didn’t get anything, did you?” He asks, frowning. Already I can feel him pulling away, burying his vulnerability behind the walls he’s built up over the last three years.
“Well, no, not yet. But I found a really great Subaru, and it’s not too expensive. I know you said before that you’d help me out and I would only need to borrow a couple grand....” My voice fades as he looks away, not meeting my eyes.
“I don’t think I can do that....”
“Oh. But... I thought that you said you’d help me with a car? I mean, I have most of the money, and I’ll pay you back–”
“It’s not that,” he cuts me off. “I, um, well, why don’t you come into the garage.”
As I walk through the doors, he says, “Happy birthday Em!”
Next to his car sits a brand new Lexus GS 350 Sport. I can’t believe what I’m seeing. It’s a sleek white four-door coupe, bright and shiny. I rush towards it to get a closer look. The interior is done up all in black and there’s a moon roof. It’s incredible – I love it. Except...
“But, I thought we agreed that I’d pay for my own car, and you would lend me some money if I needed it?” Sebastian’s snide comments about my dad buying me a car comes back to me.
He runs his hand through his hair nervously. “Well, yeah, I said that, but I couldn’t ruin the surprise. Besides, I don’t want you driving around in some piece of junk that’s going to break down and leave you stranded somewhere.”
I suspect his guilt for the other night played a major role in this as well.
When I don’t respond right away he continues nervously, “But if you don’t like it, we can always take it back and get you something different. Maybe a another color, or something more–”
“No dad, it’s not that. I’m just in shock. I love it! It’s amazing! Thank you.” I give him a quick hug and plaster a smile on my face so he won’t think I’m unhappy with it. I’m not, I tell myself.
“It comes fully equipped with a navigation system and heated front seats.” He continues to rattle off a list of specs, horsepower and safety features and such, but most of it goes over my head.
When he finally stops to take a breath, I ask excitedly, “So, where are the keys?”
He smiles in relief and takes them out of his pocket. “I have them here, but I don’t want you test driving it tonight. Wait until tomorrow, when it’s light out.”
“Sure, I just want to sit in it, see how it feels,” I say, still smiling. He hands them over and goes inside to get some of that chicken I promised him, leaving me alone in the garage to admire my new car.
I let my smile slip as I open the door and sit behind the wheel. I marvel in awe at how sleek it is. I feel bad for not feeling more grateful. I mean, how many other people’s parents get them a brand new Lexus for their birthday. I should be ecstatic. And I am, in a way. But, I just really wanted to earn my car. I wanted to buy one with my own money. Sure, it would have been a piece of junk, probably breaking down more often than not, but it would have been my piece of junk.
I can picture Sebastian’s crestfallen face when I show him this. He was so excited today to help me find something that I could afford...
Chapter 14
I have Sebastian pick me up for school the next morning, even though I could have driven myself. But if I did that, I’d have to explain to him about my new car and I don’t want to have that conversation this early in the morning.
“So what did your father say?” Sebastian asks immediately.
“About what?” I answer, playing for time. Apparently I won’t be able to put this conversation off until later...
“About the car! Is he gonna lend you the money?”
“Um, no, not exactly...”
“What! I thought he said he’d help you? That cheap bastard. You know what, forget him. I have a little cash saved up. If I can get Bobby to drop the price enough, I should be able to lend you what you need.”
“No, you don’t have to do that–”
“I want to. I know how excited you were about that WRX.”
“No, I mean yeah, I was, but the thing is...” I look down, studying my nails nervously. “My dad already bought me a car.” There, it’s out.
He turns to me, mouth hanging open. “Are you kidding?”
“No. He showed it to me last night, when I told him about the Subaru.”
He forces his eyes back on the road, not saying anything else, jaw clenched tight.
“Sebastian?”
He doesn’t respond.
I don’t know what to say to him. I feel bad that he went out of his way to find me a car. And he was going to lend me the money to buy it too! I can’t believe he would offer that. It’s very un-Sebastian like. But on the other hand, I’m stoked about my new car, even though I didn’t buy it myself, and a little mad at Sebastian for being such a jerk about this.
Usually when he acts this way, I just walk away and let him sulk. However, I promised myself that I’d try harder with him, which means I can’t just ignore it.
We get all the way to the student parking lot and he still hasn’t said a word. I reach out to stop him before he can get out of the car. I’d rather hash this out here than with the rest of the school looking on.
“Sebastian, wait.”
He freezes, one hand on the door handle, still looking away from me.
“Thank you for taking me to look at those cars yesterday. It was really sweet. I’m sorry it ended up being a waste of time. I had no idea my dad had already gotten me something.”
“Yeah, well, I called it didn’t I? What did Daddy buy you? It was a Lexus, wasn’t it?” His mouth twists into a sneer.
My face heats up and he barks out a nasty laugh. “Yeah, it was. I knew it.
“My dad was trying to do something nice,” I grit out, my face flaming even more.
“Yeah, well next time he decides to do something nice like that, maybe he can give me a heads up before I waste my time calling in favors for his little Princess,” he jeers, his blue eyes flashing gold for a moment. After one last nasty look, he gets out of the car, slamming the door behind him.
I have to remind myself to breath. I am so angry I’m afraid I might shatter his windows. It would serve him right, the self-righteous prick.
I stay in the car, just focusing on my breathing and tightening my solar plexus until I’m certain I won’t hurt anyone or anything. I make it into homeroom just before the bell rings. Thankfully, I don’t have any classes with Sebastian, since he’s a year ahead of me. Maybe by lunch he’ll realize what an ass he’s being.
* * *
The second I walk into lunch, I know Sebastian hasn’t gotten over it yet. I also know that he’s already told Josh and Chris all about it, painting me in the worst possible light.
Chris is wearing a Patriots jersey, the bright white color contrasting with his smooth dark skin. His short Mohawk is still the same, but he now has a Pat Patriot – the Patriots’ mascot – shaved into the side of his head.
He looks at Josh, whose menacing black eyes are focused on me, his lip curled in disgust.
Mei, who’s sitting next to Josh for a change, gives me a sympathetic look before staring down at her lunch tray.
Sebastian doesn’t even glance up as I sit down next to him.
“Hey Princess, how’s it going?” Josh asks. I spare a moment to glare at Sebastian before facing off with Josh.
“It’s going great actually. I just got a new car.” I smile bitchily around at them before grabbing an apple from my bag and biting into it.
“Yeah, we heard,” Josh sneers, playing with his eyebrow ring. “So how come you didn’t drive it in today? You just like using Sebastian as a chauffeur?”
Sebastian keeps his head down. Mei looks at me again guiltily, but she doesn’t say anything. She’s jonesing for Josh too badly to risk defending me.
“Come on Josh, I’m sure that’s not it. She just doesn’t want to waste any of her ga
s. She’s gonna need a full tank to drive all the way to Vegas with Caiden. I heard he knocked you up at the party,” Chris adds, turning to me, an ugly smirk twisting his lips.
“Hey dipshits,” I snap. “Why don’t you get a life and get the hell out of mine.” I try to stay calm, but I know that if I don’t fight back they’ll just keep going. “And FYI, it takes more than one tank of gas to get to Vegas from Connecticut, but then, no one’s ever accused you of being a genius.” I smirk nastily at Chris, who narrows his eyes at me in dislike.
Olivia joins us and from her expression I know she’s already aware of the brewing storm.
“So how is Caiden doing?” Chris continues.
“I hear you two are getting real chummy in English.” Josh bares his teeth in the semblance of a smile.
“What?” Sebastian’s head whips up and he finally meets my eyes. He looks at Josh quickly, then turns back to me. “What’s he talking about?”
I open my mouth to explain, but Josh beats me to it. “It means she’s been sitting next to that freak every day, staring goo goo eyes at him, passing him notes. Planning their elopement, from what I hear.”
“Is that true?” Sebastian looks ready to explode. I don’t know how Josh heard this, but obviously he just couldn’t wait to spring it on Seb.
“Is what true? Am I eloping with Caiden?”
“Have you been sitting next to that freak in class?” He growls at me.
“Are you seriously asking whether I’ve ever sat next to Caiden in class before? You realize how ridiculous that question is, right?” I am going to lose it if I have to put up with much more of this. “You know what? I’m done.”
I get up and walk out. I hear Olivia call my name but I ignore her. I’ve had my quota of drama for the day.
I escape to the girl’s bathroom and begin touching up my makeup to calm myself down.
After a few minutes, Mei and Olivia follow me in. I notice that Kayla isn’t with them.
“You okay?” Olivia puts a comforting hand on my shoulder.
“Fine.” I continue re-applying my eyeliner. I need to keep my cool, and that isn’t going to happen if they start trying to comfort me.
“Josh was such an ass. I’m sorry. I don’t know why he’s taking this so personally...” Mei says, shaking her head.
“Don’t worry about it Mei. He’s just being his usual self.” I try to shrug it off, but my hurt and anger come spilling out. “I don’t know why you like him so much. He treats you like dirt. I heard about the party. That was low, even for him.”
Pain flashes in Mei’s blue eyes. She turns to the mirror and begins fixing her hair, which is wrapped up into two Princess Leia type buns near her temples.
Olivia raises an eyebrow at me in the mirror.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean... I just don’t see why you waste your time with him. Look at you!”
I gesture to her black mini skirt and fishnet stockings. Her tank top is a shimmery gold, keeping with the Princess Leia theme.
“You can have any guy you want, but you waste your time with him! I just don’t get it.”
“Yeah, well I don’t get why you’re wasting your time with Caiden when Sebastian is obviously crazy about you, but I figure that’s your business, so I just butt the hell out.” Mei turns on her heels and marches out the door.
“Nice going.” Olivia leans up against the sink and studies me. “She has a point. Why are you still bothering with Caiden? You got your answers about your mom. His friend said the same thing the cops did. Why are you screwing things up with you and Seb, chasing these insane theories?”
I feel myself deflate. I’ve already explained to her why I have to talk to Caroline again. If she thinks I’m crazy for it, well, there’s nothing else I can say. I certainly can’t explain about the coven...
Instead of answering her, I change the subject.
“Screw things up with Sebastian? Do you see the way he’s acting right now? This has nothing to do with Caiden! He’s getting all pissy because my dad bought me a car – it’s ridiculous!”
She studies me, her green cat-like eyes unblinking. “Yeah, he’s overreacting. But maybe you should ask yourself why he’s so upset about it.”
Then she too turns and walks out the door, leaving me alone with my anger.
* * *
I’m the first person in class when the bell rings. Caiden walks in and sits next to me. I’m still mad at him for jumping down my throat yesterday, but I’m less angry at him than I am at Sebastian, so the lesser of two evils I guess.
Plus, with the way I’m feeling right now, I could really use another lesson in self-control. I look up and deliberately meet his eyes.
*I can train today if you want,* I say to him, mind to mind. This sort of communication is still strange, but I’m grateful that I can talk to him without the rest of the class listening in.
He raises both of his eyebrows in surprise. He was probably expecting me to continue ignoring him after yesterday. *Really? What brought on this change of heart?*
I narrow my eyes and ignore his question. *Do you want to train or not?*
He smirks at me. He’s almost playful today. *I do, but I have to meet with Caroline after school first.*
*Great. You can give me a ride. I need to talk to her too.*
*Is everything alright?*
*Fine. I just have some questions for her. About my mom.*
His expression changes, softening the harsh planes of his face, but I’m relieved to see that he doesn’t seem to pity me the way so many others do. *Alright. But aren’t you concerned that your boyfriend might see you getting a ride home from me?*
He looks at the promise ring still on my finger. I curl my hand into a fist and hide it under the desk. If Sebastian hears about this it’ll just make things that much worse. But with the way he’s being right now, I just don’t care. Besides, I really need to talk to Caroline.
*Well, I’ll just have to make sure no one sees me. And, I doubt Sebastian’s going to offer me a ride home today, anyway.*
Wisely, he doesn’t comment.
Chapter 15
I meet Caiden in the parking lot after school and climb in his car as quickly as I can.
“Alright, let’s go,” I say, glancing around surreptitiously. Thankfully, Caiden parked so far away from the school that there really isn’t anyone around.
He takes his time buckling his seatbelt, but finally starts the engine. I duck down, letting my hair fall in front of my face as we drive through the parking lot. Caiden chuckles next to me.
“It’s not funny. You know, I’m doing this for you as much as me.”
He laughs outright at that. It’s the first time I’ve heard him laugh. It’s a deep, attractive sound.
“How, exactly, does you hiding help me? You think I’m worried about you ruining my reputation or something?” He asks, still chuckling.
I stare at him in shock.
“Oh my God, Caiden – Did you just make a joke? I never thought I’d see the day!”
He laughs again, and I think of all the crazy rumors circling around school about us.
“And I’m already ruining your reputation. According to gossip today, I’m carrying your love child and we’re about to run off to Vegas together.” My smile twists, remembering Sebastian’s reaction in lunch. “And no, I’m not worried about that. I’m hiding to protect you from Sebastian. If he finds out about this, the first thing he’ll do is dump me, but his next move will be to hunt you down.”
“I can take care of myself,” he says, sobering. “Or did you forget what happened Friday when he tried to pick a fight?”
I grimace. “Yeah, how did you get away? One second you were standing there, the next you were gone. No one saw where you went.”
“It’s a little trick I picked up, to blend into the background.”
“You weren’t just in the background, believe me. They would’ve found you.”
He smirks again. “No, you might’ve fou
nd me, but they didn’t stand a chance.”
“Wait, are you saying it was some sort of power you used?” I feel like an idiot even using the word ‘power’, like we’re in a comic book or something, but I don’t know how else to describe it.
“Yeah, in a way. It’s just a manipulation of energy. It keeps others from noticing you.”
“So you’re saying that you know a spell, or whatever it’s called, to keep people from seeing you, and you tell me this after I get into your car! You knew I didn’t want anyone see to see us together! Why didn’t you tell me about this earlier?”
“Calm down, unless you want to pay for a new window.” He eyes his windshield warily. “Don’t worry; I kept you from being seen in the parking lot.”
“You did?”
“Yeah. Though the thought of Sebastian trying to take a few swings at me is intriguing, it really is best for us to keep a low profile. We don’t want any unnecessary attention being called to the coven.”
“Coven...” I test out. The word is so strange. But it reminds me of some things he’s been keeping from me. “So, when are you going to tell me who else is in it? Besides Lydia, I mean. And probably Ethan and Arianna too, right? Since you four seem so close?” To my amazement, a faint pink tinges his upper cheeks.
“How did you find out about Lydia?” He asks, feigning indifference.
“She told me yesterday in Chem. Asked if I needed any ‘help’. She obviously knew I was having a tough time. Did you tell her about Sarah? Or about my mom? Because what I told you was private–”
“What?” He looks shocked. “Of course I didn’t! About your mom, I mean. The whole coven knows about Sarah, but that’s Caroline’s doing, not mine.”
Blood drains from my face. “The whole coven? Why? Why would she do that?”
“It wasn’t to embarrass you or anything,” he says quickly. “It was so everyone could keep an eye on her, make sure she recovered fully and didn’t start any rumors or anything. I told you, our safety means everything.”
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