Midnight Runes (The Bestowed Ones) (15 page)

Landon sat next to me in first hour, which changed things up a bit. Usually he sat across the room.

“Did you have an exciting weekend?” he prompted.

I could play this game. “A rather thrilling one, actually. I didn’t know if I’d survive. You?”

“It wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle.”

“I’m surprised you’re wearing camouflage. Were your jujitsu PJs dirty?”

“Camo blends in better. I like to catch them by surprise.”

“And by them you mean the bad guys?”

“Of course.”

Zach leaned in. “What are you two talking about?”

“His love for martial arts,” I answered.

“Oh. How was the concert? I was so bummed I had to work and no one would switch days with me,” Zach said.

“It was great! They’re amazing live,” I said.

“Yeah, you missed a fun time,” Landon added. I shot him a warning look, but he was already smirking back at me.

“You ended up going? Did you guys all go together?” Zach asked.

“It was very last-minute. I almost didn’t get there in time,” Landon said. I wanted to kick him to be quiet.

“I heard it was sold out. How were you able to get a ticket?”

“Have to know the right method to get in.”

“Elyse and I didn’t see him until after the concert was over,” I clarified.

“Huh. Oh, I almost forgot…there’s a bunch of us going to buy stuff to decorate the hall after school today. I have room in my car, if either of you change your mind.”

“Thanks for the offer, but I think I’ll let you guys pick the stuff out, and I’ll stick to hanging it. Just tell me what to do,” I said.

Landon laughed. “Yes, because you’re so good at taking directions.”

I shot him another look, but Mr. Lewton stood up to begin class before I could say what was on my mind. He ended up giving us an in-class assignment. No complaints here. That meant no homework.

Landon and I walked out of the classroom together.

“How’s your arm?” he asked under his breath.

“The mark is barely visible.” I pulled up my sleeve so he could see for himself. “It’s healing much faster than I thought it would. My shoulder’s better too, but still has more healing to go.”

“I’m sorry about that.”

“Don’t be.” He was silent long enough for me to doubt he believed me. “It’s nothing compared to…well…you know,” I trailed off. “When did you learn to fight like that?” The thought of Trevor and him fighting made me lightheaded.

“Feels like a long time ago. My parents wanted me to learn a way to channel my energy.” He hesitated before “energy” just enough that I noticed.

“Do you get into a lot of fights?” I asked.

“It’s a last resort.”

His answer relaxed something in me that had been bound up since I thought of it after the concert. There was no arrogance in his voice. He wasn’t full of himself. He just stated facts.

“You’re really comfortable talking about it, but you don’t flaunt it. Is that why you didn’t mention it in your meet-the-new-kid-in-school interview with Elyse?”

“It’s not something to parade around. The less people know, the better.”

We walked a bit more in silence. “Thank you for Saturday night.”

“It’s what friends do.”

I thought back to his comment when dropping me off after the last float-building party. “Friends don’t use each other. We’ve both admitted to it.”

“Everyone uses each other on some level. Whether or not you continue to associate with certain people depends on the extent of the using.”

“I haven’t heard from Trevor. Do you know why?”

“No,” he said slowly.

“He knows you’re a student here.”

“Yes, he was very vocal about it.”

“Did you get into a fight with him?” I asked.

“We haven’t decked each other, if that’s what you’re asking. Yet.”

I
paced the floor. I had too much on my mind. School, college, boys. Trevor still hadn’t returned any of my calls, not even with a text. Landon confirmed that they didn’t put their hands on each other, but I needed confirmation that Trevor was alright.

There was a knock at the door. It was about time Elyse showed up, after telling me she had to come over. “I have a solution for you and your little problem,” she blurted as I opened the door.

“Which one?” I asked sarcastically before stepping aside.

She came into my house and I followed her to the kitchen. “Your spooky I’m-being-watched problem.”

“Oh, well what is it?” This had to be good. Or at least amusing.

“I found that psychic from the grad party. I made you an appointment.”

I blinked. That was unexpected. By the way she stood, I had a feeling she was waiting for me to take action. “Now?” I asked.

“Yeah. Grab your keys. Don’t look at me like that. We talked about you researching these famous psychics’ backgrounds, and I might have just saved you a bunch of time reading book after boring book. Let’s move. She had a very specific window of availability.”

Elyse drove us to a family diner twenty minutes from my house.

“Doesn’t she have an office?” I asked Elyse as she pulled into a parking space.

“Yes, but she didn’t want to meet there. She didn’t want any repayment for her trouble, either. Said that she was going to have to talk to you soon anyway.”

“What, like hunt me down?”

She shrugged. “I guess. I don’t know how she operates.”

The door chimed as we opened it. The hostess seemed to be expecting us. We followed her to a table in the back corner of the private party room. The psychic lady—as she was affectionately known to us—sat with her back to the wall. She wore a vibrant scarf as a headband and her smile was as welcoming and bright as her yellow shirt.

An ominous feeling passed through me as I approached her. Did I really want to know?

I sat down but Elyse didn’t. I looked up at her questioningly, dread setting in. This felt like a set-up.

“I did this for you. I’ll be in the other part of the restaurant,” she said, smiling encouragingly as she walked away.

“Don’t be nervous, Brynn, or angry with your friend. What is it you wish to know?”

“I’m sorry. You know my name but I don’t know yours.”

“It’s Cassandra, my dear.”

I held my hand out to hers. “Nice to officially meet you. Am I crazy?”

She chuckled. “It can feel that way sometimes. No, you’re not. Far from it.”

“I get the feeling someone’s watching me.”

“Not around me. That’s prohibited.”

“Not at this moment, but at different times. The length varies. Sometimes it’s just a quick feeling, sometimes it lingers, sometimes it comes and goes. Some of the famous mediums said their abilities started when they were young.” I bit my inner lip before I said, “I wondered if I fell into that category.”

Her eyes lingered on my face, and a small smile danced on her lips before she spoke again. Like she already knew the secret. “It’s not a ghost.”

“
Not
a ghost? Then what…why do I…” I took a breath and started over. “So someone…who can turn invisible…checks up on me.”

“Life exists beyond the mundane. You sense it. Just like you faintly sense emotions. Haven’t you ever wondered how you can feel what others feel? Their ability is much more developed, of course, which is something you can do with yours.” I guess I had taken it for granted that I was able to know how others felt. It was a natural part of who I was. “This person has taken an assignment and turned it personal.”

I was too intrigued to be disturbed. “So you know who it is?”

She nodded.

But she wasn’t going to fill me in. I felt anger rising. I was tired of being in the dark.

“I don’t interfere. I guide and direct.”

“Elyse said you had to talk to me.”

“It’s imperative you develop your abilities ahead of what’s coming. You’ll be more equipped to handle the changes, and you’ll be ahead of the learning curve.”

“What’s going to happen?”

“The balance is being challenged. Rules are being deliberately ignored for personal gain.”

“What am I supposed to do about it?”

“Isn’t that the question? I suppose you’ll do what’s in your nature to do.”

“How am I supposed to develop this emotional-feeling thing?”

“Emotional telepathy. The same way we get good at anything. Practice. Look within. Focus on that part of you that is connected but separate from who you are. Allow it to grow. Shape it to what you want it to be. Experiment. It won’t take you long. You haven’t had that recurring dream in a while. Why do you think that is?”

She stood up and walked around to my side of the table. “Here, take my card so you can have direct access to me when you need it. My cell’s on the back. Program it into yours. I’ll help guide you as much as I’m allowed. Certain topics I’ll have more freedom with. Time will grant it too.” She gave me a warm smile. “Make him work to keep your affection. He’s worth it.”

“Which guy?” I asked, but she smiled and shook her head.

I thanked her and went to find Elyse.

I spotted her sitting with someone with his back toward me. Someone I not only recognized but also felt elated to see. My presence caused Elyse to look up, and Landon turned around with a smile on his face. I knew that smile. It was part mischievous, part amused.

I smiled back as I approached. “What are you doing here?”

“I was doing some errands for my parents and stopped across the street for gas. I spotted Elyse outside on her cell, so I popped over.”

“Yeah. Reception sucks in here,” she said.

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at them, wondering if I had been set up for a second time.

“So where were you all this time, Brynn?” he asked innocently enough.

“Secret meeting,” I replied.

He looked thoughtful. Maybe he was deciding how and when he would get it out of me. “Was it beneficial?”

“Somewhat. The info is still mostly in code. I have homework to do.”

“Ah.”

Elyse stood. “Jared was the one who called. He’s at his aunt’s with his parents, and he’s desperate to get out of there. It was just supposed to be a short visit, but it’s turned into a longer one. I’m going to rescue him. Do you want to come with, or…” she let the sentence drag out and looked to Landon.

“I could take you home,” he offered.

I evaluated my options. I didn’t want to get stuck at Jared’s aunt’s any more than he did.

“I’ll go with Landon.”

“I’ll call you later.”

I followed Landon to his car. Or I thought to his car. Was this a joke? No way was he driving
this
. Even sitting innocently in its parking spot, it looked fast. He already had the driver’s side door open when he looked back to me.

“What’s with the hesitation?” he asked.

“What’s with the car?”

He showed a flash of satisfaction before responding. “I won it.”

“You won it? Like in a bet?” This was a fantastically beautiful car. I reached out to touch the glossy blue paint. “What kind of person wagers a Corvette Stingray in a bet? And what could you possibly bet on with a car in the stakes?”

“High-stakes gambling between friends. Let’s go, girlie. I’ll let you drive if you answer some questions.” I looked at him across the windshield. I had no doubt what the questions centered on. I opened the passenger door.

We sat down and buckled in.

“Where do you buy a decoder to decode the information you seek?” he asked. “We can stop at the geek’s electronic store on the way if you’d like.”

I sighed. “It’s going to have to play itself out.”

“Sounds like a waste of time.”

“Not a waste. I wish I had more pieces to the puzzle. I’m missing some pretty important parts.”

“So it’s a mystery.”

“Definitely.”

“You’ll figure it out.”

“I hope so. Apparently I’m not crazy,” I said casually.

“The stress of being you finally getting to you?” he teased.

“No, that’s not it,” I paused, unsure if I wanted to continue. I shook my head. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“Try me,” he said, smiling.

I hesitated. “You’ll think I’m paranoid.”

“You’re just making me more and more curious.” I bit my lip and looked out my window, deciding how much to admit. When I didn’t respond, he added, “You can tell me as little or as much as you’d like. You don’t have to reveal anything.”

“I feel like I’m being followed. Or watched,” I blurted out, embarrassed. The silence stretched on, turning my embarrassment into regret. “It’s not all the time, but it’s often enough to make me uncomfortable. It’s not uncomfortable in a menacing way, though. It’s more like…I don’t know…like it’s an observing or protective force. It’s uncomfortable because I don’t know where it’s coming from or why. Not so much because I’m scared.” I added that last part on to convince myself I wasn’t afraid of something—or some
one
I could sense but not see. “I finally mentioned it to Elyse. She took it upon herself to find the psychic from Alyssa’s grad party and arranged a meeting. She mentioned to Elyse she had to talk to me anyway.”

The whole time I talked, I looked down so I couldn’t see his reaction. I didn’t want to see myself reflected in his eyes as he debated my level of sanity. Elyse I could handle that from, but even she wouldn’t judge me, no matter how crazy I sounded. I wasn’t sure about anyone else. When I couldn’t take the silence any longer, I braced myself for his assessment and glanced over at him.

I searched his face as he searched mine. I had prepared myself to see speculation or doubt. Instead, I looked into a carefully composed expression. Too controlled. I had missed his initial reaction.

I figured he’d regret knowing, and he was probably contemplating how to tell my parents to have me committed.

“I didn’t expect you to say that, especially about Cassandra,” he murmured.

“You know Cassandra?”

“She’s well-known. I don’t think you’re paranoid,” he said. I felt a current go through me at the emotion in his voice. Something burned behind his eyes. I knew in that moment that telling him was the right thing to do to. I could feel the rightness in it, even without engaging my special emotional gift. I could sense he was happy I confided in him.