Font Size:  

Faster than a blink everything changes. His hand isn’t too tight on mine, he isn’t too close. He gives a respectful shake of my hand and an easy smile.

“If you change your mind, Quinn,” he says, “I’m usually around Bartle Hall.”

I wet my lips, and with an effort of will keep myself from trembling. The world is falling apart, figuratively and literally. Maybe the truth is simple. Maybe, and it’s just the slightest possibility, all it is is that I’m crazy. Maybe I had a nervous breakdown in Scotland. All of this is some grand delusion. I mean who could ever believe any of this is real?

“Bartle Hall,” I repeat, nodding and keeping a fixed smile. “Got it.”

He turns and walks away without another word. I watch him go. An artic chill creeps out of my core and spreads across my limbs. If I don’t move, I’m going to be frozen so I turn and walk. I fold the paper my professor gave me with the impossible list of assignments and tuck it into my pocket. Hands freed, I cross my arms over my chest and rub my arms to encourage blood to return and warm myself.

I’m done with this. The Druid said I’m not their vaunted One and he’s not willing to train me any further. That’s it, right? They wanted a decision, I’ve made one. The Fae and all their crazy magical nonsense can wait.

So why don’t I feel any better?

And the thing I don’t understand most of all is if I’m not the One then why is the darkness still coming after me? Personal amusement? Or maybe its bored. Tired of waiting for the real One and I’ve somehow been lucky enough to be nominated as a plaything?

“Quinn!” Savannah yells from across the street.

She’s waving her arms in the air like a crazy person, which tells me she’s probably been trying to get my attention for a bit. I blink and realize I’m across the street fromRedux.I return the wave, then wait for the light to change and cross the street to join her.

“Girl, you ready for tonight?” Savannah asks.

“Tonight?” I ask.

The pressure that had eased by my forgetting it crashes back into my head. I’m going to have to up my skin care routine to fight the wrinkles this stress is causing. Her eyes widen and her mouth forms an O as she turns to face me.

“Are you serious? Oh God, Quinn, you can’t bail on me, not tonight. I really need you. I can’t do this without you.”

She’s talking so fast her words run together but I parse enough to spark the memory of agreeing to be her study buddy tonight. Such a short time ago but for me it’s been a small lifetime.

“Oh, yes, of course.” I agree, but even as I do, despair slithers through my thoughts.

I can’t stop the overwhelm. The assignment from my professor, which is the only way to save my scholarships, also known as my entire college career, is foremost in my thoughts. Follow that up with everything else and all I need is one more thing.

How many things can Quinn handle at one time? We’re about to find out.

“Are you okay?” She grabs my arms and gives a comforting squeeze.

I force a smile and nod because, of course I’m okay. Sure, the world is falling apart, the Fae expect me to save them, my dad is dying, my mom is demanding, I’m failing school, but I’m okay. If I’m not okay, then what? Who takes up the mantle if I fall apart?

“Yeah.” I nod not as an affirmation to her, but to myself.I am okay. I got this. Decision made. It’s all about doing it now.“I’m fine, we’ll get you prepped tonight.”

“You are literally the best.”

“Thanks.”

“Coffee to prep us for the cramming?”

“Absolutely.”

I let her lead us intoReduxand she’s kind enough to pay for both our drinks. I notice Moira working in the kitchen that is tucked away in a corner, but she doesn’t turn around. I almost call out to her but decide not to. Savannah has been my best friend for years and I don’t want to hurt her feelings. I’m not honestly sure why introducing her to Moira would hurt her, but it doesn’t seem right and I’m too tired and stretched too thin to deal with any potential fallout.

We take a table close to the window. The shop is busy despite the late hour in the day. Finals are coming up and all the students need that extra boost of caffeine to prepare for long hours of study.

“How’s your dad?”

“You know,” I say, halfheartedly trying to dodge the question.

Savannah places a hand over mine on the table and pats it. She smiles and nods. Her understanding warms my heart and the pressure in my head recedes, if only a little. An easy silence lies between us for a moment, then we mutually break it by sipping our coffee.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
Articles you may like