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I hang up and notice that all eyes are on me. "So, what's the exciting news, then, Izzy?" Harper asks, raising her eyebrows playfully.
"Just that I made it through an entire day with you crazy people without running away," I joke back. Feeling like even though I just met some of them today, I already fully understand the playful dynamic they all seem to share. They have welcomed me into the group with open arms.
"So it has nothing to do with this hottie here and the fact that you guys haven't taken your eyes off each other all day," Riley jokes.
"No," I say, blushing." But it's not too soon to decide that I don't want to be friends with you anymore," I say, sticking my tongue out at her, trying to act like I mean it.
"Who do you think you're kidding? You're new in town. You probably don't have any other friends from school yet, and judging by the killer look Nate's giving me right now, I'm guessing my boy's got it pretty bad for you. So, looks like you're stuck with us," Tucker says, poking out his tongue at me.
Ava spots a small psychic tent and begs us to go there. The guys decline, but the girls seem interested. Personally, I’ve never really believed in all this psychic mumbo jumbo, but I decide I've got nothing to lose and join them. We go inside and all pay a few dollars to sit with a gypsy woman who, according to Riley, owns a magic and crystal store outside of town. She doesn't seem as old as I thought she'd be, maybe in her early forties, but she's dressed like Esmeralda from The Hunchback of Notre Dame with her headscarf, big hoop earrings, and long, flowing, red skirt.
"What can I do for you today, ladies?" she asks.
"Well, what CAN you do?" asks Harper skeptically.
"I can do anything you want, but the most popular choices are tarot readings. It's fifteen dollars per person. Or I can consult my crystal ball and give you some advice that the spirits want you to take with you. I must warn you, however, that it may not always be what you want to hear. It may not make sense currently, but it's what the spirits think you should know. It's only five dollars."
We all take a quick look at each other before deciding on the crystal ball because it's the cheapest. Ava goes first and gets a message that says her dream of becoming a lawyer will come true if she puts in the effort and works hard. Riley goes next and gets an ominous warning that a new relationship is coming that will break her in ways she doesn't see coming, but it'll be worth it in the end. Harper is next and gets a really nice message about achieving her dreams and trusting her own abilities. But when it's my turn, the woman pauses for a moment and seems a little confused. "So, for you, young lady, I'm receiving a message directly from a woman who says she's watching over you from afar."
"Okay, what does that mean?" I ask, feeling a little unsure. "Oh, it's nothing to worry about, my dear. These are my favorite readings to give," she informs me with a smile.
"She wants me to tell you that when two hearts are meant for each other, no matter how long it takes, how far they go, or how impossible it seems, fate will bring them together; no one will ever be able to keep them apart. Their souls are forever entwined."
I pay and leave, still a little dazed. "Wow, that was pretty intense, huh?" Ava says. "I know. Weird or what," Riley replies.
I'm not really listening, though. Instead, I'm wondering if she was talking about me and Nate. Plus, who is this woman watching from afar? We walk back to find the guys sitting on the grass, chatting.
"I don't know about you guys, but I'm starving! Who wants to meet up with my boy, Danny, in town, so we can all go out to eat together?" Tucker asks.
"Actually, I'm supposed to be meeting up with my boyfriend and a few of his friends for a concert. He's picking me up in about ten minutes, but you guys go ahead. It was nice hanging out with you, Izzy. I'll text you to meet me for coffee again soon," Riley says, giving me a hug.
"So just the five of us then? My car is parked around the back. If you're good, squeezing in the back," Tucker says.
We all get in the car. Nathaniel sits in the middle, with me and Harper on either side of him. We drive for a while until we arrive at a small Italian restaurant. Tucker parks in the back before messaging someone. A sweaty looking guy comes out a few minutes later and walks over to the car.
"Hey guys, so I know the plan was to grab something here when my shift is over, but my friend is having a big house party. You guys feel like going to the diner, getting a quick burger and a shake, and then heading over there instead?" the guy asks.
Tucker looks around the car before replying, "Sure, I've got some friends with me. Is it cool if they tag along?"
"Yeah sure. The more, the merrier. Name’s Danny, by the way," he says as he opens the back door, so we can all get out.
"Thanks, I'm Izzy," I say politely, and take the guy's outstretched hand to get out of the squished back seat. I hear a strange growl type sound come from behind me before I hear, "I'm Nate."
We walk into the diner and Nathaniel and I sit next to each other, as do Tucker and Ava. Danny and Harper sit across from each other at the end of the table. As we all laugh and joke, I feel Nathaniel's hand drawing circles on my knee under the table. I try to focus on the conversation, but can't concentrate because of the shivers his touch is sending through my whole body. He doesn't even seem to realize what his touch is doing to me, but I can feel myself turning to jelly under his strong hands.
"So, Nate, I know Izzy is new here because of her grandparents, but I don't think I've ever seen you around school before. Are you new here too?" Danny asks.
"Not really; I grew up here when I was younger, then I moved away and now I'm back here living with my brother," he answers vaguely.
Hmm, just his brother. I'm not sure if I should be happy that he's no longer living with his monstrous father or if I should be worried that he's now living with his brother. Who might be just as monstrous, judging by the look he gave me this morning. I almost ask him about it but decide against it as I remember how secretive he was about his family when we were kids. Whenever he is ready to tell me about them, I'll be there to listen. I feel his hands grip my knee much tighter now, though. Not knowing why he's getting so upset, I put my hand on top of his, which seems to calm him down and bring him back to reality.
"Shit, sorry Bella. I didn't hurt you, did I?" Nathaniel whispers.There's a flicker of fear in his eyes that I almost don't notice.
"No, you're fine." I smile back.
"So, who's ready to hit this Par-Tay?" Danny sings.
"Does anyone need to go to the store across the street to get some alcohol?" asks Tucker. He must see the surprise on my face as he informs me that the shop is owned by a family who is known to not check IDs. Apparently, most of the Seniors in the area go there because they know they will get served,
