This is a continuation of Old Magic. It starts right where the book leaves off, and this is what I think happened.
Jarrod
Kate's face reddens a bit; I'm sure, even though I can't see her. And I feel her tense in my arms, probably in preparation of what's to come.
"What?!" I hear four voices exclaim.
"You can't be serious, Jarrod," Tasha says with an uneasy and confused look on her face.
"Bro, dude, you can't take Scary Face," Pecs says, and for the first time ever I'm sure, he's completely serious.
"Why not?" I reply to both of them. I tighten my hold around Kate and almost laugh. I think of what's happened and how I've changed, and how Kate is still afraid of these stupid people but she can stand up to Rhauk. She called me a coward. I wonder what she's thinking now and I inadvertently read her thoughts.
Oh no! He doesn't have to do this.
I lean down and whisper into her hair, "No, I don't have to, I want to Kate."
She looks up at me, confused for a moment, and then it registers. Jarrod you promised you wouldn't read my thoughts! She thinks.
"I know; I didn't mean to. We'll talk about this later," I reply quickly and look up to see four pairs of eyes on me. I have a feeling they missed that last bit; but their eyes look expectant, like I'm supposed to answer them. I definitely missed something. "Sorry, what?"
Tasha, apparently recovered from the earlier shock, leans in a bit, completely ignoring Kate, and whispers as if telling an important secret, stating it all matter-of-factly. "Jarrod, listen. You will be the laughing stock of the school if you go through with this. I know you've worked so hard to be accepted, and taking the witch will have made it all worth nothing. You know how much sway I have. Think about what you're doing."
"I don't need to think, Tasha, I know what I'm doing and I'm proud of Kate. You just don't like that I chose her over you." I say with surprising confidence. It's not what I said that surprises me; it's how I said it.
"Do you really think I could ever be threatened by her?" Tasha asks moving her eyes quickly to Kate and then back to mine. "Please, Jarrod. She means nothing to anyone. She has no reason for being, other than to provide company to other losers and her crazy grandmother. No one cares about her, Jarrod." I can feel myself getting angry at Tasha's words, but I calm myself down before I start a storm in Jillian's shop.
"Wrong Tasha, I care about Kate. And she means more to me than you ever did," I state quite calmly in a low voice. Tasha's shock is evident on her face, but before she can respond I speak again. "Now, get out." They all stare at Kate and me for a moment, then Tasha huff's and quickly walks for the door. Pecs follows her, and I'd say he's glad to have me out of the picture. Jessica follows as well, but Ryan doesn't move. I release my hold on Kate, but only to have her stand beside me, our hands clasped. Finally Ryan speaks.
"Bro, I'm not going to tell you not to bring Kate, but I want you to know I wouldn't recommend it," he says, and without waiting for a reply he turns and leaves.
Just as the door slams behind him, I hear Kate sob.