Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters. Those belong to Libba Bray!

Kartik.

His name runs constantly through my head. I can feel his warm lips on mine. I can feel his rough hands caress my arm, sending shivers through my body.

I shake my head. He will never love me like I love him. The kiss meant nothing to him. He was simply under the influence of my magic.

I sigh and turn to find Felicity running towards me.

"Gemma, you've a visitor!"

I frown. "I'm in no mood for visitors at the moment."

Felicity smiles wickedly. "I have a feeling you'll like this one."

"You don't have a clue what I want."

"Fine!" She turns away and begins walking away. "I'll tell him you're in no mood for him."

My heart skips a beat. Could it be Kartik? "Him?"

Felicity races back to me, a huge grin on her face and loops her arm through mine. "It's the Indian boy you've had your eye on, the one that stays with the gypsies sometimes."

I feel like I'm floating on air. I will hear his voice and see his smile.

"I don't like him like that. I've told you."

She rolls her eyes. "Sure, Gemma."

When we reach Spence, she leads me towards the kitchen. I'm getting nervous now. Why would he come to Spence?

Brigid was there talking to someone. When she moved, Kartik sat there. His eyes meet mine. My heart skips a beat. His face remains emotionless.

"Miss Doyle, I need to speak with you."

"I'm here," I tell him.

He glances towards Brigid and Felicity. "In private."

Brigid steps forward. "Now 'old on one minute! I cannot allow you two to be alone! Miss Doyle, you should know better!"

"Come now, Brigid," Felicity coaxes. "It will only be for a few minutes. I'm sure Miss Doyle can take care of herself." She pats her on the arm. "How about we go take a walk around the school, hmm?"

Brigid scowls. "Alright, but if I 'ear one scream…"

"Yes, Brigid, she knows," Felicity says.

They walk away. Felicity winks back at me over her shoulder before starting up an animated conversation.

"Gemma, I'm leaving."

My heart stops and I sway on the spot. He jumps up and steadies me.

"Gemma! Are you okay?"

No. "Yes, I'm well, thank you."

He lets go of me and I almost try to stop him.

I breathe in deeply. "Where are you going?"

He fiddles with a spoon. "Away."

We wait in silence for a while. I fold my hands in front of me like a proper lady. I will not show him how upset I am.

"Well, Kartik, I wish you the best of luck with your travels." My voice sounds harsh. When I see the pain flash across his face, I automatically regret it.

"I don't know if I'll be back." He stands up.

He's trying to hurt me. Like I hurt him.

Two can play at that game.

"If you come back, be sure to visit."

"I will."

He turns to leave. I should stop him. I should call him back. Tell him not to leave me, to never leave me. I love him.

"Kartik," I whisper so softly I'm sure he hasn't heard, but he stops with his back facing me.

A moment passes and my eyes fill with tears. My breathing becomes shaky.

"I-I-"

He waits. He waits for me to say what is left hanging in the air between us. I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. His shoulders sag, and he walks out the door at the back of the kitchen. I try to call after him, but my voice will not work. Then, he is gone.

I fall to the floor, gripping my stomach, as if somehow this will take the pain away. My mind shuts down.

A/N - Tell me what you think! Don't worry, there will be more soon!