Thanks to Zahwiccan, Strawberry Sweetie, dagda17, Bex, Elisa Dovane, Yo, Ana, Starburstrulz (sorry if that's misspelled), and Raynornlimegreen for their reviews.
Thanks to Raynornlimegreen for beta-ing this chapter. To my old Beta: I could have swore I sent this chapter to you, and I lost your e-mail and I haven't the time to search. I'm so, so sorry. E-mail me, and I'll get back to you.
Chapter Two
The bell rang, signaling the beginning of school. My senior year! Finally! I climbed the steps and joined the crowd of students surging towards the building. Lockers opened and slammed shut, people shouted. It was a typical day of school. I dropped my things off in my locker and grabbed my needed materials for class. The bell rang again, signaling five minutes until class began. I hurried towards the classroom and slid into my seat just as the bell rang. Robbie sat on one side of me, Bree on the other. I was rather shocked they weren't sitting next to each other, but they said something about the temptation to make out too much. I'd kinda tuned them out after that, not really wanting to think about two of my best friends making out.
"Alright class settle down." Miss Berry called. Most of the guys were too busy drooling over her to really pay attention to what she was saying. She gave out the assignment and allowed us to work in groups. Robbie and Bree gathered around my desk. Bree stared down at her paper like it was a rat that was going to attack her. I rolled my eyes and sighed. Robbie was too busy admiring Bree to really attempt to complete the assignment. I guess it's up to me. I did my best on the English problems, but my mind kept wandering to Hunter and his friends.
Hunter and Isabelle were the oldest, being nineteen. Nobody had bothered to explain why, but Allie, Cuthbert, and Jonathan were going to start at our school. Maybe they want to learn more about the American culture, so they figure they'll attend school. They didn't say exactly when they'd start, but they made it sound like it would be soon. I was so not looking forward to seeing Jonathan again. Something about him drew my attention, and it made me feel odd. I couldn't help but like Isabelle, but she made me on edge. Her and Hunter were so close, and apparently she was his first love, and vice versa. I know Hunter and I were soul mates, but she was so beautiful and full of life. Being in the same room as her (even for a few moments) made me feel plain and powerless. I don't know if power radiated off of me like it did her, but I don't think it did. Then again, I wouldn't know if it did.
"Ah, there you are. I was wondering if you were going to show up today." I glanced up to find the very people I was just thinking about standing in the doorway. Jonathan's eyes skimmed the classroom and landed on me. A shiver ran down my spine, and I dropped my eyes to my book. As Miss Berry made the introductions, I didn't look up from my book. I didn't dare. It wasn't until I heard the sound of someone setting a chair down nearby that I looked up.
Allie, Cuthbert, and Jonathan had gathered around Robbie, Bree, and I. They had the worksheets before them, but were mostly talking to Bree and Robbie than anybody else. I glanced around and noticed the appreciative looks being sent their way, and the jealous looks sent my way. Don't look at them. Just do your work. I concentrated on my work as if I'd die if I didn't finish it. Finally I finished the worksheet and sat back with a sigh. Momentarily forgetting the others, I glanced at the clock. Ten minutes until class ended.
"Alright class. If you haven't finished your worksheet, it's homework. Now, I went everybody to pair up. We're going to choose our project and get started.
If you wish to work alone, please let me know." Bree and Robbie immediately paired up, and I was suddenly nervous. I looked at the other three. They had their eyes on me. I turned slightly pink, and lowered my eyes. What sounded like Alexis' voice spoke up, commanding me to stop acting like I'm a shy, innocent, powerless witch. I raised my eyes to stare back at them. I raised an eyebrow, and they dropped their gazes.
"Morgan, will you be my partner?" Jonathan's soft voice broke through the awkward silence. My heart started beating wildly, and I swallowed. I nodded. He gathered his stuff and settled into the seat next to me. I could smell his cologne, which set me on edge even more. I was sure my face looked like a cherry by now, and was completely mortified by that fact. I've only had two guys ever like me, and while Jonathan hadn't exactly hit on me, I could sense...something.
"So, um, should we meet up in the library tomorrow and get started on ourproject?" I said nervously.
"Tomorrow's no good. Hunter was going to give us a tour of the town and we were going to have a circle for old times sake." I sighed. I needed to be home by six-thirty, and school let out at two-thirty. I'd promised Alice I'd stop by Practical Magick, but I should have enough time to at least get started.
"How's tonight for you?" One side of Jonathan's mouth moved slightly upwards, his version of a smile I was sure. Does he ever laugh? I bet he has a sexy laugh. The thought startled me, and all I could do was turn away as my face started to turn a lovely shade of pink yet again. I should not be thinking about his laugh!
"Tonights good." I nodded, still not looking at him. The bell rang, and I rose and gathered my things quickly. I made it two steps away before I realized he had no ride to or from the library. I turned around to find him standing behind me. I hadn't realized how tall he was. I blinked and took a half a step back, slightly uneasy about being so close to him.
"I'll give you a ride to and from the library as long as I'm home by six-thirty." He nodded, his gaze never leaving my face. I spun around, practically running for the door. I reached my locker in record time, and had gathered my books up and ran to my next class, hoping he wasn't going to be there. He makes me feel odd, and not in a bad way either. I don't have much experience with guys, so I have no idea if these feelings are natural. Perhaps I should talk to Bree... I slid into my seat and opened my notebook, ready to take notes. I watched the door from in between my hair, waiting for that moment when Jonathan would step through. Why does he bother me so much?
The day passed in a haze. I forced myself to concentrate on my assignments rather than thinking about Jonathan. I finished all my work and miraculously managed to avoid getting homework. Bree and Robbie cast concerned glances every now and then my way, but I refused to talk about what was bothering me. The final bell rang, and everybody raced out of the door, happy that school was out. I moved slowly toward my locker, my stomach a mass of knots. My hand actually trembled as I opened my locker. Damn it, Morgan, what the hell is your problem? You're the most powerful witch of this age, and you're shaking over meeting a stupid guy. You barely know him, and if he's friends with Hunter, he most likely isn't evil. He won't attack you, and he certainly has no romantic interest in you. So STOP IT! My self-pep talk worked. I relaxed, my hands stopped trembling, and my stomach unknotted enough for me to realize I was hungry. Maybe we can stop off at a restaurant and order some food.
A shadow fell across my vision, and I turned to find Jonathan leaning against the locker next to mine, totally oblivious to the admiring looks being sent his way. A lock of hair fell across his forehead, and I felt the oddest urge to brush it back with my hand. My heart thudded once, twice, and then returned back to its normal rate. I gave him a small smile as I grabbed my backpack and slammed my locker shut. He followed me out of the school and towards my car.
"Is it alright if we stop for some food? I'm starving." He looked surprised for a moment, and then nodded his agreement. Why shouldn't he be surprised? All day I acted like I was inarticulate, and suddenly I'm confident and speaking in entire sentences. I'm actually audible as well, not mumbling. I grinned, very pleased with my sudden ease with Jonathan. Yes, improvement!
I pulled into a local fast food restaurant, Johnny's Palace, and ordered a burger and fries. I offered to buy for Jonathan, but he insisted on paying for himself. I gave in as his face took on a determined look, and let him pay for himself. He inhaled his burger and fries just like every other male I'd ever seen. I rolled my eyes, and couldn't help but grin. He raised an eyebrow, and finished swallowing his food before speaking.
"And what, if I may ask, is so amusing?" My smile widened just a bit more as I pulled into the library parking lot. I parked the car and turned to face Jonathan. His eyebrow was still raised, and I idly wondered how long he could keep the eyebrow up.
"I was just thinking about how guys from all over the world basically eat the same. They inhale whatever it is their eating." He grinned at me, his perfect teeth startling white against his dark hair and eyes.
"Yeah, amazing isn't it?" I nodded and quickly climbed out of the car. I didn't want to think about his eyes, hair, teeth, or how sexy his grin was. I wanted to concentrate on our project and get home in time for dinner and a shower. I wanted to relax and curl up in bed with a good book, with Dagda purring against me. Not looking backwards to see if Jonathan was following, but sensing he was, I moved swiftly towards the library. I yanked open the door and immediately headed to the section that had the books we'd need.
I set the selected books down on my table and spread out the things I'd need. I settled in, pen clasped in my hand, notebook open and ready to be filled with notes. Jonathan sat next to me, choosing one of the books I'd selected and beginning his notes. Silence reigned, the only sound the turning of pages and the scratching of pens. I had two pages full of notes before throwing down my pen and stretching. I gave a soft moan as I felt my muscles stretch. I sighed in content.
"Sitting in the same position for extended periods of time usually cause back problems." Jonathan remarked. I glanced his way before staring down at my notebook.
"Luckily, I'm still young yet. I don't need to be worrying about that." He looked at me, amusement shining in his eyes. I grinned up at him, letting him know I was part joking, part serious. He grinned back. He moved his chair sideways, so he was facing me while still sitting. He proposed a joke contest, the one who knew the most would win. I didn't bother to ask what we'd win. It was more fun just trading jokes and laughing. I felt more connected to him than ever. Finally, I reluctantly explained that I had to leave, as I was expecting home at six-thirty.
"That's okay. I'll call Sky and have her pick me up." I was hesitant to leave him there, but he was too stubborn. I shrugged and gathered my things, bidding him goodbye and moving towards my car. I arrived home just in time for dinner, and my mother's disapproving eye disappeared once I mentioned schoolwork. I moved into the kitchen, and stopped short.
Hunter sat on one of the chairs, talking and laughing with my dad. His beautiful eyes and blonde hair shone in the light. He grinned at me, rising up from his seat and kissing me on my cheek.
"I hope you don't mind, love. I was invited over for dinner." I smiled softly up at him, loving his smile. I think I said I didn't mind, but I was too caught up in his eyes to be sure. He moved his hand to my lower back, propelling me towards me seat, which was next to his. I sat down next to him and griped his hand, giving it a brief squeeze. Hunter didn't participate in our blessing, but I was sure he did say a private prayer of thanks to the Goddess. I couldn't help but smile slightly.
"So Hunter, what is it you do for a living?" My fork dropped, and my mouth flopped open. A jab from Hunter caused me to realize I looked like a fish, and I closed my mouth with a audible snap. Mary K. watched this with an amused expression, obviously enjoying this. I glanced at mom and dad. They were watching Hunter, wearing politely interested expression, waiting for his answer.
Hunter swallowed his food and wiped his mouth. He cleared his throat and folded his hands. He looked seriously into my parents eyes.
"I am currently working at Practical Magick. Have you heard of it?" They nodded their heads. I furrowed my eyebrows. They'd heard of it? Oh. They probably looked it up when they first found my books. Hunter continued on to explain how he was temporarily working there, while searching for a more lucrative job. He politely answer my parents question, as I stared at my dinner plate. I glanced up to find Mom watching me. She smiled in approval, though her eyes still looked uncertain and worried. It isn't about Hunter, it's about the magic thing. I had been trying to convince myself of that for awhile now. Sometimes I wondered if my parents had something against Hunter, but they only knew him to be polite and caring.
I was jerked out of my thoughts when my entire family stood up. Mom and Dad moved towards the living room, while Mary K., Hunter, and I cleaned up the kitchen. I absently listened to Hunter teasing Mary K about something, and her return teasing. I wonder what Josh, Dante, and Alexis are doing at the moment. Usually we're studying outside, and cracking jokes about the stupid students we had to deal with daily.
"Morgan, are you okay?" I snapped to attention. Mary K. and Hunter were staring at me in concern.
"I'm fine. Just a big out of it." Hunter smiled charmingly.
"I've got to go now. I need to get home and make sure the other's haven't blown my house up or something like it." He nodded at Mary K. and wrapped his arm around my waist as he walked by, moving me along with him. I walked steadily with him, feeling safe and comfortable in his arms (or arm, as it were). He held the door open for me like a gentleman would, and I grinned at him as I passed.
He closed the door gently, and before I could move, and swept me up into his arms. He stood there, hugging me to him. I sighed in content and leaned against him. I could smell the soap he used to bath with, his warmth, which was radiating off of him pleasantly. I could also hear his heartbeat, beating it's rhythm out against my ear. I sighed again and kissed his chin, loving the way his eyes crinkled up when he smiled down at me.
"I really do need to go, love. But I was hoping tomorrow, once you get out from school, we could spend some time alone together. I miss it being just you and me." I flushed at the thought of us being alone together, much to my embarrassment. Hunter simply grinned down at me. I stood on tip toe and brushed a kiss against his mouth.
"I'd love to spend some quality time with you. I miss spending time with just you as well." I didn't miss the pleased look, or the gleam in Hunter's eye. Whatever he had planned, it was going to be interesting.
"Well then I'll say goodnight and take my leave." He gently kissed me, before removing himself from my arms and sauntering down the walk and to his car. With a wave, he climbed into his tiny car and backed away. I stood with my arms folded across my chest, grinning in what I was sure was an idiotic way at his retreating car. It wasn't until he turned the corner and was out of sight that I retreated back into my warm house.
I couldn't wait for tomorrow.
I'm sorry about the delay. I went through a brief period of time when my brain wasn't functioning. My family has been having some issues (Family drama, don't ya love it?) and I couldn't get to a computer right away. I'm not completely happy with this chapter, but it was this or nothing. So sorry it's horrible (in my opinion), I'll try to do better in the future. I also won't be updating any time soon, because I won't have access to a computer. Sorry!
Please push the purple button.