Isabel
Instead of using his wings to get home, Matt decides to take the old-fashioned route. Funny how that coincides with taking the bus with me, huh?
Thankfully, Neriah keeps his attention diverted, and although I am still annoyed at her little input at lunch, I am grateful for her presence. When she is around, Matt is off my back, and at times like these, when Matt feels that he owns my life, that couldn't be a better thing.
For the most part, they ignore me, something I happily reciprocate. Neriah, however, considers it appropriate to ask for my opinion on such things as the weather, the flooded toilet at school, and the impending arrival of our new history teacher. Both of us tactfully avoid the mention of Mr Carter, too closely related to Ethan and what he is going through right now. I mumble my answers, resolving to buy an iPod. It must be great for occasions such as these. And also, I could download Arkarian's favorite music. That thing he was listening to sounded really, really nice.
The bus finally reaches our stop, and I jump out. The lovebirds have ceased talking out loud, undoubtedly continuing their conversation in a more Truthseeing manner. I walk in front of them, continuously increasing the distance between us. When I reach the front door, they are nothing more than two tiny figures at the horizon.
I cannot wait to take a shower and get into some clean clothes, but my mother has other plans.
"How was your night?" she chirps, blocking my way. "How's Jasmine?"
I frown, trying to figure out in what way exactly Jasmine connects with my night. Over Mum's shoulder, I see Jimmy mouthing something, and though I am too distracted by the sight of his red polka dot apron to focus on what he is saying, I get the general idea.
"It was nice," I say. I vaguely remember reading something about how good lies are made better by details. "We studied for an English test."
"Oh, good. Didn't you do really badly on the last one?"
"I told you, I wasn't feeling good."
"Yeah, you told me. Just do better on this one, alright? I know you don't think school is important now, but grades do matter."
"Mum..."
"Come on, luv, let's leave her alone. Look at her, she's dying for some rest." He winks at me. "School is not that important, really."
"Jimmy!" she gives him a mock horrified expression, chuckling. "Hold on, Isabel, you have something on your shirt."
I look down tiredly, with mounting annoyance. Who cares if I have something on my shirt, just let me take a goddamn shower!
"There," her hand sweeps across my collarbone, fingers closing around something that looks like a piece of electric blue thread. I gulp, hoping Jimmy didn't notice. But he is right behind Mum, and his expression of distaste tells me very clearly that my prayers have not been answered.
"Oh, look, your brother is home," Mum says, forgetting all about me and my shirt. "Hi, Neriah."
"Hey," Neriah gives my mother a shy wave. Jimmy tugs on my wrist, turning my attention to him.
"That hair was far too short to have come from his head," he says quietly. I look down. He sighs.
"Just... If you do anything, use protection. OK?"
I try to nod, but Jimmy's face distorts, shaping into Ethan's. His eyes stare out blankly, his blue irises terrifying and ugly in the midst of myriad red veins. I feel pain pierce my head, and almost fall, my knees giving. Jimmy holds me up. I know he does, although I cannot see him. In my field of vision there is only Ethan, holding up a golden arrow, blowing gently into it until it leaves his palm, flying into the distance. Breathlessly, I watch it soar. And then it turns around, and I scream.
