Part Two: Auriella-Keeper of Flames

Chapter Four: The Party

Gavin Devrough stroked the back of Auriella's hand as they stood in the corner of the Hudsons' house. As far as they were concerned, the party was an utter bore; her parents were also looking for a way to escape this stuck-up torture. Torrence, looking like a true princess with her white gown (yes, gown of all the things she was forced to wear) and curled black and emerald hair bunched up onto the top of her head, gave Ella a dark look with those cold, glittering eyes of hers.

Torrence really hated her foster parents. They treated her like dirt, and Ella knew that on a couple of occasion, her parents had offered to adopt Tor. They weren't about to let Tor go. Sometimes, Ella thought her best friend was better off with her real parents, despite them abandoning her.

Her fingers trailed the palm of Gavin's hand. She was absolutely amazed at how well they clicked. Heat rose to her fingertips, reminding her of her pyrokinetic gift.

"Let's get out of here, Ella," Gavin whispered in her ear. She looked into his black eyes and shook her head.

"I can't leave Tor."

"Grab her then. I'm not going to make you leave her."

She sidled up to the Ice Queen, tugging her away from her dance partner, Robby. Tor gave Ella a strange look. She couldn't leave the party being held for Mark, so El wouldn't leave either.

"What's wrong, Icey?" Auriella whispered.

"Mark's wigging. Bad. I want to get out, but he threatened to pull Charlie outta business," Torrie cried out in a rough whisper. You knew something terrible was up when Tor lost it.

"Want me to get my parents?"

"No. Go on with Gavin. I'll deal, babe."

Ella felt a little reluctant. "If you're sure. Love you."

"Back at ya."

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"You know, I always thought Tor was off the deep end, but now I understand. Her parents are… I don't even know how to describe them," Gavin expressed.

Auriella nodded, staring out at the dark water lapping at the beach. "Torrie has a lot more going on than people realize. She's special. Without her, I'd go insane."

He gave her a sideways glance, his blue-black hair brushing over his equally dark eyes. "You two are close."

"Like sisters."

He scooted in closer to her. She blushed. "Ella, I like you. A lot."

"I like you, too, Gavin."

"I was surprised you agreed to go out with me."

"Why's that?"

Their eyes connected, and couldn't part. His hand stroked her cheek, feeling heat gathering there. Her hand ran through his hair as she moved forward, closer to him. His eyes flickered to her lips, and they met in the sweetest kiss either of them had ever had. Fire crackled as she kissed him again. His hands tightened on her shoulders.

This is heaven, she thought. Tor needs a guy like Gavin.

His mouth moved against hers as he spoke. "I heard you were picky about certain guys. I…I asked Torrence to help me"

She laughed. "I see."

"Hey, how about you, me, and Tor go out? We could go to RockOut," he suggested.

"I'd love that. I know she needs to get out."

"Good. Now I get to escort the two hottest chicks at school to the hottest club. A guy's life can't get better."

"Wanna bet?" Ella caught Gavin's mouth, pushing him down into the sand.

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elephantsrocmysox: No, Tor has ice, and El has fire. Like the parts say. Anyways, thanks for reviewing, and keep it up. You're Pearl Drops main fan right now. Lol.