I'm so happy the you guys liked my story! I was scared nobody would like the idea, but I gratefully I was wrong. I am so happy as well as grateful to all, who reviewed. It makes writing so much easier.
A few notes: Cedric is just turned 24 and Taranee is about to turn 19. Phobos is in the tower the guardians and Elyon put him and Cedric in. Phobos and Cedric are plotting his return. The guardians still have to protect the veil from the evil forces that rise on a almost daily basis. Taranee doesn't know that Rick is actually Cedric and Cedric doesn't know that Taranee is the fire guardian. For some strange reason Will, doesn't like the sexy book dealer. Gee I wonder why?
Well enough of me babbling. On with the story!
Disclaimers: I do not own any of the W.I.T.C.H. Characters.
Chapter 2: Found
Will put the phone down after talking to Cornelia. She was on her way to pick her and the other girls up. Hay Lin got the voice message Will left and came right over. Irma was walking her little brother home from Tae Kwon Do practice she got Will's message. She took him home told her mom where she was headed and came over directly. Will dialed the phone again.
"You still haven't heard from her? Alright thanks." Will growled in frustration as she threw the phone on the bed.
"Nigel hasn't heard from her either! Not Nigel, not her family, nor any of you guys have seen her. Where in the world could she be? It's like she dropped off the face of the earth!" She looked down at the ground before saying, "I hope she hasn't done anything stupid." Will sank to the floor pulling her knees to her chest laying her head on them. Irma and Hay-Lin got on either side of her, sandwiching her in between them.
"Come on! Taranee's a tough girl she can take care of her self. She gonna be just fine." Irma pointed out. At least I hope! I got make Will feel better.
"Yeah, Will. Taranee's going to be okay. She's just upset. When she calms down she'll resurface." Hay Lin tried to cheer her up.
"I hope you guys are right." Will mumbled hugging her knees tighter.
"I'm so sorry." Taranee said jumping out of Cedric's arms. "I hope I hadn't made you feel uncomfortable. Oh man I got your shirt wet."
"It is quite all right my dear. But tell me why do you not like thunderstorms?" Cedric asked puzzlement on his face. She looked at him with lost eyes then down at her hands. "I understand if you don't want to tell me"
"No. It isn't you. It's just that I don't want you to find me childish."
"It's quite all right. I tell you what 'quid pro quo'."
"Okay. I tell you something, then you tell me something."
"That's exactly right. How di"
"My mom's a judge. Okay agreed. I'm afraid of thunderstorms because, when I was five my mom and I were driving down the highway. It was raining outside and the roads were slick. We were hit by a transport truck and all I can remember is the loud crash. It was so loud, louder than thunder." Her gaze was far and distant. Cedric looked at her for a while before turning to look ahead of him.
"Well I promised to tell you a fear." She turned to look at him. "Well my fear is slightly different. I fear cats darling."
"You. . .afraid of cats? Why?"
"I'll just say. Cats and I just don't get along." Taranee looked at Cedric a long time before bursting into laughter. "What's so funny?" Cedric said between chuckles.
"I'm sorry I don't mean to laugh. It's just that a strong and handsome man like you is afraid of a cat." She continued to giggle. "Cat's are the most misunderstood creatures. They just like their independence that's all."
"That's where you sorely mistaking my dear. Snakes are the most misunderstood animal."
"No way! You like snakes? They freak me out."
"Why?"
"Because. . .why don't you like cats?"
"Quid Pro Quo."
"Okay. You first this time." He gave a slight grin before nodding his head.
"I don't like cats because I was attacked by one. When I was very young. So I guess you could say I was scarred for life. Okay why don't you like snakes?"
"Because. I just don't there isn't a specific reason. I just have the common fear of snakes phobia."
"Do you think I could persuade you to like them?"
"I don't know about that, but I will keep an open mind. Should you try. I'll give you that much." Taranee looked at Cedric who was staring at her intently. "What?"
"Nothing. It's just that I've never met a woman like you before. I would like to get to know you better. If that's all right with you." Taranee was speechless. Could my crush be coming to reality? I've only dreamed of hearing those words spoken. But Nigel just broke up with me. What am I thinking?
"Sure. You seem like a really nice guy. Besides it's not like I have a boyfriend to get jealous or anything." She said slightly cynically looking down at her wrist. "Oh my God! It's 9:00! My mom is going to kill me!" She jumped off of the couch. "I have to go."
"Wait. I'll take you. My car is parked a few blocks up. Traffic was heavy so I couldn't park close to the building."
"You sure I'm not inconveniencing you or anything?"
"Of course not. Let's go."
Cornelia, Will, Irma, and Hay Lin drove down the road in search of their missing friend, more like sister. Cornelia made a left turn on to the downtown street. They peered out of the windows.
"I don't understand why she didn't like call to let us know she was okay or something." Cornelia fussed as she scanned out of her window and drove at the same time.
"Maybe she was kidnaped or something?"
"Hay Lin. You're not helping, sweetie." Irma said as she continue to look. Hay Lin shrugged her shoulders.
"What did you tell Taranee's mom when she called? You like stepped out of the room to talk to her so obviously you didn't want us to hear you lie."
"I just told her Taranee's with us studying. No need worrying the poor woman. Especially if she okay, and we can find her first."
"Wait guys that her right there. Who's that cute guy with her?" Hay Lin pointed. Cornelia stopped the car in the middle of the road,
"Is that Rick Hauffman? The bookstore owner? Let me park." Will jumped out of the car slamming the door behind her running over to Taranee. She threw her arms around her best friend,
"You scared me to death! Where have you been? We've been looking all over for you."
"I'm sorry I made you worry."
"You have a cell phone. Why didn't you call to at least tell us you're okay? I'm mean we've been calling you for hours. We thought something might have happened."
"My cell phone is dead. I went to your apartment and you weren't there. I just really needed you, but you weren't there." She said looking down at the ground. "Nigel broke up with me, and I was so hurt I went looking for you at your apartment. You weren't there so I figured you were with Matt, so I was headed to Hay Lin's house, but before I got there I almost got hit by a Mack Truck."
"Oh my God! Are you alright?"
"Yeah. Rick here rescued me threw me and himself out of the way of the truck. I was shaken up so Rick took me to the bookstore. It started thunder storming. Well we've been talking for hours."
"I did not mean to alarm you I just thought she needed to dry off and calm her nerves. I was just about to take her home. My car is right there." He pointed to a black convertible corvette with a peanut butter drop top covering. Both of the girls mouths hung open. The other girls ran up throwing their arms around Taranee.
"I'm fine. Really. I've been hanging out with Rick here."
"Rick? Since when did you start calling him Rick?" Irma questioned putting a hand on her hip.
"Since she got to know me a little better." Cedric spoke up. Taranee looked back up at him and smiled at him.
"Thanks for everything Rick. I don't know what I would've done without you."
"We will never have to find out, will we. I was happy to assist, but I see now that your friends are here. I do hope we get the chance to talk again." He took her small hand in his own kissing it. "Have a good evening. All of you." With that he turned away walking to his car. Will stared at him the whole time. There's something about him that doesn't sit right with me.
"Is that. . .his car?" Cornelia said shock apparent in her voice. Will and Taranee nodded their heads. When he drove away Hay Lin exclaimed,
"I think he really likes you!" Hay Lin threw an arms around Taranee's shoulders.
"Yeah. I think I like him too." Will's eyes bucked,
"What about Nigel?" Taranee's happy face fail to a more solemn one.
"He dumped me Will. Remember? Besides Rick and I are just friends. I don't know if anything will become of this." Taranee held one of her arms as she looked at the ground.
"I'm sorry Taranee. I didn't mean to bring him up."
"Wait a minute. I just said Nigel dumped me and none of you guys looked surprised." The girls all began stammering. "You knew?"
"Of course not, Taranee. When we were looking for you Nigel told us. Oh, and by the way you should tell people where you are. You like totally scared us." Cornelia finished placing her arms across her chest.
"Yeah." Hay Lin piped up.
"I'm sorry, but my cell phone died."
"Oh" was Hay Lin's response, "That makes sense."
"Taranee, you know I would warn you if I had prior knowledge. I'm sorry he hurt you. But most of all I'm sorry I wasn't there for you." Taranee hugged Will and the other girls too,
"It's forgotten. I'm really tired you guys. Will you drop me off at home Corny."
"Sure, sweetie. Let's go you guys." Everyone climbed into Cornelia's car and she dropped them off.
Rick threw his keys on the counter of his stylish two-bedroom flat. He strolled over to the refrigerator glancing at it's contents. He grabbed a bottled water strolling over to the couch falling back on it. He laid his head back on the cushions. He glanced around the roomadmiring everything for a moment. The perks of being the best friend and head knight for an evil Prince. The fools don't even know that he still has powers. The princess and the guardians threw us in a dungeon to rot. Unknown to them Phobos had retained a little power from his sister. He opened a portal sending me through and we've been in contact ever since. He sent me through to free him and obtain the amulet to drain Elyon of her powers. I intend to do just that. He stared at the spell book he retrieved from the bookstore. A small grin formed on his handsome face as he thought traveled back to Taranee. I've never opened up to any woman like that. In fact I've never opened up to anyone that soon period. She's everything I thought her to be; funny, intelligent, and not to mention drop dead gorgeous. Her boyfriend is a fool to let her slip through his fingers. Correction ex-boyfriend, I plan to be the new man in her life. His mess up my gain. I've always watched and longed for her from a far and now that I think that I have her attention, I'm swooping in for the kill. Cedric smiled as he brought the water to his mouth taking a swig.
"Worry not my Nubian beauty. I will not hurt you."
After Taranee walked in the house, and answered her mom's questions about the 'study session' she took her shower and headed straight to bed. She hated lying to her mother, but sometimes it's necessary.
Later that night Taranee lies tossing and turning from a sleepless slumber. She turned on her back and stared at the ceiling. She looked over at the clock and it read 2:15 am. She sighed as her thoughts began to travel. I'm sad but I'm anxious at the same time. How is that possible? I don't know but that's how I feel. She put the pillow over her head and screamed. Tears slid down her face as she stared at the teddy bear Nigel got her for Valentine's Day. I lost my first love a few hours ago. I wonder what I did to make Nigel want to dump me? I don't think I did anything wrong. Why would he hurt me like that? She threw a pillow at the bear causing it to fall to the ground. If it weren't for Rick, I'd probably be more than sad. Nigel might have helped me gain a new potential friend. For that I thank him. I've never opened up to anyone as quickly as I opened up to Rick. He's so smart, strong, and not to mention good looking. We talked for three hours today, nonstop. Maybe we can become more than friends. . .one day. Or maybe I'm just jumping to conclusions. Rick might not even like me that way. Besides I'm just coming out of a 2 year relationship. I wouldn't want to make him simply a rebound guy. But if he asked me out I wouldn't say no. She yawned then looked at the clock. It read 2:27am. She settled deeper into her soft pillows of scarlet and orange. She quickly drifted off to sleep.
It is now morning time and all of Heatherfield is waking. Everyone is up and doing their daily routines. Taranee is doing the finishing touches to her wardrobe and goes to reach for her backpack and notices that it isn't in it's usual spot. She tears her room up diligently looking for the missing item. Oh no! I lost my book bag! I have a quiz today in History and I need my notes.
"Taranee! Cornelia and Will are down here waiting on you get a move on honey." Mrs. Cook called from the bottom of the stairs.
"I'm coming mom." She ran out of the room and down the stairs to see Cornelia and Will sitting at the breakfast table. Cornelia was sipping juice and Will was eating a bagel.
"You guys ready to motor?"
"Yeah sure." Cornelia spoke after taking a long sip of juice.
"Well honey aren't you going to eat?"
"I'm not hungry mom. Let's go."
"Why don't you take a bagel and a bottle of juice for the road."
"Fine."
"Where's your backpack?" Mrs. Cook looked strangely at her daughter. Mr. Cook came downstairs with two ties in hand.
"So which one the blue one or the red?" Cornelia stared for a while,
"I like the blue one." Mr. Cook looked at Cornelia,
"Are you sure?"
"Yes daddy the blue one looks great! Can we go now." Taranee ran over to her dad giving a peck on the cheek and the girls were out the door.
Mr. Cook looked at his wife with questionable eyes,
"Yes dear the blue is nice." He shrugged his shoulders and went back up the stairs.
Taranee got in the front seat and put on her seat belt, as did the other girls. Will looked at the back of Taranee's head. Cornelia pulled off entering traffic.
"It's at the bookstore. That's has to be where I left my bag."
"Well the bookstore doesn't open until 10:00 am. So you'll have to borrow supplies from us all day." Will said looking down at her watch. The car came to a stop at the Silver Dragon Restaurant. Hay Lin was standing outside waiting.
"What took you guys so long?" Hay Lin fussed as she got in.
"Scatter brain here couldn't find her book bag." Cornelia teased Taranee. She made no retort. "Lighten up Taranee. I'm sure your book bag is right where you intended to leave it."
"What are you talking about, Corny?"
"I bet you left there on purpose to see that sexy bookstore owner. What was his name. . .Rick." Taranee cracked a small smile.
"Hope Irma did her history homework. I need to copy hers." Hay Lin said more to herself than anyone else.
"You never do your History homework Hay Lin." Will commented while she fiddled with her watch. "Guys think my watches is dead." she brought her wrist to her ear. Cornelia stopped at Irma's house and honked the horn,
"We don't have time to go in. We're like already late." Cornelia honked the horn again. Irma came out of the house stopping a few feet a way with a hand on her hip, but laughed running to the car.
"What's the matter Corny? Wrong side of the bed this morning."
"No. We're running late. For reason that will remain anonymous." Cornelia turned looking at Taranee who simply shrugged her shoulders.
The girls went through their day at school normally. Taranee didn't see Nigel which was a relief to her. She really wasn't ready to see him yet. After school cheerleading practice was canceled because it was Friday, and no one wanted to practice. So the girls basically went their separate ways. Cornelia was meeting Caleb at the Silver Dragon. Hay Lin had art class to go to, Will and Matt were going to try to enjoy the park today, and Irma was going to meet up Martin for 'tutoring'. Martin had really went through a metamorphic change through High School. He was now one of the most popular guys in school, as well as handsome guys in school. He still was ultra smart and still had geeky moments, but Irma was helping him out with that. Well now Taranee walks down main street to the bookstore. She comes to the front door taking a deep breath before going in. She noticed Rick wasn't up front and began looking for him.
"Rick! Are you here? Rick. Oh!" She squealed out of surprise closing her eyes as she began her backward ungraceful plummet to the earth. Cedric snaked out an arm around her waist keeping her from falling. Cedric held her easily in one arm. Taranee opened one eye at the ground then turning to view Cedric's handsome face grinning back. "Well aren't you just my Knight in shining armor."
"At your service my lady." He said placing her back on the ground.
"Thank you." He nodded in her direction.
"Oh you left your book bag here last night. I do hope that you were fine without it." She nodded her head.
"I managed. So. . ."
"So what?"
"Do you mind if I go get it?"
"My apologies. Of course. It's upstairs on the sofa." Taranee turned to leave but was stopped by Cedric grabbing her arm. She looked at him questionably,
"What's wrong Rick?"
"Nothing. I was just wondering did you have plans for tonight?" She smiled a small smile before answering,
"No. Why?"
"Because I was hoping that you would join me for dinner and movie. That is if you are not busy." He said with cockiness in his voice. With a cocky grin to match.
"Well. . ." Taranee looked to the ceiling placing a finger on her chin. "I'll have to check my schedule." They stared at each other before bursting into a fit of laughter. "I would love to."
"Excellent. I'll pick you up at say 7ish?"
"That would be great. She grabbed a pen out of Cedric's shirt pocked, found a piece of torn paperin her pocket scribbling her numbers and address on it handing it to him. I live on 2047 Dell street. It's the only house with a fountain in the yard."
"Till then, I bid you adieu." He took her hand again kissing it. She gave him a dazzling smile before turning to leave. Before she went out the door she looked back at him giving him a small wave. He watched her leave and brought the paper to his nose smelling it. "Your scent is forever with me."
So did you like it? Tell me your thoughts in a review please. I'm open for some suggestions.
Gracefulraven,
out!