Chapter 2: Bloom and Wither
Summary: Hmmm… things start to get interesting for our heroine. What does Kartik want? Will Gemma listen? Lets see.
Suggested music:
Paragraphs 1-14: I Grieve by Peter Gabriel
He takes powerful strides toward me, black cloak fluttering in the breeze. He's grown even taller since I've seen him last, and his chiseled body even shows through his cloak. He looks far more handsome than I could ever possibly imagine. But I can't… I just can't.
"Are you alright Gemma? I saw you from your window… you shouldn't be out here alone."
"So you continue to watch me? Well, thank you Kartik, but I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I've learned how to control my power and can protect myself should any emergency arise. I just… needed to take a walk to clear my head." Why does he act like he cares? Why does he confuse me so?
"My apologies Miss Doy… Gemma. You seem so distressed lately, I just worry for you." He steps closer, much closer than is proper. His sweet aroma of cinnamon surrounds me. I look straight into his eyes, trying desperately not to give into my own desire. This only fans my torment, for those pools of chocolate and honey framed by his thick, long lashes are more beautiful than ever.
I quickly turn and step further from him. "You needn't be concerned. I'm dealing with my own problems."
"Gemma… why do you do this to me?"
I turn and see the sadness in his gorgeous eyes, his muscular body tense with grief. "Why do you push me away? My only desire is to protect you. If anything were to happen…"
He trails off and looks towards the ground. Why do I push him away? I obviously care for him… Why?
"Kartik… I don't think you realize how… hurt I am."
"What?"
I see the sun rising and realize I should be getting back to my room before Ann misses me. "I should go." I turn and begin to walk briskly away from the forest.
But I feel a strong hand on my arm. "Gemma! Don't go! What do you mean? Please tell me!"
I feel my eyes well up with tears. I cannot bear to look at him. I don't know what to believe anymore. "I shall keep in touch," I reply, hoping my voice doesn't betray my true feelings of misery. "We can discuss this later."
His hand falls limply to his side and I resume my trek away from the forest. Once I am a safe distance away, I turn to see Kartik slam his fist against the tree. I close my eyes, tears staining my face, and teleport back to my room.
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
The next day, I trudge to Mrs. Mcleethy's archery class.
"Alright ladies, lets see how you've progressed!" she says in her burly Scottish accent. The girls step up and pull back their bows. TWANG! All of their arrows fly a pitiful distance and land defiantly in the grass.
"What is this? Have you not been practicing? Felicity, show them how its done please."
Felicity strides confidently towards Mrs. Mcleethy. She takes a powerful stance and gracefully draws her bow back. Her silvery blond hair glistens in the sunlight and her piercing blue eyes lock onto her target. She releases and the arrow soars through the air, hitting the target dead center.
"Fantastic job Felicity! Lets see… Ann! How about you try?"
I can tell Mcleethy has chosen Ann on purpose, in order to put her on the spot. Ann walks slowly up next to her and takes her stance. As she draws her bow, a slight wave of giggling floats through the crowd. I can tell its Celia, one of Felicity's former friends. Anything to make Ann uncomfortable. Sometimes I wonder if she is in league with Mcleethy. I shoot her a cold glare and then refocus my attention on Ann. After a few moments, Ann lets her arrow fly. I hold my breath, praying that hers will at lest go farther than Celia's. With a light thud, Ann's arrow penetrates the ring just outside the bull's eye. She has been practicing.
Felicity and I cheer loudly for Ann and she turns and gives us a radiant smile. Tom is a fool to let her go. I ought to tell him that someday soon.
"Well, well Miss Bradshaw. It seems you have been practicing. Miss Doyle. Step up if you please."
I do not appreciate her cold, challenging tone in the slightest. Felicity leans towards me and says, "Don't worry, just hit somewhere near the target. We can't expect more than that." I know she means to comfort me, but I feel strangely insulted.
As I walk up to Mrs. Mcleethy she stares wickedly into my eyes. "Come, come Miss Doyle we don't have all day!"
I'll show them… I position myself in front of my target. I'm tempted to use the magic, but Mcleethy and Felicity would know immediately. I have to do this on my own. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I imagine Felicity drawing her bow and try to imitate her technique. I open my eyes. It's now or never. I let the arrow fly.
THUD! My jaw drops. The arrow hit dead center, right next to Felicity's! I actually hit a bull's eye! My classmates gasp with astonishment. Mcleethy stares at me, her eyes on fire with hatred. She can't stand the fact I did it on my own, without the Order's beloved power. I give the most unladylike squeal of satisfaction and the crowd follows suit.
"Alright, alright that's quite enough of that. Class is dismissed!" Mcleethy shouts through clenched teeth. Ann runs to give me a hug. "You were fantastic! Showed her a thing or two didn't you! Wasn't she marvelous Felicity?"
Felicity has the strangest look in her eyes. "Yes, I was shocked… you're not so hopeless after all." She turns on her heel and walks away. "Hmm. Whatever is the matter with her? Oh well. Come Gemma, we'll be late for French."
"Alright. I'll be right there." Ann rushes back to catch up with Felicity. What is the matter with Felicity? I've seen that look in her eyes before… what could it be?
And then I realize. Jealously.
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
I slip away from dinner and walk up to my room. I've told Felicity and Ann that we should take a break from going into the realms tonight so we can continue planning our strategy. In truth, I just want to be alone. Felicity's jealously has frightened me tremendously. To her, I have taken away the one thing that set her apart from me, her one advantage. It's not enough that she depends upon me to get into the realms, but now I no longer depend upon her for protection. Tomorrow I'll make a point to talk to her about her childish behavior. For right now, I need to sleep.
As I enter my room, I find a note on my pillow. I don't even need to look at it to see who its from. I stare at it for a moment. I pick it up, debating whether or not to open it. I should try to forget him… I have to move on. I place the note upon my dresser, but curiosity calls to me. I quickly unfold the letter, angry my defenses are so easily destroyed.
I need to see you. I have information concerning the order. You know where to find me.
-Kartik
Well, at least its concerning the Order. Probably too important to send in writing. I close my eyes and teleport to his hideout.
When I open my eyes, I am at a small campsite in the center of the forest. A pot of soup is cooking over a warm fire and a cricket bat lies near a pile of crab apples. Not the beautiful cricket bat I had given him for Christmas, but a shabby, splintered bat. Of course he wouldn't still have it… not after what I said that night. I still remember that night so clearly. Kartik's hand on my waist… then on my back. Him holding me close, me inhaling his beautiful aroma… the kiss.
And then, my big mouth.
I don't even think of you as an Indian!
The pained look upon his face as he walked away, leaving his present behind. I shall never forgive myself for that day. How could I say such a thing? I feel for Kartik because…
No. I do not care for him anymore.
I snap back to reality. I must get a hold of myself. Kartik called me here to tell me about the Order. I take a seat on one of the fallen trees near the tent. I look up towards the tops of the trees and spot a high branch with a makeshift platform.
So that is where he watches me… Always my protector… I may never understand him, but I know I can always depend upon him for information. Like tonight.
But where is Kartik?
"Gemma. You came."
Uh oh! What happens next! We'll have to wait and find out! Please tell me what you think. I think I was more in the zone this time… If you like it I'll keep posting!
