Casters of Oblivion

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I have rewritten Wicked Casters and Casters of Oblivion. Please reread the first book and then this one before continuing.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or other media for this story.

Chapter 12: Movies

Ginger's POV

I took a deep breath when I entered the cafeteria. These past few weeks, I've struggled to head over to the table where my friends used to sit. Maybe four to five months, I've been sitting where the Cullens used to sit—sitting in his chair. But now I want to change that. Maybe Zelena and Eleanor were right; they were not coming back, and I needed to accept that. I can't waste my Senior year moping.

But it was so hard.

It was easy to go through the motions. However, the moment I snapped out of my zombie trance…I realized how alone I was at school. Sitting in his chair while looking across the cafeteria to see Eleanor talking with our friends, I fell into the motions. Eric and Angela were still an item. Mike and Jessica were confused about their status. Tyler would pop up now and then with Lauren. Followed by Ben and Connor if they were not occupied with their groups.

Right now, Eleanor, Mike, Angela, Eric, and Jessica are sitting at the table. Mike said something that made Eleanor nearly spit out her soda. Jessica, Angela, and Eric laughed as Eleanor grabbed a napkin to clean herself up.

I remember joining the group on the first day of school. Mike and Jessica invited me to join them while I got Eleanor to come. Eric was gushing over Eleanor, while Mike had a crush on me. Or when Tyler pulled his prank by kissing Eleanor on the cheek while yanking the chair right from under Mike, knocking him over. As the two chased each other and Eric ran a quick errand, Angela and Jessica bonded with us. I missed those times.

So, taking a deep breath, I grabbed my food and headed to the table.

"I did see something in the woods," Angela said.

Eric took her hand, "Totally. Baby, I believe you."

Jessica waved her fork at him, "No, he doesn't. He's just trying to get lucky."

Eleanor snorted at that while Eric laughed it off.

"No, okay." Angela stood her ground. "It was jet black and huge. On all fours, it was still taller than a person. A bear, maybe."

When Angela said that, I saw Eleanor tense, which the others didn't notice. Eleanor had encountered what she called The Guardians of the Forest. I've never seen them, and with Eleanor's poor eyesight, she only made out their colors. She says when she senses them, they have a protective aura. So I didn't doubt her on that. Although, I think she saw Bigfoot and his pack.

"Or an alien," Mike teased. "You're lucky you didn't get probed."

Wanting to change the subject to prevent any assumptions about the supernatural, I set my tray between Eleanor and Mike, saying, "You know, you're not the only one. Chief Swan told Zelena that five hikers had been killed by some bear."

Jessica's amusement vanished when I sat down. She is probably holding a grudge after the incident in Port Angeles. When I stupidly walked over to a biker and got on his motorcycle.

Eric and Angela were surprised to see me.

"From what I heard, they can't find the bear," Eleanor said, welcoming me to the table. She smiled at me. A genuine smile, despite the fact the topic wasn't positive. It was my action in joining the table that pleased her.

Angela gave a hmm and stared at Eric to see his response. Eric was indeed on thin ice. His only reaction to get out of trouble was looking at us and awkwardly laughing, "Last time you clowns doubt my girlfriend."

I couldn't help but smile at that. Angela was amused by Eric's response while Eleanor snickered behind her drink. Jessica started talking to Eric and Angela while Eleanor listened to their conversation.

I took a bite of my apple, feeling relaxed.

"Um…" Mike spoke, clearing his throat to get my attention. "So? I mean, Ginger's back?"

I chuckled awkwardly, nearly choking on the apple, then swallowed, "Yeah, I guess so."

"All right, that's…Well, welcome." Mike said with a smile and took a deep breath. "So, listen, now that you're talking and uh, eating again, which, you know…." As he nudged my shoulder, "You've got to get that protein in there…."

I chuckled, shaking my head.

"I was just wondering if you wanted to go see a movie with me?" Mike asked.

Is he still holding a crush on me? I thought. Yikes.

"Um, sure," I managed to say, not to be rude.

Although, I don't want to make this seem like a date. I'm still not ready to date again. So maybe I can make this a hangout with our friends. Hopefully, Mike doesn't choose a sappy movie.

"Cool," he grinned as he thought about the options. "Um…let me see, we could check out Love Spelled Backwards is Love. You know, it's a dumb title, but it's a romantic comedy."

Yeah, it's a dumb title, I silently agreed. Also, I can't do a romantic comedy or any romantic movie right now.

"Nah," I said, shaking my head and trying to stay positive. "I'm in a bit of an action mood."

I tried to think about the recent trailer that popped up on TV, "What about Face Punch?"

Mike stuttered as he rested his head on his hand, "I mean, that's an action movie."

"Great," I said with a smile. "We should get a bunch of people to join."

Mike's smile had dropped some. "Oh, um, sure."

I turned to face the others, "Do you guys want to see Face Punch?"

Eric got excited when hearing that, "Face Punch, yeah! Mike, hey, we were supposed to watch that." As he made mock fighting poses, "Remember the trailer's like….' Punch faces.'"

"I remember," Mike grumbled.

Jessica then spoke with a hint of sarcasm, "Yeah! Movie night with Ginger."

I sighed, knowing I had to make it up to Jessica after ruining her girl's night with Eleanor by watching a Zombie Movie. Maybe buying her ticket and drink might help. I'll tell her this after school. I truly want to make amends.

We were eating our lunch when the bell rang.

Once the gang left, I turned to Eleanor, "You should invite Jake?"

"Maybe I'll see if he and Quil might be interested. Friday night?"

"Perfect," I said with a grin.

"Also, that was a bit cruel on Mike," she murmured.

I sighed, throwing my garbage away, "I know, but I'm just not ready to date again."

Eleanor nodded as she threw her trash away, "I understand. Focus on yourself one step at a time."

I nodded as we made our way to class.

.o0o.

Eleanor's POV

It was Friday when Ginger and I made our way to Port Angeles to see a movie. I called Jacob on Tuesday, asking him if he and Quill would like to join my friends and me to see a movie. I thought about the conversation that made me chuckle.

"You'd like me to come with you and your friends there?" Jacob asked.

"Yes," I confirmed. "Bring Quil, and we'll make it a party."

Jacob chuckled, "Quil's gonna freak. Senior girls."

"I bet," I chuckled.

"Sure, what time?" he asked.

I gave Jacob the time. I told him the gang would see a movie and then have dinner at McDonald's—nothing fancy. I even told him not to worry about the tickets since I'd get them without the ushers questioning his age. Then again, Jacob doesn't look like a seventeen-year-old. Either way, Jacob appreciated that.

However, on Thursday, Mike tried to get Tyler on board, but he had a date with Lauren. Later that night, Jacob called, saying Quil was out – grounded for fighting at school. The worst came on Friday. Apparently, a stomach bug, flu, or virus spread around the school. Mike tried to get Ben and Connor to join, but they got sick. Even at lunch, I noticed Angela seemed a bit pale.

When we were driving, Eric called, announcing that Angela was sick with the stomach flu. He apologized for bailing on us, saying he was going to take care of her since her parents were going to a formal event and someone had to take care of her siblings. Ginger seemed a bit nervous about our friends dropping out.

In the end, only Ginger, Mike, Jessica, and, of course, Jacob and I were able to go.

"Hopefully, no one bails on us," Ginger said.

I shrugged, "Hopefully."

We arrived at the movie theater and waited at the front. Mike was already there, and he, too, seemed a bit pale.

Oh no, I thought. Not him, too.

"Hey Mike," Ginger greeted. "Did you get your ticket?"

"Yeah," Mike managed to say.

"Ella," Jacob called out. "Ging!"

I turned around and smiled, "Hey, Jake!"

Jacob soon joined us. I couldn't help but grin to see he still had the braid in his hair along with the bead. Mike's eyes widened when he saw Jacob.

"Um, Mike, you remember my friend Jacob Black from La Push?" I introduced.

Mike paused, remembering, "Wow, you've grown."

"Yeah," Jacob said, offering a hand to shake.

Mike accepted his hand, although it did not look like a friendly handshake. It seemed like the two had no intention of getting along. When they broke it off, Mike was rubbing his hand slightly.

"Are you even old enough to see this movie?" Mike asked.

Jacob raised a brow.

"I mean, you know, without, like, adult supervision," Mike added.

"Right, yeah, well, Eleanor's buying my ticket for me," Jacob explained.

"I'm gonna do that right now," I said. "Ging, make sure they don't kill each other."

Ginger chuckled, giving a salute.

I went over to the ticket counter. As I waited in line, I got a call from Jessica. She apologized and said she had lost track of time and won't be able to make it. I had a feeling it was something else. Probably the fact Mike asked Ginger out somewhat, and the previous movie experience didn't go so well. I assured her it was fine and that we could plan a movie date another time with just us. Jessica appreciated it and hung up. I sighed, getting three tickets for Face Punch.

I made my way over to see Ginger chuckling while Jacob seemed amused and Mike looking awkward.

"Jessica bailed, and Angela got the stomach flu, so Eric's taking care of her," I announced. "It's just us four."

"Great!" Jacob grinned, staring at me.

"Great," Mike repeated, smiling at Ginger.

"Yeah," Ginger said awkwardly, then clicked her tongue.

For some reason, her plan backfired. Then again, she might have given the boys the impression that this had become a double date. I'm not happy, either.

We headed inside, getting our drinks, candy, and popcorn. Once we got everything, we took our seats in the center—the order from Mike, Ginger, myself, and Jacob. It seemed to be full, as every seat was occupied. Therefore, we were lucky.

"I heard it sucks," Jacob murmured. "Bad."

I snorted, looking at him, "Seriously."

"That's what the critics are saying," he grinned.

I shook my head, "We will see."

The trailers started, and the movie began. And just like that, Jacob was correct. The movie sucked. Lately, many Hollywood films have fallen into this funk of corny or cheesy lines, rush cinematography, and blaring album music throughout the film.

Jacob chuckled as he whispered in my ear, "That blood squirted twenty feet out of that guy. How fake can you get."

I couldn't help but laugh. As I watched the film, I snickered with Jacob as the disastrous movie got increasingly ridiculous. I noticed Mike had his hand out towards Ginger as Jacob did the same for me. Ginger seemed to have seen this as she kept her arms crossed. To my surprise, she was watching the movie or somewhat interested in it. However, her eyes seemed to drip, and her complexion paled.

Oh dear, I thought. I think Mike is contagious and passing it on to Ginger.

I'll probably call Zelena before driving back to ask her to get a potion ready.

I sighed, grabbed the candy box to get some Milk Duds, and offered it to Jacob. He accepted it, plucking a few with his other hand while the other remained on the armrest. His hand was waiting for me to put it on his own. I bit my lip, forcing myself to pay attention to the film. A part of me wants to hold his hand, but if I do, it would mean something. Something more than friends.

I took a deep breath and adjusted myself.

The scene turns to a three-way gun draw.

"Put your gun down."

"Put your gun down, or I'm gonna blow your frickin' head off."

"Both of you put your guns down or I'm gonna blow both of your frickin' heads off."

This movie is utter crap, I thought, rubbing my eyes under my glasses and resting my hand.

I paused, feeling the warmth that enveloped my hand. I tensed slightly and realized I had put my hand into Jacob's. Staring through the strands of my hair, he seemed not to notice and was snickering at the poor dialogue in the movie. I bit my lip, not sure how to pull my hand out. How can I make this seem natural?

"All right, forget it, let's do this!"

Until it happened, his thumb rubbing against my own. His hand was warm, and it felt inviting as he rubbed his thumb against mine. All the tension I had been feeling seemed to vanish. Maybe, just maybe…Should I give us a chance?

Guns were firing, and the music was blaring.

"Mike, are you okay?" Ginger asked him quietly.

"Okay, I think I'm gonna throw up," Mike mumbled as he shot up and ran out of the room.

Ginger paused, baffled at what just happened, before standing up and rushing after him.

I looked at Jacob, "Should we?"

"I guess," he grinned.

We got up and went as well. Mike made it to the men's bathroom when we left the theater. Ginger sighed as she made her way to the concession stand.

"What a marshmallow!" Jacob teased.

I scoffed, shaking my head, "Be nice."

"You should hold out for someone with a stronger stomach," he murmured.

I smacked his chest, still laughing.

"Someone who laughs at the gore that makes weaker men vomit." He added.

"I'll keep an eye out for him," I chuckled, then sighed. "Poor Mike. He probably caught that bug that's been going around."

Jacob then took my hand, leading the way to a bench. Immediately, I pulled my hand away out of reflex. I mentally cursed, seeing the disappointment in his eyes.

"What? I can't hold your hand?" he asked.

I opened my mouth to speak, yet the words couldn't come out. I sighed, sitting on the bench, struggling to find an excuse. "It would mean something."

Jacob sat beside me, "Okay, well, tell me something."

I looked at him.

"You like me, right?" he listed.

I nodded.

"And you think I'm sorta handsome?"

I blushed, knowing I couldn't deny that, "Jake."

I really don't want to have this conversation.

"Why?"

"Because I'm scared," I confessed. "That something will happen…and I'll end up hurt. I don't want what happened to Ginger to happen to me."

I sighed.

"Or if I get called back home."

I said half that is realistically true to my fear of committing.

"I'm not gonna give up," as he took my right hand.

"I don't want you to," I confessed, squeezing his hand. "But I don't want to ruin what we have. I've seen things that can do a number on ya. I've been hurt by people who bullied or used me. And most of all, I grew up with high expectations. I fear one mistake, and I'll lose everything here."

Jacob sighed as he rested his forehead against my own, "I won't ever hurt you. I promise. I won't let you down. You can count on me."

I stared into his eyes, lost in those brown pools. I could see so many emotions in them, and they were dedicated to me. There was this slight pull that was bringing us together. My heart was beating rapidly, unsure of what would happen next. Jacob turned his head slightly, his lips pressed against my own.

I wish you were just like me, I thought. I wish you were part of the supernatural.

"Well," Mike interrupted.

Instantly, I pulled away and took off my glasses.

I kissed Jake, I thought. Oh, Hecate, what did I just do?

Jacob sat there with a neutral expression.

I put my glasses back on and stared at Mike, who sniffled, a bit embarrassed.

"I need to go home," Mike mumbled, putting his hands in his pockets. "I…I was feeling sick before the movie. Okay?"

Jacob scoffed, clenching his fists as he glared at Mike.

Mike stepped back, waving his arms, "What is your problem?"

"Right now? You're my problem." Jacob snarled. "Feeling sick? Maybe you need to go to the hospital."

I sensed a change in the atmosphere. Jacob's aura was no longer calm. It was like a shell being cracked, and something wild had been unleashed. Before I could comprehend what was going on, Jacob stood up with much anger.

"You want me to put you in the hospital?" Jacob threatened.

Mike stumbled back, creating distance.

"Jake," I gasped, standing up and grabbing his hand.

Ginger rushed over, holding an empty popcorn bucket, "What's goin' on?"

Mike had his hands up in defense as Ginger stood between the boys. I held Jacob's hand and noticed his warm hand had become hot and sweaty. I turned my attention to his face, seeing him become clammy as sweat started to form on his temples. He appeared sick as I felt his forehead.

"You're really hot," I noted. "It seems you might have a fever. Are you okay?"

Jacob stepped back, letting go of my hand. I thought I saw him vibrate and steam coming off his skin for a second. Mike and Ginger don't seem to notice this. He was panting, almost out of breath.

"I don't know what's happening," he breathed heavily. "I gotta go."

He started walking out. Concern, I followed after him.

"That dude is weird," Mike told Ginger.

"Jake… wait!" I called after him.

Jacob stopped at the door, almost in pain.

"Let me drive you back," I offered. "I insist."

"No," Jacob forced out. "You probably need to drive Marshmallow home."

"Jake," I pleaded.

"I'll text you when I get home," he said, forcing a smile. "I promise."

I took a deep breath, doubting it.

Jacob bent down and pecked my forehead before leaving. I stood at the door watching Jacob make his way to the Rabbit. I rubbed my amethyst bracelet and cast a small protection spell to ensure he made it home safely. The bead that I had put in his braid was charmed.

However, I kept getting this bad feeling that something was not right.

Ginger and Mike came over.

"I'm gonna drive Mike home. Can you follow us?" Ginger asked.

I nodded and stared at the massive popcorn bucket, "What's that for?"

Ginger was about to answer when Mike made a gagging noise and rushed to the bathroom.

"For that," Ginger said, shaking her head. "I have a feeling this weekend will suck."

"No shit," I muttered.

There is no doubt that we will catch the stomach flu as well.

.o0o.

I followed Mike's black suburban. Ginger was driving Mike home while I followed them. Once we drop Mike off, we'll head home. It seems like the flu has won the battle. I wouldn't be surprised if it lasted another week at school.

I took a deep breath and turned on the radio to distract me.

So many thoughts were running through my head. It was hard to comprehend what had happened in the last hour.

First off…Jacob and I held hands…twice.

Second…Jacob and I talked about our feelings.

Third…Jacob and I kissed.

Fourth…Mike got sick and interrupted the kiss.

Fifth… Jacob's aura changed.

Casters have a sixth sense that that is like self-preservation. I would get a violent shudder when I'm near a Cold One. When something terrible is about to happen, we can sense it before it happens. Grandmother Evangeline says this was our magic and the spirits guiding and protecting us. But this was different.

Jacob's aura changed.

His aura used to be warm, friendly, playful, carefree, caring, and inviting, with a sense of security and joy. But the moment we kissed, and Mike interrupted, something snapped. A burst of wildness consumed him. It plagued him like a volcanic eruption. It was not a standard change… something like this doesn't happen in an instant.

No…this was something else.

I need to talk to Zelena about it.

A change in one's aura is not a good sign.

Ginger dropped Mike home and helped him inside his house, where Mrs. Newton collected him. She thanked us before guiding her son to bed. Ginger got in the passenger seat and looked exhausted. No doubt she will be the first to succumb to the virus.

When we reached the Cabin, Zelena immediately gave us a potion to prevent contagion inside the house. We barely got a say as we drank the potion, took a cup of tea, and headed to our rooms. When I entered my room, I found my pajamas set along with a trash can, a few water bottles, crackers, and other necessities when one catches the flu. I wouldn't say Zelena was a germaphobe, but I can tell she likes to be one step ahead.

As I changed, my phone vibrated.

Quickly, I grabbed it and saw it was a text from Jacob.

Made it home.

I sighed in relief as I texted back.

Get some rest. Good night.

After a moment, Jacob responds.

Night.

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