“Secrets? Maybe I’m not the one who’s different. Maybe it’s you, Whitehead.”
We pulled into the school parking lot then, and he got out, just leaving me sitting there. I jumped out and stalked past him, ignoring him the rest of the day.
School was uneventful, though I refused to touch Juniper again. She knew something was up. I could tell by the way she looked. I couldn’t tell her why I wasn’t getting close to her, though. I asked her to give me a ride home. I was planning on testing my theory in the car. I didn’t want anyone to notice if something weird happened to me. I also planned on telling Juniper what was occurring with me. I couldn’t handle not talking to anyone any more. I had to confide in her.
I waited at J’s locker after our last class. I was careful to not touch her or her stuff, because I didn’t know exactly what triggered the visions. She wasn’t saying much to me. I knew I hurt her, and that killed me, but what could I say? And in school? While walking to her car, I told her I had to discuss some things with her.
“Ok, Liv, what’s the big deal? You’ve been ignoring me, and it’s really hurtful. I don’t think I’ve done anything to upset you…”
I cut her off. I motioned for her to get in the car, and I slid in the passenger’s seat. “Listen, J, some weird stuff has been happening to me. This is going to sound weird, but I need you to touch my hand.”
Her eyebrows raised, but she did what I asked. Instantly, I was seeing the same images I saw yesterday. I jerked my hand back, gasping for air.
“What is it, Liv,” she said with obvious concern.
“J…I saw a vision when you hugged me the other day. And the same one just now. I saw you when you were a baby, I saw you now, and I saw you,” I paused, “die.”
Horrified, her mouth fell open, and her breathing became intense. “What? Die? You saw me die? What? How?”
“Um…that’s the thing. That’s why I’ve been so freaked out, J…I saw you die in the dress we bought last week.”
She gasped loudly and started crying.
“And it was at the dance, I think.” I cried too. I didn’t want my best friend to die, especially such a horrible, violent death. “I know it all sounds crazy, J, but I’ve had a lot of weird stuff happening. And now this. I don’t know what’s real anymore, and I don’t know what to do. I don’t even know if the visions are real or accurate or whatever you would call it.” I was exhausted from all of this--and terrified.
“What do I do?” she asked in a small voice.
I hugged her, ignoring the images flashing before me, and said, “I don’t know, but we’ll figure it out. I won’t let anything happen to you, J. You’re like my sister. I can’t lose you.” And I meant it. One way or another, I would save her from this horrible fate.
Scott
Mark interrogated his mother and grandfather. His mom showed us some defensive moves last night if the fight became physical. Which, honestly, I expected it to be. His grandfather hadn’t known anything about a white aura either. It seemed Livvie was a one of a kind magical being. The thought scared me even more. The Crimson Calamitous knew she was magical and special. All the more reason to want her.
It was Friday morning, the dreaded day of the dance. I headed to my grandma’s store. I needed something nice so I could attend, even though I planned to stay hidden from Livvie. Grandma would know what I should wear, and I wanted to talk to her about everything one last time.
My mind kept drifting as I drove. I should be in pain from not seeing Livvie in so long, but I wasn’t. I expected the reason was because of her visit to Sadie two nights ago. All a sorcerer needed was to be near his or her heart mate. They didn’t have to speak or interact at all, just nearness was enough. I drove along the wooded road, wishing my life was as calm as nature. The closer I got to Grandma’s store, the slower I drove. I pulled into the parking lot, taking note of the emptiness of it all.
Anna’s was always busy on the day of an event. There were always at least ten people who waited until the last day to buy their clothing. I went to the door, my hand trying to push it open, but the store was locked. “Grandma,” I called out. No one answered. I decided to try the stock entrance. She could be back there for a break. I ran around the building and noticed that door was wide open. “Grandma, where are you?”
“In here, dear,” she called softly.
I looked in and saw her sitting on two boxes with two more serving as a table. A box of charms and liquid spells sat beside her. On the table there was one of the huge books I looked at while at her house the other day. “Grandma? Did you find something?”
“I think so, dear. It seems that our Livvie is a mix of magical beings. I’ve found something from 950 years ago in these pages. It says that each being has a different outer color. Sorcerers are golden yellow, faeries are purple, vampires are black, and evil beings, of course, are red. We know that The Crimson Calamitous is a sorcerer because of all the legends in our written histories. Nothing here says anything about a white aura. It does say that a mixed breed would produce a different color, though none have been documented.”
My Livvie was magical. “I wonder what mix she is…and what about our whole war with vampires? What if she’s part vampire?” I asked, panicking when I realized what this could mean.
“Don’t worry about it yet, little one. Let’s save her life first. We’ll worry about all of the other later.” She got up and led me to another chair she had made.
I sat, my knees wobbling and my heart aching. She was in a lot of danger. “The dance is in a few hours, Grandma. We still don’t have a set plan. I haven’t found another fifth generation sorcerer. Remember Mark who ordered a tux here? Well, he’s agreed to help us, even though he’s not a fifth gen. He’s been around Livvie and The Crimson Calamitous. We talked and trained with his mother some last night. His grandfather is looking into the white aura, like you are. I figured maybe between the two of you, we could find some answers.”
“It’s a good idea to have more than one person looking, little one. I could miss something. He could miss something.”
I knew she was right. This was dangerous and could potentially be fatal for us all. I decided to tell her about Olivia and Sadie’s conversation the other night and learn if she knew anything.
“So…Livvie has visions? This is indeed interesting.”
“Why is it important, Grandma? What could she be?”
“Well, obviously, seers can see the future. As can psychics. But it seems as if she is a mixed being, so she’s had one of them in her hereditary line at some point. Did she speak of anything else that’s happened?”
“No, just the premonitions and glowing eyes.”
“Yes, I don’t know about the glowing eyes. Eyes generally glow when going through the magical change, but she is a bit old for that to be happening. It usually happens before puberty.”
This was all too confusing. I needed answers. “Grandma? Are you going to be close to the school tonight? In case Mark or I need anything?”
“Why, of course I am! Sadie is coming with me. We figure you two will need all the help you can get.”
All the help we can get. She definitely had that right. As the days went on, I could feel my body getting weaker. I needed our dreams back.
Olivia
I was nervous yet excited for the dance but more scared than anything. I didn’t want to lose Juniper. There was that small chance what I saw wouldn’t come true. I didn’t know for sure this was all actually happening. I mean, it didn’t happen with everyone I came in contact with. There was a small possibility I was losing it.
My classes today were a blur. I hadn’t been able to talk to Juniper because she was avoiding me at every turn. Every time I mentioned my visions or whatever they were, she tuned out. Lunch would be the time I’d get a real heart to heart with her.
Mark was acting strangely, too. I couldn’t tell if it was nerves about going to the dance with Juniper or if it was more. My life was completely ups
ide down lately. I didn’t know what to believe and what was right anymore. I had no one to turn to with all of the changes happening to me. And in the midst of it all, my best friend may die tonight. The one person I could always count on to be there for me. The person who knew me better than anyone.
The bell rang, and I sulked to my locker. I didn’t even bother with trying to talk to Juniper. I was just going to wait. I opened my locker to collect my books but before I could get it all the way open, a hand stopped the door. Startled, I glanced up to see Aiden smirking at me. Clutching at my heart, I said, “You scared me, Aiden. You could have said something.”
“Sorry about that, beautiful. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Beautiful? Why wasn’t he calling me Whitehead? I looked away from the intensity of his gaze. “So what’s going on?” I asked, rummaging through my books.
“I just wanted to make sure you really didn’t want to go with me tonight.”
“Aiden…” I started.
He stopped me by moving inches from my face. I thought he was going to kiss me right there in the hallway for everyone to see. “Olivia,” he said with his voice low and seductive, “I know what you said. I just wanted to ask again.”
I think this was the first time he ever called me Olivia. The way he said it…like it was the most important word in the world, made my heart flutter. His hand reached out, and his thumb caressed my cheek. His eyes studied my face and then they went above my head. Why was everyone staring up there? “Why are you looking up there like my hair is fascinating, Aiden?” I asked.
Sharply, he looked back into my eyes. His face was lost in a trance, and he seemed to be trying to snap out of it. “What?”
“I asked…why are you interested in the space over my hair? What do you see?”
“Nothing.” He seemed panicked.
“Aiden. That’s not the first time. Is there something wrong with my hair?”
His hand reached out and he played with the ends. Running it over his fingers like you would sand at the beach. “No. Your hair is amazing. It always looks fantastic. It’s perfect.”
He was acting stranger today than he had all week. His eyes had changed. There was something there, just below the surface. A need or a hunger that he couldn’t contain anymore. It almost scared me. Did he want me?“Thanks,” I said breathlessly.
Why did he make me so nervous? His hand dropped and he turned, moving away. He looked back, briefly, and nodded at me. Every time we got close like this, he stopped it. Most days I didn’t want him, but when he was so close and gazing into my eyes. I lost all train of thought.
I was flustered now. So much so that I almost shut my hand in the locker door. I had to hurry or I would be late for my next class. I turned down the hall and ran into a guy carrying a box of library books. Instantly, I had a vision of him. They were always the same: infancy, childhood, current, and death. It seemed he would die in a car accident later in life. Stumbling, I reached out to grab a locker or wall for support.
“Hey, are you ok?” the boy asked, reaching for me.
I dodged his touch. “Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks.”
He looked at me oddly and picked up his books. I wanted to help, but I couldn’t chance touching him again. It drained me of so much energy. And this was the first time I had accidently touched someone since I told Juniper yesterday. After gaining my composure, I apologized again and avoided contact on my way to the classroom.
Scott
Tensions were high today. Grandma closing her shop on the day of a school ball was enough to make me even more nervous. Sadie was missing school, even though my parents weren’t completely aware of that one. Santos was going, but only because he wasn’t the greatest at making potions, so he wasn’t really needed.
Sadie and Grandma moved from her shop to her house. They were making potions and charms. An outline of what would work best for a variety of situations was spread on the table. They were definitely the planners of the family. I was glad they were so focused and organized. I was a wreck. I couldn’t think or walk straight. My nerves were on edge. All I could think about was Livvie being captured or dying tonight. It was more than I could handle.
Grandma suggested I espy Livvie ten minutes after sitting at her kitchen table drumming my hands like a mad man. She and Sadie exchanged annoyed looks about three times before they ordered me out. I really couldn’t blame them, because I was sure I was annoying. I was just so scared I couldn’t help myself.
So I went into Grandma’s library. It was the only place I thought I could get relaxed enough to do the proper techniques. I sat staring at the wall for what seemed like days. Finally, I closed my eyes and thought of Livvie. She was the only person who could calm me at this point. I focused on her smile, the curve of her lips, and how she showed just a small amount of teeth. I imagined her hair and the way it moved in a silky manner. Next, I thought of the softness of her skin. I could only imagine what it felt like in real life, because in spirit form it was pure velvet.
I was feeling the familiar stirring in my soul. I knew my spirit was beginning to detach. I counted down from fifty, relaxing more with each number. Soon, I would see her.
She was in school. She looked upset, sitting across from Juniper in their lunch room. Her face was downcast and her eyes looked teary. Juniper looked angry. I couldn’t get too close because Aiden lurked nearby, listening to everything they were saying. I couldn’t chance him knowing I was connected to her.
Livvie reached for Juniper’s hand. They sat there, staring at each other with grief stricken looks on their faces. If I had to guess, she confessed all to Juniper. Tears were silently falling from Livvie’s eyes, and my heart was breaking. My hand reached out in a lame attempt to comfort her, even though I wasn’t close enough to touch her. They stood and Juniper moved around the table to hug Livvie. Their friendship was more like a sibling relationship. Aiden was still silently watching their every move. He reminded me of a hawk stalking its prey.
The anger over Aiden sent my spirit flying back to my body. I lay in Grandma’s library for a long time, just thinking of how sad Livvie looked. How was she going to cope if something happened to Juniper? I had to make sure nothing harmed either one of them. I didn’t think I could handle knowing Livvie was hurting so much and not go to her.
My muscles felt weaker. The longer I was away from Livvie, the slower my body got. It was more difficult to summon my magic. My thoughts weren’t as clear as they usually were. The longer I lay there, the more I ached. I really hoped being near her tonight would cure me. I needed my strength to fight The Crimson Calamitous.
I heard the door scrape open and looked up to see Grandma staring at me. “Little one, what is it?” she asked, kneeling beside me.
“I feel…weak…I need Livvie.”
“How many days has it been?”
“Today is the fourth,” I said after pausing to count up the days since she visited Sadie.
“Oh, dear,” she said feeling my forehead, “the fever will be setting in soon.”
She looked as concerned as I felt. How was I going to protect Livvie, Juniper, and everyone else when I could hardly move? I groaned as I sat up. Rubbing my neck, I tried to stretch my legs. They felt like I had been beaten.
Grandma helped me to my feet. “Come, little one. I will get you something to help make you feel a little better.”
“How am I going to do this tonight?”
“You’ll be ok once you’re within in ten feet of Livvie. We just have to keep you strong until then.”
I nodded. I knew she would help me somehow. After all, she had experience with heart mate pain. I hadn’t until now. And I must admit, it wasn’t fun. It angered me to think of the sorcerer who cast the curse on my family. One moment had affected decades of descendants. I didn’t know what could have happened to cause someone to do something so lasting and detrimental.
Grandma led me into the kitchen. Sitting at the table, I waited for her to finish concoctin
g her solution. I could smell ginger, and I saw her throw in something like thyme. The smell of it cooking wasn’t pleasant, but I trusted she would help me find enough strength. I only needed to make it to the school. Livvie could cure me then.
Olivia
Four hours until the dance. I could hardly make myself excited enough to get dressed. Juniper absolutely refused to miss it. She claimed she was in love with Mark, and she had to tell him tonight. If the truth killed her, at least she let it out. I fought with her all day about it to no avail. I had finally gotten her to agree to at least let me keep an eye on her all night. I wasn’t sure how I would protect her, but I prayed I could. Aiden was captain of the football team and completely infatuated with me. Surely he was strong enough to protect her if something happened.
Glancing in the mirror, I noticed how tired I looked. My eyes still had a bit of a glow to them, though it wasn’t as noticeable. I sat in my vanity seat, determined to make myself look as radiant as Aiden kept saying I was. I caught him multiple times during school staring at me. He seemed mesmerized. I picked up the silver brush on my table, gliding it through my red locks. I brushed each strand until it was soft as silk. I changed out of my T-shirt into one that buttoned, so I wouldn’t muss my hair or makeup. I braided my hair, starting on the right side and wrapped it around to the left shoulder. I found a coral flower at the beauty supply store and intended to wear it. I tied the braid, leaving wisps of hair around my face. I inserted the flower behind my right ear, enjoying the elegant look it gave. I chose simple pearl earrings and the ring Mr. Sexy gave me for my jewelry. Glancing over the pallet of eye shadows, I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed about all of the choices I had. Reds, pinks, purples, greens, blues, and browns. I glanced at my shoes, comparing the color to the shades. I chose a medium pink shadow and applied it. I lined my eyes with black liner and applied two coats of mascara. Satisfied with my face, I went to the closet to look at my dress.
The White Aura (The White Aura Series) Page 11
