Chapter Thirty Nine
How the two guys sitting in front of me had managed to discover the information about Ember’s outburst was beyond my understanding. Our class was already in session when it occurred. They had somehow gotten the word about the scene though, the minute it happened. I think they wanted me to overhear what they were discussing. They were probably too afraid to turn around and say something to me like, “…hey Tray, your sister just went ballistic in the lunchroom with half the school watching!”
I immediately rushed out of the classroom without saying anything to anyone and ran back to the cafeteria. When I arrived, Krista, Greg and two of Ember’s other friends were the only ones left sitting around the table. My sister was nowhere in sight though. Panic flooded through me and the shadows gathered in response.
Walking up to the table, I channeled an obliteration so everyone would ignore me other than Krista. It felt like I had just been assaulted with a hammer to the head when I did it, but I was in a hurry. They continued to talk to Greg as Krista turned to me.
“What just happened with Ember?” I leaned down and whispered the question in Krista’s ear.
“She got majorly ticked off because our friends were rude, obnoxious morons. She turned all kinda crazy, audacious on them and started screaming at the top of her lungs,” Krista whispered in reply.
“Did anything unusual happen beyond her just yelling?”
“Don’t you think that’s unusual enough – especially for her?? She’s the quiet one between the two of you or have you forgotten?”
“Well, I’ve seen her temper before so it’s not that farfetched. But normally you’re right – she’s all smiles and whispers at school. What’d they do to her?” I asked tentatively.
If they had done something to make her angry enough to create a scene then it might not be safe for me to hear the answer. I held my breath as I gripped the metal chair that used to hold my sister and prepared for the worst. I channeled another obliteration because I needed the facts without any dramatic extras.
“Our girlfriends all think that you and I have a little something-something going on because I stay overnight at your house so much. Ember and I didn’t correct their misconceptions because we thought it was sort of funny – like our personal insider, Ember-intrigue. Now that I like Greg though, they’ve been acting like a bunch of jerks. Our guy friends have followed their diva-like example although I don’t know why exactly.
“I tried to warn Ember last night about how they’ve been acting. They’ve been really terrible to Greg. I guess I didn’t do such a great job at preparing her. She introduced herself to him and he tried to respond, but our other friends interrupted them. They’ve been acting like Greg’s invisible since he arrived. It’s been getting on my nerves. I guess they thought Ember would just go along with them, but they were wrong. She’d never give my boyfriend the cold shoulder.
“She got massively ticked off when they treated Greg like he didn’t exist. She got so mad at them that she picked up Ally’s lunch tray and slammed it on the table…” she informed me as she pointed to the food still splattered on the wall.
After reciting what Ember had said, word-for-word, I released my grip on the chair. I was satisfied that no one had harmed her and I was relieved.
I’m starting to rethink this whole “Ember needs girl friends” thing…
I knew where to find her, at least. I needed to make sure she was okay and would try to convince her to leave with me when I go to work. I resolved to tell her lunchroom gal pals tomorrow that I am happily involved with a sweet honey of a college girl. Hopefully, that will permanently silence their wagging tongues.
Poor Ember, it was baptism by fire for her and this being a part of a female friend circle was way out of my comfort zone. My sister must have realized there would be no assist with this situation coming from me.
I wouldn’t have the first clue where to begin to help her with this particular situation…
She assured me that everything was fine, but she refused to leave. The warning bell was getting ready to ring for her history class. She waved and watched me drive away.
Ember had looked happy enough, but my instincts wouldn’t allow me to go very far. I called Rave and explained that I needed to come in late. He said fine and he would see us both after school.
Then I drove back into the school’s parking lot and used my skill again. I wanted to follow Ember all afternoon so I could keep a close eye on her.
She didn’t even realize I was there…
Ember Rising Light (Book One) Page 43
