“You sure know a lot about it.”
“I’ve done my homework.”
“It seems to me you’ve studied psychology.”
“It’s one of the subjects I’m most interested in, yes. The human mind is fascinating.”
“I don’t want you to be right. I really don’t want to kiss again and especially how it happened last time.”
“I promise it won’t be like last time. It’ll be completely on your terms. I’ll even close my eyes, so I can’t hypnotise you,” Ben said with a wink.
Nora elbowed him. “You’re such a tease.” She returned her attention to the movie, but she kept thinking about it. Ben was good looking, honest, and a good guy. She would be in control this time. Maybe the kiss could be just a kiss. Girls did it all the time right? Felicia and Josy did anyway. She always wished she could be more like them, more outgoing. This was her chance to do something crazy, something unlike herself.
The nerves in her stomach increased and her hands felt sweaty. She closed her eyes, her hands holding the armrests firmly. I must be crazy to even consider this, she thought.
Before she could say or do anything, Nora already felt Ben’s lips on hers. The tips of his fingers barely touched her cheek. Shivers went down her spine, but not because she didn’t like it, but because she did. A warm sensation filled her body and the nerves in her stomach wouldn’t settle.
Nora loosened one hand of the armrest. She caressed his cheek as she pressed her lips a little harder against his. His lips were softer than she expected. Ben slowly pulled back, kissing her softly again before they disconnected.
Ben sat back in his seat and watched the movie. He didn’t look bored anymore. His eyes looked absent, not watching the movie, but daydreaming. She could see him fidgeting with the zipper of his coat. He was also nervous.
Nora smiled; she liked the kiss. It was how a first kiss should be. In the dark, unexpected, exciting. She didn’t even mind Ben not being her boyfriend, as long as she could keep this memory as her first kiss.
It didn’t matter that he kissed her, she had wanted it. Maybe he had already seen it in one of his visions. He might have seen her choice of movie too.
“You’re right,” Nora said when the movie was nearly over. “This memory is much better and I’ll remember this kiss as my first. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Ben said.
“So we’re just friends now, right?”
“Yep, if that’s still what you want.”
“It is.”
“I’ll be honest. That kiss made me like you a little more.”
Nora blushed.
“Don’t worry. I still think we should be friends. I won’t do anything you don’t like or without your permission,” Ben promised.
“Thank you.” She could trust him, her gut told her.
“I will stay away from you at school, but you can text me anytime. And if you want to do something like this again—no kissing, I promise—we can definitely do that.”
“I’d like that. Or we could hang out somewhere else, as friends, with other people.”
“That’s also a possibility. But only if it doesn’t involve Felicia or Danny.”
“Deal.”
Chapter 19
Nora’s mother was cooking when she came home. She admired that her mother always took the time to prepare a healthy meal. Maybe it was time for her to help her mother out with cooking. Or at least help out more.
Nora took off her coat and dumped her backpack at the bottom of the staircase. She washed her hands and took the spatula from her mom to stir the sauce.
“Hey sweetie. How was the movie? Which one did you see?” Her mother squeezed her shoulder and kissed her cheek.
“We went to see that new science fiction movie. It was okay, not really my thing.” Nora’s tone was indifferent. She didn’t care for the movie and her mind was still occupied by what happened.
“Make sure you pick the movie next time,” she said. “Did something else happen?” Her mother grabbed the greens, tomatoes, and mozzarella from the fridge to make a salad.
Nora’s face flushed. She hoped her mother didn’t notice.
“No, we just talked. He paid though. He already had the tickets before I got there. He wouldn’t even let me pay it back. He’s more stubborn than I thought.”
“Let them spoil you if they want. I never turned down a treat from your father. You don’t want to seem ungrateful. You can do something else in return. Like bake cookies.”
“Mom, he’s not my boyfriend. I won’t give a random guy cookies.”
“He’s your friend. Nothing wrong with making something for your friend. You used to give Michael cookies all the time.”
“Because you made me give him cookies.”
“There’s still no harm in making cookies and share them during lunch. Then all of your friends can take them.”
“You forget that my friends have abandoned me.”
“Except this guy and Michael.”
“But Michael and I still can’t be seen together at school, because of what happened at the prom.”
“Oh right. I’m sorry, I forgot.”
“It’s okay. But will you please leave it alone? I don’t want to complicate my life even more. I’m just glad there are two people who don’t hate me.”
“Don’t be so dramatic. Dinner will be done in half an hour,” her mother said when Nora went upstairs.
She wanted to do some homework, but her mind kept going back to that kiss. It was nothing like she remembered. Nothing like the first one, but everything she expected of a first kiss. Every time she thought about it, butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She wanted to get to know him better, since he was an interesting person. She only had her experience, but she sincerely wanted to help him.
The butterflies in her stomach wouldn’t keep quiet for the rest of the night, even though she blocked out any thought of Ben.
***
Days blended together with people looking and whispering. She went back to her lone spot in library, hidden away between the shelves. She finished her second book of the year, which kept her thinking. The heroines of the books took matter in their own hands. They didn’t wait for a knight in shining armour to save them. She could do something too. She had to see Felicia; she would be home before her hockey practice later today. Nora wanted answers.
Nora parked her bicycle outside the garden and walked up to the front door. Felicia’s bike was there. Her heart raced and her palms were sweaty. This was her last chance to go home. Once she rang the doorbell, she would fight with her best friend.
No, she couldn’t run anymore. She had to learn to stand up for herself. If Felicia wanted a fight, she could get one. She took a deep breath and rang the bell.
Felicia took her time answering the door. She was already wearing her hockey outfit.
“What do you want?” Felicia stood there with her arms crossed and a disgusted look on her face.
“You know why I’m here. Why did you do it?” It took Nora everything not to shout.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Maybe I should say congrats? I heard you lost your virginity. Don’t get pregnant though. Your religious parents won’t like it.” She smirked, but her eyes were still cold.
“You know it’s not true. You started that rumour because you’re jealous. I went to prom and you thought I did what you wanted me to do. I lost my first kiss and maybe Danny saw that. He already knew I didn’t want him and he still rejected you. You can’t stand him not liking you despite me being out of the picture. That’s why you’re trying to make my life miserable. Well, you’ve done it. My life is a mess. Are you happy now?”
Nora had no intention of showing her vulnerability, but she couldn’t control the flow of words that came out of her mouth. She had to accept that being vulnerable made her stronger instead of weaker. It might even remind Felicia who Nora really was.
“I really don’t care about you or Dann
y anymore. So why would I make up a rumour like that? Do you really think my life is about you?” Her expression hadn’t changed at all.
It shocked Nora. What happened during the winter break? If she didn’t care about Danny anymore, she must have gotten what she wanted. Danny, or someone else.
“But since you’re so focused on yourself and my relationship with Danny, let me tell you something real. Those two ‘brothers’ made a bet about you. That’s why Ben was so desperate for that kiss. He might have made that rumour up to show Danny he had won.” Felicia let her arms fall next to her body. “I don’t know why they picked you. You’re no trophy to boast about. And you have no experience with guys, so you had no idea what you were getting into. But they used you.”
Nora felt weak. Her stomach felt uneasy and she could barely stay upright. Cold sweat appeared on her face. She saw Felicia’s face change, with pity in her eyes.
“Go home, Nora. I have to go to practice.” Felicia wanted to close the door.
“Felicia, wait. If that’s true, can you put your pride aside and be friends again? I never wanted a guy to come between us. I wanted you, to be your friend.” Nora’s voice broke and tears rolled over her cheeks. Felicia ignored her and closed the door.
***
Nora had to discuss homework with Josy before Spanish class. The only time she could ask was during lunchtime, which meant she had to face Felicia.
She walked into the cafeteria and saw the girls sitting with Ben and Danny. Here goes, she thought. She deliberately walked up to them, so Felicia couldn’t see her.
“Josy, can I talk to you about Spanish homework?” Nora asked.
Felicia turned around, her eyes fierce. “What are you doing here? Didn’t I tell you to stay away?”
“I just have to ask Josy something, for school. This doesn’t concern you.”
Josy wanted to stand up, but Felicia stopped her.
“We don’t want you here. Please leave.”
“Licia, she just wants to ask something,” Josy said.
“I don’t care. She should’ve done it in class. Why are you two working together anyway?”
“We work well together, so why wouldn’t we?” Josy said.
“I told you not to talk to her.”
“You don’t own me. I’ll do what I want.”
“You’re being a bitch,” Nora said. “I don’t care if you used to be my friend, best friend even. But to shut me out for a guy who clearly doesn’t want you. That’s just sad. Grow up. Come, Josy.”
Josy pulled her arm from Felicia’s grip, grabbed her backpack, and joined Nora.
It stunned Felicia. She didn’t expect Josy to turn on her.
The guys had been quietly observing, but both rose from their seats. Danny had a big grin on his face as he waved goodbye to Felicia.
“No, don’t go,” shouted Felicia as the four of them walked away.
“I’m so sorry, Josy. She’ll hate you for abandoning her like that.”
“Oh well, I was getting sick of her behaviour anyway,” Josy shrugged. “She treated you like dirt for no reason whatsoever. You don’t deserve that.”
“I didn’t know it was that bad,” said Danny.
“Like hell you knew. You were perfectly aware that you came between friends,” said Ben.
“Yes, I knew Felicia stopped talking to Nora, but I had no idea everyone was forbidden to talk to her,” said Danny honestly.
“You seriously lack brains. Why do you think I didn’t hang out with her? Felicia forbade us to hang out. Because of you.” Ben pushed Danny. “You should’ve just told her you weren’t interested in her. That would’ve saved us a ton of awkward lunches.”
“You had no idea she was trying to claim you?” Nora asked Danny.
“Not like that. I had a feeling she was a little obsessed, but aren’t all teenage girls like that when they’re in love?”
“You know nothing of teenage girls. What Felicia did wasn’t normal. And it’s also a douchebag thing to lead a girl on. You should have told her you weren’t interested.”
“Who says I’m not interested?” Danny smiled, but it didn’t seem as sincere as before.
“Eh, just everything you did? You kept flirting with other girls. You fled school before Felicia could find you. You ditched her on dates. You asked me to pretend you weren’t home when she was ready to give herself to you,” Ben said.
“Where have you lived that you think these things are normal? Chick Flick Nation?” Josy mocked Danny.
“Josy, let him be. Maybe Felicia bewitched him. Let’s go, I still have to ask you about Spanish,” Nora said, and pulled her away to the study area.
***
Danny had already taken a seat in one of the last rows in the church. Usually Nora was the first to arrive. She sat down next to him. “Hi.” Nora felt good today and her mood resonated in her voice.
“Hey, I heard you had a good time at the movies. I didn’t expect you to like science fiction movies.” Danny had a smile on his face like always, but it didn’t seem sincere today.
“I didn’t pick the movie. There wasn’t really anything I wanted to see,” She said honestly. She wondered what Ben had told Danny. He promised not to tell anyone about the kiss and she knew Ben didn’t share much with Danny.
“Ah, that I can believe. Hollywood movies are all about making money and true beauty is often cast aside. It’s almost a tragedy in itself.” He hadn’t looked at her yet, as if he wanted to avoid facing her.
“There’s something else I wanted to ask you though. Michael said Matthew is your legal guardian. I always thought he was an uncle. But you’re not related at all.”
“You’re right. He’s our guardian and we’re not related. The relationship we have is difficult to explain to an outsider.”
“I didn’t mean to butt into family affairs. Or rather, non-family affairs. Private matters,” Nora apologised.
“Don’t worry. It’s more like I don’t know how to properly explain it without overloading you with all kinds of information. It’s not just about our relationship, but about who we are.”
“Are you secretly a prince?” It seemed silly, but Nora loved stories about secret royalty in her romance novels.
“No, that would be going into the opposite direction. We’re not princes, but we are bound by a protocol as strict as that of royalty. Matthew makes sure we stick to them.”
“Ben has shared some things that happened in the future. Is that another thing related to who you are? It’s weird, and it freaks me out. Josy had the same experience.”
“You’re right. He shouldn’t have talked about it, but it seems to be difficult to differentiate his dreams from his visions. Don’t worry too much.”
“I won’t ask any more. For now. You can tell me later, when you’re ready.” She squeezed his leg. “Thank you for sharing.”
“Thank you. I’ll tell you when I can. I want you to know.” Danny turned to her and smiled for the first time that day, a genuine smile. Nora returned it.
“What about Diana? She’s not Matthew’s girlfriend, is she? It didn’t seem that way.”
“Diana is part of it, I guess. Her relationship with Matthew was probably as complicated as the rest. As far as I know they’re not romantically involved, but there’s more than just friendship. She has her own room and half of her wardrobe is here. Sometimes she disappears for weeks at a time. I stopped keeping track of her goings on because it only confused me, and neither Matthew nor Diana want to say anything.”
“You definitely have an interesting life. Do you miss your parents?” Nora hoped it wasn’t too intrusive.
“It’s been a long time since I saw them. I lived with my grandmother until she died, and I came here after I had to leave home.” Danny sighed. “I miss her. But I try not to think too much about it.”
“I’m sorry. She must have loved you very much.”
Danny only nodded in recognition. He kept looking forward, to the cross on the
wall. Nora wasn’t sure if he was sad or mad at her. She had trouble reading him. The smile he usually had was enough misdirection to hide his true feelings.
“What’s the relationship with your parents like?” he asked.
“I’m fortunate enough to have two loving parents. We have a good relationship and I can talk to them about anything. My dad can be a little overprotective though.”
“He seems to have accepted Michael. Is he what your father expects of a partner?”
“Probably. Michael set a high standard, but I’m sure they will accept the one I pick. My mother will persuade him. He’s a little whipped. And his own family had a hard time accepting my mother, even though I think she’s perfect.”
“No one’s perfect. What were their objections?”
“She was no virgin when they married and her fertility wasn’t as good as they would’ve wished.”
“Seriously? They judged her for that? That’s none of their business. How dare they?” Danny was surprised. He raised his voice a little and other people turned to look at them.
His anger was unexpected; she hadn’t seen this side of him before.
“Who do they think they are? Royalty? Are heirs still that special? I thought people were over that. So archaic.”
“I don’t know. They had me, so I don’t know what they were complaining about.”
“I hope I’ll never be that judgmental.”
“I know you won’t. Even after everything Felicia did, you didn’t stop hanging out with her. You saw that she was more than that. She has a good side.” Nora rested her hand on his leg again. “You’re a good person, Danny. I don’t think you have to worry about that.”
“Thank you, Nora. I try to be the best person I can be, but I know I don’t always succeed. I’m glad you still see the good in Felicia. I’m sure she misses you more than she realises.”
“Maybe…” She didn’t want to hope—not anymore. But she wished her friend all the best if she was truly happier without her.
Devil's Deal (Infernal Contracts Book 1) Page 14
