Fae (11 page)

The players lined up in position, and he bent over; seconds later he was throwing the ball beautifully, his aim perfect.

He was a very gifted player. I now understood why Coach Brown was so excited to have him on board. The ball floated gracefully and landed with ease in the other player's hands, just as it was intended.

I couldn't help but smile. I was almost proud. It was then that I saw the cheerleaders jumping up and down.

And then I saw her.

Running to him.

Racing into his arms.

Embracing him.

And then the kiss.

And that's when I tripped and fell.

I almost missed her.

But I needed time away.

To clear my head.

She was getting too close, too fast.

After I drove home from her house, I decided that I would give myself a mental break. I needed a day to shield myself, a day to gain back the composure that I had lost for a moment the night before.

I knew that I could miss class, but I knew that I couldn't miss practice. Even though this game was silly, I couldn't leave any openings for Brian to angle for my place on the team. If that happened, then there would be no reason for me to stay at Manteo High. For that reason, and that reason alone, I came to school hoping and praying that I wouldn't run into her.

She most certainly didn't strike me as the athletic type. But she was part Faerie, after all. Her athletic strengths would have to show up at some point. She'd feel the need to exert the energy that moved around her body, unlike all of her human friends. I was sure that Caroline found she could run great distances and never seem to tire. I was also sure that she loved the outdoors, probably spending her weekends hiking for hours and hours. Since she hadn't connected yet with the light that lived within her, it had to find ways to move around her body.

And it obviously had. She ran with ease and elegance around the track. And she was fast. But she didn't know how fast she could really be.

This was good. This trait could come in handy in the future. She had a natural grace. A way about her that made her stand out among the crowd of young women that should have been her peers. Every time I could sneak a peak and watch her run, I would.

I was like a moth to a flame.

All I wanted to do was look at her. If I wasn't careful, my obsession would quickly become public knowledge. A student would see me watching her, and then the rumors would spread like wildfire.

“Way to go, Devilyn!” I heard Jordana scream out, hoping I'd look over and acknowledge her cheers.

Jordana. The answer to my problems. The bane of my existence. Why did the thought of Jordana make me sick to my stomach? From the corner of my eye I could see that Caroline had finally noticed me out on the field. Her gait had slowed, and she was busy watching us play. I had never been a vain man, and I had never tried to show off, but now with her eyes on me, I suddenly wanted to prove a point.

I wanted her to think I was good. I threw a perfect pass and as a teammate caught it and made a touchdown I felt great that Caroline had seen it all, and she had been smiling. For some reason, her approval meant something to me. Before I could look over and acknowledge her, Jordana chased me down and threw her arms around me. And planted a giant kiss on my mouth. I didn't reciprocate, but I knew what it must look like. I gently pushed her away.

“Thanks, Jordana. But I always make the first move,” I chided her gently. Jordana wasn't deterred.

“Me too.”

I couldn't believe her audacity. Before I could properly reprimand her, I had to look at Caroline. And there she was sprawled out on the track. Was she hurt? What had just happened? I pushed past Jordana and took off toward Caroline.

“Caroline!” I ran toward her on the track, leaving Jordana and my fellow teammates watching me.

She was slowly starting to move when I reached her. From the bright flush on her cheeks, I knew she was mortified.

“Are you okay?” I asked as I gently put my hand on her arm. She jumped away from my touch. “I'm fine!” She sat up slowly and brushed off the dirt on her knees and thighs.

And that was when I noticed how her track shorts showed off an ample amount of leg. Nice, shapely legs. The words came out before I could stop them, “Your shorts are really short.”

She looked at me in disbelief, “Excuse me?”

I couldn't believe I had just said that out loud. “I was just commenting, that's all.” How did I get out of this?
What are you thinking, Devilyn?!

“They're my gym shorts.” She rose slowly and suddenly seemed quite defensive.

“I noticed.” Her face turned an even deeper shade of red. I felt like an ass. How could I fix this?

“It's hot,” she said in anger. “Besides, Jordana's cheerleading skirt is way shorter than these!” She practically shouted in my face. That took me off guard. She was comparing herself to Jordana?

“Jordana?” I replied, shocked that she would even mention the bothersome girl's name. “I don't care about what she's wearing. I'm just shocked to see you like this, that's all.”

If possible she looked even angrier.

“Shocked?”

I didn't know what to say or how to get out of the whole I was rapidly digging for myself. If I told her that she had beautiful legs, she would think I was some sort of pervert.

She stared at me as if waiting for an answer. And when I didn't give her one, she brushed her legs with her hands and started to walk away in a huff.

“I'm just surprised to see you running.”
Just stop talking
, I told myself. I didn't know what was wrong with me. I was never tongue-tied, and I wasn't generally so overprotective.

“What is that supposed to mean?” she said to me then shook her head. “Never mind. I don't even want to know.”

She turned to walk away.

“Hold on. Just stop running away for one second.”

She practically sped up as she continued stalking off the field.

“I'm not running away, Devilyn,” she retorted. “And this conversation is over.”

“It lies not in our power to love, or hate, for will in us is overruled by fate.”
—Christopher Marlowe

I was walking through a lush meadow that resembled something you'd imagine in a fairy tale. The trees were endless and abundant. Vines and leaves twirled magically together, creating a picture perfect feast for the eyes. The dirt on the ground even seemed to glisten against the moonlit sky. And there was a pathway that shined brightly in front of me as if it was made for me to walk down it.

Though it was dark out and I had no idea where I was, my surroundings felt somehow familiar. I knew this place. It called out to me as if I had some history that I was consciously unaware of, but I knew if I allowed myself to open up, I would know why I recognized it.

I watched as a raven flew right by me and landed on a branch not far from where I stood. The bird and I made eye contact, and it studied me curiously. As our eyes locked, I was suddenly pulled into a hypnotic trance. I slowly made my way toward the animal and wanted to reach out and touch it.

“Don't,” a voice said to me from behind.

I twirled around and stared at the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. It was in the shape of a man, but I knew this ethereal being had to be something more. Something divine. Its whole body illuminated a bright light so magical it brought me to my knees.

“Rise, my child,” he gently said to me as he walked over and took my hands. Up close, I could see that his face was older. He had wide-set blue eyes that were wise with age.

“Who are you?” I asked, in awe.

“A friend,” he responded as he helped me to my feet. He looked over at the raven and narrowed his eyes.

“Why can't I touch the bird?”

“Because if you do, you won't be safe anymore.” I didn't understand his cryptic words, but for some reason I believed him.

“Will it hurt me?”

“Yes.”

“Why?” We turned to look at the animal, which had stretched out its wings.

“I don't think he even knows why anymore.”

The man reached out and put a hand on my cheek. “You must wake up now.”

I looked around at the magical meadow with its serene beauty, and my body cried out in protest. “But I don't want to. It's so beautiful here.”

He laughed and pointed past a grouping of trees. My gaze followed his, and I looked past the meadow and just beyond, and suddenly all I could see was darkness. And it was everywhere.

“What is this place?” My euphoria instantly turned to great fear.

“You'll soon find out, Caroline. Right now it's time for you to wake up.” He snapped his fingers in front of my eyes and suddenly…

I was awake. I sat up quickly in bed and took a deep breath. I was in my room. I was fine. I was reassured by Famous's soft breathing. I was okay, I kept telling myself. It was only a dream.

But it was the strangest dream I had ever had.

I turned my nightlight on and grabbed a book from my bedside table to distract myself. One Hundred Years of Solitude
should do the trick
, I thought. I started to skim over the words, but my mind continued to race.

And of its own accord, it raced right over to Devilyn.

I guess that was inevitable, considering what had happened during the day. My heart sunk as I replayed the kiss he shared with Jordana in my head. I couldn't believe it. What did he see in her?

She's tall, blonde, and gorgeous,
I thought sarcastically.
What wouldn't he see in her?

Of course, the most humiliating part was falling on my face and having to endure his phony concern over my well-being. For a brief moment I had believed that he actually cared, and then he had ruined it all by mentioning the length of my shorts. So much for our truce.

I had to come to the realization that Devilyn and I would probably never get along. It seemed as if we were always on opposite sides. I wished that I didn't care, but he had an effect on me that I couldn't shake. I wished it didn't matter at all to me what he thought of me—or my legs for that matter.

But it did.

I cared.

I wanted him to think I was attractive. The same way I thought he was. I heard Famous growl low in his throat. He was sitting in his bed now, staring up at me. I leaned down and picked him up and let him curl up next to me. At least
he
wanted to be near me.

I turned out the nightlight and closed my eyes. The only consolation I had was that one day, likely far, far in the future, probably in college, I would meet someone special, and I would look back on my high school experience—and this day—and laugh. At least I had that to look forward to.

When I arrived at school in the morning it was buzzing with news. Tatiana Reilly had finally arrived. I stood at my locker door and pulled out my history book. The hall was still filled with students loitering between classes. I put my book down and grabbed my sweater.

Someone ruffled my hair.

“Hi Teddy.”

Teddy leaned against the locker and stared at me as I shoved my arms into a bulky gray sweater.

“How was your night? I didn't hear from you.”

“I had a lot of homework. How's Tommy?”

Teddy smiled, “Fine. Annoying as any six-year-old can be.”

I rolled my eyes — Teddy loved his brother more than anything. He leaned in closer and brushed his blond hair away from his eyes.

“You going to Jordana's party on Saturday?” I looked up at him, surprised, and shook my head. The last place I wanted to be was at Jordana's party watching Devilyn and her make out all night. The thought tied my stomach in knots.

“You've got to be joking,” I almost laughed.

“Come on! You're so boring. We never do anything fun.”

“Since when is going to Jordana's considered fun?”

Teddy looked away from me. “Since the new girl in school asked if I was going.”

“What?!”

Teddy looked around and made sure no one was listening then leaned in closer.

“I sat next to Tatiana Reilly in Bio-Chem today, and she asked me if I was going to the party. She actually told me to come.” He seemed so flattered by that invitation that I couldn't help but smile. Teddy was completely unaware of how handsome he was with his blond hair and blue eyes. He had the kind of all-American good looks that girls loved.

“We could have a good time. At minimum we'll have plenty to laugh about. Come on, you owe me.” The last words were uttered almost desperately.

I hoped my mouth wasn't hanging open in shock. I could see the light blush creeping its way up Teddy's cheek, and by the look of it I knew that he had a crush. I couldn't help myself when I reached out and put my hand on his cheek. There was no way that I would ever disappoint him.

“Of course I'll go with you Teddy.”

Before he could respond, a locker door slammed with a resounding thud next to us. Teddy and I jumped away from each other.

“Sorry. Was I interrupting something?” the unmistakable voice snarled at us.

Devilyn.

The look he shot both Teddy and me was full of disdain.

What is his problem?

“No actually. I'm late for class. See you at lunch, Caroline,” Teddy said as he retreated away in what seemed like fear.

“Bye.” I shut my locker door and started off to History class, completely ignoring Devilyn.

He came up next to me and looked down. From the look on his face, he still seemed like he was in a bad mood.

“How's your knee?” Of course he had to bring up my embarrassing fall. I wasn't sure if I was in the mood to talk to him. But I shook off the anger I had from the day before and decided to stay positive and continue pursuing a truce, even if it meant that it wasn't reciprocated.

“It's not as bruised up as my pride,” I told him with a sigh. He actually smiled and looked over at me.

“Nobody saw. Don't worry.” That was wishful thinking on his part, but I didn't have the heart to tell him. It was another rare moment when he was actually trying to be nice to me. Perhaps he was also seeking a truce?

“We didn't get a chance to talk about what you want to do after school today.”

Hold hands and stare into each other's eyes
, I thought wistfully.

But instead I said, ”I'm working at the restaurant again tonight. Do you want to meet there at six?”

“No problem. Should we work there again?”

I contemplated it for a second and decided against it. My mom and the crew would be watching us like hawks, and that was the last thing in the world that I was in the mood for.

“I think I know a place we can go to mix things up a little.”

“Great. I'll meet you there, and I can drive you home again if you like.”

“My car is actually still in the shop,” I said, “so that would be great.”

We entered class together and parted ways as we took our seats. I stared at the clock. Exactly six more hours until I got to spend another evening alone with Devilyn.

I guess life could be worse.

Practice couldn't end soon enough. I found myself anxious to meet with Caroline and just be around her. My blood still boiled every single time I thought about her hand on Teddy's cheek in such a loving gesture. I was almost envious. Her hand should have been resting against
my
cheek. She should have been comforting
me
. I wasn't sure how much more of this I could take.

She occupied every corner of my mind. It had to take every ounce of my strength to control myself around her. I practically berated her on the field; I frightened her friend Teddy. What was I becoming, some kind of monster? I was furious just thinking about my childish actions. I shook away the thoughts and took a deep breath.

I looked around the restaurant and noticed that Frank, the cook, was watching me from the kitchen. He obviously had his doubts about me—and rightfully so. Even I doubted myself. I smiled nervously, and he nodded back. Clearly he didn't think I was good enough for Caroline. And he was right. The more I stood there, the more paranoid I became. And then I heard her enchanting voice.

“Sorry to make you wait.”

She walked out from the back room with her oversized backpack once again overpowering her slight frame. She looked refreshingly beautiful with her long, wavy hair swaying around her shoulders and the smile. Who could forget the smile?

“Hi.”

“Hi,” I responded, staring at her. “How was your shift?”

“Totally fine.” She seemed surprised I asked. I reached out and took her backpack from her.

“You don't have to do that.”

“Yes, I do. This thing weighs a ton.”

“I know. I think I need to invest in a roller bag.” She smiled.

We stared at each other for a moment.

“You ready to go? I actually got us some pizza. It's in the car. Hope you like pepperoni and mushroom,” I said, pointing at the parking lot.

“Yes. Love it.”

I opened the door to the diner and waited for Caroline to exit before me. Again, this gesture seemed to make her uncomfortable. She obviously wasn't used to chivalry.

Side-by-side, we walked out to my car.

“Here we are,” I said as I opened the car door for her. Caroline quickly got inside as I shut the door behind her. I put her backpack in the backseat and rushed over to the driver's side. When I sat inside my car I was hit with the sweet smell of her hair, I closed my eyes for a second.

“Are you okay?” she asked, a concerned look on her face.

I opened my eyes and looked over at her and nodded curtly. Too curtly, it seemed, because she immediately withdrew from my gaze.

Get a grip, Devilyn
, I told myself.
Seriously, get a grip.

I started the engine.

“So, where would you like to go?” I asked.

Caroline held her hands together and said in an almost nervous tone, “The Elizabethan Gardens?”

I gripped the steering wheel.

“It's really pretty and peaceful. It's one of my favorite spots,” she said, trying to make the gardens sound as appealing to me as possible.

“Caroline.”

“Yes?” she asked as I looked over at her.

What was I going to say? What
could
I say? She had no idea that the Elizabethan Gardens, the shrine dedicated to the Lost Colony, was the exact spot where her ancestry ended and where our destiny began.

I stared into his eyes and waited for him to speak. I loved it when he said my name. Words, in general, kind of rolled off his tongue in an incredible way. He made my name, for instance, sound almost magical.

“Devilyn?” I prodded.

I don't know if it was my imagination or simply wishful thinking, but I thought I saw warmth in his eyes, a vast difference from the usual frost. But just as quickly as I thought my mind was playing tricks on me, the mask was back in place, along with a healthy dose of his indifference.

“It's nothing,” he said brusquely as he turned his gaze back to the road. “The Elizabethan Gardens are fine.”

“Cool,” I mumbled as I sat back in the large leather seat suddenly realizing that I actually liked his car. It was understated despite how expensive I knew it was. It suited him.

“Shall I turn the seat warmer on for you?” he asked politely.

“I'm fine. Thanks for asking.”

Well, that was nice of him
, I thought. In fact, his actions seemed to defy his words.

He reached out and turned the radio on. “Do you have a preference?”

“No, whatever you like,” I said to him as I tried with all my might to remain as cool as possible when all I wanted to do was scream outside the window like a giddy little girl. I was sitting in Devilyn Reilly's car, and I was about to get firsthand knowledge of the music he liked to listen to.