Kilenya Series Books One, Two, and Three (69 page)

“We could try the commons area,” Josh said.

“Yeah—that’s where Matt and his girlfriend usually eat, right?” Tani asked.

“And the rest of the football team.” Jacob wasn’t sure he wanted to eat with all the football players, but he and his friends turned and walked there anyway. Matt scooted over when Jacob, Aloren, and the others sat near him and Sammy.

“Heard about basketball,” Matt said. “Sorry ‘bout that, dude.”

Jacob rubbed the back of his neck and didn’t respond. He didn’t feel like talking about it anymore.

While they ate, Aloren and Tani got on the topic of guys. Jacob rolled his eyes, but his heart froze when Aloren mentioned seeing a cute one.

“What did he look like?” Tani asked.

“Tall. Very pretty eyes. We don’t have a lot of blue-eyed people where I’m from.”

Was she talking about him? But then she continued, and his heart fell.

“And his hair was blond.”

Jacob’s hair was dark brown. Really dark brown.

Tani nodded. “I’d have to see him to know who he was. Did he talk to you?”

“Oh, yes. Quite a lot. We sit next to each other. He’s an athlete—he spoke of some sort of sport. I think Jacob plays it as well.” She turned to Jacob. “What’s the name of the sport you play?”

“Basketball,” Tani said before he could answer.

“Yes! That’s it.”

Jacob tried to control the feelings of jealousy that hit him in the pit of the stomach. He’d never once considered that Aloren would get a crush on someone else. He felt like kicking himself. Just ‘cause
he
liked
her
didn’t mean she shared the feeling. And what had he been expecting?

He finished his sandwich, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in his heart. He didn’t own her. But what about him rescuing her? Didn’t that count for anything? And they’d shared some pretty intense experiences together, hadn’t they? He sighed in frustration. None of that gave him a claim on her.

He nearly regretted his agreement to let her come to school with him. Not like he’d had much of a say, anyway. Aloren was headstrong enough to do it even if he said no. And he wouldn’t have—that would’ve been a jerk thing to do.

No one seemed to notice him withdraw from the conversation. That irked him, which, in turn, bothered him even more. He’d never been the type to get all sullen like that.

Everyone cleaned up and Jacob walked Aloren to class, neither saying anything.

Science was interesting. Shirley nearly freaked out when Mrs. Wiley made her move to an empty chair two seats behind Jacob and Aloren took Shirley’s spot.

“This is stupid!” Shirley said, throwing her bag on her new chair. “I’ve sat there the entire semester! Why do
I
have to move? Why can’t
she
sit
here
?”

“I’m truly sorry,” Aloren said. “I’m fine with going back there.”

Mrs. Wiley shook her head. “No. The note from the front office is very specific. She’s to stay near Jacob.”

Shirley pouted, pushed her bag off the chair, and plopped down. “Ridiculous.”

The expression of pity on Mrs. Wiley’s face nearly made Jacob gag. “I’m so sorry, dear.”

He pinched his lips together, trying not to scowl openly. How could he have forgotten that Shirley was the favorite here?

The ride back to Mendon went quickly—Aloren babbled about her first day of school, Jacob stared out the window, and Matt sang along with the radio.

Dad was home when they got there, waiting on the front porch. “Jacob, take Aloren to the tree, then come back.”

He looked upset. Had something happened? Jacob did as he was asked, then found his dad. He was already speaking with Matt, but filled Jacob in on what they’d discussed.

“Someone left the chicken run and coop open last night, and the chickens wandered away this morning. Since they usually come back on their own, and haven’t, I was just telling Matt they’re either dead or stolen by now.” He glared at Matt and Jacob, daring one of them to deny what he’d just said.

The brothers exchanged glances. Matt looked extra guilty. “Sorry, Dad, it was probably me—I put them away last night.”

Dad nodded. “Thank you for your honesty.” He sighed and didn’t say anything for a moment. Then, “You won’t do anything else until every chicken is found—alive or dead.”

Matt looked at his feet, but didn’t say anything.

Dad turned to Jacob. “I’m home early because we were planning to have a meeting in Eklaron today. That’s still going to happen. I need you to round everyone up and take them to Kenji’s place. When you’re done, return here to help your brother.”

Jacob’s mouth popped open. He’d never been left out of a meeting before! “But—”

Dad put a hand on his shoulder, addressing both him and Matt. “Come as soon as you’ve found all the chickens.”

Jacob nodded, and took Mom, Dad, and Amberly to Taga Village. He was disappointed—he’d been looking forward to entering the village with his family. Even though he knew they’d been there before, except for Amberly, he still wanted to see their reactions.

Amberly surprised Jacob by rushing up to Kaiya, Akeno’s little sister, as soon as she stepped through the door. They giggled, jumping up and down, then ran off to play. Jacob looked at his parents.

“She already knows Kaiya?”

His mom laughed. “Yes. We figured it would only be a matter of time before we were able to come here as a family, and I started taking Amberly for walks there a couple of months ago while you were at school and Dad at work. We wanted her to get used to the Makalos.”

“Well, dang it.” Jacob looked at his feet. “I would’ve liked to know.”

She put her arm around his shoulders. “You had enough on your plate.”

Jacob sighed in frustration, then Keyed to Macaria and the Fat Lady’s cabin. After he’d dropped her and Gallus off at Kenji’s place, he returned home and found Matt.

It took the brothers an hour to locate the chickens and get them back to the coop. Luckily, none were injured, but it was dirty, frustrating, and annoying work. Matt apologized several times.

When they were done, they cleaned up and Keyed to Kenji’s.

“We’re nearly finished here,” Dad said. “But come—have a seat.”

“Where’s Aloren?” Jacob asked, looking around. He ignored the slight pang that hit him when he remembered what had happened in school that day.

Kenji motioned out the window. “In the tree.”

Jacob frowned. “Why isn’t she here?”

“Are we positive she should be a part of these meetings?” Brojan asked.

“Of
course
,” Jacob said. He couldn’t believe the patriarch would even ask something so . . .
stupid
. “She already knows everything that’s going on—plus she’d be able to help a lot.”

“All right. Go get her.”

Akeno sprang up, grabbing his top hat. “I’ll come with—I haven’t seen the tree since she moved in.”

“Wait—she changed it?” Matt asked. “I’ve got to see this.”

Aloren gave Akeno and Jacob hugs, even though it had only been an hour and a half since Jacob had last seen her, then she stepped to Matt, but dropped her arms before hugging him too. She flushed. “I, uh . . . I’m glad to see you here.”

He poked out his chest. “Yeah, I sure wish my
girlfriend
could’ve come.”

Jacob rolled his eyes. What an idiot. He shook his head, glad that his brother was attempting to make things easier between Jacob and Aloren, but just the same, it wasn’t as if Aloren would have dropped everything to chase after Matt.

“Girl friend? Sammy is your only one?”

Jacob laughed. “No—it means they . . .” How was he supposed to explain the concept of dating to someone who’d never even heard of it before?

Akeno saved him. “They’re courting. A little young, though, I think, to be preparing for marriage.”

A shocked expression crossed Matt’s face. “Courting? Preparing for . . . for . . .
marriage
? No, dude. I’m way too young for that. No way.”

Jacob quickly turned to Aloren, wanting to end the awkward conversation as soon as possible. “Sorry I didn’t ask you already, but are you comfortable in Taga Village?”

“Oh, it’s wonderful here. Ebony and Kenji are just as easy to get along with as Gallus—and they’ve even assigned me work!” She said it with such excitement that Jacob couldn’t help but smile.

“Work, huh? Along with your school stuff?”

“If you’re
that
happy about it,” Matt said, “you could always come clean our chicken coop. Regularly—like, every other week.”

“So you don’t have to?” Jacob asked, grinning. “Come on, give her a break.” He turned back to Aloren. “How’s Gallus doing without your help?”

“I was gone a long time—he ended up finding someone else to work the shop while I was in Maivoryl City. He’s fine.” Aloren took a breath, grabbed Jacob’s arm, and pulled him away from the others, asking them to give her a minute. She turned to Jacob. “I was thinking . . . I mean, Tani told me that sometimes on Earth, you can get employment, and they’ll pay you. And that you learn skills that will help you survive in the . . . the ‘real world.’” She hesitated. “That’s what she called it.”

“Yeah, and she’s right.” Jacob thought he could see where this was going, and he wasn’t sure it was possible.

“Do you think that if I’m really diligent, I could get employment there?”

“Possibly . . . I know my parents would say no right now, but, like you said, if you prove yourself and show your dependability, they might be okay with it later.”

A rush of wind blew from Aloren’s lips, and the colors around her showed extreme relief. “Oh, good. Because I really like Earth. There are so many things to learn and discover, and I really want to immerse myself in the culture.”

“Okay. But just so you know, most people won’t hire you until you’re at least sixteen. I think there are laws about it.”

Aloren nodded, though a spark of disappointment flashed across her face. It was quickly replaced with a stubborn and very determined expression. “That’s fine. I’ve got enough going on for the next while anyway. But give me time, and I’ll prove myself!”

“I’ll bet.” Jacob recognized that tone of voice—he had no doubt she’d achieve what she desired, even if it did take a long time. He motioned to the door. “Well, let’s get back to the meeting.”

Kenji had to bring another table and more chairs from a back room so there would be space for all in attendance. The two tables together nearly filled the entire place.

Jacob was glad everyone had been able to come. He looked around, smiling at the people he’d grown to love so much. Aloren was in the spot by him. Matt was on Jacob’s other side, with Akeno next to him, and then Brojan. Dad was at the head of the table in Brojan’s usual spot. This was something to get used to—being king, Dmitri would be in charge of every meeting instead of Brojan.

Mom was next to Dad, with Ebony by her, then Kenji, Gallus, and the Fat Lady. Sweet Pea was by Aloren, and Jacob hid a grin when he watched the Makalo fail to get Aloren’s attention. He was obviously enthralled that such a cute girl was near him. And she
was
cute.

Aloren had done her hair in two braids, pulling it away from her face. The style accentuated her eyes, and made her dimple show even more when she smiled. Jacob felt his cheeks flush and he looked away. He clenched his jaw when he remembered she had a crush on someone else.