Aprilynne Pike - Spells

LAUREL STOOD IN FRONT OF THE CABIN, SCANNING the tree

AS THEY WALKED TOWARD THE ACADEMY, LAUREL glimpsed another building

LAUREL SAT CROSS-LEGGED ON HER BED WITH A PAIR of

A CHILL RIPPLED UP LAURELS BACK AS NERVOUSNESS and confusion

THE INSIDE OF THE HOUSE WAS SIMILAR TO THE dormitory

LAUREL STUDIED HER APPEARANCE IN THE MIRROR the next morning,

LAUREL KNELT ON THE BENCH IN FRONT OF HER window

LAUREL STOOD IN HER ROOM, LOOKING OVER THE wild assortment

LAUREL?

LAUREL SAT CROSS-LEGGED IN HER ROOM, SORTING through school supplies

A WEEK INTO SCHOOL, LAUREL WALKED TOWARD Marks Bookshelf with

LAUREL AND DAVID STOOD TOGETHER IN THEIR chemistry lab, watching

THE NEXT DAY, LAUREL AND CHELSEA SAT ON THE porch

BY ELEVEN LAUREL WAS THOROUGHLY EXHAUSTED from dancing and the

LAUREL COVERED HER HEAD WITH HER ARMS AND wished that

SUPPRESSING A SHUDDER, LAUREL STARED IN SHOCK at the face

THEY PULLED INTO LAURELS DRIVEWAY AND, after a moments hesitation,

LAUREL SAT IN HER CAR FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, just staring

LAUREL PULLED OPEN THE HEAVY DOUBLE DOORS IN the front

LAUREL SPRAWLED DOWN ON HER BED WITH A smile. It

THE MORNING AIR WAS COLD AND SHARP, THE sun merely

THE CURTAINS OPENED TO REVEAL AN EXQUISITE forest scene with

THAT WAS AMAZING, LAUREL SAID AGAIN AS she and Tamani

SILENT AND BROODING, LAUREL AND TAMANI passed through the gateway.

DID YOU GET WHAT YOU NEEDED? DAVID ASKED as he

KLEA ROWED THEM ACROSS THE WATER IN A WIDE, flat-bottomed

STANDING AT THE EDGE OF THE TREE LINE HAD never

LAUREL STOOD IN FRONT OF THE CABIN, SCANNING the tree line, her throat constricting in a rush of nerves. He was there, somewhere, watching her. The fact that she couldnt see him yet meant nothing.

It wasnt that Laurel didnt want to see him. Sometimes she thought she wanted to see him too much. Getting involved with Tamani was like playing in a roaring river. Take one step too far and the current would never let you go. She had chosen to stay with David, and she still believed it was the right choice. But it didnt make this reunion any easier.

Or stop her hands from shaking.

She had promised Tamani she would come see him when she got her drivers license. Though she hadnt been specific about a date, she had said May. It was now almost the end of June. He had to know she was avoiding him. He would be here nowthe first one to meet herand she wasnt sure whether to be excited or afraid. The feelings mixed into a heady blend of something shed never felt beforeand wasnt sure she ever wanted to feel again.

Laurel found herself clutching the tiny ring Tamani had given her last year, the one she wore on a thin chain around her neck. She had tried not to think about him these last six months. Tried , she admitted to herself, and failed . She forced herself to unwrap her fingers from around the little ring and attempted to make her arms swing naturally, confidently at her sides as she walked toward the forest.

As the shadows of the branches fell across her, a streak of green and black swung down from a tree and scooped Laurel up. She screamed in terror, then delight.

Did you miss me? Tamani asked with that same, bewitching half grin that had entranced her since the first time shed met him.

Instantly, it was as though the last six months never happened. Just the sight of him, the feel of him so close to her, melted every fear, every thoughtevery resolve. Laurel wrapped her arms around him and squeezed as hard as she could. She never wanted to let go.

Ill take that as a yes, Tamani said with a groan.

She forced herself to let go and step back. It was like trying to make a river reverse its flow. But after a few seconds she managed and settled for standing silently, drinking in the sight of him. The same longish, black hair, his quick smile, those mesmerizing green eyes. A cloud of awkwardness descended and Laurel stared down at her shoes, a little embarrassed at her zealous greeting and unsure of what to say next.

I expected you earlier, Tamani said at last.

It felt ridiculous, now that she was here with him, that she had been afraid. But Laurel could still recall the cold pit of fear in her stomach every time shed thought about seeing Tamani again. Im sorry.

Why didnt you come?

I was afraid, she answered honestly.

Of me? Tamani asked with a smile.

Sort of.

Why?

She took a deep breath. He deserved the truth. Its too easy to be here with you. I dont trust myself.

Tamani grinned. I guess I cant be too offended by that.

Laurel rolled her eyes. Her long absence certainly hadnt dampened his bravado.

How is everything?

Fine. Good. Everythings good, she stammered.

He hesitated. How are your friends?

My friends? Laurel asked. Could you possibly be more transparent?

Laurel unconsciously touched a silver bracelet on her wrist. Tamanis eyes followed the movement.

Tamani kicked at the dirt. Hows David? he finally asked.

Hes great.

Are you two? He let the question hang.

Are we together?

I guess thats it. Tamani glanced again at the intricate silver bracelet. Frustration clouded his features, transforming the glance into a glare, but he dispelled it with a smile.

The bracelet was a gift from David. He had given it to her just before Christmas last year, when they officially became a couple. It was a delicate silver vine with tiny flowers blooming around crystal centers. He hadnt said as much, but Laurel suspected it was to balance out the faerie ring she still wore every day. She couldnt bear to put the tiny ring away and, true to her promise, every time she thought of the ring, she thought of Tamani. She still had feelings for him. Torn and uncertain feelings, mostlybut strong enough to make her feel guilty when her thoughts wandered that direction.

David was everything she could ask for in a boyfriend. Everything except what he wasnt, what he never could be. But Tamani could never be what David was, either.

Yes, we are, she finally answered.

Tamani was silent.

I need him, Tam, she said, her tone soft but not apologetic. She couldntwouldntapologize for choosing David. I told you before how it was.

Sure. He ran his hands up and down her arms. But hes not here now.

You know I couldnt live with that, she forced herself to say. But it was barely a whisper.

Tamani sighed. Im just going to have to accept it, arent I?

Unless you really want me to be alone.

He slung one arm around her shouldersfriendly now. I could never want that for you.

She put her arms around him and squeezed.

Whats that for? Tamani asked.

Just for being you.

Well, I certainly wont turn down a hug, he said. His tone was casual, joking, but he wrapped his other arm around her tightly, almost desperately. Before she could pull away, however, his arm dropped, then pointed down the path. Come on, Tamani said. Its this way.

Laurels mouth went dry. It was time.

Pushing her hand into her pocket, Laurel felt the embossed card for what was doubtless the hundredth time. It had shown up on her pillow one morning in early May, sealed with wax and tied with a sparkling silver ribbon. The message was brieffour short linesbut it changed everything.