I nod and busy myself with another drink.
“Too bad you guys didn’t pass.”
“Mm,” I reply noncommittally.
“You’ll get them next time. Persistence has to lead to success, it has to,” Sally says, raising a cup.
“Thanks.” I clink my plastic cup with hers, then rejoin the others. Several folks are already saying goodbye, so I guess the open house barbecue is over, thank the stars. I’d like to get back to my quiet room and play some video games.
After Anika escorts the others through the backyard, I slowly approach the table. “So, you’re looking for a protection witch?” Shugo asks.
Auntie nods. “Yes, unfortunately, the last one we had didn’t work out.”
“Well, I happen to be adept at protection runes,” Shugo remarks.
“I don’t pigeon-hole myself into one type of witchcraft,” Declan says. “I’ve passed the competency test, and in a matter of weeks, I’ll get my geo arcanum.” He stands up and tosses away his paper plate. “Thank you for the meal, but I don’t think this coven is in my cards.”
As he strides away, Sally chases after him. “Wait, Declan, tell me more about your witchcraft goals!” She turns for a momentand says, “Thanks for the food!” In moments, she’s gone, and it’s only the four of us in the yard.
“Damn, she likes him,” Kenta murmurs. Turning to his brother, he asks, “Are you sure we even need a coven?”
“Not need. But witches can protect other witches. They have a green witch, a historical witch, a divination witch, and…” Shugo points to me, and my face gets hot. The awkwardness is almost overwhelming. It’s like I can hear how uncomfortable the brothers are.
“I’m…”
“Studying,” Auntie says, finishing my thought. “Lots of studying for this one.”
“Of course!” Shugo replies.
“Well, in any case, thank you for the barbecue,” Kenta says. “But we should…”
At that moment, Taina walks in and waves at us. Her scrubs remind me that she’s a busy woman, working as a nurse in the hospital.
“We should…stay,” Kenta says. He turns back to us and continues, “Tell us, uh…more about your coven.”
I bite back a laugh and walk back to the drink table. Kenta isn’t exactly subtle, and I wish him the best with whichever girl he wants to pursue. At least he can talk right.
I wonder if Coldblooded will judge me for being bad at forming words in person? Yeah, right, as if he wants to meet me.
That night, I’m playing video games before bed, as I usually do. The digital puzzles, strategy, and violence soothe me. To my surprise, Coldblooded messages me. I’ve been so busy reading magical tomes that I haven’t had a chance to dwell on my online buddy. I complete the match that I’m on, then switch to the Hot Water messaging system. When I read his string of messages, I gasp.
CB: Hey, sorry, life has been pulling me in all sorts of directions this week.
CB: But I just wanted you to know I have this skin condition where I really can’t be outside in the sun.
CB: I hope you like being friends with a dude cloaked in shadows, LOL.
CB:Let me backtrack.
CB: I’d love to hang out in Cosmo. How about we watch a movie?
CB:Let’s go out. I’m down to meet you in real life.
CHAPTER 10- GORDY
MY CURSOR SCROLLSup and down on the video game screen. Speakeasy jotted down details for a movie to meet up with him in a matter of days. While not the best way to socialize, I should be able to get in a few words while the lights are dim. He seems to have bought the white lie that I have a skin condition.
It’s not technically a lie?my condition is just reptilian.
