I grab my apartment keys and head to the door. It’ll be an easy fix; I just need to find Elias and make him undo it.
I yank the door open—
And stop, because I have no idea where Elias lives.
I stand there for a second, lost.
Colten is the one who plans. He’s one who always knows what to do. He's been my guiding light ever since that fateful header we collided on.
He was the one who helped me adjust to living in the city from my tiny farming town. He showed me how the transit system works, kept me from getting screwed over by others, and always patiently explained anything I didn't understand.
He made a place that felt impossibly big seem manageable. He made it seem like a home.
I thought he was the coolest person I'd ever met, what with the piercings he carefully protects during games, the long hair I get to help him dye black, and his quiet confidence.
Honestly, I still think he’s the coolest person I’ve met. He’s also my only best friend.
And he’s gone,again.
My eyes burn, and I quickly blink it away.
Now, he apparently hates me and has left, even though I still can’t understand why.
This is all because of that stupid spell!
“Okay, new plan,” I say, nodding to myself. “I’ll just…find Elias.”
How hard can it be? He took the bus that one time, so he might live off campus, but he obviously goes to school here. If I run around and ask enough people, someone should know where he lives.
I take one step out the door, ready to run around campus even though it’s dark, before remembering that Julian is now weirdly romantic with the other Papadakis.
Perfect!
I walk back in and slam the door closed, already dialing Julian.
“Pick up, pick up, pick up—”
“Hey, man,” Julian answers, sounding way too cheerful. “Congrats!”
“Thanks,” I say automatically. “But you already said that about my starting position at the party.”
Julian laughs. “Not that, I meant for you and Colten.”
I blink. “What? Why are you congratulating me for Colten?” I ask, frowning, before shaking my head. “Actually, never mind; that’s what I need to talk to you about—Colten’s gone.”
“What do you mean Colten’s gone?” Julian asks, all the cheer gone.
In the background, I hear Rowan say: “Colten’s gone?”
“Yeah,” I say, pacing beside the door. “He left a note saying he’s at his mom’s, and he won’t answer his phone—look, I need Elias’ address. Right now.”
Julian hesitates. “Why do you need Elias’—”
“Because this is his fault!” I explode. “His stupid soulmate spell made me gay for Colten, and now Colten hates me because I kissed him badly or-or said something, and now I need Elias to undo it.”
There’s silence on the other end, so I keep going because I’m on a roll now.
“And you know what? The superpower we got sucks! Like, what is the point of a horniness-activated glow that only we can see?” I demand. “How is that useful? How does that help anyone? I can’t even use it during a game!”
