was wishing someone would stop by, maybe in a green Beemer, and ask if he wanted a lift to his local assisted living center?
She was getting used to the way her thoughts skidded and banged around in her head like cars in a demolition derby. One of these days, she wouldn’t remember what she was like before this assignment. But this assignment was nearly over.
When Kenneth finished with his human state, she’d be taking her place in the center of the circle and never see Jamison again. Jamison, who she loved—no, who she liked kissing. Once she entered the circle, of course, all thoughts of kissing would be over in less than a mortal second.
Would she go back to the way she had been? Would she want to? Would she have a choice in the matter? It was a pity that every time she traveled through the veil her memories were affected. On the other side, she remembered all. On the mortal side, she had fragments of past assignments, no more. If she were to be assigned near Marcus again, they would barely remember each other. Jamison, she wouldn’t remember at all.
She should welcome the relief from the emotional storm. She didn’t. She mourned the loss of them and they weren’t even gone yet.
When she got home tonight, would Jonathan be able to read her? Would he know how much time she'd spent thinking about Jamison, missing his nearness at school, wishing he would suddenly stop her in the hall with his hands on her shoulders, slipping them down her arms to link his bare fingers with hers? How much she ached to have felt it all the first time?
Would Jonathan tell Lucas all he sensed? But more still, would Jonathan understand what was happening to her and be able to help her through it? Would he or Lucas be able to restore her peace?
Skye’s hand froze, the key halfway inside the ignition.
What was wrong with peace? Peace was the prize, after all. Wasn’t it?
Without risking another thought down that road, she started her engine and squealed out of the parking lot, headed for home, to run headlong into the peace that awaited her...in her room, where Jonathan wouldn't find her.
CHAPTER TWELVE
“I don’t know what time I’ll be home tonight. They’re lighting a bonfire, for Homecoming.” Jamison pecked his mom on the cheek and headed for the door.
“Okay, I’ll try not to worry. Don’t get too close.”
Jamison froze. “To whom?”
His mom laughed. “To the fire. Don’t get too close to the bonfire.” She set down her coffee cup, frowning. “What about Daddy? He missed you last night.”
It was so weird, hearing her call him Daddy again, after all these years.
“I’ll be over to see him, I promise. There might be plenty of stuff going on later and I didn’t want you waiting up for me, you know?”
“Fine. I’ll probably stay late and watch TV with him. You know, like we would at home.” She got up and grabbed a tissue. “Go.”
“Loveyoubye!” He pecked her on the cheek again and tried not to think that it might be the last chance he’d ever have. Who knew what kind of hell he’d have to pay for what he was planning to do.
So much to do, so little time.
Jamison tried to look casual and bored as he walked into English class. He didn't want Skye to think it was anything other than a normal day.
Morning announcements were hard to hear over the chaos in the room; Mr. Evans was late.
“Everyone please come,” the kid on the PA pled. “The bonfire will be lit in the field to the West of the auditorium. And then we'll be watching a movie inside right after.”
Jamison looked at Skye and forced a smile. She looked relieved and smiled back. Since few other students were in their seats, he stood and moved to the back of the room and when he leaned against the wall, Skye turned in her seat, to face him.
“You are coming tonight, aren't you? To the bonfire?” He slid down the wall to sit on the floor. To most of the class it would just look like Skye was facing the empty rear of the classroom. “Please say you're coming.”
“I'll think about it.” Skye fidgeted with the tassel of her scarf.
“Oh, don't tell me you won't be allowed to come.” He leaned forward and grabbed her scarf, pulling it slowly from around her neck while looking into her eyes, daring her to stop him,