could see me…
It hit me. I could return her sight. All it would take is a bit of magic. And one hefty price tag. The more I thought about it the worse the feeling in my stomach grew. What about her soul? Would it be worth it? Could I take that chance?
Maybe you don't have to…
Huh?
Maybe she doesn't have to give up her soul. Maybe you could just grant her wish…
I'd never had a conversation with myself. I didn't like it. But the possibility of healing Jessie, of making her whole, made me a little giddy. I thought about asking Clarisse first, but then thought better of the idea. Maybe it was a violation of the Fallen to give out free wishes. If I just did it, I could claim ignorance later…
I remembered how it felt to turn the one kid into a vampire. I tried to do the same to Jessie. The magic wouldn't come. I could feel it inside me, but it seemed to be waiting for something. I knew exactly what it wanted. I just didn't think I could do it.
"I wish there were some way I could make you better," I whispered to Jessie.
She turned and looked up at me. I saw the single tear rolling down her cheek and my heart sank further. "I know, baby. Thank you." She leaned in and planted a soft kiss on my lips.
"If I could, I'd sell my soul to make you better," I said and meant it.
"That's about the only thing I wouldn't be willing to trade for it. Your soul is safe. Mine on the other hand…"
"Don't tell me you'd give your soul to be able to see."
"Absolutely not. To see you, maybe…"
A single tear rolled down my cheek. I couldn't stand it. I had the power to give her exactly what she wanted. I just couldn't do it. I wrapped my arms around her and held her tight. "Would you freak out if I told you something?"
"You better not be dumping me. If it's that, I might."
"Ha! That is something you never need worry about."
She settled back against my chest. "Good. So what is it you want to tell me?"
"I think I lo– I mean I think I lo– Jessie, I lo–" I couldn't do it. The word wouldn't leave my lips. I knew how I felt and I didn't have one doubt in my mind. Now if I could just get my lips to cooperate…
"Connor Sullivan, are you trying to tell me that you loathe me?"
I gasped. "No! I'm trying to say–"
"You like me?" I could hear the playfulness in her voice.
I sighed. "Is that okay?"
"It's better than okay. It's perfect. And in case you were wondering…I like you, too."
She sat up and turned around in my lap. She threw her arms around my head and kissed me again. I could get very used to this.
"Mom says knock it off and come eat dinner," Caelyn's disgusted voice broke our kiss. I tried to ignore it, but Jessie pulled away.
Chapter 21
I thought about having T-shirts made. Hi, my name is Connor and my parents are junkies. I'd come down from my room to grab a glass of milk before bed and there they sat. Every night at eleven o'clock they glued themselves to the front of the television to watch the news. I stood behind them at the kitchen, pouring my milk and shaking my head in shame.
I picked up the glass to down the contents when I saw a brand spanking new package of Halloween Oreos sitting on top of the microwave. Oh, baby. Where have you been all my life?
I ran over to the microwave and tore into the bag like it had a winning lottery ticket hidden inside. I grabbed five cookies between my thumb and index finger and practically drooled all the way back to my milk. I set four down and dunked one in my glass. I waited the required one full minute before pulling it out and biting into its savory sweet gooey goodness.
I knew something was wrong when the cookie hit my tongue. It didn't burn, but it numbed the front of it. I chewed for a moment and started to swallow. My toes curled and forced a series of violent muscle spasms from my ankles, up my legs, through my pelvis, up my torso, and finally through my stomach. I leaned over and threw up my chewed up cookie and milk.
Son of a bitch! I can't even eat