The Summer I Became a Nerd - By Leah Rae Miller Page 0,73
when I was at his house to speak to his dad about sponsoring the phase two of my plan, Dan told me he wouldn’t let me go down.
“Number one, Kelsey deserves it,” he said, “Ever since your jock boyfriend clocked Logan—which I’m seriously pissed about, but I won’t take it out on you—she’s been spending every waking minute at the shop. I know she’s just using him for his access to the radio waves, trying to get her boyfriend’s songs played, and I’m sure Logan knows it, too, but she’s trying to give him hope they might get back together one day. Number two, my character is always looking for a fight. So, it’s believable he’d jump in if things got crazy.”
No wonder Logan has put up with Dan’s insanity for so long. Talk about fierce loyalty.
Every one of the four bright fairies turn to me with warm smiles as step I up to their circle. This is a big part of the plan. The bright fairies see the dark fairies as fallen sisters. One of the main goals in any bright fairy’s life is to “return” as many dark fairies to the light as possible.
“Well met, elf,” the shortest one says. Her face sparkles with glitter powder making her look like she just stepped off a constellation. She wears a daisy chain as a headband in her white blond, pixie-cut hair, and her iridescent wings remind me of a dragonfly.
“Well met.” I echo the classic fairy greeting. “I am Laowyn, and I come to you to humbly ask a favor.”
When she responds with, “I’m Sha-ra,” I know I’ve found the girl Martha wanted me to talk to. This girl’s real name is Courtney, and despite her short stature and youthful appearance, I know she’s twenty-two. She’s been playing for five years, she attends the big convention in New Orleans every year, and her character from two years ago became the Overseer (which is kind of like a mayor) of the Natchitoches and Shreveport LoA territories. I’m intimidated, to say the least, not only because of her experience at LARP, but also—and I know this is ridiculous—because she’s over the legal drinking age.
“These are my bright sisters, and we are always willing to help others as long as it is a good cause. Is this a good cause?” Her every movement is regal.
“The best,” I say. Her mouth quirks up at that.
I look her in the eyes, then glance in the direction of the murder of dark fairies. Hopefully, she understands what I’m trying to say without me having to say it. Martha put it best the other day when she said, “Even if there isn’t anyone near you to overhear your conversation, one never knows what powers others hold and what they notice.”
Knowing all these little ins and outs of this game makes me feel so empowered. I’m a geeky badass, and I’m loving it.
“In that case,” she says, “we shall help in whatever way you require as long as it does not put any of us in danger.”
“None of you will even have to step foot near a battle. I just need any potions you’re willing to give. Healing is something I’ve not yet mastered.”
Considering the amount of experience points I’ve earned while working with Martha, I should have the healing ability, but I spent them on other powers all because I’m counting on the bright fairies’ help. They’re the only race that holds the knowledge it takes to create these potions.
“Could you give us a moment to discuss this?”
“Of course,” I say.
I take up a spot in the shadow of a large gardenia bush on the edge of the yard. Courtney and her fairies are deep in conversation, heads together, so I take the opportunity to scan the other players, desperate to see Logan. I find him quickly. He sits in the exact same lawn chair across the yard as he did the first game. His elbows rest on his knees, his head is down, and his hands grasp the back of his neck. He hasn’t even put on his makeup. I wonder if he’s noticed I’m here.
Sorenson calls for everyone’s attention. I stay in my shadowed spot as he gives practically the same speech he gave last time I was here. Apparently, no one else has been trying to find out what’s going on with the humans in our town like I have because he gives no new information on that front. My eyes dart over