Chapter 21: Just when I thought everything was great
Amara:
I haven’t seen or spoken to Kell since he dropped me off last night. As I think through everything that occurred, I can’t help but think that I drove him away. He seemed so concerned when I told him about the vision. Unfortunately, the vision was too hazy to decipher. However, I do know that it has to do with another girl. I can feel it.
I could see the scary red eyes and hear the sound of chanting. It hurt my feelings that Kell didn’t even stay to make sure I was okay. He simply stopped in front of the house, said he had to talk to someone, and disappeared. It saddens me that he ran from me when I had accepted what he is without a thought. So much for belonging to each other.
That night I lay in my bed feeling the cold crawl back into my soul. I gaze at my phone longingly, but I remain strong. Monday will come soon.
On Sunday, I sort through my photography portfolio and fill out scholarship applications in order to distract myself. Thankfully, the cold wanes away to a dull chill.
On Monday, I wake up feeling wrung out, but I don’t go back to sleep. Instead, I rise from my bed and try to put on a happy face. It does help that it’s a sunny day outside. Putting on my favorite summer dress, I twirl in front of the mirror admiringly. The dress is a bandage tunic style with a slightly plunging neckline that shows off my shoulders and neck. Before I leave, I put my hair up in a loose bun, slip on a pair of cute blue rope sandals, and a silver and blue rope necklace. I want to feel sexy.
Unfortunately, the news of Sophie’s death is the topic of the day. At some point, I run into a tearful Juliet and have to comfort her. Apparently, she knew Sophie from last year’s recycling club.
After hearing and seeing all of the solemn faces, I ran into the bathroom and cried. It was one of the hardest moments of my life. Even though Kell had told me about her death, in the back of my mind, it didn’t feel real until I saw how heartbroken people were over it. The mere thought of what she suffered makes bile rise in my throat.
Unable to bear any more of the sadness, I take my camera and head out to the football field. Maybe the fresh air will lighten my mood. Mr. Avila asked us to take more sports pictures today. Considering the fact that my “boyfriend” has been avoiding me, I’m not too enthusiastic about walking around the field. However, I’m ever dutiful, so I do what I’m told. Making my way around the field, I avoid looking over to where the football team is. I can hear their practice whistles, but I stick to the other side of the field where the soccer team is. I figure if Kell wants to avoid me, then I’d make it easy for him.
The Breeze stirs the loose strands around my bun as I raise the camera and take pictures. There are several players in various interesting positions that come out great. As I move around the field, I try to capture different plays.
Once I’m done, I head to the bleachers and pack up my equipment. “Hey, Amara!” A voice calls out to me from over the field. Frowning, I turn towards the voice. It’s Taylor walking up to me wearing one of his signature flannel shirts over a black Green Day t-shirt.
“Hey, Tay.”
He gives me a dimpled smile. “I wanted to see how you were doing.”
I shrug my shoulders. “I’m okay. Why do you ask?”
He tilts his head shyly as he places his hands in his pockets. “Oh...well, I thought you heard about the girl you were looking for, Sophie.”
I nod my head in understanding. I can’t even escape Sophie here. I try not to panic and gaze down, feeling emotion well up inside me. “Yeah, I heard.” He shuffles his feet rubbing his palm behind his neck. “Listen, Amara, I know that this might not be a good time, but I was wondering if you wanted to go out sometime.”
My head snaps up to his in surprise. “What?”
He’s about to repeat himself when another male voice interrupts. “Hey, beauty queen, can we talk?”
Taylor and I turn to the voice. Kell is standing behind Taylor with his arms crossed in front of his chest, looking intimidating. Taylor’s about six inches shorter than Kell.
“Hey, Taylor.” Kell greets in an unfriendly voice.
Taylor gives Kell his own measuring look and replies firmly, “Hey Cross, I didn’t know you knew Amara.”
Kell quirks his luscious mouth and gives him a daring smirk. “Actually, Taylor, Amara is my girlfriend.”
Taylor’s eyes widen in surprise as he looks at me for confirmation. But I’m too angry to answer. We stand there awkwardly for a moment until eventually, Taylor clears his throat and turns back to me. “I guess I’ll see you around Amara.”
Pretending to ignore Kell’s presence, I respond. “Sure, Taylor. I’ll see you around.”
Without another word, Taylor turns around and walks away, leaving me to deal with a repentant Nephilim. The story of my life.