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  Only Natalie outright glowered at me, a defiant light shining from her eyes. I would swear her face said, Let the games begin.

  ****

  “I don’t think Natalie likes me,” I said as we walked to my class. I was still shaken by Natalie’s intense stare and I was glad to be putting distance between us.

  “Just ignore her. Her bark is way worse than her bite. We sometimes call her Nasty Natalie.” He talked casually but I became acutely aware we were still holding hands. He must have been aware of it too because all of a sudden he let go and ran his hand through his hair. Oh my, I thought. Can I do that? His hair must feel like thick bunches of wheat. I struggled to concentrate on what he was saying.

  “Anyway, it doesn’t matter. We don’t even have to hang around her if you don’t want to.” He said it almost like a question.

  “Well, I know she’s one of your friends. I’m sure I just got it wrong.” Actually, I was sure I got it right. “I’m sure it’ll be different the next time we meet.” I was sure it would be exactly the same. I tried to retract my claws and play nice. “In fact, I know it will. Well, here’s my class. See you later, Logan. Thanks for walking me.”

  “No sweat. Hey, you want a ride after school? I can wait for you, if you want. My little sis usually rides the bus. She hasn’t figured out yet how that’s not cool and anyway, all her Squeaker friends ride it too.” He laughed then, like he had yesterday in the car, the sound still rich and comforting. “They yammer all the way home. So I can wait for you, like I said.” He flashed me a winning grin and I knew I would ride home with him, just to see that handsome smile again.

  Chapter Four

  JADE

  After school, I went to the usual place to wait for Logan. He noticed me waiting and came after me like a steam engine.

  “You need to ride the bus today.” And he spun me around and started shoving me toward the bus pick-‐‑up area.

  “What? Logan, you know I hate the bus. All the kids from Band and the Audio Visual room and do I have to say it, the ASTRONOMY CLUB ride the bus. It stops like every ten feet and there are no seatbelts, like at all, and I HAVE A REPUTATION TO

  PROTECT HERE!” But it was no use. He started cramming me toward the bus line. Unbelievable!

  “Can I even ask why?”

  “Because I’m giving the new girl, Serena, a ride home today.

  Not that it’s any of your business. And if you tell Mom I made you ride the bus, I’ll tell her you’ve been wearing eye shadow to school and washing it off before she gets home.” And with that, my brother left me in Geekland.

  So I rode the bus home with all the freaks, got home before Mom, thank goodness, and went straight upstairs to take off my eye shadow. I didn’t even think he noticed. It was SO hard to be the little sister of Mr. Perfect. He got good grades, played like Mr.

  Baseball and he and mom seemed to have this bond with each other that I couldn’t even touch.

  The thing is, they didn’t know what I could do. I’d come close to telling Mom a couple of times, but then I chickened out.

  How did you tell your mom you thought you were a witch? I mean, I had always been able to just tell things. Like I could just think of a person and pretty soon, they either showed up at the house or called on the phone. Or I would wish a certain movie would come on television and there it would be. I used to think I had good luck. Then I thought I had super good luck. Now I’m just super sure I’m a witch. When I think hard about wanting the Spanish quiz to be postponed, I come to class and all of a sudden the copier is broken, so the pop quiz has to be rescheduled. Or a teacher gets sick and there’s a substitute. Or the worst one, my teacher fell at home and broke her leg, and ta-‐‑daa–no test. How weird is that?

  Just then the unmistakable sound of my brother’s car drew me to the window. Both of our windows faced the house across the street. I leaned out and watched him jump out of his car and kill himself to race around and open her door. Serena got out, one impossible long, perfect leg, then the other -‐‑ does that girl even own pants – and then I watched him study her as she strode up her driveway and into her house. Only when she darted safely behind the closed door of her house did my brother budge. He got back in his car and backed it carefully across the street and into our driveway. Man, is he a goner for her.

  The front door of our house slammed and soon banging sounds came from the kitchen. Logan was probably making a snack. He’s a pretty good brother so I’m sure he’ll holler up soon if I want something too. Sure enough,

  “Hey Jade! Want a PBJ?”

  I smiled. I’m getting pretty good at this.

  “Sure!” I hollered back down. “With a glass of milk please!

  I’ll come down and eat with you. I wanna know if you making me ride the bus was worth it.”

  ****

  My brother and I were sitting at the kitchen counter eating PBJ’s and drinking milk. I would never tell him, but he makes the best PBJ’s in the whole world, just like my Dad used to make.

  “So.” I took a bite of my sandwich. “Are you totally gaga for the new girl, Logan?”

  I thought he’d be defensive, but to my surprise, he wasn’t.

  “I guess I am,” he admitted, in between mouthfuls of his sandwich. “I haven’t ever felt like this about a girl before.” He chewed with a far-‐‑away look in his eyes. “I can’t wait to be near her and when I’m with her, I can’t think about anything or anyone else.

  I’m not thinking about what time it is, or where we are, or even if I’m supposed to be somewhere else. I guess that’s a pretty good description of gaga.” He stopped and faced me, looking sheepish.

  “You finished?” He gestured to my empty plate. I nodded and he took both of our paper plates over to the trash and dumped them in. Then he took both our empty milk glasses, washed them out in the sink and set them upside down on the dish drainer. He did this for Mom so she wouldn’t have to later. He made a pretty good son too, I supposed. He circled around to face me.

  “Do you think she might like me?” He leaned back against the counter and kept his gaze on me while I tried to form my answer.

  “Are you kidding? What’s not to like? You’re the perfect son, the perfect brother, and I’m sure you’ll make the perfect boyfriend.” I finished my sandwich and gulped down my milk.

  “Why’re you so worried? You gonna ask her to marry you or something?”

  “Shut up, squeaker. I’m thinking of asking her to the dance next Friday. Her sister doesn’t like me though. And Natalie is being a skank about her, too. Not like that’s a surprise. Natalie doesn’t like anyone.”

  “Who cares about Natalie? She’s probably just mad you’re not mooning around after her. As if you even would. She’s not even pretty.” I grabbed hold of both of my brother’s forearms.

  “Logan, Serena is beautiful and nice and there’s no reason in the world that she would not jump at the chance to go to the dance with my handsome, wonderful brother. Darn right you should ask her to the dance!” And my brother blushed right down to the roots of his hair! Then he slid off his stool and grabbed me in a big hug.

  “Thanks Jade. You don’t suck, you know.” He bounded up the stairs two at a time to his bedroom. Seconds later, his stereo blared. And OMG, I had heard that awful sound before…he was singing! Like I said, count that boy as a goner.

  Chapter Five

  SERENA

  When Tabitha and I stepped out of the house to go to school the next morning, Logan had beaten us there. And he wasn’t alone.

  Standing next to his car in our driveway stood a petite dark-‐‑haired girl with her hair in two short ponytails. Dressed in colored tights, shorts, and an oversized sweatshirt, her black Mary Janes completed the outfit. She stepped forward and said, “Hi! I’m Jade, Logan’s sister. He told me all about you.” She turned her gaze on Tabitha. “I think we’re the same age; I’m fifteen. How ‘bout you?”

  Tabitha brightened right away. “I’m Tabitha. I’m fif
teen too.

  How come we aren’t in any of the same classes?” They both huddled together and began discussing their class schedules.

  “Hey, we should get going.” Logan expertly herded our now jabbering little sisters into the back seat of his car and opened the passenger door for me. I got in, smoothing my skirt as he closed the door. I reached over and unlocked his door and caught sight of both our sisters smiling at me. Then Logan pulled open the driver’s door and climbed in.

  We drove to school with a lot of giggling going on in the back seat. When we arrived, Tabitha and Jade got out and walked off, somehow having become fast and furious best friends in just one car ride. I watched them stride away, arms linked, amazed at the sustained friendships you could form at that age, when serious issues were still years away. Logan broke me from my reverie.

  “So, there’s this thing I kind of wanted to ask you.” He sounded hesitant and even a little nervous. I knew I shouldn’t, but I couldn’t resist. I jumped in his head, just for a small peek. I spied lots of confetti, and pastel colors, things with tissue paper, punch bowls, streamers, and loud music. A dance. He wants to ask me to a dance. Yes! Let this happen! I jumped out. He continued talking.

  “There will be some people there you know, like the ones I introduced you to, and it might be lame, but it might be kind of fun.” He stopped and peeked at me; I think to gauge my reaction.

  “What do you think?”

  “Yes Logan. I would love to go to the dance with you.” I don’t know what I thought his reaction might have been but it sure wasn’t what his reaction actually was. He picked me up and twirled me through the air. The feeling was delicious. I clasped my arms tight around him and gulped in the air as it whirled past my face. I became aware that people were watching us and I didn’t care. I wanted to go to the dance with this gorgeous boy. I guess Logan became aware of the other people too because he put me down and I could guess that he might be blushing again. “Sorry. I guess I just got carried away.” He reached over and brushed my hair back off my shoulders.

  “That’s okay. Maybe just warn me next time?” Oh, how I hoped there would be a next time. That had to be the best thing I ever felt in the whole world. Better than casting spells!

  “What in the world is going on over here?” Natalie’s voice stabbed the air like a knife. She stalked over on three-‐‑inch heels with Nicole in tow. As if by some protective instinct, Logan stepped in front of me to shield me from Natalie and her toxic presence. It was cute and endearing that he wanted to protect me.

  Obviously he didn’t know I could take care of myself.

  “Logan? You okay?” Dave came over next. Tamera stayed close behind but she wasn’t hanging on him, so he had both his arms free. Available, I gathered in case he needed them for his good buddy Logan. I peeked behind them, and sure enough, Sully was lurking nearby. Great. The gang’s all here.

  Natalie observed me warily, but I remained standing behind and to the left of Logan. I moved out in front of him and stared Natalie down. Bring it on, I thought. To my amazement, she took a step back. The grass had a mushy texture from the recent rains and she almost lost her balance when one of her stilettos sank further into the mud than she expected. The move seemed to drain her, at least for the moment, of her bravado. She rotated and, again pulling Nicole after her, announced haughtily, “Come on Nicole. Let’s get out of here. These people bore me.”

  “Wow. She is just a breath of fresh air, isn’t she?” Logan made everyone laugh about the encounter. The harsh trill of the all-‐‑

  too-‐‑familiar first bell sounded, interrupting the moment by signaling the start of the school day. Whew! I sighed, glad to have the drama of the morning over. It got dangerously close to me losing my cool and unleashing my secrets. Everyone talked at once, gathering their books and backpacks and thankfully, it left Logan and me alone to walk to class together.

  “Whoa. Intense, huh?” he started to talk, as we walked down the student-‐‑choked hallway. Luckily, most of our conversation was private, thanks to the rising volume of the kids moving down the halls with us. The growing crowd began to annoy me. I got bumped and jostled and I worried about being bruised. Still flushed with the events from the parking lot, I did the next thing almost without thinking. Subtly, I just started moving the kids to the sides of us as we walked along. If Logan noticed, he didn’t let on. Soon I realized how noticeable it had to be, like Moses parting the red sea or something. So I stopped. But I guess I stopped a little too late because Logan stood there with a strange expression on his face.

  “Did you…did you just do that?” he asked.

  “What?”

  “Did you make everyone, like, move?”

  I tried to play it off. I laughed but it came out sounding fake.

  “That’s ridiculous. How could I do that?” I hoped I sounded convincing, but he appeared un convinced. Logan seemed about to say something but the second bell sounded almost the exact time we arrived at my classroom.

  “Later, then?” I darted into the room, leaving him standing there, with a weird question on his face.

  ****

  I sat down in the back of class and tuned the teacher out. I could just ‘create’ the homework later anyway. I had no need to listen. Besides, I had some thinking to do and in the back of this classroom, I found the perfect place to do it. Up front the teacher droned on about some boring subject and I let my mind wander.

  Obviously, I needed to find out a lot more about Natalie. She clearly had some hidden agenda involving Logan and I represented some obstacle in her way. I was astonished by how quickly she had developed a dislike for me. She had only known me for a week or so. Or had she? I wondered if I had known her from somewhere else. I also wondered how long she had had designs on Logan.

  Just thinking of Logan brought his beautiful face to the front of my mind. So strong and masculine, thinking of him made me want to touch his face, to trace the line of his jaw and feel the strands of his hair. I wanted him to take me in those arms and crush me to his hard chest again so I could smell his clean, soapy scent. I wished I could jump in his head and discover if he was thinking about me. But that was the one drawback to my ability. I had to be near the person to be able to do it. And our classes were nowhere near each other. Maybe I just needed to practice more.

  Thinking of Logan made me think of the dance. I had a new dress to find, too! I hoped Elizabeth would let me go to the dance.

  For the first time I had the thought that maybe she wouldn’t even let me go. Oh, I hoped she would. I had never been to a dance before. Certainly no boy had ever asked me to one. I had never been to a school before, so in truth no boy had had an opportunity to ask me. That rumor floating around had some truth to it. Tabitha and I were home-‐‑schooled. It’s just that the subjects were quite different. While the kids in this school were learning English and Math and Geography, we were learning things like Mindspeak, Jumping, Disappearing and Reappearing, and of course Flight. And lots of other things too, taught with patience by our sister Elizabeth.

  I still had some unresolved issues with Elizabeth. Her certainty that we would soon have a visit from the Council seemed unshakeable. Every time we went to a new place they showed up to make sure we were okay and were obeying all the rules. She had never told me what all the rules were, but now that we were older they were different.

  One thing was certain, lots of things were changing. And I wasn’t sure how or why, but all these new people in my life were here for a reason. Natalie, Jade, Dave and Tamera, and Logan.

  Especially Logan. I knew one thing with one hundred percent certainty. Logan was supposed to be part of my future. The thought of it made me smile. I continued smiling, even when the bell rang.

  Class had ended.

  ****

  When I got home that afternoon, I could sense a change in Elizabeth almost immediately. I had prepared to continue the argument we’d been having for the last two days and in fact, I had all my points li
ned up in my head. So I marched into the living room readied for battle. But one look at my sister’s face told me it wouldn’t be necessary. She had softened and beckoned me to join her on the sofa, the bracelets on her wrists jangling. Dubious, my curiosity aroused, I went over and plopped down next to her.

  “Serena.” She took my hands in hers. “I’ve been thinking about this all day long.” She chose her words with care. “I can see how you feel about this boy. It seems he has become…” She struggled to find the right word. “…important. And I want you to be happy. I know how hard our life can be sometimes. How difficult it is because we can’t let people get too close to us.” She shifted to face me. “But you seem to trust Logan.”

  “I do, Elizabeth. He would never do anything to harm us. I just know it.”

  “Then I trust him too. So here’s what I want you to do. Bring him over to the house before this dance of yours.” She must have seen the surprise on my face, because she laughed and shook her finger at me in a mock-‐‑chastising manner.

  “Serena, have you forgotten who you’re dealing with? I already know about the dance. And I wasn’t going to let you go.” I opened my mouth to protest, but she held up her hand to silence me and added, “But I’ve since changed my mind.” She hastened to add this when my face fell. I recovered when she said the last bit.

  “So, we have a lot to do, don’t we?” She clapped her hands together and suddenly I noticed a stack of fashion magazines on the table next to me. The pages started fluttering on the magazine on the top of the stack and settled open to a page with a beautiful emerald green dress on it.

  “This jumped out at me and I just knew you would look beautiful in it.” My sister waved her hand and the dress in the magazine lifted up, enlarged and floated into my hands. She was right; the dress was gorgeous. The color, almost the same green as my eyes, had the perfect neckline and a big velvet ribbon around the waist. Elizabeth waved her hand again, her bracelets flashing silver and tinkling against each other musically as she gestured down. Near my feet a silver and white shoebox appeared. I opened it and found the most fabulous pair of heels. They were strappy grown-‐‑up sandals in the same emerald shade as the dress and they glittered like diamonds. I threw myself in my sister’s arms.