Page 105 of Scars Like Wings

“Well, of course! But I don’t want to talk your ear off. I have been going on so much the others are far ahead. I can’t even hear Ophelia’s voice anymore. I’m sure she has more insight than me.” I sipped from my Butterbeer, which was delicious but stuck heavily in my throat.

“Okay, there’s so much wrong there, I don’t know where to start.” Quinn pulled her hand away from mine. My heart sank for a moment before she draped it over my shoulder instead. I shifted my drink to my other hand to grip her hand tightly. Despite the hotness of Florida, her scent of campfire, citrus, and chocolate surrounding me was a comfort. Quinn slowed us down, putting more distance between us and the rest of the group.“I want to hear your stories,mi tesoro. I want to hear your memories and everything. Not only because I want to get to know you and learn about you, but because I could listen to you talk for hours and never get tired of it. You could be talking about math—which was my worst subject in school—but I would hate it a little less coming from those lips. Your voice is my favorite song. I can’t hear it enough.”

I was speechless. No one had ever said that about my voice before. This woman… She wastoogood.

“Also, your insight is much better than Ophelia’s. She’s worse than Google with how much useless information she provides. I mean, do we care how many wheels make up one cart for these rides?”

I snorted. “I honestly have no idea how you could hear anything she’s saying over how annoying her voice is. Her voice sounds like her throat needs WD-40.”

Quinn laughed at my roast, a deep boisterous one. It made me smile as it boomed in my ears and I felt in through my chest. I loved that I made her laugh. I decided then that I not only wanted to be the cause of her laughter but also to get drunk on it whenever I could.

When we caught up to the others, they had decided they all wanted a turn riding in the front of each rollercoaster, so we agreed. While watching our friends board the front cart of each ride, Quinn would stand behind me and wrap her arms around me. She kissed my shoulder, neck, and cheek. They were soft and delicate like rose petals settling on my skin, but I craved the affection, her touch, her mouth on me. I had never felt warmer or at home than when I was in her arms. I couldn’t explain it, but Quinn made me feel unlike anyone had before and I loved it.

Eventually, we returned toHogsmeade. For all my dislike ofHarry Potter,the books and the movies—which ran deep given how it and its author went against everything I stood for—I couldn’t deny the wonder I felt walking through this place ripped from the pages of the books and made real from the movies. It was human-created magic.

“So, what’re everyone’s houses? I know y’all have taken the quiz,” Cole asked while we did some shopping in the gift shops and took a break from Ophelia.

“Oh, I’m definitely a Ravenclaw,” I replied, looking at the journals and books. I already knew that none of the clothes that I liked were going to be in my size, so I didn’t even bother to look.

“You’re a Ravenclaw?” Quinn raised her slitted eyebrow incredulously. “You definitely give Hufflepuff vibes.”

I put a hand to my chest and gasped. “Hufflepuff? On my birthday, you say this to me? Howdareyou? I’m incredibly studious and creative. Also, have you seen me in navy blue? You are rude as hell.”

Quinn threw her head back and laughed.

“Hey, now! What’s wrong with being a Hufflepuff?” Simone said, walking past me.

“Nothing! I’m just not one.” I smiled and pointed to Quinn. “You have to be a Slytherin.”

“Most of us are, I think,” Cody said.

“Speak for yourself. I’m definitely a Griffindor,” Cooper said, leaning against the entrance door with his arms crossed.

“Whatever helps you sleep at night, Mr. Slytherin-Denier,” Nat teased, making all of us chuckle.

“You’re a witch, right, Maisie?” Cole asked.

“I am indeed.”

“I know how Simone feels about mermaids in media?—”

“Oh, y’all opened up theLittle Mermaid,H2O, andAquamarinePandora’s Box already?” I asked.

Simone mumbled something indiscernible from the Hufflepuff section.She’s so on brand for that.

“Please don’t get her going. We do have more rides to go on,” Cole said. While Simone stuck out her tongue at him, he continued. “How do you feel about witches being portrayed like this?”

Maisie shrugged. “The girl got a check. Good for her. ButPractical Magicand theCraftare the best witch movies, handsdown. Oh, andHocus Pocusbecause that’s just good fun. I want to be them when I grow up.”

“Eating children to stay young and immortal?” Cole asked.

“I don’t see how that’s different from what you do now, babes,” Cody said. At Maisie’s confusion, he continued. “You know, sucking di—Ouch!”

“I will happily pay for that,” Nat said to the cashier’s raised eyebrows, pointing to the shot glass she had thrown at Cody that had shattered. Quinn rolled her eyes while I laughed.

We finished shopping and downed our next round of Butterbeers. It was getting later in the day, but we all still wanted to finish out the rides. Ophelia suggested we could each split off and ride the other rides in the front rows like we wanted to save time, and we agreed. Since everyone wanted to ride theHarry Potter and the Forbidden Journeyride first, I pulled the Birthday Queen card so that Quinn and I could go first on what I knew was going to be the best ride.

Ophelia guided us through the exit into Hogwarts and the entrance to the ride just like she had done before. Interestingly, she was quiet during this part of the trip, which I was both grateful for and found rather odd. But I didn’t want to question her and open the floodgates to her talking to us.

---