Page 27 of Visions & Shadows

For a reason I’ll never be able to explain, the words leave my mouth before I can stop them. “I had a weird dream of a disaster and people I don’t know dying.” Shaking my head, I let out a sigh. “It felt real, though, and I can remember every little detail clearly.”

I turn my head away from him, regret pouring into my chest the instant I’m done talking.

“How often do you have dreams like that?”

“Just twice. Last night and in class.” I turn my head back to him. “I had a dream while wide awake. Who does that?”

Instead of looking at me like I’m weird, his face is filled with understanding. “Try not to worry about it too much.”

When Ryan reaches for my hand, my heart skips a beat before setting off at a crazy pace.

He links his fingers with mine, then whispers, “Your hand is half the size of mine.”

Relieved that he doesn’t think I’m crazy and is changing the subject, I relax.

“Are friends supposed to hold hands?” I ask, keeping my tone playful.

A grin tugs at his lips. “Yes. Friends can definitely hold hands.”

“People are going to think we’re dating,” I warn him.

Shaking his head, he locks eyes with me. “I’ve told you before. I don’t care what anyone thinks.”

Right.

Maybe I should start doing the same.

Chapter 5

Jane / Alchera

While I grab my bagand hurry out of the house, it hits me that Ryan and I’ve been friends for a week already.

It’s still hard to believe, but with every passing day things become more and more comfortable between us.

The rumors at school haven’t died down one bit, and even though I try not to let them get to me, I can’t help but feel annoyed. I wish everyone would focus more on their own lives than mine.

When I rush out of the front door, Molly yells from the top of the stairs, “Remember to tell Ryan about the party!”

“Okay.” Reaching the truck, I open the passenger door and climb in. “Morning.”

“Morning. How was your night?” Ryan asks as he pulls away from the curb.

“Same old. Yours?”

“Nothing exciting.”

For some reason, I’ll never understand, Ryan’s latched onto me, and he doesn’t care about befriending anyone else.

I’m not going to lie. It makes me feel real damn special.

Before I forget again, I say, “Molly is having a party this Friday. You’re invited.”

His eyes flick to my face. “Will you be there?”

“Unfortunately, yes, seeing as we live in the same house,” I grumble.

“Then I’ll be there.”

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