Page 210 of Sigils & Spells

That cold stare drifted her way. His eyes were an impossibly light brown, the color of honey. His tan skin made them stand out, but not in an otherworldly way like cheesy vampire movies portrayed yellowish eyes. Of course, vampires weren’t real.

Probably.

“Yeah…” His tone was cold; the feel of his gaze, glacial. “Maybe you should leave. Wouldn’t want to be seen hanging out with a troubled guy like me. Don’t want to harm your reputation with those pretty boys like the one in class.”

Ravyn flinched. “What?” There was no need to insult them, or Daniel for that matter. “I only meant that you didn’t seem like you wanted to chat with anyone. Nothing else.”

“Right.” He turned his attention back to Aoibhe, and relief to not be the focus of his attention washed over her like a wave of warmth on a cold day. Surely it was her mind playing tricks, but something about him was so…uncanny. “Move along then. Your keeper says you don’t belong here.”

Aoibhe’s expression was undiscernible. Finally, she said, “Ravyn wasn’t being rude. But we will leave you be.” She stood, then retrieved her bag and tray. “For now.”

The two of them moved to a table nearby, not speaking until they had gotten situated in their new spots. Ravyn glanced across the cafeteria at Gabe, who had drawn his hoodie lower over his face, but watched them as he stirred his food with a plastic fork. She shivered. “I really wasn’t trying to be rude.”

“I know,” Aoibhe said with a nod. I get the feeling he’s going through something and is taking it out on us. I think he’ll come around.”

Her head shot up and she gawked. “You can’t be serious. You still want to attempt talking to him?”

“Ravyn, don’t give up on people after one try. They may surprise you.”

She glanced back at Gabe, not quite sure about that.

“So…” Aoibhe’s tone changed to one of cheerfulness. “What’s up with Daniel?”

Taken off guard by the abrupt change in conversational direction, Ravyn struggled to find an answer that didn’t sound dumb as her cheeks grew hot. “I don’t know. He was the first student I met on campus.”

Her friend laughed loudly, and Ravyn shivered at the feel of Gabe’s stare on them again. He was watching them, intently. Aoibhe, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to it with her back to him. “I think he likes you.”

“He most definitely does not,” Ravyn denied, aghast.

“Are you kidding me? He beelined to you in class to be close to you, and he gave you his number. He wants you bad.”

Her cheeks grew hotter. She thought she’d meant Gabe liked her. Daniel, well, that was the vibe she was picking up too. Ravyn speared a macaroni noodle and stared at it. “I’ve never had a boyfriend before.”

“You’re lying.” Aoibhe laughed again. “You’re hot. There’s no way.”

She met her gaze. “I’m for real.”

Aoibhe tilted her head to the side, gaze darting to check their immediate surroundings. “A girlfriend then?” Quickly she added, “If you haven’t come out yet, you can feel safe with me. I should probably mention, I’m bi.”

“Thank you for trusting me with that.” She hoped she didn’t come across as the kind of person who might judge anyone for their relationship choices. Love was love, after all. “But, no. No girlfriends either. My family wasverystrict. It was not allowed.” She still needed to have a conversation with them. More than texts. The idea of the argument that would ensue made her want to vomit. She had never acted out before, and the guilt at causing stress to her family had been eating at her. Yet she didn’t want to face it. Not yet. “I do think Daniel is cute though. It’s only…I don’t want to rush into something just because I can. Ya know?”

With a nod, Aoibhe smiled softly. “He seems pretty enamored. I think he’d be patient. If you are interested, don’t string him along due to uncertainty. Communication is key.”

Seemed Ravyn had a lot of communicating to do lately. “You’re right. New territory has me a little skittish. I’m unused to not knowing what to do, and well…I have no idea how to date.”

“If you try to be good at it, you won’t be. Be his friend, and the only difference would be the kissing and stuff.” Aoibhe giggled. “If it’s meant to be, it will be.”

“How very sage of you.”

“I have a cousin named Sage.”

They spent the remainder of their lunch break laughing and talking, anticipating how their other classes would go. It was too bad they didn’t share any other classes together. Maybe Daniel would be in one of her other ones, and maybe she’d have the courage to call or text him.

*.*.*.*.*

As the phonevibrated with yet another call from her mother, Ravyn entered her dorm room and closed the door. Aoibhe was still in class. Putting this call off any longer would make things worse, and it would already be bad. Ravyn inhaled sharply, closed her eyes, and clutched the phone to her chest, then breathed out and accepted the call. Hesitantly, she held the device to her ear, not daring speakerphone in case it could be overheard in the hall or Aoibhe walk in and overhear something that would be difficult to explain. “Hi, Mom.” The words came out far more meekly than intended. Way to hold firm on her decision.

“Baby, come home. We’ll work through this.”

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