Page 33 of Oleander
“The thing about me is, I never give up hope.” He ducks his head again, spooning even more brightly colored cereal into his mouth.
“Well, let’s hope Coach Slate doesn’t run us too hard, or you’ll throw up a rainbow.”
Sky snorts into his bowl, the milk bubbling over and dribbling down his chin as he tips it back, drinking every last drop.
“Ahh,” he gasps, completely satisfied with himself as he wipes his lips and chin with the back of his hand. “Delicious.”
“Disgusting,” I counter, wrinkling my nose.
“Don’t knock it ’til you try it.”
“Never,” I insist.
“We’ll see,” Skyler responds with a mischievous grin that has me questioning my own resolve. He’s too handsome. “Maybe I’ll figure out how to smuggle some real Lucky Charms into Faerie.” He laughs at the worried look on my face. “I’m gonna get ready. See ya in ten.”
True to his word, Skyler appears ten minutes later, fully dressed with his shaggy, wet hair curling around his ears to cover them. He catches me staring again, even though they’re hidden.
“You know what? I might get a haircut if I stay here any longer. Show these little round babies off. I’m tired of hiding who I am.”
“You want to leave?” My heart plummets to the ground at the thought of losing the first real friend I’ve had in years.
“Ander. . .”
He does want to leave.
“I never wanted to be here. You have to know that?”
His words are like a slash to the gut, and there’s no concealing the hurt on my face.
“Sorry. Let me rephrase that a little more delicately. I was brought hereagainst my will, and I need to check on my mom. I haven’t heard back from her. I hope you can at least understand that. I have to find a way home, and I was hoping you could help me.”
I gasp when Skyler reaches for my neck, his touch ghosting over my rune but not making contact.
“How did you know?” I ask in shock.
“People talk, Ander. It’s a universal truth, even across realms. It wasn’t too difficult to find out, and the information was freely given.”
It annoys me that there are Fae I don’t even know out there offering my business as their own, and it hurts knowing he wants to leave. Especially when he’s the one person I feel comfortable around. The one person who has helped me gainsomesemblance of control.
“So, will you help me?”
I need to tell him how I feel. I can’t let him slip away to another world without knowing because, in my heart of hearts, I know I’ll give him what he wants and open that portal. I can’t say no to his charm, even if it’s a magic I’ve never called upon, and the idea of doing so frightens me. “I wish you would stay. I care about you, Skyler, but I do understand needing to check on your mother.”
“Thank you, Ander. You have no idea how much this means to me.” He pulls me into a tight embrace, whispering into my ear. “Seriously.” He pulls back abruptly. “I just need to make sure she’s okay.” He’s vulnerable, and his eyes sparkle for a moment before he turns away from me. “Let’s get to class for now. We don’t want to be late and call any more attention to ourselves.”
We make it to the old building tucked into the far corner of campus and enter swiftly, eager to ensure that we’re on time. We’re already dressed for working out and only need to drop our bags off. The gymnasium is right by the wall, and it gives me an eerie feeling. Students in their final year go on survival missions beyond the wall, and it’s the most dangerous part of graduation. The hardest test to pass. Good thing we have a few years beforewe get to that point. I hope to prove my control by the end of the semester so I can leave not long after Skyler.
We arrive five minutes early, but Coach Slate yells at us the moment we step out of the locker room. “Welcome! Welcome! Take your spots and start stretching. Don’t waste my time. Let’s go!” The professor claps his hands at us loudly, and Skyler side-eyes him, nearly scowling as we rush to find two spots in the back. He better not let Coach Slate see him make that face. I subtly shake my headno, urging him not to get in trouble. I’m completely distracted by what’s happening and don’t even realize that Skyler has inconveniently chosen a spot right next to Leo. But it’s too late to move; he recognizes me right away. I can’t avoid the impending interaction.
“Ander!Wow.You look so different. Hawk was right.” His smile is nothing but polite, but I haven’t a clue what he’s talking about.
“Hawk was right about what?” Skyler speaks up, switching his ire from our professor to Leo.
Leo blushes, the pink in his cheeks complementing the shimmer that dusts his high cheekbones, as well as the bright purple eyeliner that swoops toward his perfectly manicured brow. “Oh, hello, there. Just that Oleander has grown and matured into a very handsome young Fae. Although his exact words were far more crude.” Leo slips a small tube of lip gloss from his skin-tight athletic shorts and applies it quickly before tucking it away once again. “Gotta stay hydrated.” He kisses the air before giggling softly.
Skyler stares at him, his mouth agape. It’s not unusual for Fae males to wear makeup or face paint to complement their runes and elements, although some certainly have more of a flair for it than others, Leo being one of them. His skills have definitely progressed since we were fourteen and watched human tutorial videos to learn how to wing our eyeliner.
Leo tilts forward, making eye contact with me. “It’s really good to see you.” His words are genuine and heartfelt. I can’t deny them.
