‘Of course, I will come and watch your show. I promise to be there for it.’ Those were the words I was longing to hear. I hoped that Ben would become my first proper boyfriend. But for now, I just wanted to take things slowly. Finding out I was a spellcaster, I needed to trust that Ben was my protector and that he didn’t want to enslave me, like Daniel had.
Ben kissed me gently on the forehead. I told him about Natalie’s phone call and how upset she was. I wanted to tell him about my dream from the other night but I wasn’t sure if the timing was right so that would be a secret I would keep to myself for the time being. I wanted to test myself on my newly inherited gift from Florence, deciding that I would find somewhere secluded after I finished practising my routine to try use my new found gift to its full potential.
‘I will leave you to practise then,’ Ben said, nervously. There was something odd about his behaviour towards me. He kissed me again, on the lips this time, then left me to my own devices.
As I danced, I pushed myself through the emotions from the previous few days. Poor Dominic didn’t deserve to die, especially to protect me. At seventeen he had his whole life ahead of him, starting university in a year in his field of interest which I believe was TV Production. I had no idea what university he set his heart on attending, it is a shame I hadn’t known him for long. Natalie was in love with him and sensing the heartache she must be going through, I clutched hold of my chest and longed to be in the arms of Ben right now.
Lost in my thoughts and the dance, I hadn’t noticed someone watching me through the fire door. I was alerted to it by a loud tapping coming from that direction. I spotted a shadowy figure, before they disappeared. I glanced through the glass of the door but couldn’t see anyone. I wasn’t surprised. I was almost used to it by now. Of course, I knew who was spying on me. It had to be Daniel. I’d hoped he would lay low after the events of Saturday night.
I felt like such a fool believing that he actually liked me. Even thinking he actually wanted to go on a date with me. Still, there was something inside of me that I still hoped that nice caring side to him was real, and that maybe I could help him become a good person. My heart longed for Ben, but Daniel I wanted as a friend. Why had my feelings started changing again? Of course, Daniel was still nearby, sensing his torment, my need to be near him. I had no control over myself and what I would do next. My hand slowly lifted towards the handle of the fire door. I had to find Daniel and see for myself that it truly was him loitering close by. As I went to push the handle down, I felt someone tug at my shoulder and move me away.
‘Grace! What are you doing? You know those doors are alarmed!’ Miss Hogg had stopped me and broken the trance.
I came to my senses and just stared at her. Her expression showed a mix of concern and annoyance.
Even I wasn’t happy with myself. Being in some form of love triangle between two wolves had not been my plan starting college. Especially that one would keep controlling me with his gifted abilities. I just had to find an excuse quickly for my actions. I could feel myself trembling inside.
‘Sorry Miss… I was a bit too warm after practising my routine. I needed to catch some air but as I’m not fully dressed, I didn’t want to step out into the corridor. I just didn’t think about the alarm.’ I hoped my little lie was convincing enough to not receive my first warning.
‘As there is so much going on right now, I will let this go. But please don’t do this again.’ She gave me a friendly smile, as if to reassure me that she wasn’t really angry. I nodded to show I understood. I saw that she was now looking at the door to the studio; Natalie was there. I was surprised she would be at college, especially after her phone call.
‘I think you need to see to your friend. I’d imagine she could do with a hug.’
I gathered up my belongings, slipped on my Converse trainers and hoped that Natalie couldn’t smell any body odour.
Chapter 14.
H er cheeks were tear-stained, and her eyes were red raw. I was still in my leotard, but I didn’t care how much leg I was showing and if anyone would see. I threw my arms around her. For a minute we stayed like that. She seemed so frail compared to the fierce character I’d witnessed on Saturday evening. I could feel the warmth from her red-rosy cheeks onto my shoulder as I cradled her.
‘Why are you here, Natalie?’ I asked, trying to sound soothing.
‘I just needed to get out the house. I’ve spent too many hours lying in bed just going over and over what happened in my head.’ Her words sounded like it was an effort for her to speak.
‘I wish I knew what to say. I’ll try help in any way I can.’ I felt helpless not knowing what to do in this situation. I hadn’t really known her for that long, but I wanted to be there for her and be the friend she needed. She forced a giggle when she saw what I was wearing. Even I felt silly, flashing my bare legs and a bit of bum cheek.
‘I’ll go and change in the ladies, shall
