Anew

61

The next day, Scarlet’s interaction with Gabriel was tense, at best. He was still rattled about her temporary tattoo, but he refused to talk about it.

Which upset her.

It wasn’t fair for him to keep information from her. She didn’t know what the symbol meant—she had amnesia, for crying out loud. She deserved some answers.

But none came.

And she was too nervous to ask Nate or Tristan about it.

She and Gabriel spent most of the day talking about finding the fountain but Gabriel rarely made eye-contact with her. Which made her feel weird.

Like maybe he was planning on breaking up with her.

The hours ticked by slow and awkward, and all Scarlet wanted to do was go home.

So, when Heather started texting Gabriel in a panic because she couldn’t reach Scarlet’s cell phone—thanks a lot, Tristan—Scarlet practically tripped over herself to get to the phone.

Heather’s vacation had been cut short, which was a bummer for her, but great news for Scarlet.

Because Scarlet didn’t want to stay one more minute in a cabin with her upset boyfriend, his moody brother, and a nerd who spent two hours “defeating the iron dragon”.

She used Heather’s early homecoming as a chance to suggest a new keep-Scarlet-safe plan: Heather would stay at Scarlet’s house with her and the boys could take turns on night watch.

Problem solved.

Of course, everyone threw a big fit about Scarlet being “in danger” and all the guys tried to convince her to stay. But she eventually won.

When Gabriel drove her back home, she felt as though he was almost…relieved to get her away from the cabin.

Which didn’t do much for her nervous Gabriel’s-going-to-dump-me thoughts.

Scarlet tried to process how she felt about the possibility of losing Gabriel. He had come into her life and given her comfort and normalcy. He made her laugh. He made her feel safe.

He made her feel loved.

She didn’t want to lose him.

After making sure her house was secure, Gabriel kissed Scarlet goodbye—awkwardly and with less passion than a bird kissing a fish—and left to be on night watch.

The boys didn’t feel comfortable with Scarlet and Heather alone in the house, so they were going to take turns standing guard. It was a little weird to think some guy would be watching over her every night while she slept, but it was better than feeling trapped in the Archer’s cabin.

Especially when she didn’t understand why Gabriel was so unhappy with her.

Scarlet’s heart quivered as she watched him walk away from her house and post up across the street.

It’s like he’s not even mine.

Ten minutes later, Heather was at her door, packed and ready to stay for the rest of fall break.

Scarlet let Heather in and listened as she complained.

Scarlet let her friend in and listened as Heather complained.

“Can I just say hurricanes suck? My vacation was totally ruined! And to think, I spent two paychecks on beach-specific attire that I won’t be able to wear now. Unless, of course, I want frostbite. I am so glad you suggested this getaway at your house. I could really use some Scarlet time.” Heather paused as she looked Scarlet up and down.

Here we go.

“O-M-G. Have you had those pajamas on for,” she sniffed Scarlet’s chest, “three days? Do I need to buy you new sleepwear?”

Scarlet laughed. She honestly laughed as she hugged Heather tightly.

Heather’s obsession with fashion was annoying, but it was hilarious when compared to Scarlet’s impending death.

“Heather, I love you. Have I told you how great you are lately? You’re great. And yes, I’ve had these pajamas on for too long. How about I get changed and you can unpack?”

“Fantastic,” Heather said, pushing away from Scarlet with a smile. “Now, stop hugging me with your gross, pajama-laden arms so we can get this party started. I’m going to go put on my swimsuit and turn the heater up.”

Scarlet raised a brow.

“What?” Heather looked innocent. “If I can’t sport my new bikini on the beach, then you’d better believe I’m gonna wear it around the house.”

Scarlet opened her mouth, but decided against arguing.

Because it sorta sounded fun. And not curse-related at all.

“Maybe I’ll put my swimsuit on, too.” Scarlet shrugged.

“Thatta girl!”

Ten minutes later, the girls sat on Scarlet’s bedroom floor, going through a giant pile of loose socks and matching up pairs.

While wearing bikinis.

Heather liked to organize Scarlet’s clothes. And shoes. And jewelry.

It was weird.

“So, what did you do while I was gone? Did you and lover boy elope or anything? I know he’s kinda marriage-prone.” Heather dug through the sock pile.

“Uh, no.” Not even close. “Gabriel was gone most of the weekend, so I stayed at the cabin with Tristan.”

Heather raised her eyebrows. “Kinky.”

Scarlet shook her head, matching another set of socks. “Not hardly. He’s a jerk and he hates when I’m around.”

“Ha!” Heather said. “That boy doesn’t hate when you’re around at all. He doesn’t hate anything about you.”

“Well, he treats me like I’m the plague.”

Heather scoffed. “The super hot plague that’s dating his brother, maybe.”

“Yeah, right.”

“I’m serious, Scarlet. Tristan has a thing for you. And if I had to guess, it’s a big thing. Did you see the way he looked at you when we were outside the coffee shop last week?”

“Uh, no. I try not to make eye contact with him.”

Heather shook her head. “Well, he looks at you the way I look at designer jeans—with drool running down my chin.”

“Whatever.”

“No, seriously. And when Gabriel started kissing you, Tristan, like, freaked out. I saw it all over his face. I mean, it was only for, like, a second, but I totally caught it. He can’t handle looking at the two of you. That’s not the behavior of a guy who doesn’t like you, Scarlet. That’s the behavior of a guy who’s totally crushing.”

Heather looked at Scarlet, then froze. “Whoa.”

Scarlet looked at Heather in alarm. “What? What’s wrong?”

“Your eyes….” Heather dropped the socks in her hand and leaned forward. “Your eyes look…crazy. Are you okay?”

Scarlet scrambled up from the floor and rushed to her bedroom mirror. Looking at her reflection, her hands began to shake.

Her eyes were glowing.

Neon blue and bright, they stared back at her without mercy.

Oh, no. No, no, no.

Heather came up beside Scarlet and stared into the mirror with her. “Scarlet…is that normal? Are you…sick?”

Yes, I’m very sick. I’m dying.

Scarlet started shaking her head, on the verge of panic when, suddenly, her eyes melted back into their normal shade of blue.

Scarlet blinked.

Heather blinked.

And silence fell between them as they continued staring into the mirror.

“O-M-G.” Heather took a deep breath. “That was creepy.”

Desperate for a way to explain her eyes, Scarlet lied. “I guess that’s what I get for using those new eye drops.”

I’m a terrible friend.

“Eye drops?” Heather said, looking at Scarlet closely.

“Yeah, I tried new ones and I guess they have some weird…side effects.”

Wow, I’m just a lying machine.

Heather narrowed her eyes. Scarlet was sure her friend could sense the untruth on her lips, but if she did, she let it go.

“Well, maybe stay away from those eye drops in the future. That was freaky.” Heather shook her head and went back to the floor.

Scarlet tucked her lips in, hating herself. “Yeah.”

She sat down and continued sock-matching, hoping Heather didn’t notice her shaking hands.