The Academy

Chapter Nine

Rose:

He was one of my best friends! How could somebody just come and take him away. It felt like these past couple of days have been the “Let’s-Make-Rose’s-Life-A-Living-Hell” holiday for the gods. But killing Nathan? That was way too far.

It was like somebody took your favorite stuffed animal, asking “Do you love it?” you nodding and then them proceeding to rip it apart and set it on fire with a flame thrower.

And that was an understatement.

He was always there for me, when nobody else was, before I knew Tink, before I knew anything about gods and goddesses and the different magical parts in the world.

My mind flashed to a couple weeks ago, when the weather was warm and nothing was wrong.

We were laying on the grass around the Academy, quietly and Nathan suddenly asked, “What’s your favorite type of ending?” “What do you mean?” I replied looking at him. He propped himself up on an elbow, “Like a mysterious ending, and epic ending where everyone dies but the main character, a cliff hanger, etcetera, etcetera.” He explained and I thought about the question before looking back up at the partially cloudy sky above us. “I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for happy endings.” “You are?” he asked, seeming interested in my answer and I laughed, “Because in the world we live in, happy ending are so few, we have to cherish the ones we have left.”

Nathan pulled out a notepad, and I stared at him, “What are you doing?” “Writing that down, I could use that. You know that was way deeper than half of the things I’ve heard you say.” “Shut up.” I replied, throwing my bookbag at him and we laughed.

That memory made me cry harder, because Nathan hadn’t gotten a happy ending, he’d gotten a bloody one.

It tore my heart out, and also the fact that he’d practically announced his love for me with his dying breaths.

Tink looked at me, “I’m so sorry.” “It wasn’t your fault.” I whispered miserably, and she sighed. Then she got up and pointed at me, “Stay there.” I nodded, with a sniff.

Sooner rather than later she returned with Jace, and I wasn’t sure if I should hug her or I should tell her that it was a bad idea. Either way, I didn’t think Jace was going to leave.

She left and I couldn’t say anything. Of course Jace came over and sat beside me.  “I’m not even going to ask if you’re alright, because I know you’re not.” Smart guy. He then continued, “So, do you want to talk?” “I’m not really feeling in the mood to do anything.” I muttered and he nodded. “You don’t have to then…”

It was weird, I didn’t feel like doing anything, but at the same time, I was so done with feeling useless. I guess this was a little like being stuck in between a rock and a hard place. Except that hard place was Jace.

“I can’t believe he’s dead. I wish this was all just some messed up nightmare.” I said, looking at the blankets around my feel and he reached over and held me. Surprisingly, I didn’t pull away.  He sighed, “I know, and as annoying as Nathan could be, I know he meant a lot to you. I think, given time, maybe a lot of time, we could’ve been friends.”

Not cheering me up Jace. Way off from cheering me up.

“What do you say to helping me out with the funeral.” he asked and I shrugged, “I’ll look at the plans to make sure you don’t mess them up, and I’ll probably say a few words. Though I doubt Nathan would be listening, he’ll probably be catching up with his mom or something.” I said and Jace laughed, “I bet he’ll have a lot to talk about.”

What would he say? Oh hey mom, lovely to see you! You’re dead? Oh what a coincidence, so am I! Yeah, great family time.

Jace seemed kind of beat, but I think he finally found something to say. “You know, I can see why he fancied you. Maybe that’s why I didn’t get along with him.”

Wait a second…

“Are you saying that you like me?” I asked and he shrugged, “I bet you’ll punch me if I say that.” Maybe if he told me that while we were back at the Academy, now I wasn’t so sure. I think secretly I was falling for him too. “Who said I would punch you?” I asked teasing him and he raised an eyebrow, “So you wouldn’t?” “No, and I think I may like you too.” I said, heart pounding. With him holding me, I felt sure that he could hear it.

Now he was teasing me, he smirked, “Oh really, the mighty Rose falls for the likes of me.” “Okay Wayland, you’re pushing it.” I retorted with a laugh. He grinned and before I knew it, we were kissing.