Reflections of Each Other (Book 4) Now published so sample only

Chapter 4 - Explosions and farewells

© 2013 Sandra Corton

Chapter 4 – Explosions and farewells ©

Xander’s POV

The next few weeks seemed to settle back into their normal pattern. I had vaguely told Kale about my change which basically meant I told him I could only turn into a lion. He accepted it so that was enough for me.

The only bad thing was Tilly’s overreaction to the way the other girls had started treating me. I kept ignoring the overly angry looks she sent the girls hoping that she would see that I wasn’t really paying them any attention. It didn’t seem to work though.

I let out a sigh as I walked into my Water Elements class. It was one of the only classes where I didn’t have Matilda with me and I always missed her. I sat down on one of the chairs and pondered things while it was still peaceful.

A simpering giggle next to me made me look up. Kerrien and her friends had surrounded my chair and were smiling broadly at me. This girl was so persistent that it was beyond irritating. She had decided that since we both had water as one of our elements then we were destined to be together.

“Good morning Xander. Though every morning looks good when you’re the start to my day.” She cooed as she tried to sit down on my lap.

Just as I was about to push her away I saw Matilda walk past the open door to my classroom. She stopped dead, her jaw dropping open and her eyes filled with tears. I shoved at Kerrien before trying to race after Matilda. Our teacher marched decisively into the room before I could.

She was such a chirpy woman but very commanding. She always insisted we call her by her first name which was Dalia. She had long strawberry blonde hair, with a stunning face and bright hazel eyes. I know most of the other guys went a bit gaga over her but she was not my Tilly so I never felt like comparing.

She was a Duchess in her own right but seemed to thoroughly enjoy teaching so had left thoughts of royalty behind her. I had always liked her teaching because she made it fun rather than the hum drum that it certainly could have been.

I sat back down when Dalia told me too. I tried to focus on her lesson but all I could see flashing through my mind was the intense sadness in Matilda’s eyes. I got the feeling that it was almost like she had expected it. Maybe she hadn’t accepted me quite as much as I thought she had.

I didn’t get to talk to her until lunch break as she seemed to be going out of her way to avoid me. I knew by then that she would be firing all sorts of explanations through her mind. I’m sure none of them would bode well for me.

Still I approached her like I normally would and used one of her tricks that she always did to me. I rubbed my thumb against the little heart on my index finger. She stopped where she was and turned to me. For a split second of time she smiled before her face went blank dropping my heart to my toes.

“Tilly.” I said her name and that smile of hers was trying hard not to reappear.

Without conscious thought she stepped towards me almost like she couldn’t help herself. I pressed my thumb a little harder into my index finger and her mouth popped open as she took another step. I smiled at her as she got closer but just as I reached my hand out to clasp hers she frowned and stepped back.

“What Xander?” She asked angrily as I took hold of her hand.

“Tilly.” I whispered her name under my breath, hoping it would give me strength.

“Is this where you give me some lame explanation for what happened this morning?” She snarled as she tried to pull her hand from mine.

“Nope but I’m happy to give you the truth if you’re willing to listen.” I said honestly and she let out a sigh.