You can't find me

Chapter 18

A couple of days has passed and I've been hiding Lav at my house. I don't think anyone has gotten suspicious but I have been dropping out of many plans that our school group had been making in the afternoon or evening. 

I didn't want Lav to be alone in the condition she was in especially if she needed something. 

My house was located in a pretty closed off area from all the other houses near me so we got a lot of privacy but if something ever happened and we were all alone it would be hard for anyone to help as nobody would have a clue if anything happened. Which is why I made sure to spend very little time after school hanging out with everyone before hurrying back. 

Ry runs up to me to get a hold of my arm. 

"Wait up! Jeez Ari what are you so eager to do at home?"

I groan. "Ry I told you I have so much housework to do since I'm by myself." 

"Okay okay. But your gonna want to hear what someone from another class saw yesterday."

Okay maybe I should hear what that person had to say. I was getting a little paranoid these past few days.. 

She points towards the group of people that has already formed near a table outside of our school. 

We run towards the spot to not miss out on anything. 

"No but that's what I was thinking! I got perfect vision and have read about this in the city library when my dad had some work there." a guy who I don't know says. 

Ry interrupts. "Mind telling the late ones what your referencing about?"

"Yeah sure. I saw the imperial snakes hovering around near the town market yesterday." 

A few people start excitedly chattering about the news. 

My memory was foggy at the moment so I couldn't remember if that represented something. 

"What's so interesting about seeing snakes near the market? I mean yeah there aren't many over there. But like so what?"

Whoever the guy is doesn't like my response and rolls his eyes before responding. 

"Their the royals eyes and ears but in an animal version. If those serpents are out here in our town that means somethings seriously going on and the royals want in on that info." 

Another person I don't know speaks up. "It wouldn't have to do anything with those students who got called in at the academy would it? Any of you guys know who they are?"

"Actually-" Ashley starts to say before Kyle kicks her shin and signals her to shut up.

"Actually what? You wouldn't hide something from us right?"

 "We are your seniors after all." another one of them says. 

I didn't have the time or energy to reason with these people. 

I exit from the circle to go home. Ry and Tara follow after me. 

"What if they're after you Ari? Don't come to school for a few days. We'll all cover for you." Tara says. 

"I second that. Those serpents can easily pick up on scent. And with you going all over the place they can track it down way easier. At least if your at home you can use up a bunch of scents to avert your smell." Ry says. 

That didn't sound that bad and with that I could spend time with Lav as well. 

"I think I'm going to take you in on that idea, Tara. Thanks guys." 

I hug Tara and she goes back to the group who are all still actively talking. 

Ry hugs me as well. 

"Are you staying?" I ask her.

"No. I have some other things to take care of before heading home." 

On cue Kyle walks up behind her before looking in the opposite direction of where we usually go to head home. 

"Ohh, got it!" I say with a smile.

She gives off a laugh before walking away with him. 

I get on Luna and take out a little pouch from my bag. 

Lavender and a bunch of other crushed petals are inside of it. I pour all the contents into my palm before sprinkling it on my clothes. 

Thanks to Lav, she always thought ahead in such situations. 

Try finding me now, you little serpentss.