The Magic Within; Shadows of Two Worlds

Chapter 23 ~ Ella

     When Jamie came back she looked a little teary eyed. Jake looked concerned. What did you tell him about our parents? I sent. They were in a serious car accident. She replied. I made eye contact with her and nodded slightly. While the two of them were talking, Jeff had been fidgeting and constantly glancing over. His jaw had tightened when Jamie threw her arms around Jake's neck. He marched up to Jamie. "What the hell was that about?" Jamie narrowed her eyes. She clearly wasn't taking shit from anyone. "It is none of your business. As I have told you several times, Jake and I never have or will feel romantically connected." She pushed away from him then sat down at the table, intentionally avoiding the empty seat next to Jeff. I nearly groaned when I realized that the aforementioned seat was the only one left... and Thomas was on the other side. I hesitantly sat in the chair. "Bel-" Thomas started. I glared at him. "I am not in the mood." I grabbed a slice of pizza. "Noted," he replied, also grabbing a slice. None of us spoke much while we ate. I only ate a couple of slices, so I finished before everyone else. I decided to go ahead and keep skating. I was confident in my roller blades because I skated a lot. I was alone for a while. I think my foul mood emanated from me because nobody skated anywhere near me. "You okay Ella?" Thomas' voice came so suddenly behind me that I stumbled. He quickly came forward and caught me. I blushed. I tried to make it seem like my face had reddened from anger though. "Get off of me!" I shouted. I knew that I was really the one on him, but I had to save face. He still smiled. That was one thing that infuriated me; the fact that no matter what I said, he smiled. "You're welcome for catching you," he said. I turned away, too proud to thank him. After a moment he put a hand on my shoulder. It was warm. I shivered, but not because I was cold. I turned to face him. "I'm seriously worried Ella," he said softly. I bowed my head, letting my hair cover my face. He lifted my chin up and tucked my hair behind my ear. I was frozen with shock. His smile melted me. "My parents. They were in a car accident. They.. might not make it." My voice was barely audible. He looked so guilty. "I'm so sorry Ella. Here I have been teasing you. I have been making it worse, haven't I?" Usually I would have tried to hide my feelings. "A little," I admitted. He put his hands on my waist. My breath hitched. "I feel horrible." I shook my head. "You didn't know." He pulled me into a hug. I stiffened then relaxed. I wrapped my arms around him. Heat seemed to emanate from him. I closed my eyes. I'm not sure how long we stood there like that. Eventually, I heard Amelia's voice. "Looks like you don't need to worry about Thomas liking Jamie 'too much' Jeff." I jerked away. I glanced at Thomas. "I still dislike you." He chuckled. "Whatever you say...Bella." This time, I smiled. All of us continued to skate. A girl came up to me at one point. "Hey, I'm Jaylin. We are in Choir together. I have been wanting to say that I think you are gorgeous." I smiled. "Thanks! That is so sweet. I'm Ella. I've noticed that you have an amazing voice. You just made my day." Jaylin glanced covertly at Thomas and grinned. "Seems to me that cute redhead made your day." I blushed. "You saw that?" She nodded. "Honey, everyone saw that." I groaned. "You couldn't hear too, could you?" I asked, panicked. "No." I sighed with relief. Jaylin laughed. "Good luck, girl." She skated away. Jamie came over. "What was that about?" I shook my head. "I have no idea." She chuckled. ". "Let's join our friends." We skated over to them. Thomas grinned at me then held his arms out. "Do I get another hug?" I playfully slapped his arm. "You wish." He grabbed me and I squealed. "You're not wrong." He pulled me to him and wrapped his arms around me. I looked up at him, grinning like an idiot. "I think I like hugging you Thomas." Jamie gasped dramatically. "Am I going insane, or is Ella flirting with Thomas Lightwood." I looked over at her. "I think Ella is flirting with Thomas Lightwood..." I blushed. "Jokingly," I added quickly. My friends all glanced at each other knowingly. "What? I flirt with Jamie all the time." Christopher smiled slyly. "Jamie is your sister." I rolled my eyes. "I flirt with Jake. Is that better?" Jake looked at Thomas. "I find it is quite fun to jokingly flirt. Especially with these two," he said, jabbing me and Jamie. Thomas tilted his head. "I think I will stick with Ella." I suddenly felt panicked again. I shook my head. "What am I doing? Did someone spike my drink? I am acting completely insane. Here I am, flirting with Thomas, the guy I have hated for years. I need to leave." I started to skate away. "Ella..." Thomas started. I cut him off. "I'm sorry, but I can't do this." I quickly put my regular shoes on, then headed out to my car. I got in and waited for Jamie. My phone kept dinging from text messages, but I ignored it. I closed my eyes and took deep breaths. I was acting like such a fool. I can't let Thomas affect me like this. What is wrong with me? I am not allowed to like him. He is obnoxious. He is loud. He is...smart. He is funny. He is hardworking. He is... Ella stop it! I wished I could shut my brain off. That I could shut my emotions off. Even when the driver's door opened, I kept my eyes closed. "You know, you should really lock the car." I jerked up when I heard Thomas' voice. "It could have been some creep that preys on gorgeous women, not me." I turned my head away from him. "I would prefer the creep." Thomas chuckled. "There's the Ella I know." I ignored that. "Where is Jamie?" She wanted to stay, so I am taking you back." I sat up. "I can drive myself. Leave." He shook his head. "Your sister figured you would say that. She made me promise." I looked him in the eyes. "Since when do you keep your promises?" His smile finally faded. "Ella, your parents were just in a car accident. I am not leaving you." I gaped for a moment. "So that's what this is about." I buckled my seat belt. "The sooner we get there the better." We spent the ride in silence. When we got to the dorms, I stopped. "Hey Thomas?" He looked at me sadly. "What?" I took a deep breath and swallowed my pride. "Thanks for catching me."