Breaking the story

Promise

"I wanted to tell you, I swear!" Elijah yelled, damaging my eardrums. Fake Beatrice nodded gravely, her fluttery emotions swelling into hope. "Grace knew my brother cheated on his exams. It would've ruined his life." 

"I can't believe she would do that," I gasped, nearly swooning. I didn't even know he had a brother. He'd never mentioned him in all the times I was forced into his company. 

"I know, I was shocked as well," he said, getting way too close to my face. "But now he's left school to pursue his dream of touring with his band so grades don't matter anymore. I'm so glad I can tell you the truth." 

Yeah, somehow I didn't think the band thing would work out, unless he was a guitar prodigy. 

"Oh Elijah, I'm glad as well. I'm sorry Grace did that to you." Fake Beatrice moved me closer and I strained against her control. No way! I do not want to kiss him. She hesitated, and Elijah might've looked confused. He usually looked clueless so I wasn't sure. Not today, Satan. I pushed against her control again, demanding to be free. I tried to rhyme, thinking of the book. This is not part of my plan, so stop me from kissing this scary man. 

I ducked my head, flushing. The moment was over. 

"Well, at least we're back on track." He gave me a cheesy grin and the scene was over. I breathed out, amazed at the narrow escape. Had that worked? Hmm, I'd have to try again to be sure. 

I didn't say a word to him as I walked away. I didn't want to be back on track. Grace stepped into my path and I groaned. Was another scene on the way? Maybe death actually was preferable. 

"Hey," she said. I paused. She didn't look as aggressive as usual, although her hair was still a shocking shade of pink. 

"Hi." 

"I'm sorry, by the way. Wasn't being myself with the whole Elijah thing." She looked down at the ground as she said it. 

"I know," I replied. I did know. She was forced into this character. "Can I sit at the table again, or am I still barred?" 

"You're not barred," she said, smiling. Iris sketched me a little wave and I joined them. 

"I managed to snatch some pasta from the canteen," Iris said, grinning. It was as if I'd never left, and the ridiculous feud had never existed. I supposed it hadn't really since it was just a story. 

"Wow, that looks edible," I muttered. Food in this story wasn't very good most of the time. It was one of the biggest drawbacks. 

"Of course it is!" Iris laughed. "Are you not going to some business meeting at the Nightshades? Bloom was talking about it." 

"Apparently I am." I took a bite of my ham and cheese. It was disappointing. 

"You can let us know what their house is like, then. Bloom's planning a big party there for the whole class. There's a rumour she might even invite poor girl. You know, Jenny." I started, the food turning to ash in my mouth. A big party where everyone would be...where someone could possibly be hit by a car. I just had a prickling feeling on the back of my neck that this was it. We needed to change it. 

"Lucas!" Grace exclaimed, and suddenly he sat down at our table. Half the cafeteria turned around, watching him. 

"Hey," he said, shooting a look at me. I swallowed my bread. "Nice to see you. Sorry about before." 

Iris and Grace exchanged confused looks. 

"Yeah, me too," I said. We both nodded, and it was done. No more arguing. "I think we need to see Nathan soon, though."