The Fate Weaver

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

He's leaning against the wall as I sit at a table of Starbucks, looking extremely stumped about something I didn't know, observing his sneakers for a very, very long time. I was sipping my frapuccino, so it gave me some time, but after I had emptied the contents, I blew up.

"Jack, there's something you want to tell me, right? You were the one who dragged me out here," I said peevishly, giving him an accusing glare as I tapped on my watch. "Really early in the morning, by the way. When I was sleeping!"

Looking apologetic but torn, Jack let out a frustrated moan. "Okay. I was going to ask you...if you'd like to travel with me."

"Travel?" I sputtered, confusion coiling up the information in my brain. "Like, how? Where? When? Why? Is this some sort of an expedition?"

"Not only with me, of course. With Amanda."

Amanda, Jack and I have been friends since we wore diapers. We've lived in the same neighbourhood ever since, so it was practically impossible that we didn't know each other. We went to the same school, and our parents were very close to each other like bosom buddies.

"To England," he continued, "for leisure trip. It's our school holiday, don't you remember? It lasts two whole months, and our exam is finished. So I was wondering if you could go with me. If you want. If your parents allow, too. I don't want to force you or anything like that." 

"You were thinking how to ask me that? Screw it, wasted my time! Yes of course. You think I'd say 'Wow that's like the worst thing you can ever say to me' and burst into tears or something?" I said, narrowing my eyes.

"It's not like that. There is a reason to why. Tell you later," Jack mumbled.

Mumbled? It wasn't like his usual self. He never, ever mumbled. He was confident, said his opinions without thinking.

"When?"

"When you are available," he said, clasping his hands at the back, and then as if remembering something, held his hands at the front, and then frustration crossing his countenace, crossed his arms across his chest, his grey eyes looking troubled. "You go and have your sleep that I have interrupted."

"Actually, no. You owe me some time, since you wasted my slumber. I command you to take me to the park across our house," I said, feigning haughtiness.

At times I did that like a joke, but this time, he flinched, like he really was a peasant that had been given an order from the royalty. He turned his back on me, looking out the window. "If your mother-"

"Allows, yes. Why not? And I'm already old enough," I said, rolling my eyes as I licked my lips. "Why aren't you eating anything? Have you already had breakfast?"

"No, I don't feel like eating," he said, turning around, not meeting my eyes. "Athena, I have to tell you something in the park too. You might not so like me anymore- you might hate me. You might not believe me. If you do believe me, you'll hate me so much."

My insides went cold instantly. "What is it...about, Jack?"

He smiled widely, flashing his teeth, like a switch had been turned on, cramming in cheerfulness in his voice. "Later."

A sick feeling was in my gut, even as we got into a cab after we prepared our gear. What was he going to tell me?