The Heart of Jade

Couple-Single-Couple

When I woke up I felt different.  I was used to the feel of a pulse.  My skin was the same but different.  I didn’t know what was different but it just felt weird.

            I walked into the living room.  I saw Mike and the five hunters.  I walked up behind him.  I knew he heard my foot steps but he didn’t turn around.

            I asked, “Mike?”

            “Jade, we need to talk.  Let’s go.”

            “We can leave?”

            “Yes, let’s go, now!”

            “Yes sir, Captain Grumpy Pants.”

            I didn’t know why he was being so serious.  He was never serious.  I was so confused and I didn’t want to pry so I didn’t read his mind.

            Once we walked for about a mile, I asked, “What do you want to talk about?”

            He was hesitant to answer.  He said, “Before you passed out, you said you loved me.  Do you love me?’

            I sighed.  I wasn’t looking forward to this.

            I said, “I do love you but I love Ash, too.  I talked to Laylah about it and she said I should try to stay with Ash.”

            “Well yeah, she’s my sister, she would say that.  She wouldn’t want her best friend and her brother dating.  It’d be just a little awkward.  Don’t you think?”

            “Yes, it would be.  I didn’t think about it that way.  I don’t know what to do.  I can’t go to a human for advice without them calling someone to put me into the nut house.  I can’t from a vampire because of who you are.  They don’t think kindly of your family.”

            “Let’s get moving faster before they build up a huge search party.”

            We ran silently for the rest of the four miles.  It took us about three minutes.  Neither of us felt like running very fast.  By the time we got to Mike’s house, it was around three o’ clock. 

            Mike said, “Try searching for them.  You did pretty well while you were transforming.  You should be stronger now.  I’d bet you’re as strong as Laylah.”

            I asked, Laylah?  Can you hear me?  Laylah?

            Jade!  Where are you?

            At your house with Mike.

            You have Mike?

            Yes, come back.

            I looked at Mike.  He was holding his head with agony written across his face.

            “What’s wrong?”

            “Did you two have to yell so loudly?  I don’t think, I know you’re as powerful, if not more, as Laylah.”

            “I’m sorry.  I’m not used to being a strong telepath.”

            “It’ll take time to get used to.”

            “I have to go to Ash’s.  Will you stay right here and wait on Laylah?  I’ll be back as soon as possible.”

            “I’ll stay here.  Go make out with your boyfriend.”