Playing by the Cards

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 

Jade and I walked into the busy hallway of Maine Secondary School, and made our way into IP Mathematics. When I walked into the classroom, the first person I looked for was Liz. I didn’t see her hanging with her little crew at the back of the class, and she wasn’t on her regular table. I tried to shake away the bad feeling in my mind. Maybe Liz was ditching school today, or was sick, or her car broke down. She didn’t have to be dead, like in my dream. I mean, in a forest? What would she be doing in a forest?

My paranoia subsided when I heard one of Liz’s ‘people’ say she was sick. Now that I knew what might have happened to Liz, I could focus on Calculus.

“Students, get seated.” Mr. Brooks said, as he walked in.

Everyone took their seats and class started. I took out my notebook and tried to focus in the most boring class in the universe. Well for me, it is. It’s my worst subject.

I felt my hand twitch, and I knew I had to start doodling, or else this twitch would never go away. Yeah, it was something that happened often. I took out my sketchpad without getting caught by Mr. Brooks, and started to draw. I kept my head up, so it looked like I was paying attention. I didn’t need to look at my sketch book, I could draw without looking. I could feel the way my pencil scratched against the paper, forming lines and filling in details. It was like I was unconsciously drawing, but knowing exactly what the picture would be. It was one of the many talents that I, as a gypsy, possessed.

After what seemed like a century, the bell rang, cutting off Mr. Brooks midsentence.

“That is all, you are dismissed.” Mr. Brooks said, leaving the classroom.

I got up while Jade walked towards my desk, books and materials collected.

“Now that I think about it, that boy wasn’t that hot….maybe cute…”she mused absentmindedly.

I sighed. “Just drop it, okay?”

Jade now gave me the eyebrow-raise. “Someone’s a little moody today.” She said, looking down at my notebook. “Oh, is that a lighter? Cool design.” She took my notebook from my desk and studied it. I nodded and began packing my things.

“Yeah, the design is abstract which is weird, and it’s supposed to be black and red and – WAIT, what did you say?” I suddenly grabbed the sketchpad from her. I stared at the page where I had doodled. It was definitely a lighter. A lighter, as in something used to burn things…maybe even someone…like a girl…like Liz. The suspicions rushed through my head, making me dizzy. I closed my notebook, and pushed it into my bag.

“Come on Jade, we’ll be late for class.” I said walking to the door. Jade shrugged off my random behavior and followed me, while talking about a some band she just discovered.

But I wasn't really paying any attention to what Jade was saying to me. Right now, my head was spinning to only two questions. What did that dream and that drawing mean?

*****

The rest of the school day passed with me only concentrating on the picture of the lighter I had drawn. I couldn’t get it out of my head! Jade and I walked out of school towards the bus stop, as she went ranting on and on about some murder movie she’d watched. When we reached the bus stop, I looked at her and said, “I have to work at the shop today, so I’ll come over to your house a bit later than usual.”

Jade gave me a weird look. “Do you have to work in that shop? I am pretty sure you can find a less freaky one…”she said apprehensively, giving me a side glace.

I sighed. We’d been over this topic a million times. So what if I worked in a shop with tarot cards and crystal balls? Jade knew my family was from a long line of gypsies, and I would rather work in a place that can help teach me more about my heritage and help me control my 'powers'.

“Jade, honestly, I am not finding a new job. So deal.” I said firmly as the bus arrived.

Jade nodded and we boarded the bus. We sat at the very back, which was our favorite spot. I pulled out my iPod and started listening to some music through my headphones. I closed my eyes as the music filled my ears.

“…seasons are changing and waves are crashing and stars are falling all for us... -”

After a while, Jade shook my shoulder softly. I turned and mouthed a ‘what?’ at her. She pointed to a seat at the front and I checked to see what it was. It was the ‘hot’ boy from this morning.

I hadn’t realized I was staring until his eyes met mine. They were the same shade of green I dreamt of last night. He cocked his head a little and smiled, saluting me. Noticing that I wasn’t going to respond, Jade immediately grabbed my arm and forced me to wave back.

Just then, the bus sign lit up, indicating the street I had to get off on. I pulled the yellow line and the bus came to a halt. I looked at Jade and mumbled a ‘bye’, grabbing my things and walked towards the door of the bus. I passed the ‘hot’ guy and was startled when he said bye to me. I responded with a small, quick smile, and walked out of the bus, heading towards the shop.

Really short I know sorry about that, I tend to write the first few chapters really short :/ hope u like it Vote and Comment :D