A Twist Of Magic

Chapter Twenty Nine

I sat on the bench in Central Park and watched as Dylan spoke to the horseman. The five of us had been in complete shock when we discovered that Dylan was the mastermind behind the shows. I watched proudly as I saw their delighted faces when he announced that they had got into the eye.

"But you need to remain in hiding until your next summons." Dylan informed them.

The four of them nodded slowly.

"And if our paths cross again, we'll need to pretend that we are still enemies." he added.

"That shouldn't be too difficult." Merritt chuckled.

"Now I suggest you guys disappear and get somewhere safe." he suggested.

The four of them nodded and I quickly followed them to our next location.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Eventually after what felt like an age, we reached the safehouse. It was a small run down barn conversion that stood in the middle of nowhere. Daniel was certain that this was the safest place for us.

"It's not exactly five star luxury, but at least it's safe." Daniel sighed as we walked in and kicked the debris out of the way.

"At least there's a shower." Henley called from the bathroom.

"I'm sure we'll manage." I agreed.

"We need to get some supplies though." Merritt pointed out.

"Okay, but nobody goes out alone." Daniel said sternly.

"I'll go with you." he added.

"I'll be back soon." he said, quickly hugging me.

"Don't be too long." I whispered.

He nodded and quickly walked away with Merritt.

"I'm going to test the shower." Henley stated as she disappeared into the bathroom.

I sighed and quickly began gathering up the old pieces of wood and debris off the floor. Jack watched me as I quickly threw the debris out of the window.

"I wonder how long it's been empty." Jack said thoughtfully.

"I don't know, but it's freezing." I shivered as I pulled the sleeves on my cardigan down over my hands in a desperate attempt to keep warm.

"The house is so old that there are no radiators." he sighed.

"Great." I sighed.

"We'll just have to snuggle up." he winked.

I smiled awkwardly, still very much aware that I hadn't told him about my engagement yet.

"I got you something." he stated, rummaging in his pocket.

He smiled happily as he handed me a single red rose.

"Thanks." I said quietly. I couldn't help but feel guilty for Jack. He was expecting to still wait for me to be ready for a relationship. I'd never wanted to hurt him, but it seemed like I would have too. I gently took the rose and smelt it.

"It's beautiful." I smiled.

"Hey what is that?" he said quickly, pointing at my hand.

"I was going to tell you but-" I started.

"You got engaged?!" he interrupted.

I nodded slowly, if possible feeling even more guilty than before.

"I thought you and Daniel weren't together anymore?" he asked accusingly.

"We weren't, but we've dated before and we still love each other." I sighed.

"That's ridiculous, he broke your heart." he said.

"I'm sorry okay, I didn't mean to lead you on, I had no idea what he was planning." I pointed out.

"You didn't have to say yes though." he insisted.

"Yes I did, I'm in love with him." I said quietly.

"Maybe, but you love me too." he whispered.

"Stop it Jack." I told him.

"Can't you just be happy for me?" I added.

"No, not really, I was patient, I said I'd wait for you and now I find out you're planning a future with someone else!" he exclaimed.

"Jack..." I started.

"Save it!" he snapped as he left the room, slamming the door behind himself. As soon as he left the room I placed my head in my hands. I knew that he would be hurt when he found out...but it wasn't my fault, I couldn't help how I felt. Yes..I felt something for Jack but it would never come close to the love that I felt for Daniel.

"The shower works." Henley announced happily as she emerged from the bathroom.

"Great." I sighed as I quickly walked into the bathroom.

As I stood in the shower, I sighed to myself as the water trickled out. Henley clearly forgot to mention that the pressure was virtually non existent. Gone were the days when I could enjoy a hot shower. I couldn't help but wonder if I'd made the right decision giving up my life for Daniel. Who knows how long we would have to be on the run for....perhaps indefinitely. But as soon as I glanced down at the ring on my hand, I knew that I'd made the right decision. I couldn't lose Daniel again and this was the only way.

I screamed as I heard someone climb into the shower behind me and felt them gently wrap their arms around my waist.

"It's just me." Daniel whispered.

"Don't do that you scared me." I sighed.

I slowly turned to face him and smiled as I saw him gazing up at the shower head.

"Yeah I know the pressure sucks." I sighed.

"What pressure." he chuckled.

"It'd probably be better for you to tip a bucket of water over my head." I teased.

"I'll make it cold water." he laughed.

I glanced at his cheeky expression and burst out laughing. He rolled his eyes at me and joined in. I sighed and wrapped my arms around his neck, smiling to myself as I felt him wrap his arms around my waist and gently stroke the small of my back.

"I love you." I smiled.

He smiled back at me and gently kissed me.