Witch Lights (Nanowrimo)

Chapter Twenty- Girl on Fire

Hello readers! Not gonna lie I'm pretty happy with the dozen or so I have with me. If you like this chapter than comment or vote ok? We Chamara fans have to stick toghether :P Get it? Charlie + Amara = Chamara 

Chapter Twenty

Everyone turns to stare at me, and Cole hums. "Yeah, that's one way to put it." He finally admits, running a hand through his hair. 

"Were you going to tell us this at some point?" Jackie's voice is sharp, cutting through the laughter, which dies down in my throat. Why does she sound so angry?

"Yes?" He asks, like he's unsure of himself. "Look, are you guys in or out? I have to save my mom. If you're coming with me then take my hand. If not, you can drive the jeep home." His eyes scan the clearing before settling on Jackie, and she bites her lip when he reaches into his pocket and holds out a set of car keys. Neither of them speak, and I raise an eyebrow. Is this a huge deal?

After a few seconds, she reaches towards the keys and Charlie lets out a startled gasp beside me. Her hands brush the keys and then hesitate, hovering over them. A second later she steps right up to him, so close that their breaths intermingle, and a small giggle builds up in my throat. Charlie elbows me in the side like she knows what I'm thinking. 

Cole stares down at her, trying to keep his expression steady, and a small sigh falls from my lips. "They'd be cute together, wouldn't they?" I whisper to Charlie, and she nods in agreement, but puts a finger to her lips. 

Jackie stares into Cole's eyes for a few more seconds before reaching out and linking her hand with his. "I'm coming with you." She says. I hold back a small groan and meet Charlie's eyes. She's making a face at Jackie, like she can't believe Jackie would be so sappy. 'That was so cute.' I mouth to Charlie, and she just rolls her eyes. 

Our friends turn to face us and Cole grins, raising an eyebrow. "You girls coming too?" We nod, placing a hand on each of Cole's shoulders. Jayden and Sara stay back, hesitating, and Cole lets out a quiet sigh. "Look, you're not going to make it on your own, you know. I'm willing to bet that you have no money--" Cole starts, scratching his ear, but Jayden cuts him off, shoving a hand into his pocket and pulling out two twenty dollar bills. Does he think that's enough to survive on?

"And you don't have a job or a place to sleep. Do you even have a plan? Just come with us. I know that you don't have a better idea. If this works out, you can both stay safe in Callia. How does that sound?" Cole is practically begging them, and the girl looks suspicious.

"Do you think we're stupid? No one just comes along and offers you safety, freedom... a life to live the way you want." She glares at Cole, tossing her head, and her movement causes her shirt to lift up again, show-casing the bruises. Jayden catches me eying her exposed skin and pulls her into his chest, narrowing his eyes at me. It's not like I'm the one who hurt her. 

"I'm not trying to trick you. And haven't I already told you why I want you two along? You're both important to our mission. I know it." Cole sighs, holding their eyes and they both shrug. 

Jayden looks down at the girl in his arms and they hold a silent conversation with their eyes. "We're in." He finally nods at Cole, and walks forward, grabbing his arm. Sara clutches his wrist and a small smile twitches on his lips as he looks around at us all. 

"Then let's go." He steps forward, and the rest of us follow along, almost tripping. I feel even more clumsy than usual. 

For a moment there is nothing, and then everything explodes. A bright light fills my eyes, wrapping around me, and a strong wind attacks me from all sides. I open my eyes, but I can't see a foot in front of me. I grip Cole's shoulder even tighter, worried that if I let go, I will be flung into the light and never make it out.