Into the Flames

Chapter 12

Jenna slid the one knife into her jacket. She was beginning to become extremely familiar with it. She looked up as she heard the door open and Dylan sidle in.

            “You’re late,” she said, pulling the knife back out and playing with it.

            “I’m never late, you’re just early,” said Dylan. He put some bracelets on, and Jenna could see the hilt of some weapons sticking out from it. He grabbed a knife and an arm sheath, attaching it to his forearm. He pulled his black zip up jacket’s sleeve over his arm, covering it completely. Dylan wore only a black jacket with a white v-neck underneath, with some jeans and his glasses and beanie.

            “Do you have anything?” asked Dylan, pausing from sliding a dagger into its sheath. Jenna held up her single sword, the one that she always used. “That’s it?”

            “Why do you always sound surprised? You know I prefer my hands,” said Jenna, watching Dylan finish up. He considered saying something, but decided against it.

            “Are we riding the subway there?” asked Jenna, walking out of the front door. She put her ratty pair of shoes on, tying the laces.

            “Let’s not, I’m getting bored with the subway,” Dylan said, waiting for her to finish. The grin on his face made her uneasy.

“No,” said Jenna, holding the helmet in her hands. Dylan put his on, getting on the motorcycle. It was matte black, with black rims.

            “Let’s go,” he said, voice muffled by the helmet. Jenna shook her head.

            “I’d rather walk there than ride this.”

            “Jenna, come on, it’s fun. You’ll like it,” said Dylan, showing off his smile.

            Jenna looked at him and gave up. His smile was irresistible. She got on behind him. “If I die, I’m coming back just to take you with me.”

            He laughed. “I won’t resist. You might want to hold tight to me, or you’re going to fly off.”

            Jenna sat behind him, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. She wasn’t used to contact with anyone. He started the engine, lurching backwards before going forwards. Jenna yelped in surprise and reflexively put her arms around his waist, lacing her fingers together. She felt Dylan laugh, feeling his hard muscles contract under her fingers. Jenna felt the wind rush through her ears, whistling through her hair. She felt adrenaline surge through her veins, and she couldn’t help but laugh out loud. He slowed down once he reached the city, stopped by traffic. The familiar gasoline smell filled her nose, the honks of trucks and taxis filling her ears. Whether her ancestors were from Ignis or New York, this Jenna was from New York. They finally reached the alley, parking right outside of it. She took her helmet off, brushing the knots out of her hair.

            “That was fun,” she said, eyes dancing with joy.

            “I told you,” he said with a smirk. “I never lie.”

            Jenna rolled her eyes and walked down the alley and into the building. “Hey.”

            “It’s Jenna,” Chris said, jumping up from the couch. Jack woke up groggily from the other end of the couch, and Luke came down the stairs, holding his paints in a dirty bag.

            “Dylan joined us also,” said Jack lazily, closing his eyes again. Dylan raised a hand in response.

            “Sorry I didn’t come to get you guys for dinner,” said Jenna. “It was snowing way too hard.”