Between Times

Chapter 12: You Again?

Two weeks had passed and it was time to get up for school. Mallory was already ready and chatting with her mom and dad.

Lia told her, "Have a great first day of senior year!  I love you, sweetheart!"

Her mom hugged her tightly while Jackson came in to hug his daughter and Lia. Shawn greeted them and grabbed Mallory's hand to head out to Winter Crest high school. Theo had informed Jackson and Lia about trying to track down Baxter Ridgeland. He never stayed in the same place and he is very hard to find. Theo's visions had become more frequent so he took time off from work to process them all. He kept seeing Gregory turn on his father because of his feelings for Mallory. Theo was very worried for his family's safety because Baxter's powers were dark and unpredictable. He decided that Bri, Shawn, and him would stay with Jackson and Lia so they all could protect one another from Baxter. They all agreed and would tell Shawn and Mallory when they got home from school.

Mallory and Shawn were kissing in front of the school when a car with blaring music came into the parking lot. They both turned to look at who was speeding into the parking space. The guy looked familiar when he got out of his red convertible. His smile was bright.  The way he walked showed confidence. He seemed to be cocky and arrogant. That was when Mallory realized who the guy was in the black leather jacket. It was Gregory Ridgeland and he was coming towards them. His eyes were now light blue and he seemed different than before, like something had changed in him.

Gregory said, "It is nice to see you both again! Sorry for my bravado before because old habits are hard to break. I would like for us to be friends."

Shawn put his arms around Mallory's waist and was skeptical of him. Mallory sensed he was telling the truth as she was a good judge in people.

She smiled sincerely and replied, "Come on buddy, let's head out!" She patted him on the back while Shawn gave him a, 'I am watching you type of stare.' Mallory made Shawn give Gregory a chance to be their friend. Gregory kept feeling drawn to Mallory and couldn't explain it. He kept reminding himself that she had a boyfriend, but his heart had been awakened by her and he felt that she was supposed to be with him. After school, Theo told them of their plan to live under the same roof until Baxter was caught.

Theo said, "Gregory has turned good and will help us in the future against Baxter." Shawn and Mallory were fine with it since it gave them more time together.

Mallory never would have expected that Gregory would throw stones at her window in the middle of the night. She peeked out and opened her window to say in a whisper, "What are you doing here this late?"

Gregory smirked and replied, "Couldn't sleep and wanted to see you, beautiful."

He used his magic to appear in her room without making a sound. He finally spoke, "I can't stop thinking about you and my heart pounds out of my chest when you are near. I feel the urge to kiss you every time I see your face. You made my light shine and the darkness leave after my father made me like that since I was a child. Do you feel anything for me? I know you have Shawn and I promise to never speak of this again. I just need to know how you feel. If it is just friendship that would still be okay."

Mallory was shocked by his confession. She gave him a reassuring smile and spoke softly, " Gregory, I am with Shawn but I can't deny that the reason I couldn't sleep was that I was dreaming of you. I do feel something for you and I need to talk to Shawn. "

She turned to leave when Gregory lightly grabbed her arm. Mallory felt chills go down her spine and electric sparks pulsated throughout her body.

Mallory said, "I will be back. Can we talk when I return?" Gregory said, "Of course."

Mallory went to the guest room and knocked lightly. She would have texted him first but thought this way would be better. Shawn looked sad like he knew what she was going to say.

Shawn said, "My dad told me what was coming so let me make it easier. I am breaking up with you, Mallory because I know your heart is conflicted. I will always be your best friend, but I need some time to process all of this. Goodnight."

Mallory choked back her tears as she ran back to her room. She forgot Gregory was still there. He was sitting in her desk chair and stood up quickly to give her a hug. Mallory knew deep down she did the right thing. Gregory realized that he could read her thoughts so it confirmed that his heart was right and that she was the girl for him. When a warlock finds his true love he feels connected to her thoughts, feelings, and emotions. She noticed how his warmth and kindness radiated from him to her.

She managed to say, "Thanks for comforting me and becoming who you should always be, which is a good person." He wiped her tears away and kissed her cheek.

Gregory replied, "Always." He turned to leave and said, "I will see you tomorrow at school, Mallory." She blushed and shook her head, yes.

Gregory started to leave, but before he lost his nerve, he kissed her lips. His kiss was different compared to Shawn's. Gregory's was passionate, loving, and even tender.

When he pulled away, he said, " I would wait for you until the end of time."

Warlocks have the power to stop their aging process which meant he would have waited centuries for her.  He left her breathless and gave the answer to her lingering question: Gregory must be the guy for her.