The Galway School of Dragons book 1: The Death Dragon

Chapter 19

Our parents don't come for easter. They stay at home, tucked safely in their homes. As for us, we eat and talk among ourselves. I've thanked Tom millions of times for saving my life. And we have started seeing each other more often. We usually meet at midnight in the west hall on that bench to just talk, maybe kiss a little, and have fun. We do that often.

Damaskas is larger than the average three month old dragon, she is nearly ten feet and has been moved to live in the buildings outside, as she doesn't fit in my dorm anymore. Ima is basically back to normal, except she falls ill at full moons or the sight of blood. The demon has left her body and she is just as active and happy as she was before.

Luce and Rebby have officially moved into my dorm with me, giving up theirs to the new students coming next year. We know have three double beds against one wall, and we have renovated the bathroom and whole room too suit our needs. I offered for Ima to move in with us, but she said she much rather have a whole room to herself.

And then suddenly, we had tests every week and it was nearing the end of June. When the day came, I packed my bags and had a large breakfast down stairs with Ima, Johnny, Tom, Rebby, and Luce. "I'm gonna miss you all!" I declare after I swallow my last piece of toast. Tom puts on his cocky grin and chuckles. "I'll miss you all, But Albany a little more." I bat at him from across the table and turn to Ima.

"You should come visit me." I tell her, then turn to Luce. "At least you live in America." I say, smiling at her. I look at Tom next, "you are definitely coming to visit." I declare, blowing him a kiss. He pretends to wave it off but actually ends up blushing and looking kinda stupid. Finally, I finish my meal and excuse myself and Tom.

We walk hand-in-hand towards the west hall and sit down on our bench. I run my hand over his scarred one. "Your scars are starting to go away." I point out, resting my hand on his cheek. "Yes." He says slowly. I cook my head to the side and produce a massive fake-pout. "Tell me what's wrong!" I beg. He turns to me suddenly, staring into my eyes with such intensity I nearly melt to a puddle I front of him.

"I'm just... scared for you." He says, hugging me tight to his chest. "Don't be." I Whisper, kissing his forehead. "I am supposed to be, I'm your boyfriend!" He exclaims. I chuckle. "How much are flights to California?" He asks. I shrug. "Depends, why?" He roles his eyes at me. "You told me I had to visit!" I sigh. "Oh, yeah!" I say.

He smirks and shakes his head at me. Just as Tom is about to lower his lips to mine, somebody knocks on the stone wall. "Sorry to interrupt, Love birds, but the dragons are leaving." Johnny says with a smirk. Tom jumps up, embarrassed. "Where is your stuff?" He asks me. "At the door, as if yours." I explain.

Tom grabs onto my hand and leads me down the steps and before the cracking fire in the foyer. "Bye." He whispers, giving me a tender kiss. I hug him tightly before grabbing my bags and looking out to the dragon I will be riding to the airport. Since Damaskas is too big for me to take home, I will have to leave her here at the school.

I load my bags onto the Dragons main body and climb into the saddle, pull my coat up around me and spur and click with my tongue until the dragon moves.

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Ruffly ten hours later I step into the hot air of LA. Mom scoops me into another bone crushing hug and loads my bags into the car. On the drive to the house she demands to know every little detail of my year. I leave out Tom. Suddenly she says, "I can smell him on you, yah know." She says, giving me a small smile.

"Who?" I ask, my cheeks flaring. "Your boyfriend. He wears a lot of scent or whatever." She says, throwing me a sideways glance. "Okay, fine. His name is Tom and he's a year older. He also helped me survive. And Dad knows, and doesn't care." I say. To my utter surprise, Mom laughs at me.

"Oh my, Albany. Tell me all about him!" She squeals. I instantly burst into a long explanation of how hot, kind and absolutely amazing Tom is. Once I finish Mom bursts into uncontrollable laughter. "I love you, darling ." She says as we turn into our driveway.