“What happened after I left?” he said, finally. “And what did the witch say?”
Quickly, I explained both of Claudia’s visions, as well as her suggestion that Tidus and I take the truth serum.
“Ok,” Ethan said, nodding his head as if he understood, but his eyes told me otherwise. “Great. Now remind me again why it’s a good idea to keep this from the Elder?”
“Because I want to fix this on my own.” I replied firmly. “Tidus hasn’t told the Council, and I don’t want to say anything to the Leadership either.”
“So if Tidus jumped off a cliff does that mean you’d follow him? That guy is dangerous, and so is his crazy, homicidal family. Why are you so sure that you can trust him?
I didn’t answer right away, knowing very well how bad this all looked.
“I’m not asking you to trust him, Ethan, but I am asking you to trust me – at least long enough for me to take the serum. That way, I can prove to them that I’m not lying. But I do understand how serious this is. So, if Tidus and Claudia still don’t trust me after that, or if it turns out that they’re somehow lying too… then I’ll go with you to see Charles.”
“You’ll really do that?” Ethan replied, looking unconvinced.
“Yep, I really will.” I said, sweeping my hair into a quick pony-tail before sitting down on the cold, wooden floor to exchange my tennis shoes for the heels I would be dancing in.
“By the way, the Elder stopped by my family’s house last night.” Ethan said, taking a seat next to me and stretching.
“What for? Gossiping about me to Devila isn’t enough? Does my grandfather need to expand the circle?”
“Why do you have it out for your grandfather so bad? Mimi, he’s just trying to look out for you.”
It was odd to hear that nickname suddenly on his lips, and it brought back stirring flashes of memories from my past, including sweet Danny Preston.
“Oh c’mon Ethan.” I said brusquely, shaking off the nostalgia. “You and I both know that the only people on the Leadership who take me seriously are Lucas, and Mr. Newport. Even your Dad doesn’t bother acting like I’ll last.”
“Well, your family takes you seriously enough to throw you this big cotillion.” Ethan replied.
“That’s because it’s all for show.” I replied, bitterly. “Just like you’re only my date so we can look good for Diane and the Garou… shit. I’m sorry, Ethan. I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Yeah. I know.” he said quietly, nevertheless looking away.
“So, what did the Elder come over for anyway?” I said, glad for the reason to change the subject.
YOU ARE READING
The Rules of the Red - 2014 Watty Award Winner |✓|
Werewolf*2014 WATTY AWARD WINNER* In order to solve the mystery surrounding her father's death, eighteen-year-old Naomi Noble is forced to move back to her hometown of Harbor Village. But her arrival creates more questions than answers, not to mention more...
