Chasing the Sun

12

CHAPTER TWELVE

            Dinner was awkward, to say the least. Diego and Asher were glaring at each other, Alexia and Jason were having a silent mental conversation, Grandmother was beaming at everyone like it was Christmas or something, and I was seated in the middle of Asher and Diego. It was absolutely AWKWARD! I sighed, leaning my face on my palm. My eyelids drooped, today had been a long day, and I didn't like to drive for as long as I did. I heard Diego chuckle softly before pushing both of our chairs away from the table.

            "Sage is tired, I'm going to take her up to her room," Diego announced.

            Diego picked me up and carried me up the stairs. My room was decorated in varying shades of red and black, Diego had gone to town with me and helped me choose the colors. He laid me down on the bed and pulled the blanket up to my shoulders. I reached out and grabbed his wrist as he turned to leave.

            "Stay," I yawned. "I sleep better when you're around."

            "Anything for you," he murmured.

He stripped down until he was only in his boxers and then climbed into bed with me. I curled my body into his side as he wrapped his arms around me. Within moments, I was fast asleep. For once my sleep was dreamless.

*Asher's POV*

I glared at Diego's retreating back as he carried Sage upstairs. Alexia and Jason disappeared to their rooms, leaving me alone with the old lady. She smiled warmly at me as she handed me a mug of hot tea. Her smile was a knowing one as she watched me glare at Diego.

"He's her best friend, you know," Amaelia told me.

"I was under the impression that there was something more," I said.

"Oh, believe me Diego wishes there was, and sometimes I believe that of Sage, but my granddaughter is... complicated," Amaelia sighed. "So much has happened to the poor girl in her life, meeting Diego was a miracle, as was meeting you. When she was younger- before she met you, and before she knew what I was- Sage was quiet and sad. Meeting you brought her somewhat out of her shell, but meeting Diego? Well that was the icing on the cake. He brings out the best of people; it's what his magic is good at."

My jaw clenched, meeting Diego was the "icing on the cake"? And what did she mean by that's what his magic is good at? Did that mean Sage was under some sort of spell? For some reason that made me happy; looks like Diego isn't as great as everyone thinks. Even Alexia thinks he's great, and it's probably only because of his looks.

"Don't be mistaken, boy," Amaelia laughed. "Sage isn't under a spell; those two could never possibly hurt each other."

Was she trying to make me feel better, or worse? By her smirk, I would guess the latter. Something about those Flores witches and their ability to be so infuriating! I sighed and stood up. I nodded to Amaelia and walked up the stairs to my room. The door to Sage's room was closed, and I didn't open it. My sleep that night was fitful and restless.

*Sage's POV*

I sat up, stretching my arms above my head. Diego propped his head up on his arms as he looked at me. A smile crossed my lips as I gazed at him, Diego was my best friend, no doubt about it.

"What're you thinking about?" he asked, his voice still husky from sleep.

"How absolutely sexy you are," I teased.

"Oh, really?" He arched an eyebrow.

"Oh, definitely," I laughed. "That morning breath and eye crust is just... wow. It gets me going."

"I don't have morning breath, or eye crust," Diego grumbled defensively, but I saw him swipe at his eyes.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night," I chuckled as I got out of my bed.

Suddenly arms were wrapped around me and I was being pinned to the ground. Diego braced himself on his elbows, keeping his weight off of me. He stared into my eyes, a smirk present on his lips. Diego's eyes darkened a bit and my breath caught.

"Morning breath," I whispered.

His body shook with laughter. My own bubbling laughter joined his, and I knew we were making quite a bit of noise, but I didn't care. I never had too much of a care when I was with Diego. He was sort of a in the moment kind of guy. The door opened and in came Asher. He frowned when he saw the rather compromising position Diego and I were in.

"What's going on here?" he demanded.

"Nothing," I replied shortly. "Why are you in my room?"

"Amaelia sent me up here to tell you two to shut up and come eat breakfast," Asher said

"Sounds like something Mae would say," Diego chuckled as he stood up. "Do you think she made pancakes?"

I rolled my eyes. "When doesn't she make pancakes?"

"Good point," Diego nodded and exited my room.

"Brush your teeth!" I yelled after him, his deep rumbling laughter was the only response he gave me.

I glanced at Asher. "You can go now," I said. He clenched his fist, but left anyway. I sighed, time to welcome the day.

I was once again seated in between Asher and Diego. Diego wolfed down his food as if he'd never have another meal again. I slowly ate my breakfast, savoring each bite. Diego and I were so different, and yet still so alike. Grandmother cleared her throat loudly and I glanced at her.

"Tonight is the Witch's ball," Grandmother informed us. "We've all been invited, and we shall all go."

Her tone made it clear that skipping out on the ball was not an option. I sighed and nodded. She knew that I didn't like these stupid things, and yet she still made me go.

"Hey, Sage, there is one good thing about this ball," Diego told me happily.

"And what exactly is that?" I asked.

"You get to attend it on my arm," he smirked. "Miss Flores, would you do the honor of allowing me to escort you to the Witch's Ball?"

"Why color me pink!" I exclaimed in a fake country accent. "I'm so flattered, Mr. Guerra." I fanned myself dramatically.

"So is that a yes?" he smirked.

"Eh, why not?" I shrugged.

"Thanks for the enthusiasm, Sage," Diego muttered, a smile tugging at his lips.

I grinned at him, I actually was happy to go with him to the ball. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Asher frown and clench his fist. Looks like somebody wasn't so happy with my date.