The Secret of the Stone

Let Go - [Chapter 15]

"Cmon Vicky!", I said as I ran after her on the way to the entrance of the school.

Vicky ignored me, dodging people, a skill her petite body was able to do. But I have longer legs, so I quickly passed her. Lots of seniors were going out to lunch, since we don't have to stay out in the cafeteria. And who wants to eat lunch there if you don't have to?

"Leave me alone." she said as I grabbed her wrist.

"No", I responded and led her outside to a bench. I sat her down.

"Look, Vicky, I'm sorry I didn't tell you about my new friends. But it was way too late to call you.Because it was after your curfew." 

Vicky huffed. "I suppose that you not calling me all week was an accident too."

That wasn't fair! She hadn't called me either. And I told her so too.

"Well..well.." Vicky stammered. "I was busy with Riley. But" ,she said "not busy enough for you. NEVER BUSY ENOUGH FOR YOU."

She stood up and looked at the ground. "We need a break,ok?" She laughed, but a painful laugh at that. "I can't believe I'm even suggesting it. But look." She looked up at me. "We've been friends for a long time, and sometimes... we need breaks. We've never had them before, but... we can try now." She took her bag and started to leave.

I grabbed her by her arm. "Vicky I can explain......"

"Let go", Vicky said in a pained voice, looking me in the eye, the hurt clearly displayed across her face. My eyes widened, and I let go of her arm. And she walked away. 

I sighed. Vicky could get so dramatic sometimes.I remember we used to have a friend named Rebecca. Rebecca once told some girls in our class that Vicky still had a curfew and Vicky never, ever forgave her. And she told her the same thing she told me. But.... it couldn't be over? Could it?

"Hey, you" ,a voice huskily said, and I was grabbed away by the wonderful presence of Des before I could process it any further. 

I decided the Vicky problem could wait.

Carolyn was with him. "We always head down to the observatory for lunch. You know, except when Des liked to hang out with you." She laughed. "So ,he barely came."

Des grinned and held my hand as we walked to Carolyn's car. 

"We have..... battles." Des stated.

"What?" I said.

"A battle occurs between two keepers, of the same or different category, as a practice where they can become stronger, gain special skills, and rank up on the Battle Arena Score Board." Carolyn said, automatically. 

"In other words, it's like a tricked out game of Smonsters or something else nerdy." Des said, referring to the video/card game with different battling monsters with special abilities.

"We don't have to fight all the time, but, the Arena Scorers plan out battles with people who sign up." Carolyn said. She smiled. "I'm an Arena Scorer."

"That's because she never fights." Des laughed.

"Oh, shut up." Carolyn laughed as well.

I liked it like this, Des's arm around me in plush seats and Carolyn looking at the road. It was peaceful and warm.

"Today, Des has a fight with Griffin. So you can see how that works." Carolyn said.

"And we're betting this time." Des said with a smirk.

"Oh really?" Carolyn said as she raised an eyebrow. "How much money this time?"

"Not money on both sides." Des repiled. "If I win, Griffin has to give me a hundred bucks from his next paycheck."

"And if you lose?" Carolyn asked.

"Then Griffin gets to take out Rose on a date." He said, his eyebrows furrowed.