Mirror, Mirror (Book 2)

Chapter 25: The New Helper

Sitting in the Banquet Hall are Oliver and his classmates. The chef prepared them fresh french fries, burgers, and ice cold drinks. The salt and ketchup-stained eager fingers rubbed against the burger buns, as his class begins to chew, leaving crumbs all over the floor.

They remained so focused on themselves and their food that they didn't notice Oliver sitting at the end of an empty table, staring at his food silently.

After walking back to the cabin, Oliver changed into his traditional black shirt, jeans, and black sneakers. He wore a woolen beanie on top of his head.

He dipped a fry into a drop of ketchup and takes a small bite, not caring at all about his social life; Oliver is used to the fact that he is weird: his concerns are protecting his loved ones from harm, not becoming some arrogant jock like Max.

Munching on his fries, Oliver fixated his eyes on Jake, who was busy chatting with Ms. Fern.

His big hands sank through his dark locks, as Jake smiled at the teacher, speaking words which Oliver couldn't hear. Tall, handsome, capable of throwing a football, Jake has charmed every kid in school.

Well, almost everyone.

Oliver doesn't know why, but Jake is like Hannibal Lecter: they both seem to be charismatic and charming, but when it comes to the tip of the climax, the villains show their true colors.

Sipping his Coke, Oliver wondered whether it would be the time to chant a barrier spell around the camp. It would give not only himself but others protection of what's out there in the woods.

Though it's a good idea, Oliver worries about the time limit and its size; he doesn't know if it can penetrate demons more than once.

"Maybe I should read more spellbooks," he suggested. 

Not to mention that he and Amelia have to find some newspaper articles regarding the fire.

He would try to use the internet on his cell, but because he is in the woods, it's impossible to get service.

Sighing, the boy nibbled on another french fry and sipped his drink, when he hears someone approaching him.

It was Harriet, wearing a gray tank top, jeans, and pink sandals. Her red hair reached down from her tan back, letting the light stain her locks.

"Hi Oliver," she says with animosity.

"Oh, hey." he greeted back. "I didn't see you there."

Harriet grinned, then sat down next to him.

"Why did you leave the creek?" she asked. "I have been looking for you everywhere."

Oliver blushed for a second, trying to come up with an excuse.

"Oh, I saw some old moss hanging from the trees," he lied, "I wanted to check it out."

Harriet gives him a curious look.

"You wanted to check out some moss?" she repeats, wary.

Oliver nodded, causing Harriet to be worried about him.

This wasn't the first time he'd lied to others about his whereabouts: one time in school, Oliver excused himself to the restroom, only to find him talking to a janitor's closet door.

Eyeing at him closely, Harriet asks,  "Is there something you're not telling me?"

The boy took a huge bite of his burger and frowned.

"No," he says quietly.

Harriet sighs. "It's okay if you don't want to, but there comes a time when you need to depend on others. Not just Amelia."