A Mix of Ice & Fire (First book in Obsidian Star Academy Series)

Chapter 21

*Emberly's P.O.V.*

After that first day Rowan seemed quieter. Her reactions to conversations or classes were slower than before. Lillie had tried to talk to her but all she would say with a sad smile was, she just had a lot on her mind. I didn't know what to do. Was it the kiss? Was it way too soon? Or was it because I showed her mom... She had cried so hard after that.

"Em.." Whither softly tapped my shoulder. I looked at her and followed her line of sight to my hands. I hadn't realized I had been flinting my fingers. Small burns littered the table below my hands.

"Sorry... I-"

"You should talk to Rowan. She needs to talk to someone. I don't know why but she's hurting. I can sense it all around her."

"Lillie already tried that."

At that Whither rolled her eyes. "You are not Lillie."

I bit my lip, I knew she was right. But I didn't want to just bombard her with prying questions. We'd only met her three weeks ago. And sure she's beautiful, funny, sweet... With a sigh, I buried my head in my arms.

Whither coughed softly.

"Em? Are you okay?" Rowan asked putting her chilled fingers on my arm. I blushed at the shiver it caused and sat up with a coy smile. I knew what to do. "Well, Ro-Ro... That depends on you."

"On me? How?" She sounded tired but openly curious.

"Will you do me the tremendous honor and let me take you on a very romantic date tonight after school?" The light purple flush covered her face.

"I..uh. Oaky. I mean... Okay. I'd love to." The smile on her face truly lit up the room. And it didn't leave her face the rest of the day. She actually giggled and covered her face with her hands, when Lillie had asked what Rowan was going to wear.

*Rowan's P.O.V.*

After school Lillie and I rushed to my house to plan and get me ready for my first date with Emberly. I was so nervous, Lillie though just couldn't stop talking giddily and giggling. She knew what we would be doing but wasn't telling me a word. All she said is I was to keep it casual but cute.

"So do you have any experience on dating?" Lillie prodded while rifling quickly but carefully through my wardrobe. I shook my head with a flush. She frowned before pausing in her rifling and grabbed my hand. "Hey, it's okay. There is no shame in that. But do you have any questions or need any tips?"

"Maybe, a few. I didn't even realize I liked girls until I..." I glanced at my hands. Lillie smiled as she handed me a couple outfits to try out.

"That is seriously the most adorable thing I've ever heard. So... you weren't interested in anyone at your old school?" I thought back while setting out the outfits on my bed.

"I just really don't know. I was never really able to get to know anybody." I glanced at my fingers again. I swear I can still feel her hands in mine.

"You didn't find anyone cute or attractive? And if I'm making you uncomfortable at all please don't feel like you have to answer. I'm just morbidly curious." She straightened out the clothes before sitting next to them on the bed. I shook my head at her.

"You aren't, I promise. I just hadn't really thought about it before... Can I ask you-"

"I've been prying into your brain for the past five minutes. It's only fair if you do too. Ask away." She smiled and patted the spot on the floor and held up my hairbrush.