Witch (Supernatural #2)

20: It was Fate

Destiny, noun.

1. Something that is to happen or has happened to a particular person or thing; lot or fortune.
2. The predetermined, usually inevitable irresistible, course of events.
3. The power or agency that determines the course of events.

***

Coach Evers had finished her congratulations speech and allowed us to go change. The competition had ended a while ago, yet no one seemed to want to leave. Parents and other teams were still milling around, talking and laughing, maybe even exchanging phone numbers and email addresses. In the water, we were all competitors and couldn't stand each other; out of the water, this was a great opportunity to make friends with similar hobbies.

Noah and Amanda were sitting on the bottom row of the bleachers when I came out of the locker room. Some of the others from the team had joined them already. Naturally, I went to see what it was all about. Wren had Ken roped into what sounded like a fascinating conversation about pizza toppings while Rose was eating what looked like the last of my cookies.

My twin grinned at me and waved me over. "So, I suggested to your teammates that, instead of going to Pulse, we celebrate and our place. Are you up for that?"

Last time, we had celebrated at the downtown club Pulse, which had been great fun. However, the sharp look he gave me made it easy to guess why we were avoiding the place now. The club was run by warlocks, one of whom had been murdered most likely by the same witch hunters who were after me. It was probably best if I didn't go there at the moment. Home was safe, even if it was invaded by non-supernaturals for the night.

I shrugged. "Sure, I don't mind. The question is, does Grandma?"

"She said it's fine as long as we stay in the basement, where she can't hear us."

"Like it's some kind of punishment," Amanda giggled. Of course, she had already been to the house and seen the basement. I smiled too, there were worse places to be locked up as punishment.

"So, are we all heading there now? And who exactly is invited?"

I glanced around. Not only had the swim team slowly emerged from the locker room, but other friends had gathered as well. While I could imagine Grandma agreeing to us having a few friends over, I doubted she would agree to two dozen. And right now, there were quite a few people around.

Amanda grinned and jumped out of her seat. "Don't worry, I've got this covered."

And with that, she started walking around, talking to our teammates who nodded before moving on. I supposed she was surreptitiously telling them that we would celebrate at the Hemlock mansion but that they would be refused entry if they brought friends. From what I had gathered, there was quite a mystery surrounding Grandma's home. The mansion in the woods where they hadn't thought anyone lived until twins suddenly moved into town.

There were some strange rumors going around this school.

Amanda returned, looking triumphant. "So, I suppose we can all go home first and have a proper shower and meet up at your place at... I don't know, seven?"

Noah and I exchanged a look. That left me with enough time to take a shower and then help Noah to make sure the basement was fully stocked with food and drinks to keep people from having to roam around and stumble upon some magic. We agreed.

As everyone headed their separate ways, including Noah and Amanda who left together, Ken walked with me to my car. When I didn't see his car in the parking lot, I was reminded he had probably come to school as a mountain lion so I asked him if he needed a lift. He looked a little embarrassed but seemed happy to get in the car. I knew the way to his house now; if I could find my way there without paying attention, I sure as hell should be able to find my way there while paying attention.