In the Heart of the Forest

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Thea

Its finally Friday and I just got home from school. Some strange things have been happening to me lately. First, Carter and I have been getting a bit closer. I think he wants to be more than just friends, but I'm not sure how I feel about that.

The second thing, is Wolf Boy has kind of backed off a bit. He doesn't walk with me to my classes, nor does he look at me anymore. He also hasn't been to school on Weenesday or Thursday. When he did show up today, he seemed to limp some. This, surprisingly, concerns me. When I saw him limping, I wanted to ask if he was okay, but Carter said he probably got in a fight and not to worry about it.

I sigh, leaning my head against my bedroom window. I really like sitting here on my window seat; it's a perfect view of the woods.

Beside me, my phone buzzes with a text from Carter.

Carter: I forgot to ask you this earlier, but I have a football game tonight if you want to come. If not, there is also one next Friday.

Apparently, Carter is the co-captain of the football team. He is actually really serious about football.

Me: Yeah, I can come today. Can't next week though.

I haven't told him I am having dinner next week with the Lykos family. I am afraid he would come to the dinner just to protect me. I chuckle at the thought.

Carter: Okay, see you then, babe.

He sends me a winky face and a kissy face after that. I shake my head at his shenanigans.

Carter: Rose said she could pick you up in 20 min. That okay?

I look down at my current outfit: dark washed skinny jeans, and a red and gold Gryffindor Quidditch T-shirt. Yep, good enough.

Me: Yep, sounds good to me.

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My parents were surprisingly chill with me going to the game. Rose came and picked me up earlier. She said I was underdressed, but whatever. At least I am comfortable.

We find seats in the student section right over where our team's sideline benches are. I wave at Carter after we sit down and he comes jogging over to the bleachers.

"How is my good luck charm this evening?" He says with a cheeky smile.

I roll my eyes, "I am fine, thank you."

"A good luck kiss?" He asks with a hopeful glimmer in his eyes. I feel Rose nudging my side almost painfully.

"Ha, ha, fat chance Pretty Boy." I say with a smirk.

"Aww come on! A good luck high five?" He asks with a shrug.

I smile and look down at my shoes. At this point, someof the student section and most of the player are watching me.

"Fine," I say with an airy sigh before slumping down the bleachers' staircase. I raise my hand for the high five but he quickly snatches my hand from the air and brings it to his lips. He presses a chaste kiss across my knuckles before winking and walking away.

"Carter Jones!" I yell at him from my spot at the bleachers, hiding a growing smile.

Rose and I cheer for our team as they slowly put more points on the board than the opposing team. I scream my lungs out as Carter caries the ball into the in-zone for the final touchdown of the game. Our team wins with a final score of 31 to 15.

The boys (Carter, Jack, and Shane) meet us at the end of the game. Carter runs to me and picks me up, throwing me over his shoulder and spinning us around. I cringe at the more than necessary touching.