Strained

Chapter Eight

"I didn't say, I don't like Jamie, I just said in your previous lives you've never been with anyone else after you've met Daniel," Phantom clarified. I rolled my eyes. It was obvious he didn't approve of my dating Jamie. He hadn't been a fan of Daniel, yet here he was trying to get me back together with him.

"Why does that matter?" I rolled on my side to face him. We were sprawled out on my bed listening to Dishwalla on Vinyl. It was a great way to spend my Saturday. Outside, the rain pitter patted against the roof as the sky was a murky grey. It was definitely Fall.

Last night, had been pure bliss. When I got home it had been well after ten o'clock, but hours before my curfew. I had invited Jamie inside, but he was a true gentleman and had politely declined. His exact words had been, "If I do that, we won't have our fairytale ending," which had delightfully surprised me. Later, I was glad he had said that. We were taking things slow. The suspense of dating was electrifying. Now, I understood the allure of it.

"I didn't say it matter, just an inquiry," Phantom's orange eyes told me there was more that he wasn't saying. I reached into his mind, trying to pluck out the lie, but it was buried deep. "Don't try that on me," he was referring to me reading his mind.

"You can't command me, you're my Familiar." I was only joking. We both knew Phantom was his own person and did what he pleased. I didn't buy into the old Witch ideology about Familiars being animal servants to Witches. Phantom was my equal.

"I think it is peculiar that you and Daniel are able to deny each other in this life, where that has never been possible previously. I wish you could remember your past selves. It was such a sight, seeing you and Arsenio--

"What?" I stared at Phantom, waiting for him to explain. Did he call Daniel Arsenio?

"Nothing!" He jumped to his feet, eyeing my bedroom door. He was plotting an escape. I lurched forward.

"You said--

"I meant Daniel. I apologize, I've said too much." He cut me off, his voice full of panic.

"Phantom, who is Arsenio? Wait, is that one of Daniel's past lives?" My voice went up an octave when I mentioned Daniel. Phantom thought it was odd that I was dating Jamie and not Daniel, but he didn't feel what I felt for Daniel. That wasn't going to go away, even I knew that, but that didn't mean we had to be together. Lots of people love people that they aren't dating, right?

He sighed.

"Yes, but I beg of you -- don't make me say anything else. It could be detrimental to this life you're living." Phantom was dramatic and liked to scare me. However, this time his warning rang true. I knew he was being serious for a good reason. There was a lump in my throat stopping me from saying anything, so I just nodded.

Phantom left after that. I tried not to think about what he said. Instead, I grabbed my phone and text Mir. Last night, she had gotten sick at the restaurant and ended our double date a little early. I sent her a quick text, asking if she was okay. Then, I decided to hop in the shower. It was a little after eleven and I had nothing planned except for homework.

When I got out of the shower, I saw Mir had responded.

"Hey Girl! Thank you, yes I'm doing much better. Jack took me to the hospital and it turns out I'm allergic to shellfish. Who knew? lol. Anyways, how are you doing?"

I felt relieved as I read her text. I was glad to find out it was just an allergy and nothing more serious. Jack was a good guy to take her to the hospital.

"That's good to hear! I'm glad you're doing better. I'm doing good, just relaxing. I'm debating if I should try and work on some homework :( "