Crossed Worlds

Chapter 14: What's the Plan?

James used his Gift of speed to storm through the backstreets and up into the forest where the Cut-Off Point was. He had said few words since leaving the meeting with the Queen. Once safely in the depths of the woods, Jade yelled at him to stop. He turned around with a clenched jaw and anger in his eyes. It shocked her to see him like this, so consumed by frustration.

"Slow down! What's wrong?" She tried to speak calmly, since it felt as though she was taming a tiger.

He balled his fists and released them with a deep sigh.

"I'm sorry, Jade. I'm just frustrated. I thought she'd give me more than that. We've got nothing to work with and it's back to square one all over again," he pulled at his hair.

"Hey, hey. We've got a lot to work with. Her telling us nothing means something shady is going down that she doesn't want anyone knowing, not even her precious ex-boyfriend," she nudged him and he rolled his eyes. "By the way, she's totally still in love with you."

"Back to the point, please," he shuddered.

"Right, sorry. The point is that you should stop sulking and realise that we've made amazing progress. I crossed over to your side successfully and stood in front of the woman in the highest position of power and she didn't even detect I was a Being. Salim is here to help us whenever we need him, my friends are on our side, it's all set-in place."

James thought for a moment and gradually, his face softened. The crease between his brows disappeared and his shoulders relaxed. He smiled at her and his dimples sat proudly by the corners of his lips.

"Thank you, Jade. I needed that," he held out his hand and she took it instantly. They walked back to the Cut-Off Point with their fingers interlocked and Jade's mouth ached from smiling.

When they reached the wave, the trunks were painted a warm, glowing orange by the setting sun, and everything felt okay and safe this time as they went straight through the barrier.

"Bye for now, then," James said. "Thank you again for coming with me today. You were unbelievably brave."

Jade tried not to blush at the compliment. "Thanks. You were, too. It can't be an easy situation."

"It's not too bad. I lost all my feelings for her a long time ago. She's nothing to me." It was music to Jade's ears. "Unfortunately, despite your claims that she still loves me, it seems I'm nothing to her, either. We shall have to find a new way to make these blueprints."

Jade thought about how she and the gang would be going to see Grandma Jo sometime soon and how she would be able to show them all how lovely Wild Ones can be, and that there was in fact peace in the unity of the species. She couldn't wait to tell James about it after.

"I know we will find a way," she smiled. "See you soon."

They hugged goodbye, and it felt like their bodies were made to intertwine this way, under green leaves and within quiet scenery, blending in perfectly to the beauty of nature.

Grandma Jo opened the door to be met by the faces of several teenagers. They'd decided to come and meet her as soon as they could, which ended up being that very Saturday morning.

Jade got them all to follow her into the living room, and they all spread themselves out on sofas and the floor, leaving an armchair for Jo to sit on.

"Your Gran is so cool," Jack smiled; she'd just gone to get them all drinks. "I've never seen a Grandma dress as well as she does."

They all giggled in agreement and the atmosphere became relaxed and easy as Jo strolled in with glasses and mugs for them all, before taking a seat herself.