A Walk on the Wild Side

Chapter 16

Jasmine's POV

"Where on earth did you get that?" A voice cut into our conversation.

I turned around to see Eleanor, Alec's mum, standing in front of me, her eyes fixed on the object in Elliott's hands.

"The bracelet?" I asked tentatively, confusing sweeping over me.

"That is a witch talisman. Where did you get it?" She took a few steps towards us when Alec intervened.

"Mum you're freaking them out."

She snapped out of whatever trance she was in. "Sorry sweetheart. It's just that witch talismans haven't been around in a long while but I could just feel the energy radiating off that one."

"Jas, baby, where did you get that?" Alec asked as he took my arms in his hands, his eyes searching mine.

"E was given it when I was about 7 I think."

"Yeah. It was when, you know, anyways I was walking in the streets and there was this man and... I helped him. And he gave me that bracelet as it would protect the 'pure heart I had, despite my sorrows'. I've had it ever since but I lost it when I went off to uni when I turned 18."

"Why would someone give you a witch's talisman?" I questioned aloud.

"If it's a talisman doesn't it have some sort of power? What did he mean protect?" Alec said, looking at Elliott.

"I don't know. Hadn't seen the guy since."

"Well if that's what he wanted, we have to honour his wishes. It's bad luck to reject a gift from a witch. Keep that safe now." Eleanor spoke softly, swiftly departing from the room.

"That's wasn't weird at all" Elliott broke the silence and I couldn't help the small laugh that left my lips.
————
"Happy birthday to Elliott. Happy birthday to you" we finished singing as Elliott blew out the candles on his cake. We were standing in the now completely-decorated conservatory, thanks to Ivy, Immy and Liv.

It was only a small group of us at the party. There were my friends, Alec's parents and my own - though they had yet to speak to me since our talk last night.

"You guys! This looks amazing, I can't thank you enough." I gushed while cake was being handed out.

"It's no problem." Ivy said, taking my hand and giving it a squeeze. She was about to pull away when I yanked her forward into a hug.

She let out a chuckle and returned my hug. I felt more arms wrap around us and see Liv and Immy squishing us together.

"Group hug!" The unmistakable voice of Pill-boy yelled and soon enough we were crushed under a pile of bodies.

"Hey! Be careful. My mate is somewhere in there" I heard Jason complain as we trying to stand up to separate ourselves, though we were failing as we fell over each other.

Once we had finally managed to stand up, I saw Elliott chatting with Sam and Tyler, all of them bursting into laughter at something Tyler said.

"I take it you boys are having a good time?" I said, reaching around them to grab a beer from the table.

"Hell yeah. This is amazing, thanks J. Love you" he planted a kiss on the side of my forehead and gave him a small hug.

"I miss spending time with you. You need to visit more. Maybe next time you could bring Thea" A large smirk formed on my lips.

"No. Nope. Not happening"

"Ah what? Why not?"

"Who is this Thea hmm?" Sam and Tyler joined in, looking smug, and Elliott was noticeably rolled his eyes.