Beautiful Creatures: 20 Years Later

Chapter 21: You Lied?

Thalia POV

Tony and Krystal walked ahead, talking in muted voices. James and I lagged awkwardly behind.

I looked at him, then realized belatedly that he looked at me the same time, and shot my gaze back toward the ground.

"So... um... when did you say your birthday was again?"

I was just trying to make conversation, but it appeared I was on to something I didn't even know I was on to.

"Why? What do you know?"

"Nothing...?"

"Oh."

But now I was curious, and I never let things go. I would find out his secret, or my name isn't Jezebel Mar- Oh wait. My name isn't Jezebel. Oops.

I would find out his secret, or my name isn't Thalia Martha Duchannes. Better.

"You can trust me, James."

He nodded. "I know."

Man, being a Siren would really come in handy right now.

But no. I had to be a Cataclyst.

I looked at him. "Tell me."

"Tell you what?"

"Oh, so we're gonna play that game? Fine. Tell me, or I'll... use my powers on you."

"Do you even know how?"

"You wanna find out?"

I was bluffing. I had no clue how to use them yet.

He regarded me thoughtfully, probably trying to decide if I was screwing with him. I guess he decided I wasn't, because he said,"Promise you won't tell?"

I nodded earnestly.

"I... I turn sixteen really soon."

"I already knew that."

"No. I mean... I turn sixteen... tomorrow."

I was semi shocked. "You lied?"

He nodded nervously. "Please don't tell!"

"I won't... but... why?"

He shrugged. "I was afraid I would go Light. I was giving myself time to escape if I go Light."

I nodded. I could understand that.

"I totally get it. I won't tell."

He smiled, relieved.

"So... what do you wanna be?"

He grinned. "Don't care... as long as I'm Dark."

"I'm sure you will be," I said. But deep down, I was hoping he'd go Light. I would miss him, but he could escape, and maybe find a girl he can love. And get married. And have kids. And be a much better dad than his ever was.

I wish that girl could be me. I did. I really, truly did. But... it just wasn't safe to have loved ones when you were Dark.

Especially when you're as Dark as I was doomed to be.

But I could never tell James that. I could only hope for the best.

A/N: hey guys! If you like Beautiful Creatures, inbox my friend -Salt-and-Pepper- for me and ask her to write a Beautiful Creatures fanfic. Plllleasssse. If you do, I will make sure I update up to Chapter 30 by the end of the week, and I will dedicate chapters 22-30 to you. :) She said she'd write one if someone asked. Thanks, and sorry it was short. Will James go Dark? Or Light?