Anchor (Book 1)

Chapter Twenty

Jannick's response sent a chill down my spine. This did not sound good and I wish he'd tell me more, but asking Jannick to elaborate was unimportant in a time like this. Banished? Sent away? I thought in my mind, but then realized that Jannick would be able to hear me anyway.
"The banished refers to a group of anchors who misuse their abilities in any way," He began to explain, "There are two different categories that a banished anchor gets assigned to according to how badly they neglect their powers. The banished in purple are those who commit mild violations, violations such as what I am doing now; appearing to you in my human form, making myself known to you."
I shuddered. That's what Melissa meant when she said that she could get into a lot of trouble when she showed herself to me the first time. It was literally against the rules. Then, I discerned that Jannick and Carlotta were facing the same fate. They really were risking everything for me. Just like Melissa did.
"The anchors that commit unthinkable violations are deemed the banished in black."
So the people that now captured Carlotta were not only a group of banished anchors, but they were the worst of the worst? 
"The banished set no rules for themselves, since rules were the reason they got outcast in the first place," he continued, "they manipulate, scheme, nothing is off limits."
"Jannick, what are we going to do?"
"That's the thing!" Jannick shouted exasperatedly and uncharacteristically, "We can't do anything. Carlotta said not to do anything. She's trying to convince them she's been banished so she can see for sure if that's where Melissa is."
I shivered as I realized that if somehow my sister's world found out about her mild violation, she could be there; my sister, helpless in the realm of the banished.
"So, we are just supposed to wait?"
Jannick nodded, "I don't like the idea either, but Carlotta will be safer if we don't come to her rescue. The banished will see it as a threat and it will blow her cover."
"Wait," I started, "you said if we go to rescue her...."
"Humans can go to the banished realm if they accompany an anchor. Of course, you'd only come if it was an absolute necessity."
Up until this point, I thought I had this anchor business sorted out, but now, it seemed as if I was starting all over again from scratch.
I glanced over at Jannick who was staring blankly out the car window. He knew what we were facing, I still could not fully grasp it. My heart felt for him because honestly, they wouldn't be in this position if not for me. They should have gotten assigned to someone else; someone easier; someone whose problems didn't  affect everyone they knew. I slowly reached for his hand which was resting lightly on the center console. When my hand made contact with his, the tingling sensation I'd felt with Melissa when she grabbed my hand, returned. I tried not to react to the off feeling. Surprisingly, my comfort seemed to help. He turned towards me and gave me a weak smile.
"Thanks."
"I really should be getting home," I told him, "my mom is probably wondering where I am."
Jannick nodded in understanding and disappeared from the seat.

The following day, I had a full shift at the daycare. JJ, however, insisted on taking me to breakfast before it started. His old truck appeared in my driveway promptly at eight o'clock. My heart grew warm as he stepped out of his truck to lay a kiss on my cheek and then help me to the passenger side. Like so many times before, he helped me with the stubborn seatbelt and then we made our way to a little cafe JJ said he always went to with his mother. After breakfast, JJ offered to take me straight to the daycare. We pulled in before opening time and I noticed Kane standing at the entrance, almost as if he was anticipating our arrival.
"Can I walk you?" JJ asked sweetly, too sweet for me to deny.
We both hopped out of the car and as we walked up, JJ held my hand firmly in his. My ears must've been playing tricks because I thought I could hear a faint snort from Kane at our arrival. As much as I resented JJ having an interaction with Kane, I knew it was going to happen from the way Kane slightly smirked and then stepped confidently forward. He stuck his hand deliberately out near JJ's right side, forcing our hands to break apart quickly.
"How do you do? I'm Kane." His voice was taunting as usual, but there was an edge I'd never heard before.
JJ responded with the same tension as he took his hand roughly. Kane did not appear jostled, but I was uncomfortable.
"Jordan."
The two held the handshake for what seemed like a long time and then finally dropped it.
Kane glanced at me and then back at JJ and the smirk returned. He asked a question he obviously knew the answer to.
"Wait," he started, acting surprised, "are you two, like.... oh, you must be Natalie's boyfriend or something, right?"
His antagonistic tone angered me. Of course I'd never mentioned  JJ to him directly, but he knew he existed. JJ looked at me, obviously hurt that Kane had not been informed of him, before answering cooly.
"Yes, Natalie is my girlfriend."
I intertwined my fingers in his again, trying to offer him some reassurance; trying to relay to him that there was an explanation. He squeezed my hand lightly and I was hopeful that he'd let me explain later.
Kane said, "It's been a pleasure meeting you, but Natalie and I both have a job to do."
This was true, no matter how rude Kane made it sound, so I turned to say goodbye and embrace JJ, but he grabbed my face instead and gave me an unexpected, rather passionate kiss. He kissed me again on the nose before making deliberate eye contact with Kane, sighing, and walking back towards his truck. Kane had been looking at the ground during our moment, an outcome I presumed JJ was hoping to achieve. I could tell he was visibly uncomfortable, which was something I've never seen before. He recollected himself and the sarcastic smirk returned to his face again, but his eyes were different; more liquidy than normal. I brushed off my concern for him at once because of the stunt he'd just pulled.
I scowled, "I can't believe you did that."
He looked at me innocently, "I was only asking."
"You knew the answer already." I snapped, extremely annoyed at his apparent need to pick a fight.
"Yes, however, you don't really mention him and I thought the boy had a right to know that his girlfriend obviously didn't think serious of him."
His smile widened at this statement as it often did when he was taunting me. I was so glad that summer was almost over and I could rid myself of seeing him soon.