The Indigo Spell Chapter Eight

I THINK ADRIAN WOULDVE gone hunting Ms. Terwilligers sister with me then and thither. Amberwoods curfew wouldnt allow it, and besides, it was something I wanted to do in daylight. To his credit, he did restore Marcus without them flip outting into a fistfight, so that was progress. Marcus lost a little of his animosity and tried to engage Adrian in conversation about what spirit could do. Adrian gave wary responses and looked wandering when Sabrina tapeed up to take Marcus away. He gave me a mysterious fargonwell, simply saying hed text me soon about the next stage.I was too tired to lead for more details and headed back to my dorm to sleep dark what had been a pretty crazy day. I was awakened at the crack of dawn by heavy pounding at my door. I squinted at the clock, grimacing when I saw that it was an hour earlier than I usually got up. I stayed in bed, hoping whoever it was would go away. If there was something really urgent happening, someone wouldve called me on my cell phone. The display showed no missed calls, however.Unfortunately, the knocking didnt stop. With a feeling of dread, I finally dragged myself up, half-afraid of what Id find impertinent my door.It was Angeline.Finally, she said, inviting herself into my room. I thought youd never answer.Sorry, I said, shutting the door behind her. I was busy sleeping.She walked right up to my bed and sat land standardised she owned it. I really didnt k presently her schedule, save she always struck me as a late riser. Apparently not today. She was dressed in a school uniform, with her brilliant red hair pulled back in what was, for her, a rather tidy ponytail.I feel a problem, she said.My feeling of dread grew. I turned on my coffeemaker, which I always had ready with fresh grounds and water. Something told me I was waiver to need a cup to get through this. Whats going on? I asked, settling into my desk chair. I do no attempt at even guessing. When it came to Angeline, her problems could range from throwing a desk in rage or by luck spilling hydrochloric acid on another student. Both had happened recently.Im failing math, she said.This was unwelcome exactly not unexpected news. Angelines mountain community, while muted educating its children, didnt quite match the standards of Amberwoods elect curriculum. She struggled in a number of her classes but had managed to scrape by so far.Im already in trouble in my Spanish class, she added. But that pinata I made got me some limited credit, so Im hanging in there okay for today.Id heard about the pinata. It had been for her classs cultural day, and shed been so thorough with her papier-mache that none of her classmates had been competent to open it through normal means. Angeline had ended up beating it against a wall and had to be stopped by her teacher when shed produced a lighter.But if I slip there and in math, I could get expelled.That dragged me away from the flammable pinata and back to the present. Ugh, I said, hav ing no better way to articulate my thoughts. The problem with a school that had high standards was . . . well, it had high standards. Trouble in one class might be tolerated, but not two. And if Angeline got kicked out, wed be down one direct of security for Jill not to mention the fact that Id probably get blamed for it all.Ms. Hayward told me I need to get a tutor. She says I either need to get better or at least show Im trying.That was promising, I supposed. Even if a tutor couldnt dish up, hopefully the school would be lenient with her good faith effort.Okay, I said. Well get you a tutor.She frowned. Why cant you do it? Youre smart. Youre good at math.Why couldnt I? Well, first I had to stop an evil sorceress from sucking the youth and power from innocent girls. then(prenominal) I had to crack the secrets and lies that the organization Id been born into was telling me.Instead I said, Im busy.You have to do it. Itd be easy for you, she protested.really busy, I said. Im surp rised Eddie cant do it.His name brought a smile to her face. He offered, but his grades are just average. I need someone really good.Then Ill get you someone really good. I just cant do it myself right now.Angeline didnt like that answer, but at least she didnt flip all over my desk. Okay. Fine. Just hastiness up.Yes, your majesty, I muttered, watching her strut out of my room in a huff.At least Angelines academic problems were something a little easier to deal with than the other ghostlike intrigues occupying my time. Since I was already awake and had coffee, I decided there was no point in going back to sleep. I showered and dressed, then caught up on some extra homework while I waited for breakfast. When the serving time started in our cafeteria, I headed downstairs and lingered near the entrance. It only took about five minutes before my friend Kristin Sawyer came by. She always went running before class started and was usually one of the first in line for breakfast afterwar d. She was also in AP calculus with me.Hey, I said, minting in step with her. Good run?Great run, she said. in that respect was still a little sweat on her inconsolable skin. A lot nicer now that the weathers cooler. She eyed me curiously. I dont usually call for you here this early. I dont usually see you eat breakfast.Its the most important repast of the day, right? I selected oatmeal and an apple. Besides, I have a favor to ask you.Kristin nearly dropped the plate of scrambled eggs one of the servers reach to her. Her browned eyes widened. You have a favor to ask me?While I wasnt responsible for my human friends in the same way I was the Moroi and dhampirs, I still had a tendency to look after them. Id helped Kristin a number of times.Yeah . . . my cousin Angeline inevitably a math tutor.There was an expectant look on Kristins face, like she was waiting for me to lay off my story. Then understanding hit. Who, me? No. No way.Oh, come on. Itd be easy. I followed her to a ta ble, having to hurry to catch up. I telephone she thought that if she walked quickly enough, she might be able to escape my request. Shes in remedial math. You could tutor her in your sleep.Kristin sat down and gave me a long, level look. Sydney, I saw your cousin punch a grown man and throw a speaker at someone. Do you really think Im going to signalise on for a job that makes her do work she doesnt want to do? What if she gets frustrated at what Im telling her? How do I sack out she wont stab me with a compass?You dont, I admitted. But I think its unlikely. Probably. She really wants to improve her grade. Otherwise, she could get kicked out.Sorry. Kristin actually did look legitimately apologetic. You know Id do almost anything for you but not this. Youre going to have to find someone whos not afraid of her.I thought about her words over and over as I headed off to history class. She was right. But the only people completely at ease around her were Eddie and Jill, and they wer e off the list as tutors. I wondered if maybe I should offer up money to someone when I went to calculus later.Miss Melbourne.Ms. Terwilliger was back in her classroom, no motion to the relief of yesterdays sub. She waved me up to her messy desk and handed me a single sheet of paper. Heres the list we discussed.I scanned it. It contained the names of six girls as well as their addresses. These must be the ones shed mentioned, girls with known magical expertness but no coven or teacher to look out for them. All the addresses were in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.I trust Mrs. Santos got you the other information you needed for your project?Yes. Mrs. Santos had emailed me the historical neighborhoods she knew about, and Id narrowed them down to a couple likely candidates. Ill start working on the, uh, project this weekend.Ms. Terwilliger arched an eyebrow. Why are you putting it off? Ive never known you to procrastinate on an assignment.I was a little startled. Well . . . normall y I dont, maam. But this is going to take some extra time travel time and I dont have enough of it on school days.Ah, she said, realization hitting her. Well, then, you may use your independent study for it. Thatll give you extra time. And Ill tell Mrs. Weathers you may be coming in after curfew. Ill make sure that shes accommodating. This project is of the utmost importance.There was no protest I could make. Ill start today, then.As I was walking back to my desk, a voice said, Jeez, Melbourne. Just when I thought that independent study you had with her couldnt get any easier . . . now you dont even have to show up for class?I paused to give Trey a smile. He was Ms. Terwilligers assistant during this class period, meaning he did a lot of filing and photocopying.Its a very important assignment, I said.I guess. What is it?Itd bore you. I did a double take as I looked him over. I didnt even have to grope for a change in conversation. What happened to you?His eyes were bloodshot, and the unkempt state of his black hair suggested he hadnt had a shower this morning. There was a sallow, almost sickly hue to his normally tan skin. He gave me a weak smile and lowered his voice. Craig Los brother scored us some beer die hard night. It was from some microbrewery I guess thats good.I groaned. Trey, I thought you were better than that. Trey managed as much of an indignant look as he could in his hungover state. Hey, some of us like to have a little fun now and then. You should give it a shot sometime. I already tried to help you with Brayden, but you messed that up.I didnt mess anything up Brayden was a barista who worked with Trey, one who rivaled me when it came to a love of academia and random knowledge. Our brief relationship had been full of facts and low on passion. He broke up with me.You wouldnt guess it. Did you know he writes all this lovesick poetry about you on his breaks?I was taken aback. He . . . he does? The reason Brayden had broken up with me was becau se my various duties to my vampire family had constantly interfered with the two of us, forcing me to neglect him and cancel a lot. I feel kind of bad he took it that hard. Im surprised hed have such a, I dont know, outburst of passion.Trey snorted. I dont know that its that passionate. Hes more concerned about form and sits around with books detailing iambic pentameter and sonnet analysis.Okay, that sounds more like him. The bell was about to ring, so I had started to return to my seat when I noticed something on Treys desk. Youre not done with that?It was a big homework assignment we had for our chemistry class, involving a number of complicated acid and base problems. It was due in our next period, and it seemed unlikely Trey would finish in time since all he had on the paper so far was his name.Yeah . . . I was going to finish it last night, but . . .Right. The beer. Having fun. I didnt even both(prenominal)er to hide my disapproval. Thats a huge part of our grade.I know, I kno w. He looked down at the papers with a sigh. Ill finish as much as I can before then. Partial credits better than no credit.I studied him for a moment and then made a decision that went against many of my basic principles. I reached into my messenger bag and handed him my completed homework.Here, I said.He took the pages with a frown. Here what?Its the assignment. Use my answers.I. . . . His jaw dropped. Do you know what youre doing?Yes.I dont think you do. Youre giving me your homework.Yes.And telling me to pass it off as my homework.Yes.But I didnt actually do the work.Do you want them or not? I asked in frustration. I started to take the papers back, but he pulled them close.Oh, I want them, he said. I just want to know what you want in return. Because this doesnt really make up for acquiring me ostracized from my family and friends. He kept his tone light, but I heard the edge of gall. There it was. No matter how friendly he and I were, our respective allegiances to the Warrior s and the Alchemists would always be between us. Maybe it was a joke now . . . but someday it wouldnt be.I need a favor, I explained. A small one, really. Has nothing to do with any of that . . . stuff.Trey looked understandably wary. Which is?The bell rang, so I spoke quickly. Angeline needs a math tutor or else shell fail. And if she fails, shell get kicked out of school. It wouldnt be hard for you at all. And itd look good on your college applications.Your cousins a little unstable, he said. But he didnt say no, so I thought that was a good sign.You used to think she was hot, I reminded him.Yeah, that was before. . . . He didnt finish, but I knew. to begin with he found out she was a dhampir. The Warriors had the same taboos the Alchemists did about relationships between the races.Okay, I said. I understand. Ill just take my homework and go. I held out my hand, but he didnt give the papers back.Wait, Ill do it. But if she injures me, I hope youll feel really bad. Basketball seas on just started, and the team will fall apart if Im sidelined because of her.I grinned. Ill be devastated.Angeline was not so thrilled when I told her at lunch. She flushed with rage and looked like she was about ready to throw her tray crosswise the cafeteria.You expect me to work with that . . . that . . . vampire hunter? she demanded. I wondered if shed had another name in mind but had held back in some remarkable show of restraint. Especially after what they tried to do to Sonya?Treys not like the rest of them, I said defensively. He refused to kill her and even went through the trouble of getting me in to help her which ended up severely messing up his life, I might add.Eddie looked amused, despite the grim subject. You should also add that he wants very, very bad to get back to that old life.I pointed at Eddie with my fork. Dont tell me you think Treys a bad choice too.For tutoring? He agitate his head. Nah, hes fine. Im just saying you shouldnt be so quick to assume everyt hings happy and bright with him. It seems pretty likely his groups working against us.Hes my friend, I said, hoping my firm tone would put an end to the discussion. After a few more assurances, Eddie convinced Angeline to work with Trey, reminding her she needed to keep her grades up. Still, Eddies words haunted me. I believed absolutely that Trey was my friend but again wondered when that breakout between us would rear its ugly head.When Eddie and Angeline left to go to their afternoon classes, I asked Jill to hang back at the table for a minute. Whats Adrian doing right now?Hes in his painting class, she said promptly.The bond must be running strong today, huh? I asked. Sometimes her view of his mind and experiences was clearer than others.She shrugged. No, but its eleven on Tuesday.Right, I said, feeling foolish. I knew everyones schedules it was necessary for my job. I shouldve realized that. Do you think hed be able to meet up with me after school?To go on that witch hunt? Yea h, hed probably leave right now.Jill knew what Adrian knew, so shed also been briefed about my search for Veronica. While Id learned to accept Jills knowledge as part of confiding in Adrian, it was still a little shocking for me to hear these forbidden topics discussed openly. Seeing my stunned reaction, Jill smiled a little.Dont worry, she said. I keep Adrians secrets. And yours. The bitterness in her voice also caught me off guard.Are you mad at me? I asked, puzzled. Youre not . . . youre not still upset about what happened between Adrian and me, are you? I thought youd eased up on that. Although Adrians proclamation of loving me against the odds had been unsettling, his more relaxed attitude had come through in her until now.Adrian has, she said. He doesnt see the danger of you running around with another guy.I was lost. Another guy? You dont mean . . . Marcus? Thats crazy.Is it? asked Jill. The bond was so strange at times. Jill was jealous on Adrians behalf. Hes human, youre hu man. Youve both got this rebel Alchemist thing going on. And I saw him. Hes pretty cute. Theres no telling what could happen.Well, I know what could happen nothing, I said. Even through a psychic bond, Marcus could win over girls. I just met him. I dont even know if I can entirely trust him, and I certainly dont have any feelings for him. Look, I get that you want to help Adrian, but you cant be mad at me about what happened. You know why I turned him down especially after Micah. Micah was Eddies human roommate, and even though she knew human-vampire relationships couldnt get serious, shed still been surprised at just how complex and difficult the situation had been.Yeah. . . . She frowned, no doubt conflicted over Adrians feelings and what she knew was true. But maybe with Adrian, I dont know. Maybe things could be different. Or maybe theres at least a way to make them less horrifying for him.I looked away, unable to meet her eyes. I didnt like to think of Adrian in pain, but wha t else could I do? What did either of them expect me to do? We all knew the rules.Im sorry, I said, picking up my tray and standing. I never asked for any of this. Adrian will get over me.Do you really want him to get over you? she asked.What? Why would you even ask something like that?She didnt answer and instead made a great show of stirring around her mashed potatoes. When I realized she wasnt going to elaborate, I shook my head and walked off toward the exit. All the while, I could feel her watching me as that question echoed in my mind Do you really want him to get over you?