The Golden Lily Chapter 4

SONYA DIDNT ordinate ANYTHING closely the mysterious encounter to the rest of the gang at Adrians, so I respected her silence. Every star else was in bid manner preoccupied with dinner and the experiments to notice more than than else. And at a time they conducted the second wave of experiments, regular I grew too distracted to give much design to the guy on the street.Sonya had express she valued to substantiate how Eddie and Dimitri responded to direct spirit. This was accomplished by her and Adrian focusing their magic at the dhampirs one at a time.Its sort of like what wed do if we were onerous to heal them or make mostthing grow, Sonya explained to me. Dont worry this isnt going to make them supersized or some(prenominal)thing.Its more like were coating them with spirit magic. If Dimitris got some eventu eitherying chump from when he was healed, Id imagine it would react with our magic. She and Adrian coordinated their timing and did Eddie commencement exerc ise. Initi bothy, there was cypher to see honourable the two spirit users sta gang at Eddie. He looked un well-fixed under the scrutiny.Then, I saw a silvery gambol run over his body. I stepped back, amazed and unnerved at perceive a physical manifestation of spirit. They repeated the process on Dimitri, with the alike(p) results. Apparently, on an unseen level, things were the equal too. There was nothing notable ab break Dimitris response. All of them took this in stride as part of the scientific process, tho seeing that magic actu solelyy embrace the two men had creeped me come come reveal of the closet.As Eddie and I drove back to Amberwood that nighttime, I strand myself sitting as far a port from him as I could in the car, as though residual magic aptitude leak over and touch me. He chatted with me in our usual, friendly modality, and I had to work hard to hide my feelings. Doing so make me feel guilty. This was Eddie, after all. My friend. The magic, even if it couldve hurt me, was farseeing since gone.A good night of relief went a long ways to foment both my anxiety and guilt, leaving the magic a distant stock when I woke and prepared for classes the next day. Even though cosmos at Amberwood was an assignment, Id anatomy of come to love the elite school. Id been homeschooled sooner this, and maculation my protoactinium had genuinely taught tough curriculum, hed never gone beyond what he snarl was necessary. Here, even if I surpassed what my classes were lift uping, there were plenty of teachers ready to encourage me to press turn up farther. I hadnt been allowed to go to college, further this was a nice substitute.Before I could take on to it, I had to chaperone a training posing with Eddie and Angeline.Even though he might want to avoid her, he wouldnt not with Jills safety on the line. Angeline was part of Jills defense. I settled calibrate in the grass with a cup of coffee, becalm wondering if he wasnt mediocre imagining Angelines elicit. Id belatedly acquired a one-cup coffee maker for my dorm room, and opus it couldnt compare to a coffee shop, it had gotten me th knock closely a number of rough mornings. A yawn smothered my greeting as Jill sat deck beside me.Eddie never trains me anymore, she verbalise wistfully, as we watched the spectacle. Eddie was assay to patiently explain to Angeline that head furtherting, while suitable in a bar brawl, was not always the scoop tactic with Strigoi.Im undisputable he will if he beat ups more time, I verbalise, though I wasnt sure at all. nary(prenominal) that he could recognise his feelings for Jill to himself, he was nervous about touching her too much. That, and a courageous part of him didnt want Jill risking herself anyway. It was ironic because Jills fierceness in wanting to learn self-defense (rare in a Moroi) was what had attracted him to her.Angeline was recruited as protection. Hes got to make sure she potty handle it.I scr ew. I just feel like everyones severe to coddle me. She frowned. In PE, Micah wont let me do anything. After I had all that trouble starting out, hes now paranoid Ill hurt myself. I spare telling him Im fine, that it was just the sun further well, he keeps jumping in. Its seraphical plainly it drives me idle sometimes.Ive noticed it, I admitted. I was in the same PE class. I dont opine thats why Eddie wont train you, though. He knows you empennage do it. Hes proud that you bathroom he just figures that if hes doing his job, you shouldnt accept to learn. Kind of spiritual logic.No, I appropriate it. Her earlier dismay shifted to approval as she glowering back to the training session.Hes so dedicated and, well, good at what he does.The knees an delicate way to disable someone, Eddie t former(a) Angeline. Especially if youre caught without a weapon and suck up to When are you going to teach me to stake or decapitate? she interrupted, detainment on her hips. All the ti me, its hit here, dodge this, blah, blah, blah. I regard to traffic pattern killing Strigoi.No, you dont. Eddie was the picture of patience and back in the determined, ready manner I knew so well. Youre not here to kill Strigoi. Maybe we commode practice that at a later time, but right now, your priority is keeping mortal assassins away from Jill. That takes precedence over anything else, even our lives. He glanced over at Jill for emphasis, and there was a flash of admiration in his eyes as he looked at her.Seems like decapitation would kill Moroi just the same, Angeline grumbled. And besides, you did book a Strigoi problem know month.Jill shifted uneasily beside me, and even Eddie paused. It was true he had had to kill two Strigoi recently, back when Adrians apartment had been Keiths. downwind Donahue had led the Strigoi to us. He was a Moroi whod once been Strigoi. After he was re moody to his born(p) state, Lee had valued desperately to become a Strigoi again. He was the debate wed learned that those restored by spirit seemed to have some Strigoi resistance. The two Strigoi hed called to athletic supporter him had tried and true to convert him but ended up killing him alternatively a stop out fate than existence undead, in my opinion.Those Strigoi had then turned on the rest of us and inadvertently revealed something unexpected and alarming (if not to them, then to me). My lineage was inedible. Theyd tried to drink from me and been unable to. With all the fallout from that night, no one among the Alchemists or Moroi had paid much attention to that s lite detail and I was grateful. I was terrified that one of these days someone would think to put me under a microscope.That was a fluke, said Eddie at last. not one thats likely to happen again. Now watch the way my leg moves, and remember that a Moroi will probably be taller than you. He did a demonstration, and I cast a quick look at Jill. Her face was unreadable. She never blabed abo ut Lee, whom shed realised briefly. Micah had gone a long way to distract her on the quixotic front, but having your last fella want to become a bloodthirsty monster couldnt be an easy thing to get over. I had a feeling she was still in pain, even if she did a great job at hiding it.Youre too rigid, Eddie told Angeline, after several attempts.She completely relaxed her body, al more or less like a marionette. So, what? uniform this? He sighed. No. You still need some tension.Eddie travel layabout her and attempted to guide her into position, showing her how to bend her knees and hold her arms. Angeline took the opportunity to tenuous back into him and brush her body suggestively against his. My eyes widened. Okay. Maybe he wasnt imagining things.Hey He leapt backwards, a look of horror on his face. Pay attention You need to learn this.Her expression was pure angelic innocence. I am. Im just sieveing to use your body to learn what to do with mine. So help me, she batted her ey elashes. Eddie moved back even farther.I realized I should probably intervene, no matter what Eddie had said about handling his own problems. An even better savior came when the schools thirty-minute warning bell rang.I jumped up.Hey, we should go if we want to get to breakfast in time. Right now. Angeline gave me a suspicious look. Dont you usually scurry breakfast?Yeah, but Im not the one put in a hard mornings work. Besides, you still need to change and wait, youre in your uniform? I hadnt even noticed. Whenever Eddie and Jill trained, it was always in casual workout c coverhes just like he wore now. Angeline had actually come out today in an Amberwood uniform, skirt and blouse, that were showing the wear and tear of a mornings battle.Yeah, so? She enclose in her blouse where it had started to come unthrough. The side of it was smudged with dirt.You should change, I said.Nah. This is fine.I wasnt so sure, but at least(prenominal) it was better than the jean shorts. Eddie di d leave to put on his uniform and never came back for breakfast. I knew he liked his breakfasts, and since he was a guy, he could change clothes pretty quickly. My recall was he was sacrificing food to stay away from Angeline.I heard my name called as we entered the cafeteria and caught sight of Kristin Sawyer and Julia Cavendish waving to me. Aside from common chord, they were the two closest friends Id made at Amberwood. I still had miles to go in ever being socially savvy, but those two had helped me a lot. And with all the supernatural charm my job involved, there was something comforting about being around plurality who were normal and, well, human. Even if I couldnt be fully honest with them.Sydney, we have a contrive question for you, Julia said. She tossed her blonde h personal credit line over one shoulder, her usual sign that what she was about to say was of utmost importance.A fashion question for me? I was almost ready to glance back and see if maybe there was anoth er Sydney standing behind me. I dont think anyones ever asked that.You have unfeignedly nice clothes, Kristin insisted. She had dark skin and hair, as well as an athletic air that contrasted with Julias more girly nature. Too nice, actually. If my florists chrysanthemum were ten course of studys younger, cool, and had a lot more money, shed dress just like you. I didnt know if that was a compliment or not, but Julia didnt give me a chance to ruminate.Tell her, Kris.Remember that counseling internship I wanted next semester? I scored an interview, Kristin explained. Im exploiting to decide if I should wear pants and a blazer or a dress. Ah, that explained why they were approaching to me. An interview. Anything else they could have pulled from a fashion magazine. And while I could admit that I probably was the authority on such practical matters well, I was kind of disappointed that was what Id been summoned for. What color are they?The blazers red, and the dress is navy.I studie d Kristin, winning in her features. On her wrist was a scar, the remnant of an insidious tattoo Id helped remove, back when Keiths shady tattoo ring had run rampant. Do the dress. remain is it a dress youd wear to church or to a lodge?Church, she said, not sounding happy about it.Dress for sure then, I said.Kristin flashed a triumphant look at Julia. See? I told you thats what shed say. Julia looked doubtful. The blazers more fun. Its bright red.Yeah, but fun isnt usually what you want to portray at an interview, I pointed out. It was hard to keep a straight face with their banter. At least not for this kind of job. Julia still didnt seem convinced, but she also didnt try to talk Kristin out of my sound fashion advice. A few events later, Julia perked up. Hey, is it true ternion set you up with some guy?I what? No. Whered you hear that? the likes of I had to ask. Shed undoubtedly heard it from terzetto himself.Trey said hed talked to you about it, said Kristin. How this guys p erfect for you.Its a great idea, Syd, said Julia, face as serious as if we were discussing a life or death matter. Itd be good for you. I mean, since school started, Ive gone out with She paused and silently counted out names on her fingers. four guys. You know how some(prenominal) youve gone out with? She held up a fist. That many.I dont need to go out with anyone, I argued. I have enough complications already. Im pretty sure that would add more.What complications? laughed Kristin. Your dreaded grades, killer body, and perfect hair? I mean, okay, your familys a little out there, but come on, everyone has time for a date now and then or lots, in Julias case.Hey, said Julia, though she didnt pass over the charge.Kristin pushed forward, do me think she was more suited to a legal internship than a counseling one. Skip homework for once. Give this guy a shot, and we can all go out together sometime. Itd be fun.I gave them a forced smile and murmured something noncommittal. Everyon e has time for a date now and then. Everyone but me, of course. I felt a surprising pang of longing, not for a date but just for social interaction. Kristin and Julia went out a lot with a larger group of friends and love interests and often invited me on their outings. They thought my reticence was because of homework or, perhaps, no suitable guy to go with me. I wished it were that simple, and suddenly, it was as though there was a huge chasm separating me from Kristin and Julia.I was their friend, and they had welcomed me to every part of their lives. Meanwhile, I was full of secrets and half truths. Part of me wished I could be open with them and able to confide all the woes of my Alchemist life. Heck, part of me just wished I really could go on one of these outings and let go of my duties for a night. It would never work, of course. Wed be out at a movie, and Id probably get texted to come cover up a Strigoi slaying.This mood wasnt uncommon for me, and it began buoy up as I st arted my school day. I fell into the rhythm of my schedule, comfortable in its familiarity. Teachers always assigned the most work over weekends, and I was pleased to be able to turn in all that Id through with(p) on my plane rides. Unfortunately, my last class of the day derailed all the appear of my mood. Actually, class wasnt the right word. It was an independent study I had with my history teacher, Ms. Terwilliger.Ms. Terwilliger had recently revealed herself to be a magic user, a witch of sorts or whatsoever those people referred to themselves as. Alchemists had heard rumors of them, but it was nothing we had a lot of give birth with or facts about. To our knowledge, only Moroi wielded magic. We utilized it in our lily tattoos which had trace amounts of vampire blood but the thought of piece producing it in the same way was crazy and twisted.That was why it was such a surprise when Ms. Terwilliger not only revealed herself to me last month but also ended up kind of tric king me into wielding a spell. It had left me shocked and even feeling dirty. Magic was not for humans to use. We had no right to manipulate the world like that it was a degree Celsius times worse than what Sonya had done to the red lily on the street. Ms. Terwilliger insisted I had a natural affinity for magic and had offered to train me.Why she wanted this, exactly, I wasnt sure. Shed gone on and on about the potential I had, but I could hardly believe shed want to train me without a power of her own. I hadnt figured out what that might be, but it didnt matter. Id refused her offer. So, shed found a workaround.Miss Melbourne, how much longer do you think youll be on the Kimball platter? she called from her desk. Trey had picked up Melbourne from her, but unlike him, she seemed to constantly go forth that wasnt my actual name. She was in her forties, with mousy brown hair and a incessantly cunning glint in her eyes.I looked up from my work, forcing politeness. Two more days. T hree at most.Make sure to translate all ternary of the sleep of spells, she said. Each has its own nuances.There are four sleep spells in this book, I corrected.Are there? she asked innocently. Im glad to see theyre making an impression. I hid a scowl. Having me copy and translate spell books for research was how she taught me. I couldnt help but learn the texts as I read them. I hated that Id been ensnared, but it was too late in the school year to transfer out. Besides, I could hardly complain to the administration that I was being forced to learn magic.So, I dutifully copied her spell books and spoke as little as possible during our time together. Meanwhile, I simmered with resentment. She was well cognisant of my discomfort but made no attempts to alleviate the tension, leaving us in a stalemate. Only one thing brightened those sessions.Look at that. Its been nearly two hours since my last cappuccino. Its a wonder I can function. Would you be kind enough to run to Spencers? Th at should finish us out for the day. The last bell had rung fifteen minutes ago, but Id been putting in some overtime.I was already closing the spell book before she finished speaking. When Id begun as her assistant, Id resented the constant errands. Now, I looked forward to the escape. not to mention my own caffeine fix.When I reached the coffee shop, I found Trey was just starting his shift, which was great not just because he was a friendly face, but because it meant discounts. He began making my order before I even placed it since he knew the drill by now. some other barista offered to help, and Trey gave him meticulous instructions on what to do.Skinny vanilla latte, said Trey, grabbing the caramel for Ms. Terwilligers cappuccino.Thats scrape-free syrup and skim. Dont mess it up. She can sniff out sugar and 2% milk a mile away. I suppressed a smile. Maybe I couldnt reveal Alchemist secrets to my friends, but it was nice to know they at least knew my coffee preferences backw ards and forwards.The other barista, who looked to be our age, gave Trey a droll look. Im well aware of what skinny means.Nice attention to detail, I teased Trey. I didnt know you cared.Hey, I live to serve, he said. Besides, I need your help tonight with that lab write-up from chem. You always find things I miss.Its due tomorrow, I chastised. You had two weeks. Im barb you didnt get much done in your cheerleader study session.Yeah, yeah. Will you help me out? Ill even go to your campus.Ill be up late with a study group a real one. The opposite sex was banned from our dorms after a certain hour. I could experience you on Central Campus afterward if you want.How many campuses does your school have? asked the other barista, setting down my latte.Three. I reached eagerly for the coffee. Like Gaul.Like what? asked Trey.Sorry, I said. Latin joke.Omnia Gallia in tres partes divisa est, said the barista.I jerked my head up. Not much could have distracted me from coffee, but auditory mo dality Julius Caesar quoted at Spencers certainly did.You know Latin? I asked.Sure, he said. Who doesnt?Trey rolled his eyes. Only the rest of the world, he muttered.Especially classical Latin, continue the barista. I mean, its pretty remedial compared to Medieval Latin.Obviously, I said. Everyone knows that. All the rules became disorganised in the post-Empire decentralization.He nodded agreement. Although, if you compare it to the Romance languages, the rules start to make experience when you read them as part of the larger picture of the languages evolution.This, interrupted Trey, is the most messed-up thing Ive ever seen. And the most beautiful.Sydney, this is Brayden. Brayden, Sydney. Trey rarely used my first name, so that was weird, but not nearly as weird as the exaggerated wink he gave me.I shook Braydens hand. Nice to meet you.You too, he said. Youre a Classics fan, huh? He paused, giving me a long, considering look. Did you see the common Theatre Groups production of A ntony and Cleopatra this summer?No. Didnt even know they performed it. I suddenly felt kind of lame for not having known that, as though I should be up on all arts and culture events in the greater Palm Springs area.I added by way of explanation, I only moved here a month ago.I think they have a couple performances left in the season. Brayden hesitated once more. Id see it again if you wanted to go. Though Ill warn you its one of those reinterpreted Shakespeare productions. neo clothes.I dont mind. That kind of reinterpretation is what makes Shakespeare timeless. The words rolled automatically off my lips. As they did, I suddenly had one of those epiphany moments where I realized there was more going on than Id initially thought. I replayed Braydens words. Between that and Treys enormous grin, I soon had a startling realization. This was the guy Trey had been telling me about. My soulfulness mate. And he was asking me out.This is a great idea, said Trey. You kids should totally go see that play. Make a whole day of it. Grab some dinner and hang out at the library or whatever it is you do for fun. Brayden met my eyes. His were hazel, almost like Eddies but with a little green. Not as much green as Adrians, of course. No ones eyes were that astonishingly green. Braydens brown hair occasionally picked up glints of gold in the light and was cut in a no-nonsense way that showed off the angles of his cheekbones. I had to admit, he was pretty cute. They perform Thursday through Sunday, he said. Ive got a debate tournament over the weekendcould you do it Thursday night?I Could I? There was nothing planned, so far as I knew. about twice a week, I took Jill to the home of Clarence Donahue, an old Moroi who had a feeder. Thursday wasnt a scheduled feeding night, though, and technically I wasnt obligated to go to experiment nights.Of course shes free, Trey jumped in before I could even answer. Right, Sydney?Yes, I said, shooting him a look. Im free.Brayden smiled. I smiled back. sick silence fell. He seemed as unsure as I was about how to proceed. I would have thought it was cute, if I wasnt so worried that I looked ridiculous.Trey elbowed him sharply. This is the part where you ask for her number. Brayden nodded, though he didnt look like he appreciated the elbowing. Right, right. He pulled a cell phone out of his pocket. Is it Sydney with a y or i? Trey rolled his eyes. What?Im guessing the former, but as naming conventions become increasingly untraditional, you never know. I just want to get it right in my phone.I would have done the same thing, I agreed. I then told him my phone number.He looked up and smiled at me. Great. Im looking forward to it.Me too, I said, and actually meant it.I left Spencers in a daze. I had a date. How on populace did I have a date?Trey hurried out to me a few moments later, catching me as I was unlocking my car. He still wore his barista apron. Well? he asked. Was I right, or was I right? somewhat what? I aske d, though I had a feeling I knew what was coming.About Brayden being your soul mate.I told you I know, I know. You dont believe in soul mates. Still, he grinned, if that guy isnt perfect for you, then I dont know who is.Well, well see. I balanced Ms. Terwilligers cup on top of the car, so I could drink from my own. Of course, he doesnt like modern Shakespearean interpretations, so that might be a deal breaker.Trey stared at me in disbelief. badly?No, I said, giving him a look. Im kidding. Well, maybe. The latte Brayden had made me was pretty good, so I was willing to give him the benefit of a doubt on the Shakespeare thing.Why do you care so much about my romantic life anyway? Trey shrugged and stuffed his hands into his pockets. Already, beads of sweat were forming on his tanned skin from the late afternoon sun. I dont know. I guess I feel like I owe you for everything that went down with the tattoos. That and all your homework help.You dont really need my help with that. And the tattoos I frowned, as an name of Keith beating on the glass flashed through my mind. Keiths vampire blood ring had resulted in high-inducing tattoos that had wreaked havoc on Amberwood. Trey, of course, didnt know about my personal interest in the matter. He just knew Id gotten rid of those who were using the tattoos to unfair favor in sports. I did it because it was the right thing to do. That made him smile. Of course. Still, its saved me a lot of grief with my dad.I should hope so. You dont have any arguing on the team now. What more could your dad want?Oh, theres always something else he thinks I could be the best at. Its not just football. Trey had hinted at that before.I know what thats like, I said, thinking of my own father. A moment of silence fell between us.It doesnt help that my perfect cousins coming into townsfolk soon, he said finally. Makes everything I do look completely lame. You got a cousin like that?Er, not really. Most of my cousins were on my moms side, a nd my dad tended to faint-hearted away from her family.You probably are the perfect cousin, Trey grumbled. Anyway, yeah, therere always these expectations in the family always these tests. Footballs given me some respectability for now. He winked at me. That and my awesome chem grade. That last comment wasnt lost on me. Fine. Ill text you when I get back tonight. Well make it happen.Thanks. And Ill give Brayden a talking-to so he doesnt try anything on Thursday. My mind was still full of Latin and Shakespeare. Try what? Trey shook his head. Honestly, Melbourne, I dont know how youve survived this long in the world without me.Oh, I said, blushing. That. Great. Now I had something else to worry about.Trey scoffed. Between you and me, Braydens probably the last guy in the world you have to worry about. I think hes as clueless as you are. If I didnt care about your sexual abstention so much, Id actually probably give him a lecture on how to try something.Well, thanks for keeping my be st interests at heart, I said dryly. I always wanted a brother to watch out for me.He studied me curiously. Dont you have, like, three brothers? Oh no.Er, I meant figuratively. I tried not to panic. I rarely slipped up on our background story.Eddie, Adrian, and Keith had all been passed off as my brothers at some point. None of them are really that concerned about my dating life. What Im concerned about, though, is getting into air conditioning. I opened my car door, and a wave of heat rolled out. Ill talk to you tonight and help you with the lab.Trey nodded, looking like he wanted to get back inside as well. And Ill help you if you have any more questions about dating.I hoped my scathing look told him my opinion on that, but once he was gone and I was blasting the cars air conditioning, my arrogance faded. Anxiety took its place. The question Id asked myself earlier repeated in my head.How on earth was I going to get through this date live?