Read Online Chasing Shadows by Rebbeca Stoddard - Free Book Online Page B

was going to tell me that maybe I was his soul mate. He sighed angrily and said, “You are my friend.” My heart fell into my stomach, and he pulled back onto the road and continued to take me to the cabin in silence.
    The crunch of gravel under the tires woke me up, and I noticed we were finally at my parents’ cabin. I was all too eager to get out of the cramped vehicle. Holding onto my little Helios, I stepped out and stretched my legs. My mom rushed out the front door and squeezed me tightly. She gushed over my kitten, and he purred under her pets and baby talk. Alexandier stood on the porch, glaring at Sebastian, and my father looked relieved that I was all right. We maneuvered my stuff into the house, and I hugged my older brother. Sebastian nodded at everyone and took his leave. I was too scared to say goodbye to him, but I was terrified of never seeing his deep green eyes again. Melly and Mickey bounded down the stairs and tackled me just as he walked out the door. Their excitement over me being back was palpable, as was the prospect of having a pet. When my younger siblings settled down, Helios cautiously allowed them to play with him. With the younger kids preoccupied, my parents began asking me questions. I answered every one dutifully. They were proud that I was learning to use my abilities so easily. My dad excused himself to go prepare dinner, my mom called Amelia and Mickey to go upstairs with her so they could pack up, and Alexandier was left with me. A silence fell over the room and settled into a strange feeling.
    “I don’t like him. I see the way he looks at you, and it isn’t strictly platonic. It’s serious. It worries me.” Alexandier’s voice rang with sincerity.
    “I know, Zany. But I sort of like him. He doesn’t know it. And he is really nice, I promise. Besides, when school starts up again, I will probably forget about him. After all, I do have to see you-know-who there. Zany, you know how my mind works. By September I will have forgotten Sebastian and will be heartbroken all over again.” I looked down, my eyes stinging. Everyone in my family understood that no matter how hard I tried, I was still in love with my ex, Langdon Tyler.
    “I know, Aubz. Sorry, I just . . . I worry for you. Always have, and always will. Who knows, maybe Langdon moved somewhere else.” My brother pulled me into a hug and tried to offer some relief from my heartache. When Alexandier finally released me, I smiled up at him and squeezed his hand.
    “Come on, let’s go get seated around the fire. It’s our last night here, so the roasting of random foods for dinner will commence in about five minutes.” I winked at him, and we ran to the back patio. Roasting sticks were by each person’s chair, and an assortment of random dinner and junk food sat on a table, ready to be poked and toasted.
    Leaning back in my chair, I watched as the embers started to die. The sun had set an hour ago, and my stomach was full. I smiled as I thought about our strange last-night tradition. We would always have the chance to roast hot dogs, marshmallows, and other random foods. It was disgusting at times, delicious at others, but always filled with laughter and happy memories. A few hours later, my parents sent Melly and Mickey to bed, and they followed shortly after. Alexandier stayed with me for another hour before disappearing into the cabin. There was always a sense of calm before going home, before going to the storm of emotions that I always left behind there. At that moment I realized that my life would never truly be the same. Clamora had shown me who I was, who I was going to be. Nothing in the world could change that, not even my ex, or his crew of bullies. Maybe when I started my first day of senior year I would be able to fight back against everyone who tore me down. Or maybe Sebastian would deflect every cruel word away from me and make me forget the reality of my life when it all started up again. Shaking my head, I