Read Online Cursed by Wendy Owens - Free Book Online

am fine with them being together as long as he appreciates her.” Uri replied to Haim as if Gabe were not even present.
    “So you are in love with my girlfriend?”
    “No, idiot!   I am just saying I was interested at one time.   You came along and after Sophie spoke to the Oracle, things changed.”   Uri snapped.
    “What do you mean after she talked to the Oracle?” Gabe's head started to feel as if it were spinning.
    “I don’t know many people who are actually told by the Oracle the person they are going to fall in love with.” Uri looked down at his hands as he spoke the words.   As soon as he said them, he realized Gabe may not know about the Oracle and Sophie’s encounter.   He regretted saying anything.
    “But the Oracle never told me… Oh…,” the reality of Uri’s words dawned on Gabe.   “When… When did this happen, Uri?” Gabe questioned.
    “Just after you came here.   Why does it matter?”  
    “Why does it matter?   Don’t you get it, Uri?   Sophie doesn’t love me.   She thinks she does because of what the Oracle told her she should feel.”
    “Gabe, that is not true!” Haim exclaimed.
    Uri reached over and grabbed Gabe’s arm.   “Look, I’m sorry.   I should have never said anything.   You know how much Sophie cares for you.”
    “Do I?” Gabe mumbled.   He began to replay all the instances in his mind of their relationship.   He thought back to their first kiss that night in the crystal rooms.   Their dance under the stars.   The entire time Sophie had been thinking she was destined to fall in love with him.   Not because of whom he was, but because of what someone told her.   The thoughts were making Gabe’s stomach ache.   All he wanted to do was slam his fist into something.   Hard.
    “You’re being ridiculous, Gabe.   Nobody here doubts how much Sophie loves you.”   Haim said, wiping the corners of his mouth with the back of his hand.
    “Yeah, I guess.   Look, I better go.   I have a full day of classes tomorrow.”   Gabe said as he stood.
    “Hey man, stop.   You know better than anyone that even if the Oracle predicts something we all still have a choice.   Sophie is not that naive, she gets free will just like the rest of us.” Uri insisted.
    “I guess,” Gabe replied turning to exit.
    “Are you sure you’re alright?” Uri inquired, quickly jumping to his feet as well.
    “Yeah, don’t be silly,” Gabe lied.   “I’m fine.”
    Gabe smiled tightly at his friends in an effort to dispense any concerns they might have for his state of mind.   He turned and exited the hall.   Stepping out under the moonlight though, suddenly Gabe felt that loneliness that used to haunt him before he had come to Rampart Manor.   The reality of his and Sophie’s relationship was coming into question for the first time since they got together.

CHAPTER NINE

    It was a new day and Gabe was determined to make things better with Sophie.   He had thought about their argument all night and planned out the different directions their conversation could go today.   He knew Uri and Haim were right, Sophie’s love was unquestionable.   After being inseparable all summer and with how close they had become, he wondered how he could have doubted their love even for only a moment.
    Gabe was positive he had thought of every scenario.   No matter what Sophie said, he had an answer for her.   Stepping out into the hallway, he took a deep breath and then pulled the door shut behind him.   Just before he turned to search for Sophie, Gabe heard a throat clearing noise.   Startled, he spun around to see Sophie leaning against the wall, arms crossed, and lips pursed.
    “Sophie!” Gabe exclaimed, surprised by her presence.
    “Expecting someone else?” she asked sharply.
    “What?” Gabe thought he had prepared for all possible options.   It was clear he had not prepared for this one.
    “Do you think I’m stupid, Gabe?”
    “Umm, well I wouldn’t have