MJ was right about the day moving faster. As the final bell rings, I’m relieved. I’m anxious and excited for the surprise MJ has planned after school.
His arm is around me as we walk to my locker. He’s done this since math. I like this even better than holding hands. I feel closer to him, more cherished, more loved, more protected.
As we round the bend in the corridor, I see my girlfriends and my sister, Hannah, standing at my locker as well as Tamitha, Sissy, and Amber. Flashbacks of earlier in the week pop uninvited in my head. I tense up, hoping Justin’s not here. Last time all my friends gathered like this, he was controlling them.
MJ places a kiss in my hair. “Don’t worry. It’s okay.”
His ability to guess what I’m feeling by the slightest change in my body is becoming a comfort to me. Even with our secrets, he still knows me better than anyone. Even myself sometimes.
“Run along now, MJ,” Tamitha says, bouncing up to greet us. “We’re ready to take it from here.”
I turn in the nook of his arm to stare up at him. “What is she talking about? Aren’t we going to spend the afternoon together?”
He smiles. “Actually, spending time with your friends is part of the surprise. I know how important they are to you. Go shopping, do your nails or whatever you ladies do to get ready for a date.”
“Date?”
He leans down so his lips are against my ear. “That’s the other half of the surprise. Tonight I’m taking you out for dinner and dancing with all your friends. Pick out something special. That’s a dare. I can’t wait to feel you against me while we dance, like we did on the dock yesterday.”
I feel weightless as a million troubles plummet from my shoulders to the linoleum floor. As much as I want to spend time with MJ, I want to be with my friends too—my time with them could be ending. How did he know I needed this?
He places a sweet, swift kiss on my lips. As he pulls away, I feel his essence lingering inside me. Even though he won’t be with me physically this afternoon, at least I’ll still have a part of him inside me.
“Enjoy your day, minn hvatvetna.”
He lets go, and I’m completely, utterly lost in him. All I can do is watch as he turns and saunters down the hall with a little extra strut in his step.
I smile, knowing I’m responsible for his happiness.
Kelli comes up beside me, linking our arms together and resting her head on my shoulder. “Seriously, how often does Norway work out? ’Cuz damn.”
Kayla, Maggie, and Hannah appear on my other side, murmuring in agreement as we all ogle my immortal boyfriend’s behind.
“What did he call you?” Kayla asks in a breathy, distracted voice.
My smile widens. “I don’t know what it means. It’s his native language.”
Our view is suddenly obstructed by Amber. Her hands are on her hips as she taps the toe of her stiletto.
“Yeah, yeah. MJ’s a slice of heaven with the butt of a god. We get it. Now let’s get this ridiculous afternoon over with so we can destroy whatever shreds I have left of my social life.”
“I’m sorry,” I say as sweetly as possible. “But MJ said I’ll be hanging out with my friends. That doesn’t include you.”
Her lips twist into a grin resembling the Cheshire Cat’s. “Take it up with them.” She nods to Tamitha and Sissy.
My heart sinks. They’re protecting me. But they’re also protecting Amber. She has to come—it’s a package deal.
Suddenly I remember my friends don’t know Tamitha and Sissy. But as I look around, no one is questioning them. They’ve placed themselves in my group of friends. They compelled them.
Knowing there’s no point in arguing, I leave with Hannah and my girlfriends flanking me while the Protectors and Amber follow close behind.
Hundreds of students are gathered on the sidewalk outside. Normally they would be peeling out of here with that joyous sense of freedom coursing through their veins. Especially with it being Friday.
Is something wrong? Is it a demon? I glance at my bracelet, twisting it around to ensure each stone is still its usual color.
“Where did you get that?” Sissy asks.
I look up, and her steely gaze is glued to my bracelet. I cover it, protecting it—protecting MJ’s love for me. I turn to Tamitha. She’s staring at Sissy too.
After a moment, Tamitha gives her head a little shake. She smiles at me. “Come on. You’re going to love this.”
The crowd splits as if an invisible ship were passing through. As the last students clear the way, they reveal a shiny black Hummer limo.