The Key by Marianne Curley

Author:Marianne Curley
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Published: 2009-08-22T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Rochelle

The sphere is still spinning. And while Arkarian watches it, growing more distressed as each hour passes, the rest of us have to go on with our normal lives, whatever that is these days. That’s why I’m sitting on the bus this Monday morning going to school. In a way I’m glad for this ‘normal’ part of my life. So much is happening lately in my other worldly life, it’s almost a relief to have something ordinary to do. And since returning from Athens, everyone knows about my new power that tests loyalty and the curse Lorian has set in motion. A curse, for heaven’s sake! He may as well have marked my forehead with a hot iron brand; I couldn’t feel any more isolated.

At least our mission to Athens was successful. The key is now in Matt’s hands.

The bus pulls up to the school front gates, and even before getting off, I see them – Matt, Ethan and Isabel in a little group. By the time I get off the bus and through the security guards, Neriah is with them too. She looks paler than usual, but then, I’ve heard what happened to her.

At least Neriah is someone I can relate to – both our fathers are monsters. Mine is in prison where he belongs, so at least I don’t have to see mine any more – he’s the one locked in a cage.

At the foot of the stairs Dillon approaches me. ‘Hey,’ he says. ‘Heard about the curse. Good one,’ he laughs. ‘That should make you popular around here.’

What’s up with him this morning? He’s even more cynical than usual. For a second I get the urge to reach out and touch him without my gloves on, but of course I wouldn’t do that. ‘What’s with you?’

His eyes glue themselves on Neriah. ‘Huh? Did you say something?’

My own eyes follow and see Neriah talking to Matt, and if Matt’s body language is anything to go by, something’s happened between these two for sure. I can feel the tension from here! Matt’s wound up like a spring, and trying to look everywhere except at Neriah, especially into her eyes. Beside me Dillon can’t stop staring. Of course he’s noticed too. Who wouldn’t? Except Dillon’s eyes have turned into narrow pinpoints of envy.

Neriah lays her hand on Matt’s arm to get him to look at her, and beside me, Dillon turns greener than a frog covered in moss. He starts to take off, and there’s no need to read his thoughts to know where he’s heading, or what’s on his mind.

I try to get him to come back. ‘Hey, wait!’

He keeps going. This can only be trouble.

I call out again, ‘Dillon, stop!’

He doesn’t stop, but stomps right up to Matt. ‘What do you think you’re doing?’

Matt looks surprised, his eyes shifting sideways as if he’s wondering if it’s him Dillon is talking to, or someone beside him. ‘I’m not doing anything. What’s wrong, Dillon?’

‘What’s wrong? What’s wrong? I can see what’s happening here.

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