What I couldn’t determine and didn’t dare to ask was what would happen once the powers in the Kingdom learned of my transgression. I didn’t imagine the reaction would be mild. But was a little compassion and understanding too much to ask for? Wasn’t I as deserving of these as any human being who would be pardoned without a second thought? I wondered what would happen next. Would I be recalled in disgrace? I felt a chill run through me at the thought, but then the memory of Xavier’s face filled me with warmth once again.
The matter was not raised the next morning or during the rest of weekend. On Monday morning Gabriel went through the ritual of making breakfast in silence. The silence continued until we reached the gates of Bryce Hamilton and parted company.
Molly and her friends offered a welcome distraction. I let their conversation wash over me; it stopped me thinking. Today their source of entertainment was dissecting the latest fashion faux pas of their least favorite teachers. According to the girls, Mr. Phillips looked as though his hair had been cut by a lawnmower; Miss Pace wore skirts that would work better as carpet; and Mrs. Weaver, with her tailored slacks tucked under her breasts, had been dubbed Harry High-Pants. Most of them saw teachers as an alien species, undeserving of common courtesy, but despite their laughter, I knew there was no real malice intended in their jibes; they were just bored.
Soon the conversation turned to matters of more importance.
“Get excited, ’cause we’re going shopping soon!” said Hayley. “We thought we’d get the train to the city and check out the boutiques in Punch Lane. Molly, are you coming?”
“Count me in,” Molly replied. “What about you, Beth?”
“I don’t even know if I’m going to the prom,” I said.
“Why would you even think about missing it?” Molly looked aghast, as if only an apocalypse might serve as a valid reason for not attending.
“Well, for one I don’t have a date.”
I didn’t confess this to Molly, but several boys had already broached the subject, seizing the opportunity of finding me alone in between classes. I had fended them off with noncommittal responses. I told everyone who asked that I wasn’t sure if I’d be going, which wasn’t entirely a lie. I was buying time and secretly hoping Xavier would ask me.
A girl called Montana rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry about that. The dress is way more important. If you get desperate, you can always find someone.
I was about to say something about checking my planner when I felt a strong arm slip around my shoulders. The group froze, their gazes fixed on the space above my head.
“Hi, girls, you don’t mind if I steal Beth for a minute, do you?” Xavier asked.
“Well, we were in the middle of an important conversation,” Molly objected. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion and she looked at me expectantly.
“I’ll bring her right back,” Xavier said.
There was something familiar about his manner toward me, which they didn’t fail to notice. Although I liked it, I was also uncomfortable to suddenly be the center of attention. Xavier guided me to an empty table.
“What are you doing?” I whispered.
“I seem to be making a habit of rescuing you,” he replied. “Or did you want to spend the rest of lunch talking about spray tans and eyelash extensions?”
“How do you even know about that stuff?”
“Sisters,” he said.
He seated himself comfortably at the table, ignoring the sidelong glances being aimed at us now from all directions of the crowded cafeteria. Some looked envious, others simply curious. Xavier had chosen to sit with me when almost any table in the room would have welcomed him and coveted his company.
“We seem to be drawing attention,” I said and squirmed.
“People like to gossip, we can’t help that.”
“Why aren’t you with your friends?”
“You’re more interesting.”
“There’s nothing interesting about me,” I said, a note of panic creeping into my voice.
“I disagree. Even your reaction to being called interesting is interesting.”
We were interrupted by two younger boys approaching our table.
“Hey, Xavier.” The taller of the two greeted him with a respectful nod. “The swim meet was awesome. I won four out of six heats.”
“Good job, Parker,” Xavier said, slipping easily into his role as school captain and mentor. “I knew we were going to kick Westwood’s butt.”
The boy beamed with pride.
“Reckon I’ll make the nationals?” he asked eagerly.
“I wouldn’t be surprised — Coach was pretty pleased. Just make sure you show up to training next week.”
“You got it, man,” the boy said. “See you Wednesday!”
Xavier nodded and they knocked their fists together. “See you, kiddo.”
I saw right away that Xavier was good at dealing with people; he was affable without inviting familiarity. When the boy had gone, his expression changed back to one of concentration, as if what I had to say really mattered. It made my skin prickle and the corners of my lips twist into a smile. I could feel a blush starting in my chest, and soon it traveled to spread across my face.
“How do you do that?” I asked to cover my confusion.
“Do what?”
“Talk to people so easily.”
Xavier shrugged. “It comes with the territory. Hey, I almost forgot, I dragged you over here to return something.” He pulled a long, white, iridescent feather, flecked with rose, from the pocket of his blazer. “I found this in my car last night after I drove you home.”
I snatched the feather from his hand and slipped it between the covers of my planner. I had no idea how it had ended up in Xavier’s car. My wings had been firmly tucked away.
“Good luck charm?” Xavier asked, his turquoise eyes watching my face with curiosity.
“Something like that,” I replied guardedly.
“You look upset; is something wrong?”
I shook my head quickly and looked away.
“You know you can trust me.”
“Actually, I don’t know that yet.”
“You’ll find out once we spend more time together,” he said. “I’m a pretty loyal guy.”
I didn’t hear him. I was too busy scanning the faces in the crowd in case one of them belonged to Gabriel. His fears didn’t seem so unfounded now.
“Don’t overwhelm me with your enthusiasm.” Xavier laughed. His words brought me back to the present with a jolt.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I’m a little preoccupied today.”
“Anything I can help with?”
“I don’t think so but thanks for asking.”
“You know, keeping secrets is unhealthy for a relationship.” Xavier folded his arms comfortably across his chest and settled back in his chair.
“Who said anything about a relationship? Besides, we’re not required to share everything; it’s not like we’re married.”
“You want to marry me?” Xavier asked, and I saw some faces turn toward us in curiosity. “I was thinking we’d start slow and see where things went, but hey, what the hell!”
I rolled my eyes. “Be quiet or I’ll be forced to flick you.”