Chapter 100: Ex-Boyfriend Blues
Mrs. Hammond seemed very disappointed when I left. I took a few cookies out of pity and thanked her. That made her feel a little better, I think.
Now if only I could find a way to cheer myself up.
I'd screwed up. Now not only did Mia know there would be no reconciling between me and Benjamin, she also understood there was something about me that called to her. Unlike Brad, the latent talent, hers had been active once. And now it was breaking free, it would do anything it could to finish the job.
Mom was going to kill me.
The sun felt very warm as I plodded down the front steps on my way home. It was so cheery and bright I almost snarled at the sky. It was like my own little cloud of gray followed me everywhere and the sun was intruding on that.
Not in the best of moods to have a conversation with anyone.
Naturally, Brad chose that moment to approach.
"Hi, Syd." His smile was like the sun. Offensive somehow.
I grunted back.
"I was thinking, since we're going to prom together, we should maybe have dinner and talk about our plans?"
So sneaky. That sounded suspiciously like a date. And hey, wait a second. I hadn't said yes. Had I? "I'm sure whatever you want to do is fine," I said.
Brad's hand caught my arm. What was with guys grabbing me today? "Just for pizza or something?" His green eyes were full of desperation. Stupid latent power. I was in the right mood to kick him out of my life forever. Perfect timing.
"No, Brad." I pulled my arm free and backed up. "I'm done, okay? No prom, no dates. I'm not your girlfriend. How many times do I have to tell you that?"
Trouble with a latent who connects with a witch? They just can't take no for an answer.
Brad lunged forward and caught both of my arms this time, a tint of anger and horrible need in his face. "You don't mean that," he whispered. "I've done everything you wanted. Stayed away during school, promised not to bug you about how I feel." He swallowed visibly, his hands convulsing on my upper arms so hard I was sure I'd be bruised when he finally let me go. "Please, Syd. I need you. Please."
It was too much. The only person who wanted me only did because of my power. It wasn't real, any of it.
I jerked loose from him and poured power into my answer.
"It's over," I said, seeing him sway from the impact of my magic. "We're done."
Brad's eyes welled with tears. Seriously?
But he stayed put and didn't follow me when I turned and walked away.
The sound of Quaid's motorcycle engine made me flinch. I watched him drive away out of the corner of my eye, knowing he witnessed my little scene with Brad. And that still wasn't enough for him?
Fine. Jerks galore. Piss off.
***
