Temporary Goddess

Here Comes Darthwood

        Back on Jacek’s motorcycle, I happily clung to him. Maybe from the drinks, maybe because it was what I wanted, maybe it was really a bit of both. Either way, I was happy about it none the less. He sailed us around the corners and never once did I fear for my safety. All I could think about was how I was feeling at that moment, excitement, with a side order of desire. I wasn’t a stranger to the way I felt about Jacek, but until now I was doing a damn good job of shoving it to the back of my mind. Now though, I could feel him against me and it was driving my mind wild. Then, it depressed me, because the next thoughts were that of doubt. Doubting that he felt the same way. To him I was probably just some lowly human who he felt like he had to keep from dying, kind of like a pet you didn’t ask for. I shook my head. I seriously needed to stop thinking so hard about these things, or I was going to give myself a complex.

                When Jacek pulled into my driveway, I was slightly disappointed having to get off the bike, and reluctantly took his hand to slide off.

                “Tell me again why you never go to the parties? That was kind of fun.” I pulled his helmet off and handed it to him.

                Jacek shook his head. “To do what? Do nothing by myself?”

                I giggled. “Good point. Hey, why is it that you keep everyone at a distance?”

                He shrugged. “I’m not really a team player.”

                “Then what about me?” I asked taking a step closer, knowing what I was doing.

                He raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

                I casually looked away while taking another half step closer, now almost within touching distance. “I mean, you could have just ignored me and let me to fend for myself. Instead, you got into a fight with Gunner to keep me safe? Even that stupid brute had a good question. What makes me different?”

                Jacek nodded before meeting my eyes. “You are the first person to ever look at me with no fear in your eyes. You look at me…different than everyone else. You see right through me, ignore my nasty remarks, and stay next to me. No one’s ever committed to me like that.”

                I smiled while I tilted my head to the side, maybe I was being filed by the alcohol. But either way, I wanted to feel how good it was to have him. “At this point I trust you beyond belief. I would walk with you through hell if need be, babe.”

                “If you trust me like that, then yeah you should be afraid.” He said, fully noticing me closing in on him.

                “Why is that?” I asked as I slightly bit down on my bottom lip, leaning in as I supported myself with my hands on his knees. My face only an inch away from his. All I wanted to do was close the distance and feel his lips on me. Everything in my body wanted him, and I was getting the feeling he knew it too. “After all we’ve been through today? Do you have intentions of hurting me now, Mr. Bad Wolf?”

                He shook his head. “No, I don’t.”

                “Is that right? What things do you want to do then?” I asked, watching him lean in a little closer. I was there, now the rest was up to him.

                Before he could answer or do anything the front door slammed open, exposing a very irritated looking Cleo. She glared at the two of us and rolled her eyes. “Cairyn Jade, stop terrorizing that boy and get in this house. I’m sure he is fed up with all of you for today, baby girl.”

                I rolled my eyes. “Yes, mother. I guess I’ll see you at school, tomorrow then Mr. Bad Wolf. Oh, and thank you for taking me out tonight. Even though you didn’t want to.”

                Jacek nodded. “Anytime, dolcezza.”

                With that he started the bike back up as he slid his helmet on. Before he took off he nodded once to me before cruising out of my driveway. Only when he was gone did I turn around to glare at my mother. I was thinking about something, and I was determined to find out what it was.

                “Mother?” I started as I walked up the front steps. “Why did you shoo Jacek off like that? What are you thinking about?”

                Cleo shrugged. “I’m just looking out for your wellbeing. That’s all.”

                I rolled my eyes. “Yeah. Sure. Mom?”

                “Yes, baby?” Cleo glanced over to see her beautiful daughter.

                “Jacek’s alright. He won’t hurt me.” I kicked my shoes off in front of the shoe rack.

                Cleo sighed. “How do you know this? How do you know that he isn’t just playing you? He could be a really bad guy, and just very good at hiding it.”

                I shook my head. “I don’t think so. I…I feel like I’ve known him my entire life. Everyone at school thinks he’s a cold-hearted monster, but I think he just doesn’t have anything to say to people that he doesn’t care for. He’s talked to my other new friends when they muster up the courage to engage in a conversation with him. There’s something…something about Jacek that tells me that there is no place safer then next to him.”

                “Your quite smitten with that boy, aren’t you baby?” Cleo smiled at me, seeing the slight glint in my eyes as I talked about Jacek. “You know, it’s only been a day?”

                At that I rolled my eyes. “Whatever mother. Good night, I’ll see you in the morning.”

                After I was upstairs, Cleo let out a deep breath. “I should have told her the truth about herself from the beginning. Poor girl’s not going to understand anything that’s going to be happening to her. It’s all that boys fault…”

                The next day was surprisingly uneventful. Nothing happened with Vivian, nor Gunner or Torrance. The entire day seemed to be easy and smooth. I hung out with Jacek, Casey, Gwyneth, and Hexic. Getting everyone acquainted and used to each other was getting to prove difficult. Hexic still seemed weary of Gwyn, while all three seemed to be doing their best to not ‘anger’ Jacek. He mostly stood there with them, mostly only speaking to me in my head. I was trying to get everyone to be comfortable with each other, at least until I realized that it would happen on its own. I shouldn’t have to push anything, and I wasn’t.

                I tried my best to not be so attached to Jacek’s hip, but it wasn’t working that well. Especially since he was now meeting up with me after nearly every class to walk me to the next. I was sure it was to make sure no one decided to mess with me, but still, I was hopeful it was because he wanted to be around me. I hadn’t been lying to my mother when I said that there was something about Jacek that drew me to him. Whether, it be that permanent annoyed look on his handsome face, the way he carried himself like he was untouchable, the look in his eyes when he met mine, that safe feeling I got anytime I had him within my eyesight. It was like my soul was drawn to his, and I was desperate to know if he felt the same. Everything in me screamed to be with him, to touch him, to be close to him, to love him. It was getting harder to ignore the longer I was exposed to him. If only I could ask him if he felt the same way…

                Today was my third day of school, and I was dragging. Not sleeping didn’t help me feel so bad, but something about today made me want to stay in bed, but I knew better. So, after a shower and a quick muffin to eat, I was on my way to the high school.

                I parked in my usual spot and felt that intimidating presence wash over my skin, and couldn’t help the smile that appeared on my full lips. When I glanced over I saw Jacek coming up to my car with at same, irritated expression that I was starting to love all over his face. The other kids stayed a very respectable distance away from him as I climbed out of the car.

                “Morning, Mr. Bad Wolf. How are you doing on this crappy day?” I asked as I leaned in and grabbed my bag.

                Jacek shrugged. Fine. You seem stressed what’s wrong?

                I glanced over and tried my best to keep from staring at him. His tight shirt was defining all his perfect muscle tone, and his messy yet well put together appearance always seemed to catch me off guard. “It’s nothing, maybe one day I’ll explain it to you. Have you seen the gang?”

                He shook his head, holding out his hand. No, but today is not going to be as relaxed as it was yesterday. Football season officially started today and Darthwood High’s team is on its way here for tonight’s game.

                “That sounds so exciting.” I sarcastically said while reaching out to interlock my fingers in his, feeling the heat on my cheeks as I looked to the ground. “Am I going to be safe?”

                Jacek huffed. Probably not.

                I groaned, but I pretty much knew that answer already. “So, what should I do to stay in one piece?”

                Stay next to me. He glanced over to see me avoiding his gaze.

                “Yeah, that sounds good. I can do that.” I said, looking over at my hand in his.

                “Oh my god, will you shut the hell up already?!”

                I raised an eyebrow as I heard a loud voice booming through the hall. “Is that Gwyn?”

                Jacek nodded. Yeah. She doesn’t sound happy.

                “Great. This day is starting off nicely.” I sighed.

                Gwyneth was face-to-face with a beautiful redhead, in a stare down that I thought was going to end in someone dying.

                “I told you already. Cairyn isn’t here! And even if she was, she doesn’t want to listen to your bullshit about being a cheerleader for a team who endlessly hates her. So, go on somewhere with yourself.” Gwyneth growled.

                Jacek looked down to me and shrugged. I guess they are fighting about you, dolcezza.

                “Oh, so nothing new.” I huffed.

                The redhead rolled her eyes as she shifted her weight, clearly irritated. “Not everyone hates the new girl…well, there are some people who don’t hate her yet.”

                Gwyneth snorted. “Wow, what was that supposed to be, Evelyn? Reassurance?”

                Evelyn, the beautiful redhead shrugged. “Sure. Hey, is it true that my and Jacek are dating? Please, at least tell me about this one. No one has ever dated him, at least not in our school.”

                “Why in the hell would I tell you anything?” Gwyneth shook her head, rolling her eyes.

                “It’s just something I overheard my family talking about at our last get-together. My aunt said that his entire family has always had arranged marriages and such. That they do it to avoid ever meeting their Soul Mate. Which is strange, why would you not want to meet your destined fated partner? Not to mention the power boost it would give.” Evelyn began to ramble off.

                “What are they talking about, Jacek?” I asked him.

                Evelyn is trying to get Gwyneth to tell her if we are dating. Jacek said as he glanced down to me.

                I raised an eyebrow. “Ah. Lovely.”

                Gwyneth groaned as she put a hand to her forehead. “Why is this important to you? Have some kind of crush on Jacek?”

                “Oh please.” Evelyn smirked. “Who doesn’t?”

                “Can we not talk about Jacek like he’s a toy that everyone wants a turn playing with?”

                At the sound of my voice, Evelyn and Gwyneth turned to see the two of us coming up.

                Evelyn smiled big, noticing our hand holding and in her own mind answering the question for herself. “My, my. I thought Gunner had been lying when he said that you were the prettiest thing he had ever seen, but I guess not. Morning, Jacek.”

                Jacek let go of my hand and stepped around Evelyn to keep walking down the hall. Come get me when your done with Evelyn. I’m going to go check in on something.

                “Okay. Don’t get yourself into trouble without me, Mr. Bad Wolf.” I shot him a wink, then gave my full attention to Gwyn and Evelyn. “Did you need something form me? Or were you here to harass Gwyneth about Jacek’s relationship status?”

                Evelyn’s smile never faltered. “I did have a reason, but knowing who is getting under the cold-hearted monster’s skin is also nearly a priority. I can’t even begin to imagine what the s*x would be like with him.”

                Gwyneth rolled her eyes again and I grimaced.

                “Um. Okay then. I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that. What was the original reason that you came over here to bother Gwyneth about?” I asked, moving to open my locker.

                Evelyn shrugged. “Don’t kiss and tell? I can understand that. He must be very good then. My real reason for being here was to ask you if you were interested in trying out for the cheer squad. Football season starts today and it was only right that we ask one of the most popular girls in the school if I was interested.”

                I stopped what I was doing to fully face Evelyn. “An entire school full of supernatural beings who can control water and teleport, and there is a need for a cheer squad? I am seriously shocked.”

                “We really do have everything that a human high school has.” Gwyneth shrugged and smiled as she reached out to grab my notebook out for me.

                “I’m coming to realize that. There are even the clicks and social standards which are the same. Oh, wait a moment.” I shook my head. “I would like to decline the invitation for the whole cheer thing. It’s not right for me. Thanks though.”

                Evelyn groaned. “Come now, Cairyn. You’re on the List now, you need something to be unique about you.”

                Both Gwyneth and I stopped what we were doing. Gwyneth glared over in Evelyn’s direction.

                “What did you just say?” She asked, leaning back against the lockers.

                Evelyn snorted as she crossed her arms. “You don’t know? I can’t believe your even still on the List, Gwyneth. Diana was dropped and Cairyn is in her stead. So, Cairyn’s in the last slot, but she’s on it none the less.”

                “I feel sick.” I said as I turned to shut my locker door. “How do I get off the List?”

                “You don’t, hunny. Not unless someone bumps you off.” Evelyn shrugged. “Since you’re going to refuse to try out for cheer than I’m no longer needed in here. Later, losers.”                              

                When Evelyn was gone, Gwyneth shook her head while I rolled my eyes.

                “That woman was oddly horrible. Do you think it’s true that I’m on that damn List?” I asked as we began to walk down the hall.

                Gwyneth shrugged. “I stopped hanging out with those people over the summer last year. I’m surprised I’m still on it. Maybe it’s because of Jacek and how close you two have become over the past couple days? No one is really sure on how people end up on the List. I honestly thought for a while that the paper the List is written on is actually cursed or enchanted.”

                I sighed. “There is paper like that? What the hell…”

                “Speaking of hell. I think the Darthwood High team is going to be here around noon. So, be prepared for some bullshit later. Just stick close to me, Casey, or Jacek. Everything should be okay.” Gwyneth said as I rubbed the back of my neck.

                Before I answered, I saw a slightly familiar face turn the corner. “Hexic! Where are you going in such a hurry?”

                He spun around to us, a slight smile appearing on his lips. “Morning, Cairyn and Gwyneth. I honestly didn’t think you would even remember who I was today.”

                “We weren’t that drunk.” Gwyn said as she rolled her eyes teasingly.

                I giggled. “Not to mention that it would be kind of hard to forget that whole situation I found you in. So, again, where are you rushing off too?”

                Hexic shrugged. “I’m trying to get to class before everyone else. It helps to keep people from making fun of me if I don’t walk in front of them while I head to my seat.”

                “Your serious?” I asked while Gwyneth sighed and face-palmed.

                He nodded. “Yeah, I am.”

                “Nope, that’s not going to work for me.” I glanced around to see more and more people were beginning to head to their classes. “Give me a little bit and I’ll find some way to keep everyone from messing with you.”

                Hexic smiled a little. “Thanks girls.”

             “Jacek?”

                I whispered as I closed my eyes. Trying to feel where he was, and with another second, I knew he was right behind me.

                You called?

                I spun around to smile at his handsome face. “You were really serious about the whole just say my name thing. It’s going to make me power hungry, you know this right?”

                He shook his head. Your ridiculous.

                “Oh yeah, I know. So, how was advanced chemistry?” I asked as we began to walk down the hall.

                Jacek groaned. Boring. I slept the entire time. What about calculus?

                I huffed. “I sucked at it, which isn’t unusual. Hey, did you hear about that stupid List thing?”

                Yeah, congratulations. He said sarcastically.

                “Bite me.” I glared over the best I could before rolling my eyes at him. “I don’t even know what the hell I’m supposed to do with this information now.”

                Jacek shrugged. Ignore it.

                “Sound advice, Mr. Bad Wolf. Will I see you after this class?” I asked as we reached my second class.

                He nodded. I can walk you to third then. Don’t leave without me.

                I winked at him before turning to go inside. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”