Needing Help (Joey's POV)
1814 Words
“Okay, I’m going to tell you something and you can’t be mad.” I stated.
“Okay…” Marsden looked over at me.
“I lied. When I was in Director Magnus’ office he said he could help us.”
“He knows? You told him about what I have to do? Joey, what the hell?”
“No, of course I didn’t. He didn’t get specific but I feel like he still knows. He said he would help us both. Maybe we should take him up on that.”
“We can’t accept his help, babe. We can’t risk it. If I don’t do this, I’m going to die, my sister is going to die. I can’t f**k this up.”
“I know, I know. I’m sorry. I just thought maybe he could help.” I sighed. “But he can’t.”
“Hard to accept help from the man I might have to murder.” Marsden said quietly.
“Yeah that makes sense.”
“I’m sorry, Joey. This is all a f*****g mess, but I promise that I’m going to take care of it. I’m gonna do what I need to do.”
“What do you mean by that?” I asked.
“Nothing, just soon all of our worries and troubles will be over. We don’t need his or anyone else’s help. I just need you to trust me.”
“I do.”
--
“I take back what I said last time we talked.”
“What do you mean, Joey?”
“It was a mistake, um…we don’t need help, we’re fine.” I forced a smile. “Marsden is fine.”
“No, he’s not. He’s in over his head and so are you.” Director Magnus said with concern.
“This won't work, Director. I’m putting him in danger by being here.”
“He’ll be in more danger without me. This is bigger than both you and Marsden. You two can change the course of this war.”
“And how will we do that?!” I demanded. “That’s extremely cryptic, you know? W-we’re only twenty! We’re practically kids! We can’t change anything.”
“Yes, you absolutely can, Joey. You have no idea. I just ask that you trust me. I can save you, Marsden and his whole family. And you two could help save the Witching Domain.”
“Isn’t that what the Highmores are supposed to do?”
“Maybe not. Joey, you have to let me help you and you need to keep it from Marsden.” Director Magnus said firmly.
“I can’t do that!” I whined. “I tell him everything.”
“It will save his life, Joey.”
I groaned. “Fine, if I agree, you have to do something for me.”
“Of course,” He nodded.
“Reign in Tate and my sister, please. They’re following us and they’re on our case all the time. We can’t function like that.”
“I promise, I will have a talk with him.”
“Fine…I agree…for now.”
--
Everyone was kind of freaking out.
An explosion went off yesterday evening, hurting Rune and Raina Crimson and Director Magnus. I felt horrible for them.
I hated Raina, but I didn’t want her blown up. Of course, I had no problem with Rune at all. He’s pretty funny and he makes Chloey really happy. Sure his girlfriend is annoying as hell, but he’s a good guy. I would never wish anything bad on him.
“So what happened to them?” I asked my sisters. They had both been to visit Rune so I figured they had some information.
“An explosion went off while they were on their way to the Feasting Chambers. Director Magnus was the furthest away, so didn’t get hurt too badly.” Chloey explained.
“Who would do that?” I questioned. “Cade maybe, trying to get back at Rune since he knows you like him?”
“At this point I wouldn’t put it past him.”
“Okay, I’m gonna tell you guys something,” Zoey leaned in. “The explosion went off in the office. It was clearly an attempt on his life.”
Fuck. This was Marsden’s doing. He failed again. I could see Zoey watching me as though trying to see my reaction. I made sure to look as calm as possible.
“Who would want to kill Director Magnus?” I asked.
“Anyone who hates Chancellor Magnus,” Chloey pointed out.
“Yeah that makes sense…unless it’s someone who just hates Director Magnus.” Zoey’s eyes were on me.
“Either way, it’s horrifying,” I whispered.
“I’m just glad that Rune is okay.” Chloey admitted.
“What’s going on there?” I questioned. “Anything romantic?”
“I have no idea. I just know I have to be there for him right now.”
--
“You set the explosion?!”
“Huh?” Marsden asked.
“You set the explosion that hurt Director Magnus, Rune and Raina!” I hissed. “What the hell is wrong with you Marsden?!”
“I was desperate, Joey! The barrier is taking too long!”
“Marsden this is why you should talk things through with me! Other people got hurt!”
“f**k! Why does nothing I do work? I-I’m doing everything!”
“I know baby. You’re doing well, it’s just work on the barrier okay? You still have a few months. You can do it.” I insisted.
“You think?” He asked.
“Yes. The other things haven’t worked. The barrier is the only way, Marsden.”
Marsden nodded slowly. “You’re right, I can do it.”
“Then we should get to work.”
--
I think Zoey was more suspicious of Marsden and me than ever. Somehow she knew he had something to do with the explosion, but she’s finally smart enough not to reveal that she’s suspicious. She and Tate were following us again.
It’s strange that Zoey and I hang out and neither of us admit that we know the other is up to something. Chloey had absolutely no idea what’s going on and I don’t think she cares. Dating Rune Crimson was taking up quite a bit of her time. They’re actually really cute together.
Now Zoey and Chloey had double dates without me, and kind of feel what Zoey did, but Marsden and I have our other friends.
“Any plans for Vernal Break?” Keene asked.
“I’m laying low with my girlfriend.” Marsden said. What that really meant was that we were gonna work practically non stop on that goddamn barrier.
“More screwing I see.” Zander grinned. “I’m taking Charleen home.”
“I’m so excited! He’s gonna show me all around his town!” Charleen giggled.
“You two are so cute!” Misty smiled. “New love is so refreshing.”
“What are you and Keene doing?” I asked.
“My place. My parents adore him. I’m hoping for a shopping spree.”
“Babe, I will buy you whatever you want. We don’t have to go to your parents for that. Why do you never want to come home with me?” Keene questioned.
“Your mom makes me nervous and she doesn’t like me.” Misty shrugged.
I think Keen’s mom would scare me too. People have a tendency to die around her.
“Whatever, fine.” He huffed.
“Do you think your parents will like me?” Charleen asked Zander.
“Of course they will. Why wouldn’t they? You’re perfect.” He kissed her.
“How cute.” We looked up and saw my sisters and their boyfriends. “It’s good to see you so happy Zander”, Zoey forced a smile.
“Thanks Zoey.” Zander rolled his eyes.
“Can we join you?” Chloey asked. I didn’t think she realized she wasn’t supposed to actually be nice, but these are kind of her friends too.
“You can always join us, Chloey.” Charleen smiled. “This your new boyfriend?”
“Yeah, this is Rune.” Chloey said as she sat down.
“Oh hi. I’m glad you’re feeling better.” Charleen shook his hand.
Rune seemed taken aback. “Oh, thanks.”
“Yeah, I’m glad he’s recovered,” Tate said. “Aren’t you Joey?”
“Very. A world without Rune would be a lot less funny.” I said.
“Are you two also going to join us?” Marsden asked.
“Sure, but do you mind scooting over? There’s not much room for us. Is there secret seating or something?” Zoey asked.
Why is she putting emphasis on those words like that? There wasn’t actually enough room for them so I sat in Marsden’s lap.
“You guys are disgustingly cute.” Misty grinned.
“Everyone thinks you guys are so cute.” Tate stated. “You’re at the top of everyone’s list. Might as well be at the ceiling.”
“Maybe it’s because they’re up the wall about each other.” Zoey suggested.
“Why are you guys being so weird?” Chloey asked.
“Yeah is everything okay?” Rune questioned.
“Sorry, I’ve got kind of a headache.” Zoey said. “I think I feel like I’m hanging upside down.”
Oh I get it now. They’ve figured out where we go after classes. But nothing about the barrier had been mentioned so they don’t know exactly what’s going on.
“Maybe you should go to your room and lie down?” I suggested
Zoey grinned. “Maybe.”
“Can I talk to you? Alone?” I asked.
“Sure.”
We got up and walked away. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
“What the hell are you doing in a secret room in the Celestial Tower? What are you hiding?”
“Ourselves from everyone else. We just want some time alone. Why is that so wrong?”
“I guess it’s not. I just don’t get why you wouldn’t tell me that.” Zoey stated.
“Whole point of hiding is that people don’t know.” I pointed out.
“I guess that’s fair.” She didn’t believe me, but she’s pretending to. That’s fine. I was lucky they didn’t know exactly what was going on.
--
When I woke up the next morning, Marsden was sitting at the edge of the bed shaking violently.
“Baby?” I asked. “What’s wrong?”
“We can’t stay here for Vernal Break.”
“Why not?”
“I have to go home…to meet Count Killoran.”
- Writer
