“So how did it go with Magnus?” Marsden asked when I entered the secret room in the Celestial Tower.
That’s where the source of the barrier was. Slowly Marsden was chipping away at it. There were already spots that were no longer barriered. Director Magnus wouldn’t notice because of Marsden’s concealment charms.
“It was fine.” I said. “He’s not really one for punishment, is he?”
“No, not really. What did you guys talk about?”
“My record. How I was always in trouble at my old school but barely got in any here. He was surprised.”
“Well what did you tell him?” Marsden asked.
“That I was busy with my wonderful boyfriend.” I smiled before kissing him. “Now how’s it going today? Any disintegrating?”
“Not as well as I hoped. I think I’m distracted.”
“With what?”
“That I’m not gonna finish in time and I’ll have to kill him!”
“No, you won’t! You’ll figure it out, baby.” I insisted.
Marsden put his hands on my face and pressed his forehead against mine. “You know what I think I’m more scared of than failing?” I shook my head. “Succeeding. That means I’m really in this life forever. And then what do I do? Continue putting the girl I love more than anything in this world in danger? When does it actually end?”
“I-I don’t know baby, but it will. This is just the first hurdle we have to get over. And yes, it’s a big one...but once we get over it, we figure out what to do next. How to get out of it. This isn’t forever Marsden, I promise you.”
“You really believe that?”
“I do. We can do anything together babe. I know it. We’ll be okay.” I whispered. “You’re not losing me and I’m not losing you and somehow we will get through this together. Just trust me, okay?”
He nodded. “Okay, I do. I will. We can do this.”
--
“Don’t you think it’s weird that Zander hangs out with your boyfriends?” Zoey asked Chloey and me.
We exchanged looks. “No, not really.” I said.
“Yeah they have so much fun together. I think it’s nice.” Chloey agreed.
“But he hangs out with you guys too. I think that’s weird.”
“Why?” Chloey asked.
“Because you’re my sisters! We broke up, why would he still want to hang out with you?” Zoey questioned.
“Cuz we’re f*****g awesome!” I exclaimed. “What’s the big deal anyways? No offense Zo, but the break up wasn’t his fault. He was the hurt party in this, so it’s not like we have to ignore him and give him the death glare because he hurt you. He’s a nice guy and he treats my boyfriend nicely so I like him.”
“Yeah Cade really likes Zander.” Chloey shrugged. “They get on great.”
“I just feel kind of left out lately.” Zoey sighed.
“Why?”
“Your boyfriends hang out and you guys do double dates and stuff. Why don’t you ever invite me and Tate for things?”
“How do I say this nicely? I don’t like your boyfriend.” I stated. “And your boyfriend hates mine, so I’d rather not spend two hours with them arguing with each other and then it ending in a fist fight. I don’t have to worry about that with Cade.”
“I guess.” She muttered.
I felt bad, but no one told her to date Tate Highmore.
I stopped listening when I saw Marsden heading over to us. He actually looked happy. Oh no. Was Director Magnus dead or something? Had he succeeded in the bad part of the mission? Did we finally get over this hurdle?
I got up and went over to him. “What’s up babe?”
He responded by kissing me. “I got a lot done. I can actually fit through one of the holes now.”
My eyes widened. “How?”
“I don’t know, it just happened. But we’re one step closer babe.”
“I’m so proud of you.” I smiled before kissing him. “Can I go see now?”
“Later, okay? I’m late meeting the guys. They’re gonna rip me a new one if they find out I’m late because I’m kissing you.” He kissed me again. “I love you.”
He hurried off and I looked after him. I really love that boy.
“What was that about?” Zoey asked as I sat down.
“Nothing.”
“Didn’t look like nothing.”
“Well, it was. Just stuff between me and Marsden.” I shrugged.
“What do you guys do after classes?” She questioned. “You’re always disappearing.”
“Having s*x. Happy now?”
“What are you guys hiding?” Zoey asked.
“Oh my god, nothing, Zo! You really let Tate get in your head huh?”
“He’s not in my head, but Joey...you’ve been different lately and you know it.”
“How? All I’m doing is having s*x with my boyfriend. That’s it! I’m sorry if that bothers you. Tate must not be keeping you satisfied enough if you feel the need to butt in my relationship!”
“You know what, keep on lying Joey, but we’re going to figure out what you’re up to. And not because we’re nosy, but because we’re genuinely worried about you and whatever Marsden has gotten you into.”
She got up and stormed off.
“What is up with her?” Chloey asked. “It’s like she wants there to be something wrong with Marsden. I mean what does she think she’s going to find?”
“She’s going to find nothing. Her and Tate have no idea what they’re talking about.”
--
“So tell me the truth Joey...was Marsden late yesterday because of you?” Zander questioned.
I laughed. “Maybe it was a little bit of my fault.”
“I knew it.” Cade laughed. “Too busy kissing the girlfriend as usual.”
“Yeah, yeah whatever.” Marsden grinned. “Have you seen my girlfriend? Should be no question why I’m always kissing her.”
“Oh I think we all understand the pull of a Rosaria sister.” Cade smiled. “By the way, how are you doing Zander?”
He sighed. “Fine I guess. Believe me, it hurts seeing Zoey with Tate, but I’m trying to get over it. I just need a new girlfriend to get over her. No offense, girls.”
“None taken.” Chloey shrugged. “I don’t like how things ended between you guys either. I feel awful.”
“Yeah me too. You didn’t deserve that.” I agreed.
“Thanks.” Zander smiled. “And thanks for continuing to be my friend.”
“No problem. Anyone who makes my boyfriend smile is alright by me.” I said.
“What and his good mate Tate doesn’t do that?” Cade snickered.
“Highmore is the bane of my existence at this point.” Marsden rolled his eyes. “He needs to mind his own business.”
“Honestly he’s insufferable. Don’t know how Zoey puts up with him. She was way better off with you Zander.” I declared.
“Thanks Joey.” Zander smiled. “So who should I date next? I really just need a fun girl to be with.”
“Charleen is cute, single and fun.” I offered. “Marsden had s*x with her. How was she babe?”
“I did not have s*x with her!” Marsden exclaimed. “I haven’t f****d any of your friends!”
“Honestly I’m shocked to hear that. Thought you’d f****d half the school.”
“Think she’ll go for me?” Zander asked.
“I don’t see why not.” Chloey said. “I mean you’re sweet, handsome and funny.”
“He’s not more handsome than I am, right?” Cade asked.
“Oh of course not babe. You’re the most handsome boy here.” She kissed him hard.
“Young love.” I smiled. “Anyways Zander, I can set it up. She’s mentioned before that you’re a hottie, and that’s enough for her I think.”
“Thanks, Joey, I appreciate it. It’s no fun being a fifth wheel, you know? You’re lucky I like you guys so much.”
“Aw I like you too, Zander.” Marsden teased.
“Well what about me?” Cade asked.
“Chloey, I think we’ve lost our boyfriends.” I giggled.
“Oh god I can’t compete with two handsome boys!” Chloey laughed.
“Hey guys.” Zoey and Tate had approached us. “What’s going on?”
We all stopped laughing. “Um, just hanging out.” I cleared my throat.
“Can we join?”
“Um, actually we were about to disperse,” Chloey said. “Cade and I have to study.”
“Marsden and I do too.” I said.
“As do I. And I have to set up a date.” Zander said.
“A date? Oh you’re seeing someone?” Zoey asked.
“Yeah. Joey set me up.”
“How nice of her.”
“Yep, that's me.” I announced. “Speaking of Zander, we should go meet up with Charleen now.”
“I thought you guys had to study.” Tate pointed out.
“It’s a study date. See you guys later.”
We all got up and walked away from them. I felt bad for Zoey, but this is what she gets for dating that nosy prick Tate Highmore.
Hopefully that barrier would come down before he could figure out what Marsden was doing.