Mixed—chapter eighteen: Stageplay

Juniper was struggling to stay awake, but as soon as Thorne closed his textbook she snapped awake. 

Knowing that the time to leave was coming. 

The doors opened and fifth years trailed in. 

Edmund Rosier dropped his book onto my desk “you lot, get to go early” 

He grinned at my shock because his massive book had crushed my textbook. 

I shoved my stuff into my bag and me, Kael, and Juniper stood. 

We walked out and made sure Seraphina was out of earshot. 

Then Juniper spoke “Ryder, what are we going to do about your stone” 

Kael rolled his eyes 

I shrugged “lay low?” 

“Worm, just leave ‘em’ ‘lone.” Grumbled Kael. 

She huffed deeply “you’re annoying” she snapped then turned to me “you’ve gotta have better ideas that ‘lay low’”

“It’s not like there’s other mixed Lums alive to tell me what to do!” I snapped under my breath. 

“Don’t tell me you’re using that stupid nickname!” groaned Juniper. 

Kael looked ready to explode “he’ll figure it out” 

She blinked, baffled at his tone “you’re just tired” then she crossed her arms angrily. 

Kael walked ahead of us but stopped as something snagged his wrist. 

I couldn’t quite see it, there was a corner and he was dragged into it. 

We heard a door close, Juniper’s eyes widened and she was the first to take off. 

“Juniper!” I yelled “he’s probably gone off in there himself to brood!” 

She turned slightly “we both know that’s not true!” Then kept running

And turned at the corner and I caught up, and we ran in the door, found ourselves on the stage…?  Why would someone take Kael here?

Nyla— was in there. And turned “oh goodie! I thought you didn’t see him disappear!” 

Juniper scowled “where’s Kael” 

“Talkin’ to Elias ‘bout something” she shrugged, and pointed to a corner behind the red curtain in the shadow. 

We looked over and saw Kael awkwardly in a deep conversation with Elias (Nyx kept butting in) that he did not want to be a part of. 

There were two other kids, who had the same uniform as Nyla. So probably in their fifth year. 

The girl was holding a stack of books and talking rapidly. The boy was holding a wand and listening to every word. Face slightly pink. 

I walked over to Kael and grabbed his wrist “we’re going” 

Kael thanked me under his breath. 

Juniper held the door open, and was about to scold Kael for walking off— when Nyla spoke in her place. “You wanna stay?” 

I turned heat creeping up onto my face “for what?” I said gruffly 

Kael grinned “yeah why should we?”