Dreamer (The Seeker Series Book 2) (4 page)

We went to Mannies on Central Avenue for lunch. It’s a homey, old-fashioned diner and one of the most famous grammatical mistakes in Albuquerque. Their lack of a possessive apostrophe aside, it was a great place. Over homemade vegetable soup for me and a giant burger for Jack, I filled him in on what the Seer Council had said about me possibly being the next Oracle.

“So, wait,” Jack said as he put his burger down. “I thought you went there to find out if you were really a Seer? What happened to that? How did it turn into this oracle thing? And what the hell is an oracle?”

I pushed my soup away, my appetite gone. If I was having a hard time with this, what did I expect from Jack? How could I expect him to keep on accepting all the new freaky stuff that keeps happening to me? Was this the point when he finally decides to walk away?

“Ally? Hey, what’s up? You got real quiet all of a sudden. Not a good quiet, either. What are you thinking?”

I shook my head. “No, it’s nothing. I get it. I understand.”

He looked at me for minute and then sighed. He got up and came around to my side of the booth and took me in his arms and kissed the top of my head. “You’ve got that look on your face. You know, the one that says you think I’m not going to be able to handle any more weird stuff and this is it for us. Huh? Admit it—it’s what you were thinking, isn’t it?” I nodded, trying to keep the tears in. “Okay, look at me.” He pulled my face up to look directly in my eyes. I could stare into his beautiful, deep brown eyes all day. “First, and most importantly, I love you, Ally. I’m in this for the long haul, no matter how freaky things get. If it means I get you, then count me in. You gotta start believing in us, babe.” He stopped to kiss me briefly and thank the waitress for refilling our coffee cups. “Secondly, you’re giving me, and all guys in general actually, way too much credit for deep thinking. When I say ‘what the hell is an oracle?’ that’s all I mean. No hidden meaning. I just want to know what it is. Guys are actually pretty simple and we tend to say exactly what we mean.” He kissed me again and then returned to his side of the table, placing a napkin in my hand so I could mop my face. Poor guy: it seems like all he ever did was watch me cry. I was such a girl. “Now let’s finish eating while you tell me all about this oracle stuff, okay?”

So I wiped my eyes and told him about how the Seer Council had tricked me into believing they were simply a group of innocent little old lady gardeners, but they actually held my fate in their hands. I told him about the last Oracle being stolen away from her people by the Gaulish clan, never to be heard from again. And I told him how the council was very interested in my abilities to see the future and seemed to think it was possible evidence of my oracle-ness or whatever. I finished with, “And they didn’t want to even let me go. They made me promise to come back over spring break and in the summer.”

“Spring break? Ah, Ally, no. I can’t stand not having our last school vacation together. You gotta tell them no, querida. I’ll probably go nuts if you’re gone.”

“Don’t worry. There is no way I’m going back over spring break. I’ll go in the summer as long as it’s while you’re gone to basic training.” I grabbed his hand across the table and rubbed my thumb over his knuckles. I told him what the council had told me about oracles, how they were messengers between worlds or something.

“Ally, what do you think? Do you think you could be this oracle?” He looked at me with concern.

“I don’t know, Jack. I think there’s a lot more to the story than what they’re telling me. I don’t trust those little old garden-seer ladies. I can’t even think about being an Oracle before I know what’s really going on.”

“That was a very Oracle-like thing to say,” he said with a laugh.

“Shut up.” I smiled. “Does this lunch include pie?”

***

The lunch did include pie, strawberry for me and chocolate cream for Jack, after which he took me to practice my driving. I had forgotten some of my technique on the stick shift, but Jack was patient and I finally started to get the hang of it. We were driving around the same church parking lot he had taken me to before Christmas.

“Great job, sweetheart! You’ll be ready to drive to school next week.”

“Jack, I haven’t even driven on a real street yet.” I was starting to hyperventilate.

“We’ll get you out on the streets tomorrow. You haven’t stalled out in at least five minutes.”

“No, no way, Jack. I’m nowhere near ready for the streets!”

He reached over and took my hand. “Calm down. You’re freaking yourself out!”

I rolled my eyes at him. I didn’t feel like I’d ever be ready for actual streets with real cars.

“You need to start believing in yourself, Ally. You can do this.” He kissed me as we switched seats so he could drive us. “So, what do you want to do for the rest of the day? I am entirely at your disposal.”

“Really?” I gave him what I hoped was a lascivious look, but was probably merely pathetic. “Anything I want?”

“Let me qualify my offer: anything PG-rated,” he countered.

I stuck my bottom lip out at him.

“Stop pouting. Maybe PG-13, depending on where we go. Happy?”

“Yes. Supremely happy. Would it be super-lame if we went to one of our houses and watched a movie? I’d really like to curl up on a couch with you.”

“Not even a little bit lame, querida. Let’s go to my house since Trina wants to fix dinner for you anyway,” he said.

“That’s sweet of her. And this way I get to spend time with Megan too.”

“Do you only love me for my little sister?”

“I love you
and
your little sister. And you’ve got some special attractions all your own.” I let my hand tip-toe across his chest.

He captured my hand and brought it to his mouth, kissing it and laughing at the same time. “Come on. Let’s head over to my house. I guess I can share you with my family for the evening if I have to.”

We ended up watching
The Princess Brid
e with Megan and Jack’s blue heeler, Sodapop, curled up between us. Jack and I both fell asleep before the Rodents of Unusual Size made their appearance. I woke up right as Wesley and Buttercup were sharing a final kiss and couldn’t resist starting a tickle war with Megan, which in turn woke Jack up. He joined in, albeit a bit sleepily, until Megan skipped off to see if dinner was going to be ready soon. I took the opportunity to curl up right next to Jack, inhaling the spicy, warm scent, which was so much a part of him. The smell alone did warm, wiggly things to my insides.

Trina had, as usual, outdone herself with dinner. I don’t think she had it in her to not go overboard when entertaining. Mat showed up about halfway through dinner, apologizing to his mother with a kiss on her cheek.

“Good thing you’re finally home, Ally,” Mat said around a mouthful of enchiladas. “My cousin was cranky while you were gone. All that pent-up energy. He seems so much calmer now.”

“Mat!” exclaimed Trina.

“I will literally punch you in the face, you a—”

“Jack!” both Trina and I broke in, hoping to save Megan’s tender ears. Mat laughed.

“Sorry, Trina.” Jack slitted his eyes at Mat, which made him laugh harder.

“It’s okay, Jack,” began Manny. “Mat’s just jealous. He’s got nobody to spend his…energy on.”

Score one for Manny. Even Trina laughed. Mat rolled his eyes.

“So, speaking of energy…where’s your little friend, Ally? What’s her name? Tia? Tammy?” Matt pretended to be stumped over my best friend’s name.

“Are we really going to do this, Mat? What do you want to know about Tara?” I laughed.

“Pathetic, huh?” The rest of us, including Megan, nodded. “Fine. Please tell me if she’s seeing anyone.”

“Not that I know of, but I haven’t had a chance to talk to her much since I got back. I’m spending the day with her tomorrow. I’ll find out for you, but Mat, I don’t think it’s gonna happen with you guys. I’m sorry.” I actually felt bad for him.

“Oh, you wait and see,” Mat said. “I haven’t even started yet. Tara and I are destined for each other! She just doesn’t know it yet.” I envied him the confidence I was sorely lacking in so many areas of my life.

CHAPTER FOUR

“…
he
had a kind of light within that drew me

to him like a moth to a candle.”

–Madeleine L’Engle

The first day of a new semester dawned and I woke with mixed emotions. I had squeezed every bit of enjoyment out of the last week of vacation, spending every second I could with my family and friends because I felt a little bit cheated out of this Christmas break. This was Jack’s last semester in high school before he would head off to basic training for army ROTC. We were heading towards such big changes and I felt like things in my life were fast slipping beyond my control. I was still plagued by the awful nightmare of being tied up and kidnapped, although I had hoped it would cease once I got home from Ireland. Instead, it had returned my second night home and nearly every night since. The dark circles under my eyes had taken up permanent residence and I knew my mom, Grams, and Jack were really starting to worry.

I had, against all odds, driven myself to school this morning—I only stalled out twice—and was now standing in the counselor’s office, trying to get information about signing up for the ACT before the first bell rang. He was with another student, so I sat in a green vinyl chair, waiting.

“So, Ren, uh, Rem?” My counselor, Mr. Grant, stumbled over the name of the young man he was ushering out of his office.

“It’s Rémy, monsieur,” the young man replied. He was very good-looking and, judging by his accent, French.

“Ah, that’s it, yes. Well, here is your schedule. I’ll try to find someone to help you find your first class,” he said and then spotted me. “Ah, Miss Moran. Perfect. Can you help this young man find his classroom? He’s new.” The new guy looked surprised, or maybe interested is a better word, when he heard my name. Odd.

“Uh, sure. I was wondering if I could get information on signing up for the ACT? And could I make an appointment? I’d like to talk about my credits.” The new student was staring at me with what could only be described as a smirk. It made me vaguely uncomfortable, although I wasn’t sure why.

“Of course. I’ll get you a packet and find a time slot for you.” He disappeared back into his office. The new kid and I stared at each other, but whereas I felt awkward, I’m pretty sure he didn’t; he seemed to exude confidence out of every pore. Was I the only one having a confidence crisis?

“So, you’re new here?” I launched the first conversational volley when I could no longer stand the pregnant silence. “Did you just move to Albuquerque?”

“Ah, oui,” he said with a shrug. “I’m on exchange for the rest of the year.”

I am not gonna lie and say his deep voice with the accent wasn’t the teeniest bit sexy. I may have a boyfriend and all, but I’m not dead.

Mr. Grant came out of his office with an official looking packet. “Here you go, Miss Moran. The deadline for the March test date is this Friday, so be sure to go online and sign up.” He handed me a slip of paper. “And here is an appointment.”

“Thanks, Mr. Grant. I will.” I turned to new exchange kid. “So, uh, you ready to go? I can help you find your class.”

“Oh, yes, let me introduce the two of you,” Mr. Grant seemed a little flustered and rushed. “This is Ally Moran,” he gestured to me. “She’s a junior also, and a member of our varsity cheerleading squad.” Wow. I had no idea my fame was so widespread that even the counselors knew who I was. “And this is Rémy Giles, a new exchange student from France.”

He reached out to shake my hand, but I suddenly knew, without the least shadow of a doubt, I should not let this boy touch me. Something inside me screamed to keep my distance. So, I awkwardly stared at his outstretched hand until Mr. Grant coughed and Rémy slowly withdrew it. Better he think me a rude American than I let him touch me. Trying to cover the awkwardness, I asked to see his schedule, which he handed me with a knowing smile. “Well, we have 1
st
, 4
th
, and 7
th
together. Come on. I’ll show you the way and introduce you around a bit, if you want.”

“Merci,” Rémy said with a slight smirk.

“So, where are you from? And why Albuquerque of all places?” I had my hands stuffed deep in my jacket pockets as we walked so he couldn’t ‘accidentally’ brush up against my skin. I can’t explain—well, rationally anyway—why I did not want him touching me; I knew I couldn’t let that happen.

“I’m from Rouen in Normandy.” At my confused look, since I’m not up on my French geography, he continued, “it’s about 130 kilometers northwest from Paris.”

First geography and now the metric system? Yikes. “So, how did you end up in Albuquerque? It’s kind of off the beaten path.”

“Ah, oui.” He shrugged again. It seemed like it might be a signature move with him. “There weren’t many other choices this late in the year. If I wanted to come to the U.S., I had to be happy with New Mexico. Once I found out it was actually in the United States, I was fine with it.”

I chuckled a little, as he seemed to expect. Yeah, we New Mexicans get that a lot.

“So, Ally. That’s a very pretty name,” he said. “Is it short for something? Alexandra, maybe?” Eww. I think he was starting to hit on me. Maybe. I don’t have a lot of experience with hot French guys hitting on me. Or any guys, actually. Jack was the sole exception, and I, sadly, pretty much had to chase him down.

“Nope. Not Alexandra.”

“Let’s see…Allison?” He was still smirking and I really needed to smack the smirk off his smug face. Hot he might be, but it doesn’t excuse annoying in my book.

“Nope, not even close. Here we are: 1
st
period, pre-calculus.” I led the way in and found a few of my cheerleader friends to loose Rémy on. Maybe they would appreciate his French charm in the way he was obviously used to. I sank gratefully into my desk chair. Whew! I was not made for this flirting crap! I took out my cell phone and texted a brief good morning to Jack.

Me: Hey. Good morning.

Jack: Hey beautiful. How r u? C u 4
th
period. Luv u.

Me: I’m ok. Love you too.

“So, a boyfriend? That’s too bad.” Rémy was peering over my shoulder, reading my texts. Intrusive little creep!

“Do you mind?” I glared at him, hiding my screen.

He laughed and turned back to the girls who were, as expected, going nuts over him. I guess I couldn’t blame them; he truly was very good-looking with golden brown hair, which fell over his forehead in a sexy just-rolled-out-of-bed look and piercing blue eyes. He was dressed differently than the rest of the guys too. His jeans were cut in a way that made them look, I don’t know…European, I guess. And he wore a scarf. Yeah. No guys in my high school, and maybe all of Albuquerque, wore a scarf, unless they were gay. Nothing wrong with being gay, but it was pretty obvious Rémy wasn’t. And the scarf looked good, damn it. I could appreciate his physical beauty without being attracted to him because my reaction to him was definitely more on the irritated side than anything else. Something about him set my teeth on edge.

At the end of class, Rémy thanked me for showing him around and said he’d see me in 4
th
period. Then he headed off with a girl named Meredith. Good riddance. I tried not to think about him through 2
nd
and 3
rd
periods.

Jack was waiting for me outside of physics. I was so happy to see him after the morning experience with Rémy I couldn’t keep myself from giving him a hug and a fairly decent kiss, even though neither of us was much for PDA at school. It simply wasn’t classy. There’s always an exception, however, and Jack certainly didn’t seem to mind my kiss, returning it with enthusiasm.

“Hey, are you okay?” he asked as he pulled away. He ran his thumbs gently over the dark circles under my eyes. “I’m starting to worry, querida. You’re not bouncing back like you should.”

“I’m fine, Jack. I’m not sleeping well.” Before I could elaborate, I heard a throat clearing behind me. Rémy, of course.

“Ah, Ally, this must be the boyfriend. Bonjour, my name is Rémy Giles.” He extended his hand to Jack.

Before I could think to step between them, they were shaking hands.

“Jack Ruiz. Uh, nice to meet you.” Jack made it sound almost like a question, which amused me. “So, how do you know Ally?”

“Ah, we met this morning when she was so kind as to show me around the school and introduce me to everyone. I thought we had such a connection,
un coup de foudre.
Love at first sight. But then I find you have a boyfriend and I am desolate, chérie,” he addressed me at the end of his ridiculous speech.

“Whatever,” I said rudely in response to his cheesy comments. “Rémy is an exchange student, Jack. There was no connection. Let’s go.” I walked into physics, leaving both Jack and Rémy to follow or not.

Mr. Chiszowski paired Rémy with Veronica, as her former lab partner had dropped out at the semester. As we worked our way through a lab on series circuits, which, as usual, Jack understood and I didn’t, I watched Rémy and Veronica across the room. She was so much more subdued since her near-death experience at the hands of Coach Trevino right before Christmas. The old Veronica would have been at the front of the pack flirting and showing off for the hot new guy. This new Veronica sat hunched over her lab table, talking to no one, working quietly on the assignment. I hadn’t talked to her since I got back, which I regretted now. I was surprised to see Rémy was different around her: he was quiet and seemed to show her a great deal of deference. It was a different side to him and I didn’t know what to think about it.

“That guy bugs you, huh?” Jack looked up from our ammeter and voltmeter.

“Yeah. We didn’t hit it off this morning.”

He went back to recording the voltage of our circuit. “Well, good. I may not need to kick his ass, then.”

I laughed a bit and turned back to help him with the circuit.

***

After physics, Jack and I walked hand-in-hand toward the cafeteria. Annoyingly, Rémy walked alongside, ignoring the fact we hadn’t invited him to join us. He kept up a steady stream of inane chatter all the way to the cafeteria. I looked up at Jack, biting my lip to hold back a smile as he rolled his eyes.

“Ally, you are so kind to introduce me to all your friends,” Rémy said.

“I never said I would do that. You’re simply following us.”

“Being the new guy is not easy,” he continued as if I hadn’t spoken. “I’m so lucky to have found you, chérie.”

“Please stop calling me that,” I requested through clenched teeth.

“I may have to kick his ass, after all,” Jack muttered as we entered the cafeteria.

Rémy again turned on his considerable charm as he was introduced to Tara, Travis, and Dustin. He took Tara’s hand and, I kid you not, kissed the back of it, murmuring, “Enchanté, mademoiselle.” She clearly bought it, which was disappointing. They sat next to each other and I watched her completely fall under his spell. She actually simpered at him. Great. I was really hoping to find a way to distance myself from him, and he goes and immediately charms my usually taciturn best friend. Did she just giggle? Yuck. Why did he seem to be so intent on worming his way into my inner circle?

“Hey, let’s all go to the movies tonight,” suggested Tara, prying herself away from him momentarily. “Rémy’s never been to an American movie theater. Come on, it’ll be fun.”

I was having a hard time thinking of something less fun than going on a group date with annoying euro trash. I gave Tara a look that, I hope, said ‘forget it, not happening.’ She responded with a pleading look.

“Yeah, come on, you guys,” added Travis. “We haven’t been out together for ages, except after games. I want to hear all the details about what happened with you and Veronica.”

Rémy, of course, picked right up on this and wanted to know what he was talking about. Tara and Travis were interrupting each other to tell him all about the steroid scandal from last semester when I happened to glance over and noticed Veronica sitting by herself at a table. She looked depressed and miserable, so I got up and went over to her.

“Hey, Veronica. How’s it going?” I sat down next to her.

She looked up from playing with her food. “Oh, hey. Ally. It’s, um, going fine, I guess.”

“I’m glad to see you back. I didn’t know if you’d be able to come back this soon.” Then I wondered if maybe I shouldn’t bring up what had happened. Maybe she was trying to forget. I hoped I hadn’t stuck my foot in my mouth.

“Yeah, I’m okay to come back to school as long as I take it easy.”

“Are you coming back to cheerleading?” I asked hesitantly.

“I don’t know,” she began. “I’m not sure if I’m allowed. Or if I really want to,” she ended on a whisper.

“Well, I hope you decide to come back,” I put my hand on hers. “Veronica, come sit with us. Please?” She had said, when I visited her in the hospital, that she wished we could be friends again, so I needed to at least try.