Counting Stars

Chapter 29

➹ Chapter 29➹

Clarence

            I look back up into night sky, where I came from. The brighter star among the others catches my eye – the star where my castle is. I take a deep breath and gaze into the forest. It's not too late to show up, right? I'm taking a big leap, here, and it could mess up anytime.

            I glance down at my outfit: a white t-shirt and jeans for the cool night. My hair is pulled back into a ponytail and my bracelet is in its usual place. I walk on the dry soil, following the invisible trail my instincts lead me to. I sense my alter ego close by, held by Calvin while she sleeps. After a few steps, I can already see the smoke from their campfire. I reach their site and hide behind a tree amongst the shadows to catch their conversation.

            " – don't know why you're so overjoyed about this." That's Calvin's voice.

            "Calvin, if I were you, I wouldn't blame Alex. Only a blind a person wouldn't see the chemistry between you two." Ami. Is she talking about Calvin and Lou?

            "Well, I wish the only person who will gladly stop saying that is here." It's Calvin again. Aw, he's talking about me.

            "But sadly, she's not here." Alex speaks this time.

            I allow myself to emerge from the shadows, "Oh, really?" All heads pivot towards me, shock clear on their faces.

            For a second, my gaze flickers towards Lou's sleeping figure – my sleeping figure. Then it drifts towards Ash, who looks confused for a moment then suddenly, he understands what's going on.

            "Clarence!" Alex smile at me. She sees me like how she did two years ago, when I appeared to Calvin and her on her window sill. It's because I barely make myself look eighteen, my real age. Most of the time, I look sixteen or fifteen.

            "I thought you're doing something with your mom?" Jennifer looks as overjoyed as Alex.

            I shrug nonchalantly, "We finished early." Not really a lie. "So I decided to catch up late."

            I turn my gaze towards Calvin, who smiles at me. He's still holding Lou, but he's happy to see me. Guilt settles in my chest, thinking how he'd react if he finds out. "Can I join in? I heard you were talking about me."

            Ami gestures me to sit by their log. I make myself comfortable on the ground, facing the other log. We're all gathered here, in one place, but only me, and two other people know the exact truth.

            "We thought you'd never come," Calvin looks at me.

            "You're all here without me," I tell them, "do you think you'll survive without me?"

            Alex nudges Calvin, "I think you influenced her."

            Jed chuckles, "Nah, she's like that all the time." I roll my eyes. While I'm Lou, I can't jump into the conversations without my cover being blown but with the real me, I get along with everyone. No more shy quiet girl.

            I clasp my hands together, "Where were we again? Oh right, Lou and Calvin's relationship."

            Even in the dim light, I see Calvin blush. He turns his eyes to sleeping Lou and briefly kisses her forehead. I feel a tug in my chest.