His eyes twinkled mischievously as Jade opened her mouth a little in surprise. "Oh�so you are the Gabriel, the soccer star, the tennis star and the star pupil?" He nodded and smiled at Jade. "Wow, you are practically a celebrity in our school. I remember some weeks ago, Cordia on our school paper wrote an article on you. Your achievements are really impressive Mr. Lake." Jade gushed with admiration.
His eyes dropped down and he looked uncomfortable about discussing his achievements. "Sorry. I didn't mean to sound, well, sound like those fans of yours. But really I couldn't recognize you, since I never see you around in school before. Where were you most of the time?" Jade asked curiously.
"Erm�I'm quite busy with my studies and I'm always running around so it's no surprise you never notice me."
"Oh. I heard a lot of things about you that you seemed like quite popular."
"There's really just a misconception. I'm not very popular, not as much as you are." There was silence as they sipped their drinks and observed the dance crowd. Just then Jade spotted Julia heading towards them with her partner in tow.
"Hey Jade. I want you to meet my wonderful dance partner, Ted. And Ted, this is my best friend, Jade." Julia started on talking excitedly, still holding Ted's hand. Smiling politely, Jade introduced Gabriel to Ted and they sat down to chat. Watching Julia acting like a couple with Ted, Jade felt something pricking in her mind. She's moving too fast. Its just two hours and she's already behaving like Ted's her boyfriend. And I can feel that Ted's not what he seem. Jade wasn't a normal girl, she was born a witch and grown to be a witch.
Usually she could connect with Julia via telepathy but at that moment, Julia didn't want to be connected with her. Damn! The girl's heading to a collision if she doesn't watch out. I wish she'll just talk to me. Ted and Gabriel were talking about some sports while Julia was snuggling closer to Ted. After a few more minutes of watching, Jade couldn't stand it anymore and dragged Julia to the restroom.
Looking dreamy, Julia asked, "What's wrong, Jade?"
"Julia, I think you are moving too fast with Ted. You two just knew each other!"
"So what? He's really charming and sweet. He likes me too, he told me so. And I like him. Nothing else matters. It's so romantic, don't you think? To find your true love in a romantic dance like this one."
Exasperated, Jade tried again, "Yes it's romantic. But it's not as simple as what it seems. You don't know him well yet and I'm afraid you might get hurt."
Julia waved her hands, "No. I won't get hurt. Ted won't let me. You'll see. I know this's my first time but I'm sure he's the one."
Jade swore under her breath, "Just promise me that if you got any problems, must tell me ok? I'll help you. And please, girl, be careful."
Julia nodded lightly and bounced out of the restroom with Jade trailing after her, looking glum. Gabriel noticed her glum look as they returned to the table and raised his eyebrows at her. She just shook her head and put on a smile. The dance was winding down as people started to leave the place.
Suddenly with an inspiration, Gabriel asked the threesome, "Hey, since the night's still young, want to check out the mysterious forest nearby?"
"What forest?" Jade raised her eyebrows curiously.
"The forest that was rumored to have fairies and spirits in it. Those who entered it always heard melodious music playing throughout the forest and one even claimed to have seen the fairies."
"Wow� it sounds interesting. I vote that we go." Jade replied with excitement. Ted and Julia nodded.
