CHAPTER 33: WHO'S IN TROUBLE?

I indulged myself with the books I had 'borrowed' from the library. Educating myself was an exercise I found rather necessary.

'Meghan!' I heard a thud from downstairs.

'Who's there?' I thought as I walked downstairs quietly.

'Meghan, he's in trouble.' Jade said disturbed. I could see her crown from where I should.

'Who? Who's in trouble?' I appeared downstairs.

'Mike.' She breathed.

My heart skipped a beat. What was she talking about? I didn't see Michael after my last class in school. I couldn't find him either. I sent a spell note, but he never replied, even though I taught him how to.

'What? How do you know he's in trouble?' I asked her wondering what was going on.

'I…I saw them take him.'

'Take him where? Who?' I was completely confused.

'We need to go.' She held my hand. Everything flashed and I was at the garden, the garden from my childhood.

And there was Mike. I scanned him quickly with my eyes, his hair was fine, and his arms weren't bound. He looked…unharmed. He had on a dark brown robe and a breath-taking smile on his face. He wasn't the only one smiling. Beryl too was grinning from ear to ear. Behind them was a basket with food on top of a mat. The little mat was a small distance from the lake. The water had blue lilies; my favourite. Gold fireflies swarmed in the evening breeze, casting their reflection on the water. The garden had never looked this beautiful. The entire thing was beautiful and well thought out. It was perfect. Just then, I realized there was music. It was the sound of a harmonica.

'Jade.' I thought out loud. She loved to play that mouth organ, I couldn't believe I forgot that.

'She offered to play. She said you'd love it.' Mike held my hands and I felt my heart stop beating.

'I do.' I breathed.

Mike led me to the mat.

'Food!' I thought. I was so hungry. I was so busy studying I forgot to eat afterwards.

The basket was packed with fish and chips. The food looked delicious.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Meghan rushed her food. I wasn't sure if the food I served her was too much, but I guess it was just fine after all.

The music abruptly stopped and then started again. This time, a different song was playing. It sounded familiar.

'Where is Jade?' She whispered as she searched for her with her eyes. Even Beryl had disappeared. Meghan and I were alone, or at least, it looked like we were.

'May I have a dance milady?' I gestured, trying to distract her from her thoughts.

'But of course,' she bowed. She looks used to this.

Taking a step forward, he placed his right hand on my waist and his left held my right hand.

'This look looks good on you.' She complimented whilst looking at my robe. I honestly liked the look too. Jade said it was a better fit.

'Thank you.' I smiled and she smiled back.

'No!' Beryl appeared and the music stopped again.

'No!' She yelled leaving us both puzzled.

'Right hand on waist, left hand on shoulder. You stand on the left.' She scolded me. They obviously rehearsed.

'Music please.' She smiled excitedly and the music began playing again.

'No! Mike stands on the left! The left!' She scolded and the music stopped again. I moved to the left.

'Good. Music Jade.' She ordered and I tried not to laugh. She looked rather serious.

We resumed dancing. Meghan looked into my eyes and smiled.

'The pace is wrong! You're not flowing with the music.' Beryl materialized behind us, startling me.

'I think he's doing fine,' Meghan said clearly tired of her interruptions.

'No, he's not!' Jade furrowed.

'I'm tired.' Jade yelled causing me to chuckle.

'But they're still dancing!' Beryl yelled back.

'No, we're not.' Meghan laughed as we walked back to the mat.

'Ugh. I'll be at Nest.' She said before leaving.