Jack smirked when Charles’ wasn’t looking and we followed him from the manor and onto the grounds. It appeared that Charles hated the cold more than I did. I found this very strange indeed. His teeth chattered, and he shook violently, complaining all the way across the lawns about the weather.
“Sir,” I began, “If you hate the snow and cold so much, why did you move to a place where it’s cold all year round?”
Charles frowned and I noticed Jack give me a warning look, “I didn’t move here, I’ve lived here all my life.”
I deliberated for a moment, “No, but you told me you used to live … where was it again?” I couldn’t recall, “On my first day here, when you showed me you’re Power, you told me how you used to have beautiful gardens. Surely that wasn’t here.”
Charles grumbled something but I didn’t quite catch it. Jack however was giving me secret signals to shut up. Finally, I remembered the name Charles had told me.
“Phoenix Arch.” I recalled, “That’s where you told me you were from.”
Jack rolled his eyes in defeat and gave up.
“I did indeed say that.” Charles nodded, “I’m surprised you remembered.”
“I tend to remember unimportant little things.”
“It’s best you forget about it.” He waved it aside.
“Why?” I pressed.
“It’s not important.”
“Where’s Phoenix Arch?” I asked.
“It’s, um. Well, that is to say-”
“They have a map of England in the Messenger Service shop.” I recalled as we stepped onto the main street.
“Ah, I’m sure it won’t show it.” Charles sounded annoyed now.
“Why not?”
“Avalon.” Jack hissed and elbowed me in the rib.
I winced, “All right. I was just curious.” I grumbled and followed them in silence the rest of the way.
As we walked through the city streets towards the Power-Seer I spotted R?ven the messenger girl dressed in a large black cloak with the hood pulled up for protection against the wind and cold. She looked different somehow, and I came to the conclusion that she had several layers of makeup on. Her lips were blood red, and her skin seemed to glitter. I stared at her as I walk past, and her eyes slid to me. She stared. Usually when you get caught staring at someone, it is polite to look away and pretend to look at something else in your embarrassment. I couldn’t seem to take my eyes from her. She watched me in silent curiosity until we passed her completely and the only way I could continue staring was if I turned around and watched her walk down the street.
Jack seemed to have noticed for he muttered into my ear when Charles wasn’t paying attention, “Do you think what Camryn said about her is true?”
I racked my brain but remembered a lot of things that had been said about R?ven and her unusual attitude.
“You mean the fact that she isn’t interested in you?” I whispered back, a small smile playing my lips.
Jack glared at my amusement, “How do you know she’s not?” He demanded, “She never speaks to anyone.”
“Usually when a girl likes a boy, they find ways of showing it.” I tried to suppress my grin. It was quite funny how proud Jack could be. He had quite an ego when it came to girls.
“She must swing your way then.” Jack concluded, stuffing his hands in his pockets, his tone dripping with implications.
“Jack.” I hissed, “You can’t assume that a woman harbours same sex tendencies, just because she isn’t interested in you.”
“Then why does she always stare at you?” Jack scoffed.
I sighed. Males, I thought irritably.
“Anyway,” I tried to change the subject, “Wouldn’t she be a little young for you anyway?”
Jack shrugged, “Only four years difference.” He muttered.
I nudged him playfully, “Don’t worry. Plenty of fish in the sea, eh?”
Jack smiled, “Oh, I’m not worried about that.”
“Then what are you worried about?”
“Well it wouldn’t be fair would it?” He waved a hand behind us, indicating the way R?ven had disappeared.
“What wouldn’t?”
“If the two best looking girls I knew ended up, well, you know.” He insinuated.
“Who are we talking about again?”
“You and R?ven.” He said incredulously.
I felt myself turn pink, “You think I’m good looking?” I was genuinely shocked.
Jack rolled his eyes and picked up the pace. I hadn’t noticed that we were falling behind Charles.
Skipping to his side again I repeated my earlier question.
“You’ve got to be the most modest person I’ve ever met.” Jack shook his head.
I grinned sheepishly the whole way to the Power Seer, rather pleased with myself.