The Witch of the Western Gate: Dragon's Gift (15 page)

Chapter 13

Blue jumped when her phone rang and jingled with Invader Zim’s insane laugh. She checked it immediately. Sure enough, a text from Rafe to their little group, about the skating party, "pick bm&* up 5pm bo wrkng prty." Blue giggled. Rafe always called Brando “bo” in texts and he hated it. Brando had not yet found a good teasing text name for Rafe. The best he could do was “rfty,” to remind everyone that “Rafe” was short for “Rafferty”. Blue was eager to help Brando in this quest, since the text name Rafe had given her was even worse. Her text name was “bm”. Stella on the other hand, had made out well with her text name of *.

“Stella means star,” Rafe had explained. “Plus it’s so fast and easy to type, and I can’t think of anything funny to do with her name anyway.”

Brando worked part-time at the Roll-A-Rama as a roller hockey referee. He also worked security for various Roll-A-Rama events. Tonight was a special skating party for all teens in the county. Blue quickly texted Rafe back. “kk cya.”

Blue cheered at Took, who had waddled out of the greenhouse to plop on his cushion in front of the fire.

"I'm going out guyz so you be good til I get back."

Le Roy spread his wings and shook his tail. He’d been dozing on his perch in front of the fire. Took had started to copy this mannerism and stretched in perfect imitation of the crow. LeRoy, looking on, sputtered in disgust,

"Now I've seen everything!"

The Roll-A-Rama had once been a deserted storefront. Before that it had been a hardware store, then a grocery store. Finally Corwin McChesney became tired of looking at the deserted store front and bought it, in one of his not particularly profitable real estate development deals, so he thought. It had in fact become a reasonably profitable investment.

"What will I ever do with this?" he said, driving past it one day. "It's a cursed site for a business. Everything that goes in there fails."

"We need a place to rollerskate, especially since the winters are so long. Make it into a roller rink, Dad," Blue had suggested.

"That's a good idea," Corwin had mused. "It's next to the bowling alley too."

So Corwin had a designer come in, laid a wood skating floor, snack area, counter and cubbies for skate rental. Then he took on Joe and Pat Schultz, owners of the bowling alley, as partners. The Schultz’s ran the place on a day-to-day basis. The Roll-A-Rama was busy nearly every evening during the winter and inclement weather. There were adult skate nights, teen skate nights, toddler skates, 4-H skates, boy scouts and girlscout skate parties, school grade skates, holiday skates, church skates and more.

"Do we pick up Ivy too?" asked Brando.

"No, I've had enough rejection from Ivy this week," replied Blue.

"She blew us off when we tried to walk her to school her first day," added Stella. "She'd already left with some other girls. Cheerleaders."

"Not very considerate," commented .Brando

"No, but that's Ivy," chimed in Rafe.

"She knows about the skate party though," said Blue. "I texted her and invited her to stop by, but I doubt she'll show."

"Not unless they make Gucci rollerblades," giggled Stella. She and Blue convulsed into giggles.

"I have to hand it to Ivy though," said Stella. "She sure knows how to maneuver. She's been in school for three days and she now is on the cheerleading squad."

Blue stared in amazement. "How did she manage that?"

"Well, she made the right connections even before moving here. You know, during her visits most of her time was spent at Pinewoods Country Club. There she became Friends with Amy and Andrea Barnswell."

“Oh no, not the Barnsmells!” groaned Blue.

"Who are they?," asked Rafe. “Backwoods Starpoint High kids like me can’t keep track of all your Lockportian High School royalty.”

“Starfarm jeered Blue,” grinning.

Stella leaned forward giggling. “Amy is the head cheerleader at Lockport High School. She graduates this year. Her sister, Andrea, is in 10th grade, and likely will be the new head cheerleader. Their mother teaches "business skills" and is also the teacher supervisor, whatever that is, for the cheerleading squad.”

Blue explained. "As teacher supervisor, Mrs. Barnswell basically runs the cheerleading squad. Also, “Business Skills” is a fancy name for typing. Years ago they did shorthand too, but no one uses that anymore so they just type and learn basic database, spreadsheet, and internet skills. I think it's for girls who want to work in offices right away after high school."

“Nothing wrong with that,” commented Brando.

"Anyway," Stella interjected. "A couple of cheerleaders have been ill with the flue and are far behind on schoolwork. They were given the choice of being suspended from the team or resigning. Harsh deal I think, since it's not their fault they got sick. Then the alternate cheeleaders were called up. They were one short so Ivy was selected by special appointment of Mrs. Barnswell, Andrea and Amy's mom. So Voila! Third day in a new school and Ivy is a cheerleader."

“You find out the best scuttlebutt during gymnastics practice,” said Blue admiringly.

Blue giggled. "I just hope it improves her mood, landing her gorgeous high-society self on the cheerleading squad with no effort."

"Not only that, but she acts like she's doing everyone a favor." Blue and Stella collapsed in giggles.

"Still, it is amazing," said Blue, genuinely impressed.

“I don’t really know your cousin Ivy, and she sounds immature, but you should cut her a little slack,” said Brando. “It must be hard for her to move to a new high school in the middle of freshman year, especially when the Niagara Frontier is so different from her home downstate.”

“I suppose,” admitted Blue.

“I’m just saying, from her point of view it’s a harsh deal. And unless she’s demented, Ivy knows that you are not thrilled about it. She’s probably heard you and Stella giggling behind her back.”

“Brando, you are just so, so grownup”! replied Stella.

“I suppose you have a point. We’ll have to make sure she can’t hear us giggling,” added Blue. She and Stella collapsed in giggles again.

At the Roll-A-Rama they piled out of the car, then went inside and rented skates, except for Stella, who was a great skater and had her own pair of shell pink and mauve rollerblades. As they were sitting and putting on their skates, Brando returned, balancing 3 pizzas and a pitcher of lemondade and paper cups.

“My treat.”

"Excellent bro!" said Rafe, helping with the pizza.

"Merci! You the best!," added Talon.

"So fast too, and I'm starving," Stella chimed in.

Blue was already digging into a piece. "Thanks Brando!"

"I ordered it before we left home," said Brando.

"I bet you boys all ate dinner at home already too," teased Blue.

"Mai oui," replied Talon.

"Of course, never miss a meal," added Rafe.

Two of the three pizzas disappeared in a flash, as they were tying their skates.

Stella glided out onto the wooden floor, bowed to the group, then began weaving around the less proficient skaters, making her way quickly around the rink. She looked great in her burgundy colored jeans, and a shell pink long sleeve sweater with white t-shirt under it. Blue watched her admiringly and pulled her thick red hair back into a ponytail. Talon watched for a moment then in a flash was skating beside Stella.

Blue turned to Rafe,

"Are you sure Talon's never been on skates before? Look at him go! He's keeping up with Stella!" Now they were holding hands and Talon took the lead in a skate dance, guiding Stella around the rink.

"Stella's a natural athlete," replied Rafe. "But Talon is wolven, as well as being a naural athlete. He's small in size but his swiftness, strength, and agility are outstanding."

"Looks to me like Stella has met her match," replied Blue.

"Don't be afraid, Cheese," Rafe teased. "Even without the use of magic, a little witch sorcerer like you can learn to skate, maybe not so well as Stella, but at least well enough not to fall." Cheese, instead of McChesney, was a very old teasing nickname Rafe had invented years ago and Blue would not have stood for anyone else calling her Cheese."

"Don't you dare say it!" replied Blue. "You know better than to say it!"

Rafe laughed, moving out of reach and onto the rink. He was moving slowly skating backwards with eyes full of mirth and a deep grin. "Blue Cheese," he whispered, just loud enough for Blue to hear.

Blue stiffened.

“Now you did it!,” Rafe had uttered the worst nickname possible, an old one invented years ago when they were both in grammar school. Blue still had not thought of anything nearly so fine for Rafe. Blue stumbled out onto the rink and Rafe grabbed her elbow just in time to hold her up, then side by side, they made their way around the rink.

After a couple turns around the rink, Blue was starting to feel more confident about her balance, but now her feet were starting to hurt. So she and Rafe took a seat. He kept looking over at her.

"Is something wrong?" Blue asked. "Is there tomatoe sauce on my face?"

"A little right here," replied Rafe, gently pinching her chin. Blue did not realize that he kept looking over because he was wondering why he hadn't noticed how lovely she'd become. When did that happen? Her blue eyes were bright, the color brought out by the aquamarine hoodie she was wearing over a long-sleeved royal blue t-shirt. Blue's coppery red hair was gorgeous, and her skin glowing from the exercise. Rafe especially liked her freckles.

Finally Blue shook off her skates and put her feet up on another chair then began rubbing her instep.

"Sore?," asked Rafe.

"A little, but I'll be OK to take another turn in a few minutes."

"Allow me to help," said Quantrill, sitting across from Blue. Before Blue knew what was happening, Quantrill took one of her feet in his hand and began massaging the instep. Rafe gave a low growl.

Blue's mouth dropped. "Where did you come from Quantrill? I didn't see you earlier!"

"Oh, I was here, blending in with the background, just observing. I came in the back door. My Aunt Zerelda donated a basket to the raffle and asked me to drop it off for her. And who is your friend?," Quantrill turned toward Rafe.

"Oh, sorry," said Blue. “Rafe this is Quantrill Reynard, Zerelda's nephew, and Quantrill this is my good friend Rafe Mantooth."

Blue could see that Rafe had stiffened and his eyes flashed with a look of the wolf as he gave Quantrill a stiff nod.

Just at that moment Ivy flounced over with Andrea Barnswell, both still in cheerleading uniforms straight from practice.

"Hello Rafe!" said Ivy. Rafe nodded.

"Ivy? What are you doing here? I thought you said that you were not interested in any farmer town skate parties?" said Blue.

"Well, hello to you too, cuz. I wasn't, but then Andrea here convinced me check it out. Also, Aunt Elizabeth donated a basket for the raffle and asked me to drop it off."

"Have you ever skated much, Ivy?,” asked Rafe. “If you've never skated before, it can be tricky at first."

"I'm sure you can help me Rafe," said Ivy, as she gracefully lowered himself into his lap and threw her head back, looking up at him. "I'm going to need all the help I can get, learning to skate."

Rafe ignored Ivy and stood up. Ivy dropped to the floor and landed on her behind with a thump. "Ouch! Rafe! What the heck?" Rafe gave Blue a nod then glided silently toward the front door where Brando was standing, watching the exchange.

"Well, I never!" stammered Ivy. That was so rude! This is entirely your fault Blue!” Ivy stalked away, fuming, Andrea beside her.

"What did I do?" said Blue, confused.

"You just are lovely, darling, that's all," said Quantrill, in a soothing voice. Your charming cousin believes that she is, what teens refer to nowadays as, "all that" and that you are, shall we say, less than "all that." Quantrill had more than a hint of a smile on his face.

“Oh jeeze, I forgot to introduce you to Ivy and Andrea. They left so suddenly. Next time…”

“Oh, don’t be concerned,” replied Quantrill. “I do not care to make their acquaintance. You are the one I’m interested in.” Quantrill’s eyes bore into Blue and she started to feel dizzy.

“Ivy covets Rafe for herself and was annoyed he was paying court to you, and even more annoyed when he stood and her behind bounced off the hard floor. I must say, I would pay to see that again!" Quantrill laughed out loud.

"Wolven are so blunt. They know nothing about how to treat a woman."

Quantrill continued on in a soothing voice, and Blue felt her eyelids growing heavy. Wait, was he charming her? What the heck was he doing? He had the other foot in his hands now. Blue yanked her foot back, and gave Quantrill an accusing look.

"What was that all about?" she said.

"Nothing, darling, I was merely soothing your sore feet and calming your nerves."

"My nerves are fine, and nothing needs calming." Blue stood up, angry. He had been doing something and he wouldn't even admit it. Slippery sneak!, she thought.

"I have to go. Bye." Not much of an exit line, but this was one Blue kept handy to use whenever she was cornered beyond endurance in an untenable situation. Blue grabbed up her skates and started across the floor toward Brando and Rafe, who were at the door, where Brando stood working security. His eyes were on Quantrill, as though he was watching for trouble. Quantrill gave a mock salute in Brando's direction then left out the back door.

Chapter 14

"Heh Brando. Seen any troublemakers this evening?" said Blue, following his gaze as he tracked Quantrill leaving.

"Heh Blue. "Funny you should ask. You did know that your friend Quantrill is a vampire, right?"

"A what!" Blue's mouth dropped.

"A vampire. You know, the living dead. Bloodsuckers."

"Oh my god! I had no idea! That explains why he's so creepy. I couldn't quite put my finger on it."

"Well now you know. He was trying to charm you a minute ago, but you snapped out of it. Rafe wanted to pound him, but I convinced him not to, this being a public place. We were watching to be sure he didn't harm you, though I doubt he'd dare to bite you in a public place."