Autumn Storm (The Witchling #2)(14)

They talked most of the way to Newport. By the time they arrived, the game was just starting, and the skies were dark. Beck opened the door for her. She stepped out. It was chillier than she expected.

“If you get cold, hungry, bored, whatever, let me know,” he said. “Okay?”

She nodded, pleased to find him such a gentleman. Not that she remembered much about him, but this aspect of him seemed genuinely new. Beck offered his arm. Grateful for the dark that hid her blush, she took it.

“We’re meeting a few folks here. Chances are, our team will get skunked.”

Autumn glanced up at him as they moved through the parking lot towards the stadium. The air was clear and crisp. He had the body of an athlete; she wondered what sports he played. Swimming? No, not Beck.

The guy she’d seen leaving the kitchen who watched the stars with her.

The memory escaped her again. She was getting sick of a place that seemed welcoming yet left her so frustrated.

“How’s Dawn treatin’ you?” he asked as they neared the stadium. “She’s not easy to get along with.”

“No, she’s not,” she agreed. “She leaves me alone, though, for the most part.”

“That’s good. She can be a real bitch to new girls.”

“I think we’ll end up in an argument soon.”

“Careful. She holds no punches,” he warned. “If it comes to that, move out. Trust me on this one.”

They entered the stadium. The game was going, and the bleachers half full. Autumn looked around, enjoying the excitement in the cool air. With Beck’s soothing touch taking away her pain, she felt good for the first time in weeks. The wind sang to her. It was as excited as the fans. The other team’s marching band blared as they scored, and she jumped.

“You alright?” Beck asked, glancing down at her with a smile.

“Yeah.”

He turned his attention back to the stands, searching for his friends. She gazed around again, enamored by the sense of excitement and normalcy. They climbed the stairs, and Beck stood aside to let her pass. Biji waved at them.

Biji.

Autumn almost stopped, startled she knew the name of the little Indian girl standing on a bench. Her gaze locked on the face that was familiar.

“Biji, Elena, Dylan, this is Autumn, one of the new girls. And you know Adam and Jenna,” Beck said, motioning to the five figures waiting for them.

“Hi, Autumn!” Biji and Jenna chorused.

Jenna waved, and Adam smiled. Autumn sat down beside Biji while Beck sat beside her.

“Beck, I thought you were playing,” Biji said, leaning around her. Her British accent was thick.

“Maybe next week,” Beck said with a shrug. “Football isn’t my thing anyway.”

“He’s got issues,” Biji whispered to Autumn then grinned. “When did you get here?”

“Yesterday.”

Biji’s smile and voice were familiar. Her makeup was flawless and her hair shining with health. Autumn felt happy next to the girl. She saw the air lift a lock of Biji’s hair and realized Biji was an air element like her.

“It’s a good school. We had a rough summer but …” Biji’s gaze grew dark. “Anyway, who are you rooming with?”

“Dawn.”

“Oh, god. I hate that girl! Why she hasn’t crossed to the Dark yet, I don’t know. She’s a bitch.”

Surprised by the vehemence, Autumn glanced at her.

“Happy thoughts, Biji,” Beck said. “You’re too cute to be angry.”

“I totally am, boss.” Biji rolled her eyes.

Autumn listened as the students talked around her. She met Jenna’s gaze more than once. The bubbly brunette smiled in response as she, too, absorbed the dynamics and gossip that flew around them.

“It seems like such a positive place,” Jenna broke into the conversation at last. “I asked Amber, but she wouldn’t tell me about the memorial.”

Autumn looked at Biji as the whole group fell silent. The Indian girl pursed her lips and stared at the football field. Tension filled the air, and no one spoke. Jenna’s face reddened as the silence lengthened.

“How about some cocoa?” Autumn asked, looking at Beck.

“Great idea,” he said and stood. “How many cocoas?”

Everyone raised their hands.

“C’mon.” Beck held out his hand to Autumn. She took it, and he pulled her up.

They made their way through the bleachers to the concession stand and stood in line.

“Good call,” Beck said, his smile back. “Kind of a touchy subject.”

“I noticed. Must’ve been tragic.” She wasn’t sure she wanted to know, recalling the strange chill and how the whispering elements fell silent.

“Yeah.” His gaze was distant. “You want anything else?”

She shook her head. “I’m going to find the bathrooms, though.”

“I’ll probably still be right here,” he said, lifting his chin to indicate the long line of students between them and the stand. He released her arm.

Autumn smiled at him again and shifted her cane. She’d seen two small buildings between the bleachers. She walked in the narrow walkway behind the stands, listening to the marching band and cheering crowd.