January Dreams Carrigan Richards (the mitten read aloud TXT) 📖

I wiped the tears from my cheeks and peered up into his eyes. “Take my memory away.”

Vincent stilled. “What?”

I drew a ragged breath. “Take it all away. Why should that Elf even possess an inch of my mind? I don’t want to remember how I was made a fool.” I hated the words I spoke, but I needed to be with Vincent. We were supposed to be together. I loved him, even if that love didn’t compare to what I felt for Casper. But that was what I was supposed to do.

He cradled my head in his hands, staring into my eyes with a heated gaze. “I’ll take it all away. Every last memory of him.”

And Vincent erased it all.

But now my memories returned, and as I sit in this cold cell alone, they are all I have. I know for a fact that my love for Casper was real and that his love was real. I do not wish to cause Vincent more pain, but his men have tried to kill me repeatedly. I have to pretend my mind has not remembered anything, if I am ever saved from this cell.

I will have my vengeance one day.

But for now, I hug my knees, and weep for Casper. My heart has never felt so broken. The pain overwhelms me. It fills my lungs like water from the ocean. I cry so hard and scream so loud, knowing no one can hear me. No one can hear my heart breaking into pieces or me drowning in the tears. I hold onto my memory of Casper. I have to be strong.

If Vincent releases me, I will continue to pretend to love him with all my heart. And all the while, I will look for the Jewel. Once I find it, I will return it to the Elves. For Casper. For the man who will always be the true owner of my heart.

Chapter Forty

Biting my lip, I get out of my car in the high school parking lot. It feels so good to be outside and smell the fresh air, not in my front yard or in Vincent’s car. Weeks of being cooped up in my house drove me crazy. I feel good. Except for the stupid dreams. I can’t decide which made me crazier, the dreams or my sickness. Why are my dreams so against Vincent? Is something trying to tell me something about him?

I’m eager to be at school. To see Cherry. Vincent. And yes. To see Casper. But I will never admit that to him. He sent texts a few times, but I ignored them. I feel bad that I’ve not replied, but I told Vincent I wouldn’t. Every time I think about it, there’s a strange ache in my stomach. It’s so stupid.

The last few weeks I spent my nights with Vincent in secret. And after my most recent dream, I feel like the worst person ever. How could I leave Vincent like that? I know they’re dreams, but it makes me feel like a shady person.

I shake my head hoping to free my mind from these stupid dreams. I grab my backpack and shut my car door.

“There’s my girl,” Vincent says, making his way toward me.

“Hey.”

He kisses me softly, using an inch of his tongue, which is enough to make me turn to mush. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m good.” I look to the school building. “I feel a little awkward, though.”

“Why’s that?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. Feels like it’s my first day of school or something. I’ve missed so many days and I did all my work, but it still feels weird to be here.”

“Trust me. You’ll feel like you used to in no time. Dreading to be at school. Shall we?” He offers his hand and I take it.

We walk inside and posters of prom are all over the walls. I wonder if Vincent will ask me. When I reach my locker, Cherry squeals and pulls me into a tight hug.

“Omigod! It’s been forever! I know we talked all the time but whatever.” Her face lights up and it makes me smile. I missed her.

“I know. It feels weird being here.”

“I bet.”

“I’ll leave you two girls to it.” Vincent curls his lips into a sexy smile and walks away.

“He’s so hot,” Cherry mumbles as she watches him walk down the hall.

I clear my throat and cross my arms in a joking manner.

She turns back to me. “What? It’s true.”

“Can’t deny that.”

“So, I wanted to wait and tell you this in person.” Her blue eyes are wild and excited. “Luke asked me to the prom.” She giggles.

“That’s great.” I giggle with her.

She hooks her arm with mine. “We have to go dress shopping.”

I roll my eyes and turn my head down the hall. I stiffen when I meet those familiar brown eyes. My heart jumps and my breath catches in my throat. I bite my lip, trying to calm down because I don’t wanna give myself away in front of Cherry. But Casper and I gaze at each other with such intensity. It reminds me of my dream.

I force myself to break his gaze and tug Cherry toward our class. She doesn’t seem to notice and I’m thankful.

The whole day I think about Casper and that deep look in his eyes. I don’t want to go to English, but I have to.

As soon as Casper walks into the room, I have the urge to run and hug him with everything I have. To run my hands through his soft, blond hair or to feel his lips on mine. I close my eyes tight and take a deep breath. When I open them, I focus on the blank piece of paper in front of me. Why do I feel