Strings of Fate

114- Charms and check–ins

Logan looks contemplative as he thinks it through.

“Would Darrien be there?” He demands. I shrug.

“Sure, we could invite him too.” I agree.

“What about Aaron and Bellamy?” He continues. Megan decides to step in.

“We can invite anyone you want Logan. We could have a big dinner party and you could

explore the whole Shifter compound if you want.” She tells him. His eyes open wide.

“Really!?” He says excitedly. Megan nods.

“Of course, Ryann is really important to us, you know, so all her good friends are important to us too.” She tells him. He bounces excitedly in place.

“Oh, wait, I just remembered something!” he blurts out. He yanks his hands from mine and kneels on the floor by his backpack. He spends a minute digging through it before dumping the contents out on the floor in frustration. After a minute of frantic searching where several pens, a half–eaten sandwich and what I’m pretty sure is a bouncy ball scatter over the floor, he jumps to his feet, waving something in the air. He dashes to stand in front of me with his hands behind his back, then reaches out with his left hand and presents… something to me proudly. I take it and find it’s a necklace made of clunky, rainbow coloured plastic beads.

“Uh, thanks Logan, it’s-” Logan interrupts and saves me from coming up with something polite to say.

“It’s a friendship necklace! I made it. I have one too, see!” He pulls his other hand from behind his back and waves around a second necklace. He immediately pulls it over his own head.

“My teacher said I should give it to someone so that they don’t forget that they have friends. It’s meant to help you feel better. It’s basically magic.” he confides. His smile dims a little and he continues.

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114- Charms and check–ins

“I want you to have it. It can be a lucky charm to keep you safe and so you don’t forget to call and answer my phone calls.” he explains. Okay now I want to cry again. Instead, I pull the necklace over my head. It catches in my hair a bit but I don’t mind. I pull my hair out and then grab Logan and crush him to my chest in a huge bear hug.

“Ugh, Ryann, Can’t. Breathe.” he struggles out. I loosen my arms and he grabs me around the neck in a tight hug.

“Thankyou Logan, I’ll take good care of it.” I promise as I release him.

But her home always smells like baked goods because she bakes so often the smell basically never fades. No wonder Logan likes it here so much more than his mum’s place. Although to be fair, I’m not sure his mum gives him much choice about where he spends his time. Everyone in the room perks up as she starts sliding cookies onto a plate. The guys look like they’re doing their best not to seem too eager, but they’re failing epically. Maggie passes the plate around and we all get warm cookies to with our hot chocolates. Mmmmmh yes, Maggie is an absolute treasure and must be protected at all costs. We finish eating and I reluctantly herd everyone out the front door. It did tell Bellamy I was just grabbing my stuff, I don’t

both treasures they

out

go

over my shoulder. Shaun is on my

reminder to send me a notification every three days reminding me to check in on Maggie and Logan. I probably won’t need it, but when things get stressful and busy it’s easy to forget things like that. Out of sight, out of mind and all

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114- Charms and check–ins

You’re making sure you don’t go too long without checking in. It’s sweet.”

ngrees.

Speaking of checking in, I send a text

and

Bellamy You okay?

so Aaron did tell him about my slight meltdown… Well, I guess

surprised.

a bit emotional for a moment. We can

As long as you’re okay. Did you get everything you

it

your secret bossiness I see.

I’m not

like… determined and firm to the decisions you make. It’s a good thing, particularly for

have known that was where this was leading. Whatever, I’m gonna go make sure these guys take the time to eat lunch, you Shifters are all complete workaholics I swear. I also want to help Megan with re–arranging her class schedule since

if you like. I’ll be back before dinner. Make sure at least one of the guys

ask them to stay and hang out, don’t worry. We won’t go crazy and burn the place down

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114- Charms and check–ins

Probably not at

Bellamy-…

order in

burn the house

promises. Byeeee

Bellamy- XOX

back and the guys escort us inside, carrying all my stuff for me of course. I instruct them to just drop it all against the wall in the hallway for me to sort later and they pile