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.

has broken the super serious atmosphere with his rainbow necklaces, Maggie insists on making hot chocolates for everyone, of course I use my favourite mug. Logan takes her seat on the couch next to me, leaning in and hugging my arm while Maggie bustles around the kitchen. She pulls a tray out of the oven. I should have known she was baking something, I mean I can smell the cookies. 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

both

pull out my

go

peering over my shoulder. Shaun is on

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 that. I don’t want to lose them so I figure I need to make sure to make an effort.” I conclude. Megan

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114- Charms and check–ins

sure you don’t go

ngrees.

checking in, I send a text off to

Got my stuff and checked on Maggie and Logan. On

Bellamy You okay?

my slight meltdown… Well, I

surprised.

I’m okay. Just got a bit emotional for a moment.

as you’re okay. Did you get

someone else to pick it up later. I’m starting

Ahh, growing into your secret bossiness I see. I

I’m not bossy!… Am

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

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

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

and hang out, don’t worry. We won’t go crazy

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114- Charms and check–ins

not at

Bellamy-…

order in

Please don’t burn the house

promises. Byeeee

Bellamy- XOX

to just drop it all against the wall in the hallway for me to sort later and they pile it haphazardly but do their best not to obstruct the