Crimson Echo by Dusty Burns Page A

to like you. He was very protective of you when he brought you over.” Faith informed me.
    “He was just worried, that’s all.”
    “Tristan,” she paused. “If you were passed out, how did he know how to find my house?”
    I thought it over for a minute, tossing excuses around in my head, but I couldn’t find one that made any sense and then something occurred to me. “He knew where I lived too. That is strange.”
    “I’m starting to think it’s not a good idea for you to be around him. He seems like trouble. How much do you really know about him anyway?” She sprawled herself across the couch dramatically.
    “Not much, to be honest with you. But I know he’s not a bad person.”
    “I’m telling you I have a bad feeling about him. You need to stay away from him.” She draped her arm across her eyes.
    “Faith, come on. Don’t you think you’re being a little melodramatic?” I sighed, taking a seat beside her.
    “You love him!” She accused. “I knew it, you love him!”
    “I do not! You were the one who wanted us to be together in the first place.” I reminded her.
    “Every time his name is mentioned your eyes light up like the fourth of July.”
    “No they don’t. Just stop it, I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”
    “Kane! ” She yelled. “See, fireworks! Just admit it.”
    “Fine, I may have a slight crush. It’s not a big deal.”
    “For all you know he’s running from the law. He could be a bank robber or a hit man and you’re telling me it’s not a big deal.” She disappeared into the kitchen and clanked around in the cabinets.
    “I’m not having this ridiculous conversation with you. He’s not a criminal. He’s a good guy and for some reason he wants to be friends with me. What’s so wrong about that?” I yelled from the living room.
    “This is what’s wrong with it.” She returned from the kitchen and held out a coffee mug , waving it in my face.
    “What is this?” I took the cup and stared at the green mush that stuck to the ceramic.
    “It’s tea leaves. My grandma taught me how to do it before she passed away.”
    “Taught you to do what?”
    “I read them. Look, I know you don’t believe in all this witch stuff but it’s never let me down before and these leaves are a warning that danger follows Kane. It says here that destruction is in his path and for all those around him.”
    “Who are you the O racle of Delphi?” I scoffed. “Give me a break. I can’t even take you seriously right now.”
    “Think what you want, it’s your life.”
    “I don’t want to fight with you about this. I really need my best friend right now. Can you just be supportive for a minute? I’m worried about Kane.”
    “I know you are, but maybe you should be thinking a little more about yourself. You did pass out today.”
                I answered with a roll of my eyes, knowing I wouldn’t get anywhere with her. The rest of the night went on in about the same manner. Faith’s unrelenting accusations never let up and my irritation towards her never subsided. We finally moved to her bedroom after a few hours of arguing over a dozen more cups of tea leaves.
                Once we had made it into her room we analyzed Kane’s motives for the third time, by then I was nearly exhausted. It was only then that I realized she was pushing all of my buttons on purpose. Kane must have told her I could have given myself a concussion and she was trying to keep me awake.
    “I really need to tell you something.” She whispered.  “It’s important.”
    “Can’t it wait until tomorrow?” I mumbled. “I’m sleepy.”
    “I suppose so.” She gave in too easily, but I was too groggy to notice.
                She changed the subject and was talking long into the night about boys, clothes, makeup and magic. I let her do all the talking and I interjected an appropriate grunt at the right times. I fought to keep my eyes open, but it wasn’t long