"What are you doing!?" I scold, pulling my wrist from his grip. He looks frustrated, good he should be! What do they want anyways? The deal was I would go meet my parents, and I did. "You're parents Lyra! They want you to come home, along with the Holts and everyone else! This isn't your home! You aren't from here!" He says, not holding his handle at all. I feel a wave of guilt, I guess it was a bitch move of me to see my parents and leave without a word. But as they said, I don't know their ways, I no human ones. I'm not supposed to be able to freeze rabid dogs, and time travel with rocks! "I just... " I sigh unsure how to continue, " It was a lot for me to take in." I lower my voice. "Meeting parents who were supposed to be dead, using powers! It's a lot for a human." I say. "YOU ARE NOT A HUMAN LYRA!" He yells, losing it. Sending a desk flying, he takes a couple of deep breaths. "You're an elemental! You belong in Spridge with your family, and the royals whom you are supposed to be protecting!" I back away, I've never seen anyone this angry. Only in movies and TV shows! " Chase, I don't know what you want me to say," I whisper, clenching my hands into fists. "What you should be saying is that you'll come back with me! Forget about this stupid human life you've been living, it's not real! Come home, and learn how to see your powers again! Get to know your parents, and-" "Marry Frederick, risk my life protecting some people I don't know, almost get eaten by rabid dogs, worry about fighting Drarkals!. . Right? that's what you want me to go home to? I live in danger and death? When I can stay right where I am and have a happy life?" I interrupt him. He pauses, going through what I just said. "You wouldn't have to marry Frederick." He whispers, sitting on one of the desks. I lean on the other across from him. "Those dogs were going after you because they didn't know who you were. I'm sure the Holts have reprogrammed them by now." He adds. "Reprogrammed? Like a computer?" I ask, and he nods. "So you have computer dogs and internet, but no cars?" I laugh, and he sighs, with a chuckle. "Lyra. . . " He begins, "I understand, it is a lot to take in. But it's your home, and your real family and real friends. We want you to be with us. You're right it is your decision. It is dangerous, but you can always be retrained. Please, Lyra. Just think about it." He says. Looking me in the eyes. "Yeah, I will." I sigh, and then he is gone. Going to check on the desk he flung, trying to give my heart a couple of seconds to calm down. It's broken, and I can't do anything to help it. Heading back to the auditorium, I see Tatum talking with Sean. Tatum seems to be scolding Sean, and Sean isn't fighting back he is taking it. That's unusual. They see me, and Tatum smiles waving. Sean is studying me, he can tell something is up. Waving bye, I turn into the auditorium, taking my seat. Hushing the girls who are trying to ask me where I was the past ten minutes.After finishing the rest of the movie, and heading to my homeroom, I wait for the announcement that will announce it be my birthday. I'm dreading it. Maybe they won't announce my birthday, even though they announce everyone's birthday when it's on a school day. Sitting quietly at my desk, Tatum walks into the room. Walking towards me, I sit up. His dark hair reminded me of the boy from yesterday. The one with the slutty girl, and the way he said my name. Although everyone yesterday who said my name sounded a bit sad. That boy thought, wow was he hot? He had a bad taste in women though. "Lyra. Are you coming tonight?" Tatum asks pulling over a chair and sitting next to me. Looking closely at Taum I see, he is still good-looking. Although, compared to that boy he isn't much. Why do I keep thinking of that boy? If I'm going to be thinking about any of the Spridge boys it should be Frederick, and don't get me wrong he wasn't bad looking either. I don't think he wants, to marry me still, and I'm perfectly okay with it! "Lyra?" Tatum breaks my train of thought. Oh right, back to Earth Lyra! "Uh, yeah. Sean said he would bring me since it's my . . . birthday." I sigh, and he smiles. "Speaking of Sean though, what were you two talking about earlier during the movie?" I ask leaning in a little closer. I do know that curiosity killed the cat, but I can't help but wonder. "Oh." He says, I can almost see the tension his body gains. So, Tatum was scolding him? "I was.. yelling at him somewhat. Asking him to bring you to the party." He says, smiling. He's lying. The thought hits me like a brick wall. Why though? "The party.. hmm." I say, leaning away. He sighs and gets up. "Lyra, just promise me you'll be at the party." He asks, and I nod. My body language must've given away that I'm mad. Putting away the chair, he leaves the room. Glancing around everyone is whispering and looking my way. Gossip on the last day of school. Minutes later, we are dismissed to the cafeteria for lunch. Finding Sophie and Grae immediately, I tell them what happened with Tatum. They both say I'm crazy and just trying to find an excuse for me to not go out with him. It isn't even worth arguing with them about it. Taking my tray and going through the line for food, I try to think of a way to get out of going to the party. Even though I did just promise Tatum I would go. I don't want to be with liars or people who hold the truth. Eating my meal and listening to the girls talk about shopping after school isn't a fun lunch period. It seems to go on and on and on. I get up dumping my tray, I see Flora peeking around the corner. I send her a glare and she whips away. Fuming, I head down the hall. What is with these people? I mean, I understand and I told Chase I would think about it.