The Time Seekers (The Soul Seekers Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

today?”
    “No.” Mr. Hershel hadn’t spoken to me at all; I figured he was still sore about the radio stunt I’d pulled on Friday. Peering over my shoulder, I saw how he watched us from his desk. When he saw me glance his way, he cleared his throat and picked up a magazine in an obvious attempt to appear busy. He casually flipped his long brown hair with a free hand, the same way Jesse would have. “Don’t you have a class to go to—all the way across campus?” I rubbed at a sudden stab of pain behind my right temple.
    “That him?” Will asked.
    “Yep.”
    “Hmm.”
    I zipped my backpack and pulled it to rest on one shoulder. “What about your class?” I repeated.
    Tensely watching Mr. Hershel for another second, Will mumbled, “Oh, well, guess I’m going to be late.” He relaxed and stared down at me. “Another headache?”
    “Yeah. Another.”
    “Then let’s skip both our classes. I think we’ve earned it, don’t you?”
    I agreed, skipping sounded like a great plan. It was Monday, and a whole week of work and school lay ahead in unending rigidity. Yes, skipping would be a good break, for once.
    “Anyway, I have something to show you.”
    We left, and William opened a stairwell door. He waited for me to pass under his arm.
    “What is it?” I asked.
    “I’ll tell you when we get in the car.”
    I felt my backpack slip from my arm, and then watched as it swung across William’s shoulders. “Your headache,” he said as an excuse, even though he always tried to carry my bag. If I knew he was going for it, I’d put a protective arm up to block the steal. But this time he was right; I was tired. Really truly tired, and so I made no complaints. I followed him as he ascended the steps and led us outside, wishing at once I’d remembered to bring a jacket. The tepid fall air had changed to a pre-winter chill.
    We made our way across the student parking lot, William stepping ahead to open the car door for me. I got in, then sat and watched him stop a minute to sweep away all the multicolored fall leaves which had fallen across the windshield.
    “It’s freezing tonight!” he said, taking the driver’s side. “Winter’s coming.” He slung our book bags into the backseat, and instead of shoving the key into the ignition, he reached to grab my hand. “Emma?” he asked, then met my eyes with a gentle caution.
    “Yes?” My heart sped up a little. “What is it?”
    “I have something for you.”
    I swallowed with a tight throat.
    “I love you.” William moved my hand inside the warmth of his jacket. He whispered my name. “Feel my shirt pocket,” he said, still whispering. His eyes were intense.
    What was he doing? What kind of trick was he playing? Stretching my fingers across his chest, I came across a hard little lump. I kept feeling, using my fingertips to give a more detailed examination. Something was caught in the bottom of the pocket, deep in the corner edge.
    “Take it out.” His voice was husky.
    The low sunlight of dusk came through the windshield, helping to illuminate a tiny circle form. A ring. It was vintage style, with a facet setting rising up like a crown and one diamond nestled brilliantly inside.
    “Oh, William. How?”
    “I wrote a few stories awhile back, for a magazine. The pay was mediocre, but enough for this. I’ve been saving.”
    “Did you buy it just now? Today?” I asked, and saw from the image in his mind he’d skipped American Lit and gone to a jewelry shop instead.
    He plucked the ring out of my palm and motioned for me to turn my hand over. When he slid the ring across, I cried. I loved him so much for giving me a symbol of his total devotion. But I still wouldn’t allow myself to believe he could love me that much. I didn’t think I was worthy. Not with all those thoughts of Jesse.
    “But I don’t have a ring for you,” I said, staring at the diamond like it was a tiny god.
    “Feel inside my other pocket.”
    So I did. And there it was. A