Out of the Shadows // Sebastian Sallow

Chapter Sixty-Six

This was one of my favorite chapters to write! I hope you all love it as much as I do! ❤️

"So... Hogsmeade? Boat ride? Hippogriff ride? Dragon? What's your poison today, Buttercup? I'm up for anything." Garreth's enthusiasm was really adorable.

"Well, as tempting as riding a dragon sounds, I think I'll take a break from the death defying and do something low key. Anything fall in that range?" I asked him while snaking my arm in his as we walked to class. His cheeks flushed a light pink at our touch.

"Hmmm. Let me think on it and get back to you. I'll come up with something good." I raised my eyebrow at him. "Seriously!" His voice was high pitched. "Trust me." He leaned over and kissed my cheek and it was my turn to flush pink.

We went into Herbology and took our usual table. Will and Vicky across from us and Sebastian and Poppy next to them. I sighed. The list of boys I was adding to my "not talking to right now" list was expanding and I wasn't happy about it. So, I decided to play nice.

"Hi, Will. Hi, Vicky. How are you feeling today? It's good to have you back in class." I smiled warmly at him. I had greeted them both but I only looked at Will. He just returned to classes yesterday and was looking a little wobbly on his feet but otherwise good. He wouldn't even let me walk him back to the dorm yesterday. I was really missing him.

"I'm doing well, thanks. Vicky's been a big help." He shot her a loving look and she reflected his gooey eyes equally back at him. It was nauseating.

"I'm glad. If you need anything, please... don't forget me." My double meaning was not lost on him as his brow furrowed and he let his eyes go down toward his book balanced on the table.

"So, things are still weird there, huh?" Garreth whispered in my ear.

"Yes. I just... I can't stand that girl. She's using him and he doesn't see it."

Garreth sighed. "In my experience, people have to come to those conclusions on their own when it comes to those they love. He'll see it eventually, but you can't make him. You can only be there for him when it crumbles." He said softly to my ear, radiating wisdom and sincerity.

"Wow, Garr. When did you get so wise?" I looked at him with bright eyes.

"Right around the time you got so beautiful." He replied. His face moved toward mine and I could feel he was going to kiss me....

"Ok, class. Let's get started! I'm very excited to see how everyone's projects have turned out." Professor Garlick announced, breaking our reverie and we both jumped and then laughed a little with each other.

I noticed Sebastian's eyes on us too. He had the same look on his face that I had when Will and Vicky were cooing at each other. Then his face cleared and he was just looking at me, longingly. Like he used to. I broke his stare and continued my work.

When class ended, Garreth and I were packing up and walking out together when Sebastian called out to me. "Hey, Rachel. Wait up."

I turned to him, arm and arm with Garreth, curiosity spilling over my features.

"Um, I heard. What happened with Will. And also, what Garreth told you today. At the beginning of class? I just wanted to say.... I agree. With Garreth that is. People can't be forced to see the ones they love for who they really are. You can't... do anything about it. But wait." His eyes were saying so much more than his words. He cleared his throat a little and looked at Garreth. "Good advice, mate."

"Thanks." Garreth looked a little baffled.

"Well, anyway, I was wondering if you guys wanted to study together? In the library or something. I mean, I just ... I want to be friends again. With everyone. I've not been very good at that lately." He looked vulnerable and shy. It was such a rare thing to see Mr. Cocky Sallow Smirk Man showing these emotions.