No Ordinary Girl

Chapter Thirty-Eight

We didn't even get to say goodbye to little Haley. I didn't mind too much -- I was just so happy that she was safe, and back in her mother's arms. I only held her for just a few seconds, but little Haley will forever have a spot in my heart.

Following a tedious few hours at the police station, answering questions, and filling out some forms, Simone, Ace and I were finally released.

We grabbed a quick bite at a deli. Both Ace and I were suddenly famished -- we scarfed down our roast beef sandwiches. Simone laughed. "Do you kids ever get fed?"

While we were chomping down on our sandwiches, Simone went kind of emotional on us. "I'm so proud of both of you, my little wizards," she could barely choke out the words. "You both did such an amazing job today. I never stopped believing in you."

We both stopped eating, our mouths full of food, and nodded. It was both sweet and awkward.

We hopped back on the plane, and took our usual seats. "It's been quite the eventful day," she said, pointing out the obvious. "I don't want you to go to bed too late tonight. School tomorrow."

I smiled. How did she expect us to ever fall asleep after a day like this?

I fastened my seatbelt, and turned to Ace. "You were amazing."

He smiled. "So were you."

It dawned on me then. Ace was a good guy. He wasn't the villain I'd made him out to be. I'd done that because I was afraid of him, scared of the power he had over me, and because of my own prejudices. When he'd kissed me, he'd just been a typical boy who likes a girl. I don't think he even realizes how intoxicating he can be. And as far as those rumors about him, my instincts tell me that there's a lot more to it, and I'm sure that one day, I'll know the full story.

I shrugged. "I couldn't have done it without you," I said. "And besides, it was all you. You saved Haley."

"I needed you, too," he admitted. "I was trembling in my booties."

I laughed. "Really?!"

"Truly..." he said and trailed off, deep in thought. "And I might have saved Haley, but you saved Natalie."

What Detective Thurber didn't know was that Ace and I had actually saved two lives. Ace had saved Haley's, and I had saved Natalie's.

"She was going to jump, wasn't she?" he asked.

I nodded. "Yes, she was--"

"I wasn't thinking," he confessed. "I was about to break the spell, just before you called out to me."

I smiled. "It all turned out alright in the end, didn't it?"

"It certainly did," Simone broke in. "You two were fabulous."

Not to toot my own horn, but yes, we kind of were.

Me: Guess what?! They found Haley!!! She's fine.

Kylie: Yay! I'm so happy. I knew u would find her because u r amazing. Where was she?

Me: In a cabin in the woods. You will hear all about it in the news.

Me: I have other good news! I'm coming home for Thanksgiving! Don't tell Mom and Dad, I want to tell them on Facetime. R they around?

Kylie: Yay!!! Best news ever!! Are you bringing Leo? He's so cute!

Me: lol! Leo and I r just friends.

Kylie: Really?! Why? We need to talk about this more. I'm going to go make toast now. See you in 5 minutes!