Page 68 of Our Little Moments

I laugh. “No, and she probably never will.”

We both laugh and Isabella turns in our direction, an angry gleam in her eyes.

“As I was explaining before I was sorudelyinterrupted, the path is between those two islands. There’s a dock with an orange flag over there—that’s where the finish line is. Oh! And we’re allowed to use our powers.”

I sigh heavily.We’re allowed to use our powers.

I can control the storms, but the sky is clear which means there’s nothing I can do. Stella lost her powers, so she can’t do anything either. Nate and Hazel can control flowers and trees, so there’s not much they can do. Isa can manipulate fire, but she shouldn’t do anything for risk of starting a serious fire or injuring someone. Sam is a healer, but he can’t do anything in this context. So, it only leaves Jay and Layla, with their powers of wind and water.

My sister is the most competitive person I know, so why the hell is she putting herself in a situation where she’s almost certain to lose, since Jay and Layla are both on her opposite team?

“And of course, we have to stay on the determined path, otherwise that’s cheating,” Jay adds with a cocky grin.

My sister shoots him an annoyed smile. “Unlike you, I don’t need tocheattowin, asshole. I win fair and square.”

Jay smirks. “Which always works out great for you, doesn’t it,fireheart?”

Isabella ignores him.

“Ready, everyone?” she calls out.

This is about to get messy.

“Go!” The word echoes across the lake and an explosion of noise follows, everyone starting the race.

Stella

Oof. This is bad. This is really, really bad.

I’m so far behind and I’m losing control.

I can’t move anymore and everyone’s so far ahead.

Come on, you can do this, I try to cheer myself up.

You never do everything right.

Maybe, in twelve years, you’ll be able to get the hang of it. Just like you did with the tournament.

It always takes you so long to catch up, even on the smallest things.

I’m about to have a mental breakdown in the middle of this lake.

Until, out of nowhere, a giant wave comes from behind, pushing my kayak at the speed of light, only to disappear when I’m back with the others.

Layla grins at me and my mental crisis is averted. “You’re supposed to be on the opposite team,” I try to joke as I get back on track.

Layla giggles. “What’s the point of winning if you’re so far behind I can’t see your heartbroken face because Jay won?”

I huff out a laugh. Only Layla would make jokes like that to cheer me up in the middle of a race.

“Hey! Stop it, you jerk!” Isa calls from in front of us, her kayak almost flying backwards next to her.

She groans next to us and Layla’s kayak practically flies as the water pushes her forward, leaving me and Isa behind.

“I swear this man exists for the sole purpose of annoying me,” she mutters as she picks up speed.

How is she so fast?

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