Joan grit her teeth, but she knew this girl would never leave her alone unless she acquiesced. Furtively, she glanced around, making sure the area was deserted. Motioning the girl over to her locker, she created a small private space between her body and the locker door. Within this space, she held up her arm and pulled back her sleeve. Athena immediately began inspecting the bracelet, murmuring appreciatively about the craftsmanship and the sturdiness of the material. A quick prodding confirmed the lack of a visible seam or hinge.
"Hm," Athena nodded to herself. "It's magic alright. I can practically hear the buzz from this close. Unfortunately, this isn't my kind of magic. I recognize the type, but it's not one that I can do anything with. But I think I know someone else who might be able to help."
"No." Joan pulled her arm away and covered it again. "Absolutely not. It's bad enough my sister had to go blabbing about this to her friends. I don't want news of this to spread any more than it already has."
"It's gonna get out eventually," Athena reasoned. "As soon as you have to change for PE, everyone'll see it. From what I hear, the cheerleading coach doesn't allow jewelry. Anyway, the person I'm thinking of knows how to keep a secret. So just relax. Geez. Some people can get so antsy."
Joan found it hard to figure out what disturbed her more, the fact that so many people were finding out about her predicament or the revelation that she was now a cheerleader like Nicole. It would certainly explain Sarah's change of attitude towards her. "Fine. Just tell me who it is, and I'll contact them myself."
With an enigmatic smile, Athena gave her a companionable pat on the shoulder. "Cautious, I like that. A little paranoia is always good for the soul. Look, I'd gladly give you this person's identity, but they're actually pretty secretive too. I don't want to give away too much of their info in case they don't want to meet. You'll just have to trust me."
"Can I bring a friend of my own along?" Joan figured that if this person proved to be a threat, she would rather have Nicole there with the wishing stone as backup.
"Does this person know about your situation?"
"Are you kidding? This person practically caused it."
Athena quirked an eyebrow but kept her curiosity in check. "Very well. You may bring your friend. I should have the meeting time set up by tomorrow. Be ready."
With a swish of frilly skirts, the Goth girl turned and made her exit. Joan finished up at her locker soon after. With one more check to her sweater sleeves, she headed off to the cafeteria.
