Chapter 10

  The rest of the evening goes by quietly and uneventful, which I do not mind at all. I speak with Bash about helping his group of misguided warlocks. We decide to get started Saturday night.

  The morning light peeks through my shades, and I stretch out thinking about all I want to accomplish this weekend. With no class scheduled today I work on compiling lesson plans to help the eager group improve their craft. For our first meeting I am going to take it back to the basics. This will give me an idea of how much control they have over their powers. My very first lesson was to light a flame to one candle and then to a group of them. Grams was both shocked and delighted when I was able to light a row of twenty candles on my first attempt. My main problem was the need to help others even when it went against nature. This is the worst offense a witch or warlock could commit as it has grave consequences. I only hope that these kids won't have to learn the hard way, as I did. Almost losing my friend just to alter an embarrassing situation had both me and Grams questioning my control and judgment. Luckily Grams was there to stop the potentially tragic turn of events.

  It was like yesterday Natalia and I were sitting in her room planning out a way to remove a certain "mean girl" from the school. It seemed harmless at the time. We were going to change her mother's mind about moving to town, without fully knowing the reasons behind the move. Performing the spell was simple enough and by the end of next week it was as if Shelly had never moved to town. We celebrated the success of my work until one Sunday morning about two weeks later, I noticed an article in the County newspaper Grams always read. The story depicted another tale of spousal abuse that ended terribly. Looking at the picture of the body bag being brought out of a beautiful house prompted me to read the story. It was Shelly's mother who had been killed, and toward the end of the article the writer revealed that her teenage daughter had also been murdered by her husband. I lost all color in my face and breathing became a chore. I immediately ran to my room to call Natalia.

  "You are not going to believe what I read in the newspaper", I said in a panic.

  "Why are you reading the newspaper, you never read the paper?" Natalia asked with a sarcastic tone of shock. I ignored her and started to share the details. The next thing I heard out of Natalia was hysterical tears.

  "Natalia are you okay?" I waited for her to calm down before asking her again. Finally she responded.

  "This is all our fault. We killed her. I can't believe this has happened. I have to go, I can't?" Natalia's ranting trailed off followed by the sound of the line going out. I stayed in my room a couple of hours before deciding to go to Natalia's house to check on her. Her mother answered the door telling me to please see if she can get her lazy bones daughter to come out of her room. "You children are always wasting your weekends," she lectured, as I made my way up the stairs toward Natalia's room.

  I knocked a couple of times but she didn't answer. Turning the knob I poked my head in but did not see her. I walked into her room and began looking around. I checked her private bath but found nothing. Panic coursed through my veins and I began thinking about where she would have gone. After a few minutes of calming myself down I thought of the bridge that connected us to our neighboring town. Running down the stairs I closed the house door behind me and ran toward the bridge. Minutes felt like hours and just I arrived at the bridge my breathing stopped. All that could be heard was the flow of the roaring waters below. I looked at the middle of the bridge and standing on the opposite side of the beam was Natalia.

  "Natalia!" I yelled. I ran toward her and as I approached she slowly turned her head toward me. The lost look in her eyes and smear of makeup from crying made her look like she belonged in a horror movie. "Please, Nat, climb back over. It will be okay. I can fix this." I continued to plead with her as she looked at me as if I wasn't there.

  "You can't reverse death, you said so yourself. This is all our fault, there's nothing we can do about it." I thought about her words, and she was right I couldn't bring them back. My train of thought veered toward Grams. I can't do much but maybe she'll have an idea.

  "Nat we can go talk to Grams, there has to be something she can do." I waited for her to respond fearing she would just jump.

  "What if she can't do anything? I'm a horrible person. She didn't need to die because of our stupid prank. I wish I could take it all back." Natalia began to cry uncontrollably and I worried she would fall off the bridge.

  "My Grams will find a way, she always knows a way." At this point I was blatantly lying but I would do anything to get her off that edge. Natalia began to sob as she looked at me questioningly. She grabbed hold of the beam, turned herself around, and climbed back to safety. I ran to her and held her tight in my arms. We both cried, cried for Shelly, her mother, and for ourselves. We walked slowly but with purpose back to my house. I took a deep breath right before walking in. Sitting in the living room by the fire was Grams reading a book. Her head rose as we walked in, she put her book down on the table next to her.

  "What's happened?" She asked with worry.

  "I've done something terrible Grams and I don't know how to fix it." I said meekly.

  "We've done something terrible." Natalia corrected. I began to explain everything starting with the prank Shelly played on Natalia. It sounds selfish now that I think about it but subconsciously I believe I was trying to justify our actions. Once I was done with the tale. My Grams's look of disappointment was enough to make me want to take Natalia's position on the bridge.

  "I have explained to you time and time again about the consequences of spells that alter a person's life. What were you thinking?" Grams looked to both of us for an answer despite the fact that I was the only magical one. Unable to speak I cast my eyes down. "There is no way to reverse the spell." My heart dropped at Grams certainty. "I can however take the two of you back to the moment before you started the spell. It will be up to the two of you not to go through with it. Keep in mind I can only do this once and you will not have the memory of the consequences. I suggest you look deep inside to the person you each are to find the strength and good sense to stop yourselves.

  Grams stood up and circled around us chanting. In just a few minutes a cloud of smoke began to engulf us and once it cleared we were back in Natalia's room preparing to do the spell. We were reminding ourselves of all the benefits of not having Shelly around. I lit candles and prepared to recite the incantation. Just before beginning I was overcome with this feeling of dread, anger, and regret. More regret than anything else. Natalia looked at me quizzically. "What's wrong?" she asked.

  "This all of a sudden feels wrong, like what if this ends up doing more damage than good? What if someone else moves to town that is worse than Shelly?" We both looked at each other while letting these questions sink in.

  "Who could be worse than Shelly? She's a monster!" Natalia said with conviction.

  "You're right, but I can't shake this nagging feeling. Anyway let's begin." I chant the incantation, and then again for the second time.

  All of a sudden Natalia grabbed my arm, turned, and started blowing out all the candles. "I cannot handle someone worse than Shelly. Let's forget about this and go to the mall. Retail therapy always makes me feel better." Natalia put on her shoes and snatched her purse from the bed. In shock I stare blankly at her as she waits by her door.

  "Are you sure?" I ask.

  "Absolutely!" Shaking my head I put my craft books into my bag and we headed out.

  Thinking back at what could have been always helps me to stay in line when deciding to do a spell. Later that night Grams placed a memory charm on me so I could remember everything that happened. I cried myself to sleep that night wondering what kind of person and witch I would become. Luckily I took that lesson and those taught by Grams to heart. I only hope the small group I will be working with would not have to find out the hard way.

&
nbsp; My thoughts returned to the present and I immediately get dressed and run downstairs to help prepare for tonight's study session. Archie, Vanessa, and Lance are coming over and Amelia instinctively is preparing appetizers. I join her and put together a table for the food and drinks in the living room. Vanessa is the first to arrive and she gladly helps me finish setting up. Archie is next followed by Lance, and we sit around the coffee table reading out loud from our notes. Archie being a student extraordinaire has already put together index cards so we can test each other. Vanessa has the brilliant idea of turning it into a game. We split the cards in half and it is Lance and I versus Archie and Vanessa. The first round they slaughter us but in the second I suggest we shuffle the cards and start again.

  "Alright Lance, this round belongs to us, we have to show these brainiacs a lesson." I beam a devious smile over to our opponents. Lance raises his hand in a high five gesture. I go to meet his hand and just as they were half an inch apart a spark of blue and gold appear.

  "Whoa, I've never seen electric current manifest in such a way between two people. We all know what that means?" Archie beams eagerly as he gets up to come closer. Lance and I quickly move away as Archie comes to sit in between. He raises his hand in a high five gesture first to me. Lance, Vanessa, and I exchange nervous looks. I raise my hand and hold my breath as our hands meet. Once nothing happens, Archie turns and does the same to Lance. Lance feeling more confident since nothing happened with me, quickly gives him a high five. Archie stares knowingly between Lance and myself and think for sure I am going to have to use a memory spell.

  "What does it mean to you?" Vanessa asks sweetly.

  "Obviously when sparks fly that means they are meant to be. How long have you two been dating?" Archie asks.

  "Oh we aren't dating," Lance and I say in unison releasing a long sigh of relief. I can sense the hurt emanating from Lance. But the truth is it feels like we are together, or at least should be. It isn't possible of course, as we just met, but the familiarity between us has been lingering since our first encounter.

  "Why don't we continue with the game. I believe we ask the questions first this time." Lance picks up the shuffled cards and split them evenly between the two teams. I smile awkwardly and picked up the first card. With only three questions left and the game tied the tension in Lance begins to build. "Alright smarty pants, we need to get the next two questions right to win." Lance looks at me with a smirk, "You ready to take them down?" I nod with a deadly and mischievous look in my eye that says bring it on.

  "Okay, pretty boy," Archie says vehemently. Lance shoots him a look of death. "Ha ha, just kidding." Clearing his throat he begins, "Where do you site writing made up of information gathered from a particular source?" Lance looked down as he began to think of the correct answer. Glancing at the timer I jump in.

  "Within the paragraph the author's last name and year of publication are placed in parentheses followed by the information to be sited. Also, at the end of the paper the author's last name, first initial, year of publication, title of the work, title of the publisher, and link (if it is an internet source) is placed in the reference page in alphabetical order."

  "Correct Ms. Calderon," Archie said while keeping his eye on Lance. "And for the next question. What is the abbreviation used to convey more than three authors within a paragraph? Not wanting to be left behind Lance jumps at the opportunity to answer.

  "It is etc.," Lance said placing an emphasis on the period. I cast my eyes down immediately realizing his answer is wrong and that we would have to get the last question correct in order to ensure our win.

  Placing my hand on Lance's lap I say, "It's okay we still have another shot. What's the final question?" I look at Archie as he theatrically reaches to pick up the last index card. My heart starts to speed up and I sense a magical force building.

  "Where does the word plagiarism come from?" Archie's eyebrows rises to the top of his forehead as he asked the final question. Both Lance and I take a moment to consider the question. I know the word derives from Latin, but as far as its meaning, I was unsure. "Time's a ticking people." Archie then begins humming the jeopardy tune. Lance smiles and sits up straight.

  "Plagiarism comes from the Latin word plagiarus which means kidnapper. In terms of the English language the word means to covet another's ideas or words without duly noting credit where credit is due."

  "Darn, that's correct!" Archie snaps his fingers in defeat. "You guys beat us by two points. Great job!" Archie stands up to shake hands with Lance and Lance pulls Archie over to the snack setup. I on the other hand feel there is little to be happy about since we failed to earn that win. I knew with every fiber of my being that Lance had cheated.

  "That was fun, but let's take a break," Vanessa suggests. She joins the guys by the table and I remain seated wondering how and when to confront Lance. My opportunity comes sooner than expected. Lance sits by me while offering me a bag of Welch's strawberry gummies.

  "Thanks, you know I could have answered the question without any assistance," I said coldly.

  "What are you talking about?" Lance's look of confusion almost convinces me that he was not responsible for the energy I picked up on, but considering I barely knew him I didn't want to appear gullible.

  "Really? You didn't use magic to recall that answer?"

  "No, I wouldn't take the risk with a mortal in the room. Did you sense something?" Concern on his face tells me that I am wrong to accuse him. We both get up from the sofa and walk toward the windows. Looking in opposite directions we notice nothing. "Do you still feel the energy?" I close my eyes to place all my focus on the magic in and around the house. I easily pick up on Vanessa and Lance's magical essence, and after pushing them toward the back, I pick up on another. It is strong and quite insistent on trying to remain under cover. The person is young but well trained.

  "Hey guys I'll be right back, I'm going to see what other snacks Amelia prepared."

  "Are you kidding we don't need anymore, wait did Amelia make all this?" Archie asks.

  "Yea, she's an amazing cook, baker, whatever you need," I boast.

  "Well in that case, keep'em coming," Archie says as he stuffs another finger sandwich into his mouth. I smile at him and Vanessa as I walk out of the room.

  "I'll give you a hand," Lance says as he comes up behind me. Walking out of the room I refocus my magical antenna. The energy is stronger as we walk toward the back of the house. I head to the backyard door just in time to see someone race past. Lance pushes me and runs past opening the door. I'm not far behind him so we watch as a tall, slender figure floats over my brick fence. Lance is preparing to continue the chase, but I grab on to his arm to stop him.

  "We don't know anything about this figure or the extent of its power. I can sense that they are part human, a novice, knows the craft very well. But you never know who else they are working with or their intention." Lance looks at me thoughtfully as he takes in my warning. I didn't notice my hand is still on his arm until I feel him turn to completely face me. He places his arm around my waist and the touch gives off a nagging familiarity. "Where do I know you from? Being this close to you seems so right, like we've done this countless times before, but I just cannot pin point it," I say.

  "Perhaps this will jog your memory," and with that he pulls me in close and lays the most passionate kiss on me. My mind is a jumble of thoughts... no, memories... no, wait, thoughts are clouding my head. Some are similar to my dreams and others completely foreign. Disappointingly Lance breaks our hold and takes a half step back. The look on my face must read unhappiness because Lance puts his head down. "I'm sorry, I just thought maybe it was a good time to express my feelings for you."

  "Lance, it was perfect and it did bring forth all these thoughts, but I'm still so confused."

  "They are not thoughts," Lance says in frustration, "They are memories." Unable to look into his eyes, I st
are outside. "I'm sorry, I guess I am expecting too much too soon."

  "You and everyone else apparently." I give him an annoyed look, which really isn't fair. "Everyone expects me to take on a role I know nothing about."

  "It is about knowing yourself, and your gifts." Looking up into his eyes I find warmth, concern, and faith. "We all know what you are capable of, and believe wholeheartedly that you will rise to the occasion. But all of that means nothing if you cannot find it within yourself. You are a Princess and will be Queen. The sooner you start to accept it, the sooner you can embrace it. My grandmother once told me the growth of one's power is not solely based on time and practice. Belief plays an extremely important role." I am not one for a lecture, but Lance is captivating. He almost has me believing. I decide to consider his words carefully rather than dismiss them. He makes a valid point and at the end of the day, this town needs all the help it can get.

  "I understand and will try, but it is a lot of pressure to put on someone. I have not been given much of a chance to acclimate myself to the new environment and now I have unknown magical forces watching me. The best is I don't know if they are necessarily bad."

  "What do you mean, why would someone good be stalking you?"

  "My father has a few people close to him keeping an eye out. The being we scared off tonight could very well be working for him." Lance appears to be mulling that over. "We better get back to Vanessa and Archie." We head back to the living room. Right before coming down the two stairs leading into the room, we find Vanessa and Archie sitting on the sofa making out. We look at each other, smile, and slowly back out of the entrance. "Maybe we should give them a minute," I whisper. Once out of ear shot, we both begin to hysterically laugh.

  "Nice, well at least one of us gets the girl," Lance smirks. At that moment Bash enters my mind and I tense up. Noticing the difference in my demeanor Lance clears his throat and walks over to the entranceway window. "You're thinking of him, aren't you?"

  "Things are just moving too quickly for me. I just moved to town and I am adjusting to school and my increase in power. I have too much to figure out without throwing a relationship into the mix." I feel terrible lying to Lance. The truth is companionship is exactly what I want while I try figuring things out. Dating someone who also possesses magical powers means that I will have someone that understands what I am going through.

  "I get it. Take all the time you need. But know that I am waiting," Lance says with determination. I swallow hard and my eyes widen. The seriousness in his tone is scary and enticing all at the same time. I turn to head back to the living room. Although I feel bad interrupting the two love birds, I cannot take any more of the awkwardness and tension between Lance and myself. I slowly walk into the living room and find the pair sitting slightly apart just talking.

  "Hey guys, sorry I took so long." I smile.

  "Where were you two?" Vanessa asks suspiciously.

  "I thought I saw something out back when I went to get drinks. Incidentally I forgot the drinks."

  "We're good here, actually I better head home. I have a project to get done for my chem 1 class." Archie stands up, walks up to Vanessa gallantly grabs her hand and places a kiss on her knuckles. "Until we meet again my sweet." Vanessa blushes. Glad these two could come together, I give Lance a head nod signally him to go to the door giving them another moment of privacy. We stare at each other for another moment and Lance reaches around me grabbing his jacket from the rack.

  "I guess I better head out too. Please be careful. Whoever or whatever was out there will more likely be back. There are some serious charms on this house so I doubt they can come in." I look into Lance's eyes searching for more information, a better understanding of who he is to me. Before I can respond Vanessa and Archie come from the sitting room.

  "Thanks Maddie for your hospitality, this indeed seems to be quite a beneficial study group," Archie says as Vanessa giggles.

  "Thanks, Archie, I have learned quite a bit myself," I say while side glancing Lance. After an exchange of goodbyes between the four of us, the guys leave. Vanessa and I gush over her time at first base with Archie. Vanessa graciously offers to help me clean up and once we are done she throws herself on the arm chair closest to the fire place. I remain standing with my arms crossed.

  "What?" Vanessa asks beaming at me.

  "Well, not to be rude, but how long were you planning on staying tonight?"

  "Oh, Princess, I can't leave you unattended. It's important that one of us stays with you at all times. If I don't stay in the house, I'll have to wait outside, and it's a bit nippy out there." Realizing I am not getting rid of her anytime soon, I sit on the adjacent chair thinking about what to do next.

  "You know Vanessa you seem to know a great deal about me and my family."

  "Well of course, you guys are royalty, and besides your mother's family has made quite a name for themselves in other realms. They have saved countless lives. So has your father for that matter." Vanessa sounds a bit star struck as she speaks about my family.

  "My mother disappeared when I was young and there's so much I do not know about my lineage. Perhaps you could fill in the blanks?"

  "Oh it would be my honor you're Highness. What would you like to know?" Thinking I should tread carefully I start with the most basic of questions.

  "Who is the most well-known member of my family?" I ask hoping this question didn't seem too mundane.

  "Well that's a tough one since pretty much every member played a significant role in our history. Some good and bad roles, but important none the less. I would say His Royal Highness King Patrick. He not only ruled fairly but risked his own life to save the lives of countless others. His magic was like none other and it was very rare for someone to be evenly matched with him. There was a threat of a hostile takeover in one of the European kingdoms. King Patrick would not allow anyone to take the post of his allies. He put an army together of ten, which he lead himself. As the story goes when he reached the waters separating the United Kingdom and France their opponents laughed."

  "They laughed," I said in shock. "I guess my great great great great grandfather did not appear menacing enough?"

  "You can just imagine a small ship with only ten people on board coming to face an army of thousands. I am sure I would like my odds in that situation too. However if my opponent was King Patrick, I would reconsider the reason to fight as well. He was extremely powerful and calculating." The seriousness in Vanessa's words did not resonate well with me. I stop and wonder if I will ever be powerful enough to instill that sort of fear. Vanessa was getting ready to continue when we hear keys in the door. She instinctively runs to stand in front of me as Amelia enters the home. We both give a sigh of relief and laugh at each other.

  "Oh, hello girls, how did the study session go? Amelia asks as she enters the house. She has quite a few shopping bags, so Vanessa and I move quickly to help. As I grab some of the bags I can't help notice the things in the bags are not your garden variety supermarket products. I glance over at Amelia as she smiles brightly. Once Vanessa leaves I will lay all the cards on the table with Amelia. It is now time I accept her whole-heartedly as the ally I believe her to be. Besides she's been around considerably longer than Grams and may have a few more tricks up her sleeve.