Chapter 8
I am frozen at the entrance of the classroom, my heart beating a mile a minute. Gazing deep into my eyes, he elicits strong feelings, the main being that we have known each other for years. The last time we bumped into one another the urge to kiss him was intense, and the question that still plagues me is, why? I walk over to Lance taking him in and silently hoping he did not see Bash walk me to class. "Hi, thanks for saving me a seat," I say giving him a shy smile.
"I was hoping we would have a few classes together. How's the day going so far? Lance gives me this burning look making me feel claimed. Not in a I can't wait to brand you kind of way, but in the stars are only correctly aligned when we are together sort of way. That strong emotion coupled with the nagging idea that I know him makes my feelings for Bash more complicated than they already are. I smile sweetly, and just as he is going to say something else, the professor walks in and begins to introduce himself.
"The written word is a gift many fail to appreciate. It is the reason wars are started and ended, the reason this world has a history. Without both fictional and non-fictional literature the imagination of every individual on this planet and in this classroom would lie dormant. You all would be nothing more than robotic vessels carrying a lifeless soul that has no meaning. My job is to awaken the sleeping souls within and teach it to share its stories in an intelligent and thought provoking manner. We will begin with the school's mandatory topic of plagiarism." His dramatic and intense flair makes me rethink the idea that this is going to be a bird course. He is hell bent on making us think. The instructor writes plagiarism in large letters complete with a double underline. "My name by the way is Professor Beasley, and you may address me as Professor Beasley. Do not shorten my name the way you young people tend to abbreviate the simplest of words. It is bad enough the English language has been minimized and defiled the way it has, and I refuse to allow my title and name to be butchered by the indolent."
Lance and I glance at each other with an Oh boy!, look and once again we are captured in each other's eyes. "Othello and DesDemona is my lecture boring the two of you? Lance's eyes sparkle with flecks of red.
"Prithee forgive the distraction, mine thoughts art consum'd by what her eyes betoken," Lance says without taking his eyes on me. Uncomfortable knowing all eyes are on us, I turn to face the professor.
Following his lead I add, "Prithee forgive us profess'r Beasley."
With a look mixed with annoyance and intrigue the instructor stares at us both for a moment longer before saying, "Doth not let it happen again." Exhaling a breath I did not realize I was holding, I keep my eyes facing forward for the duration of the class. Knowing the professor has a soft spot for Shakespeare is information that will come in handy in the future. Lance on the other hand fails to accept the respect Professor Beasley demands. Throughout the hour and half he focuses intently on me and nothing else. After the professor's lengthy lecture on plagiarism he announces we will be tested the following week.
I look up at Lance while gathering my things, "I sincerely hope you do not expect me to lend you my notes for the test?" Giving me this knowing smile he reaches for his bag.
"I was hoping we could be study partners. I can come by later and we can go over your notes." Staring at the man I could not help but feel a strong connection I think of Bash. It almost feels like I am cheating on the both of them.
Thinking it is best that neither one come to my home before I find out what I am dealing with, I reply, "Sorry I already have a study partner."
"Well then, how about a date? Oh boy! We could grab food at the Arena diner and get to know each other better." His coolness and finesse is endearing making the decision to go out with him that much easier.
"I would really like to get to know you better. Maybe we can get together this weekend." I pull out my phone and ask for his number. He does the same and I give him mine.
Lance leans in giving my forehead a kiss. It is such an intimate move more so than any kiss on the lips I have ever had. There is love, appreciation, and longing in that gesture and in his eyes. "I'll call you tomorrow to finalize arrangements," he says before walking away. The need to learn about both Lance and Bash is not only important for my safety but also for my heart. The strong pull I feel toward both of them is going to make the decision that needs to be made that much more difficult. Eventually I will have to choose leaving the other behind. Because of our abilities, family backgrounds, and goals I have to make sure I am choosing the right one. Wherever my destiny is taking me I have to be certain I have a strong ally.
Heading out the building and toward the parking lot I sense I am being followed. Instead of looking around as mortals would typically do, I reach out mentally. I could sense a Vampire, a crimson Demon, and a seer. Crimson Demons are upper-level monstrosities who work closely with their leader. Essentially they are Satan's biatches and will only ask how high when told to jump. After quickly placing a protection spell over myself I reach out into the minds of my followers. If I know their plan it will be that much easier to stop it. I first go for the Vampire, because their minds tend to be easier to penetrate since their neurons don't flow as quickly. I could see faint sparks running through the vamps mind. It was a woman and her thoughts were definitely on me. As I dig deeper to get past all the insignificant contemplations I find her plan.
Mmm she smells delicious. No, I mustn't! We are going to make such good friends. She is having an internal conflict. Although Jessenia was told to befriend me she is having trouble fighting her urge to take a bite. Deciding she would be easy to handle I move over to the crimson. Their thoughts are by far the most numbing to work through. To my shock I am hit with a brick wall. Could it be possible someone has trained this crimson to block her mind? Giving it one more shot, I decide to pull each brick instead of trying to bum rush my way in. I reached out to grab a brick and it felt like a soft sponge given to babies to play with. Once the first six are removed the wall comes tumbling down. The yellow brick road from the Wizard of Oz lays before me and in a short distance is the Emerald City brightly sparkling. I make my way toward the front door and will it open. Stepping in I am lead into an Alice in Wonderland themed hallway. Chairs appear to be upside down, and the floor design is made to make you feel like you are falling down a hole. A girl who looks like Tim Burton's version of Alice greets me and introduces herself as Vanessa. "We are going to be best friends," she says. "While I am around no one would hurt you." After deducing the Demon is indeed harmless I move on to the seer.
The seer will be ten times trickier than the other two. I dive into her mind and stop abruptly when met with a concrete wall. "Damn!" Some mental blocks resonate strong waves back and this one is definitely bringing on a migraine tonight.
"I only grant close friends and family entrance into my mind Princess," the seer sent out a blast bringing me to my knees. By the time I regain my senses they have me surrounded. "And I guess I should let you in, since we are supposed to be the bests of friends," she says sarcastically. "Hailey," she said while offering her hand to help me up. Refusing to take her hand I stand up on my own and begin cleaning myself off.
"I would introduce myself but clearly you three know who I am, since you are following me. And is that how you guys meet new friends, by stalking them?" I have my hands on my hips and realize my defenses are still up.
"Princess, although strong, you are holding yourself back. The growth of your power isn't only dependent on time, but on your willingness to let go. Stop thinking about what you need to do and just do it," Vanessa said sweetly. I think she will be my favorite.
"Thank you Vanessa, I'll work on it. Why exactly are you going out of your way to be my friend?
"Obviously your father is pa OW!" Hailey yells grabbing onto Vanessa's arm.
"What she means is your father thought you might want someone to show you around. It's been a long time and t
he town has changed a bit." I could tell Vanessa and I are going to quickly become friends. If Jessenia couldn't control her urges, and Hailey her attitude it would be Bye Felicias!!!
"Well I appreciate the gesture but I am finding my own way just fine. My father does not have to be concerned. I hope the lack of a paycheck doesn't affect you guys too much." And with that I head to my car and drove home. My initial thought is to tell my father to go fly a kite, but the drive home gives me time to calm down. I also take the time to rethink the girls' "friendships," perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to assemble a team. I could definitely learn a thing or two from Hailey, although I could do without her attitude. With that last thought lingering in the forefront of my mind I park in front of the house.
Amelia has transformed the front of the house to a fall extravaganza. Colorful leaves border the home while the center is illuminated with pumpkins and gourds. The display will be especially beautiful at night.
Walking up the stairs I begin searching for my keys. I rest my bag on the ledge of the patio move everything around. Frustrated I turn to look at the door and then around at my surroundings. No one appears to be outside their homes, so I walk casually up and chant "aperi ianuam." I hear the door unlock and open slowly, I quickly look around and turn the nob. Glad no one was outside or in the entrance way, I lock the door behind me.
As I turn from the door I jump in shock. "Hello Maddie," Amelia said as she dangles my house keys in front of me. The look on her face is similar to the one Grams would give me after I've done something wrong. In this case practicing magic for personal gain is a huge no no. "Your keys were on the kitchen table. Which makes me wonder how did you get into the house?" Amelia's knowing look erases any idea I had of lying.
"Well I charmed the door to unlock, but I did it quite subtly making sure to look around beforehand," I add quickly.
"Sweetheart it is for your benefit that you not practice unless absolutely necessary." Amelia's soft tone puts me at ease but her stare still gets the point across. "Yes, it's true we live in an area mostly populated by the supernatural, however, it is still important that we try to keep the news of your return quiet. People are drawn to you for different reasons but most will look to you for the peace you emit." Amelia's words brought me back to the times I helped friends heal from both emotional and physical pain.
"I will be more careful, and next time I will just ring the bell." I give her a slight pout to show my sincerity and she smiles in response.
"You have an infectious smile just like your mother. And I am sure you will be more careful in the future. Let's go to the kitchen and have a snack. You can tell me all about the friends you have met today." I look at Amelia questionably.
"Did my father tell you about the friends-for-hire?" As my father's companion it makes sense that she not only knows about it but also has a hand in the selection. I take a seat at the bar stool in front of the counter, while Amelia pours me a glass of green tea to go with my peanut butter and toast. I am still amazed at how well prepared she is for my arrival. I have yet to eat a meal that did not consist of at least two things I consider favorites.
"Well one of them is my niece." I bet it's the seer. "And it was my suggestion that Hailey and her friends introduce themselves to you. As far as paying them, I know nothing about that. I highly doubt your father would consider paying anyone but bodyguards to be around you." Well that's essentially what they think they are, so it makes sense. "Please tell me my niece was on her best behavior?" Amelia stops wiping the counters to examine my facial expression as I answer. I nod while taking another bite of my sandwich. Yea, she was nice as bee sting. I replay just how nice Hailey was to me forgetting Amelia herself is a seer.
"Ugh, that girl can sometimes be so difficult. Well I am sorry in advance. She really is a lovely girl, and the other two girls just as much if not more."
Feeling bad about my mental bash I say, "I am sure we will get along just fine. I am going to look for them in school tomorrow for lunch." Seemingly satisfied Amelia goes back to cleaning the counters.
"Did you make any other new friends?" Amelia asks in a way that sounds like she already knew the answer. Knowing she could sense when I am lying I decide to tell her a condensed version of the truth.
"I have met two guys that have asked me to be study partners with them, and another who wants my attention for who knows what reason." I shrug off the thought like it is nothing in hopes of sounding nonchalant.
"Well I am sure each of them want something from you. The question you will need to answer is what that is and if it is safe for you to share with them. You must be careful because every new encounter can either be a threat or lead to a potential threat." Nodding my head to express understanding I get up to wash my plate and cup. "You can leave that in the sink, I'll take care of it."
"Oh no, Amelia I'm really not used to being taken care of in this way. And I want to thank you for your advice. I have every intention of scrutinizing every situation. It's in my nature to analyze, which is why I will make an excellent psychologist." I give her my best #winning smile and after putting the clean dishes in the drainer I thank her for the snack. I carry my school books and bag up to my room, slowing down as I reach the photos that line the stairs. I must be going crazy, but I could have sworn the couple were posed differently the last time I looked. Dismissing the thought I continue my trek upstairs. I decide it is best to get a head start on things so I begin reading the material and notes I need for to complete my assignments.