I was lounging again. That’s all I seemed to do these days. Splaying my thin, muscular, porcelain body across my Victorian lounger. It was my favorite place to relax, but not for reasons of the obvious. I had persuaded my father to part with it where it sat in his dark, dank office to the spire in my bedroom at the highest point of the old Victorian house. It was a perfect place to look out onto the trees and the moon and stars, the sun and clouds… I felt like I could just drift away out of the windows and down into the forest near by chatting with fairies and elves and fawns checking on the gossip from the Other World. I didn’t want to remember what it was I had to do today- again. I was so bored of life. I played with my short, choppy blood red hair and rolled my violet eyes in the back of my head.
My parents raised us children with the view of a different world than what mainstream society believes in. They also named us differently than society’s norm, which was really awful when I had to go to normal school. We were very far from ordinary. I suppose that’s why our house was considered the “haunted house” of Edgeworth. Oh, how I hated that stupid little town. What was the point? It would be easier if there were busy streets and thousands of different faces every day. I could possibly have fun with what I was. Throw a jinx here, a hex there. No one would be the wiser. In this little town everyone knew everyone. It would be impossible to have my kind of fun.
I don’t know if it was because I was the oldest of three or if I was just better than them all, but I couldn’t deal with minute magic. Never having to wash the dishes, cook, clean, do homework. Pointless. What about making rainbows in the winter? Making someone’s nose fall off? Those things would be fun. A smile creased my forlorn face. Something more obvious than playing with magic in my house. Waste of good magical powers if you ask me.
I sat there, thinking about my family. My father, Kegan who was somewhat royalty. He looked the part I guess I could say, with his dark jade eyes, his sleek black hair that just touched the nape of his neck. He was tall and slender with a confidence in his posture that would make anyone a little nervous or feel a little self conscience. My mother, Hypatia, the heir to the throne, gorgeous. I think that’s where I got my looks from. She had violet eyes that looked grey in the light, her blood red loose curls flowing down her back. I suppose I am more upset with my mother than my father. He married into the Royal Coven. My mother just decided it was right to raise us in the “real” world to get perspective before returning to our rightful place at the head of the Other World. I had perspective. I am supposed to be a queen! Stupid normal humans. Stupid normal life. I was not born to be normal!
Viviane, now she was the one who could pull off normal. She was so alive that she found goodness in everything. She wanted to know how everything worked, how everything came together. It could get so annoying. She looked like my father. Dark hair and green eyes, but she looked the most normal out of all of us. Her eyes were just green, her hair was just black. Nothing magnificent. She was pretty, but ordinary. She fit in best in this stupid little town. UH, and she was only a Freshman in high school. Stupid little sister. Being a Senior is the best moment of my life. Not for normal reasons, but because once I’ve finished Hell, I mean HIGH school my requirements are over. I can go back to the Other World, no questions asked. I can’t wait!
I was shaken by my thoughts with a quick knock on my bedroom door. I knew that knock. I smiled, letting him wait. It was the scapegoat. The middle child. It was my brother, Aiden. He felt the way I did. Get the Queen back in her throne so that we could all move on with our rightful lives. Aiden knocked again. “Yes.” I said faintly. I knew he could hear me, I was just being difficult. I could hear the door open a crack and I could picture his short white Mohawk, his sparkling cinnamon eyes in his tan face peeking around the door. I smiled to myself. Aiden and I got along swimmingly. I only used him as the proverbial scapegoat when I didn’t want to hear my parents lecture me. I would just blame it on him. He didn’t mind. He enjoyed the chaos.
“Hey. School?” Aiden called in to me. I shuddered. Damn, it was time for school. I wasn’t happy. “It’s our first day for the year. Think we could get there on time?”
“Why are you so excited little brother? Since when do you enjoy the mundane?” I questioned from the same spot I was in when he knocked.
“One down, that kind of thing.” Aiden said, slipping into the room and closing the door behind him.
“I suppose you are right. I wonder if we could have some fun this year. It is my last and your Junior.” I twirled around to face him, my knees on the lounger resting my elbows on the back of it and my head in my hands.
“We can certainly try. Although, Viviane is in high school now. Do you think she’ll tell?” Aiden never failed, the wicked little grin that crossed his face lit the room like a thousand candles.
I hopped off of the seat and grabbed my Luis Vuitton messenger GM Bosphore that was not only my book bag but my whole life. I had purchased that bag the first time I decided to grant myself a little extra cash. It was wonderful. I flew down the stairs on Aiden’s heels. I checked myself in the foyer full length mirror. Fitting black long sleeve, cashmere, V-neck top, dark blue skinny jeans with golden embroidery and red ballerina slipper shoes. Cute. I could live with cute. I grabbed my keys to my early graduation present, a Pontiac G8, and my sunglasses. I was out the door. Aiden now following me.
I got into my new car and smelled the interior. I could still smell that new car scent. Black outside, midnight tinted windows, black leather interior and chrome. There was chrome everywhere. It was stunning. This was one thing I had to admit I liked about normal life. No broom could ever rock this car! Aiden hopped in the passenger side and pressed the volume button on the dash turning the radio on. Flyleaf blared in the speakers. This was awesome! I could sit in this car all day. I was about to back out of the driveway when Viviane bustled out of the door looking absolutely terrified. Crap. Viviane.
“You almost let me forget Viv. How could you do that?” I frowned at Aiden.
“Get over yourself. You were hoping you’d get out of here before she came out. I know the excuse. ‘I’m so used to her going to middle school, bla bla bla.’ You really should be nicer to your little sister. One day you might need her.” Aiden grinned. If I didn’t appreciate that little grin I think I would have hexed him.
Viviane came bounding down the driveway with her hair in a ponytail, baggy jeans, a T-shirt with some band called the Jonas Brothers and her oversized backpack. I shuddered. “You know they are all going to laugh at her.”
“Like hell they will!” Aiden’s fiery eyes blazed. He was right. Only we could pick on little Viv. “They better pray we don’t find out.”
“SORRY!” Viviane breathed as she rushed into the backseat. “I couldn’t find my schedule. That’s going to be, like, my whole life for like, a week! I wouldn’t have known my locker or combination or my classes! That would have been like… Like, SO embarrassing!”
“Seriously, Viv. You say ‘like’ one more time and so help me God!” I growled looking at her in the rear view mirror. “You are so normal!”
“Witches say ‘like’.” Viviane pouted.
“Have you seen any say it around me?” I replied.
“Guess not. Sorry.” She frowned, bowing her head.
“Look- look at what you did ya big cranky jerk! This is her first day of high school. She’s already freaking out. She needs her big sister and big brother to be encouraging.” Aiden snapped. Sometimes he was right. This was one of those times. I turned around in my seat and raised her chin with my hand.
“Vivy. I love you. I’m sorry. Everything will be fine.” I smiled sheepishly. I was a jerk.
“I’m sorry, too Lil. It’s just… Sometimes it’s bad enough being average but, to be an average witch? Those people, they don’t get it. I’m just average there. But here, in our world, I’m li… I’m a total loser.” Viviane frowned deeper.
“You tell me who says those things to you, Viviane. I will burn them all at the stake!” My eyes darkened and my skin tingled. I was so mad. Who said these things about my baby sister? Sure, her looks were average, but on the better side of average. She was an amazing witch. No one had that right.
“Calm yourself Lilith. You’re going to blow up the car.” Aiden laughed. We all looked at each other and fell into a short fit of laughter before I drove to school.
When we got there I parked in my normal spot closest to the school. I wasn’t sure if people were afraid to park in my spot of if they just had enough respect. Aiden and I got out of the car and stood on either side of little Viviane. We were mean older siblings but we were meaner protectors. No one was going to make my baby sister’s first day of high school anything but pleasant. After all, she was the only one looking forward to it. As we walked up to the doors to wait for security to open them reminding me of after Thanksgiving sales I glanced around the parking lot. On my second scan around I caught a glimpse of the most amazingly beautiful man I had ever seen in my entire life. I couldn’t see the shade of his eyes, but his hair was black and wind blown, he must have had an ego because the close fitting washed out jeans were clinging to his strong legs and his pale blue cord sweater was stuck to him like Velcro. My mouth watered and I’m sure at that point I was staring. In that instant my mind started working again. He was normal, of course. I couldn’t get into that Pandora’s box even if he was so delectable. I only had one year left and I wasn’t about to date someone just for a year. I had before, but that was for fun. Not because I couldn’t stop drooling like Pavlov’s dog. In the instant I set my mind to never looking at him again we made eye contact. I quickly looked away, I couldn’t lead this poor soul on. Besides, this was Viviane’s day. I was only worried about her.
“Welcome to your first day of the year!” The pimple faced security guard chimed as he opened the doors. Yes. First day of the year. Make me vomit. I looked down at Viviane and her eyes sparkled. I couldn’t help but be a little excited for her. I hoped she did well, I hoped she proved to be more than average here. She deserved it.
“Viviane?” An awkward voice called from behind us. The three of us walked into the hallway and moved against the wall waiting for the person this voice came from. It was a short, chunky, pretty little girl. Her blond tresses falling next to her face like golden curtains. She was blushing when she spotted Aiden. Poor Aiden, I thought.
“Claire!” Viviane burst into a bright grin and hurried to this silly little girl. “I’m so glad you are here, I thought your parents were putting you in Pemberly Academy.”
“Yeah, but it was like, $10,000 a year and they decided it wasn’t worth it. I begged them not to take me away from my friends. They agreed. I’m so glad I get to see you. Freshman year won’t be so bad now that my BFF is here with me! This is like, SO exciting!” Claire gushed. My eye twitched. The left one. Always the left one. That word ‘like’ was the single most annoying word in the English language. Aiden shook with silent laughter.
“Claire, meet Aiden and Lilith. They are my older siblings. Lilith is a Senior and Aiden is a Junior.” Viviane showed us off like we were shiny new cars. Claire blushed again at the sight of us. That pleased me. I liked when other girls, no matter how young or old, felt their self esteem float away at the sight of me. Conceded? Of course I was.
“Very nice to meet you, Claire. Viviane spoke a lot about you this summer. You were away in Hawaii?” I spoke with a smile. Any friend of Viviane’s would definitely be annoying, but a good person.
“Hi. Yes. Hawaii was a blasty!” Claire chimed. A word worse than ‘like’? I was amazed. If I ever heard the word ‘blasty’ again I would projectile vomit.
“I’m Aiden.” Was all he said. He was too proud of himself as well. She just blushed at that point and pulled Viv away.
“Nice to meet you both. See you around? Come on, Viviane, we have to get to class.” Claire replied as she tugged Viviane away down the opposite hall.
“You’ve got an admirer, Aiden.” I whispered. He just glared at me. I thought it was funny, hm.
“Get your butt to class. See you at lunch or something.” Aiden grinned running off to his first class.
I stood there alone for a minute. I had memorized my schedule over the weekend. I had the locker right next to my first class. I obviously wouldn’t need to go there yet. No books. I absentmindedly walked the halls to my first hour. I had memorized that school, too. After being there three years it wasn’t too hard to know every nook and cranny. I was looking out the windows as I walked. People usually steered clear of me. It was kind of something I liked. I didn’t have to watch where I walked this way. That is why it was quite odd to barrel into a brick wall. I knew there were no walls here. I looked up, pissed. It was HIM. The God in the parking lot. I had to quickly collect my thoughts before I started drooling again.
“Did you not see me or was this on purpose?” I growled. Even if he was hot I was still going to show him my wrath. How stupid did he just make me look?“It was on purpose, actually. I saw you in the parking lot. I had been trying to get your attention for nearly thirty seconds. I figured if I was going to stop you I’d have to walk out in front of you. Are you OK?” He smiled. That was too much. The smile made him even more attractive. He had dimples, that was not fair.
“You purposely walked in front of me? Yes, I’m fine. What could possibly be that important that you had to ram into me?” I asked, the growl was gone, but I tried to hold steady to the annoyance painted on my face.
“As I said, I saw you in the parking lot and I had to know your name. You are stunning. I’ve never seen a woman like you. I apologize if I am out of line.” He bowed his head like a gentleman. He was NOT normal. Even if he wasn’t like me, he wasn’t normal. There was something about him. I looked him in the eye this time before I spoke and wished I hadn’t. Silver eyes. Exquisite.
“You are quite charming I must say.” I said it before I could remember I was going to hate him. “My name is Lilith Arwen. You are?”
Shock? Was that was crossed his face then? Why was that? Because my name to normal humans represented evil? I liked that idea. I scared him. A smile crossed my face, then he spoke. “My name is Drake Snowdeth.”
“Well, Drake. Nice to meet you, I suppose. But, I must be off to class. Maybe, for next time, you might think to not attack me in the hallway.” I smiled and shifted away from him so that I could walk on to my first hour. What a moron stepping in front of me like that. Who does that? And then I wondered why did he have to be so attractive? I thought back to his features, normal- well, not average, but normal. The thing that got me were his eyes. Silver eyes. Not silvery blue or silvery green, they were silver like a quiet river, with small diamond specks of blue. And not your average blue, but that silvery, icy blue. I chalked it up to the shirt he was wearing. Sometimes different shades in your clothes will change the shade of your eyes.
As I was thinking, more than I wanted to be, about Drake I found the class room I needed and walked in. As usual someone was sitting in the far back corner desk that I usually sat in, but this time, like it was procedure, the young man grabbed his things and scooted out of the way so that I could have my seat. I smiled lightly to him in thanks as I sat down. Surprisingly to me, Drake was right behind me. He got the person next to me to move and sat down next to me. How was that possible? He was the new kid, no matter how enticing, he was still new. No one moved for the new kid, and when I realized who it was, Benjamin McDonnell, the most popular guy in school, I was blown away. Two reasons, one, the obvious. He was the most popular. Surely he wasn’t going to give up his seat to anyone, and secondly, how did he do it?
“Hey, Lilith. Fancy meeting you here.” Drake winked at me. I was undone. This God sat in my class, next to me, and winked? How did he do it? I could “coax” people to do what I wanted with a little twitch of my mind, but he couldn’t. I was frustrated. One more small piece of fun I had found was slipping away. If he could do it with out magic then it was pointless. Had to find a new pass time.
I wasn’t sure yet, in the few seconds after he spoke to me, if I was going to respond. I decided I should. “Yes, well, this is my first hour.”
“I take it you have advanced classes through out?” Drake whispered as the teacher, Mr. Block, came into the room.
“Yes. I do.” I was done talking to him. He was mocking me. That annoyed me. I thought to myself how I could get him back, but it was simple! He had destroyed the joy in my pass time, he would be my new one. I concentrated on Drake Snowdeth. I pictured him in my mind sitting there in that desk all smug. I imagined him clicking his pen. He seemed that kind of annoying. When he clicked that pen and tried to talk to me, and he would do that again I was sure, that pen was going to explode all over his pretty little sweater. I had the hex in my head, set up like a time bomb. I smiled wryly. I was going to get him and I was going to laugh. I didn’t care if the whole class stopped what they were doing and looked at us, the more the better.
As I had suspected, he started clicking that stupid pen. I had set the hex to be set off by his voice. You speak- you get inked pal! Click, click, click, click… Was it going to go on forever? Click, click, click, cl…”So, what other classes do you have?” ick! POW! The pen blew up in his hand, ink went everywhere. It was funnier than I expected it to be and I dissolved into uncontrollable laughter. The look on his face, the looks on the student’s faces. The teacher, oblivious, as suspected. He just looked at me. If looks could kill, I thought. Well, that should do it. No more speaking to Drake Snowdeth. It was better that way, anyway.
“WOW! I’ve never seen anything like that!” Why was I speaking? Hadn’t I just concocted the best plan to get him to hate me? Why were the words falling out like word vomit? Take it back, take it back!“Hm, I haven’t either. Oh well. I was tired of this sweater anyway.” He winked again, tugged the sweater off and threw it on the floor between us. Underneath he was wearing a tighter black t-shirt. My mouth gaped open. He wasn’t mad? What the hell?!“You look upset. Are you OK? Did the pen get you?” Drake asked. He was concerned about me? Seriously? I quickly realized I wasn’t going to be able to ignore him. I would just hope that he wouldn’t be interested in me like that. That would be easier to leave behind. A friend, instead of a lover. Wait a minute. I didn’t have time to think about him like that. I was getting ready to go back and take over Avonia, the Other World. He was a distraction, I decided. But, that was all I could decide. I couldn’t figure out if I was going to ignore him or not.
“I’m just. No. It was funny, but everyone started looking so I got aggravated. I don’t really like attention.” I lied. I crave it, wanted it, needed it!
“Hey, what are you doing for lunch? I was wondering if you’d mind sitting with me. I don’t know anyone else.” This time he put his head down and was shy. Was he playing with my mind? First he was over confident, and now he looked like a sheepish little sissy! I tried not to let his mind tricks get me like that. I was better at it than him.
“Sure. But, I sit with my brother and possibly my little sister will be joining us today if she isn’t comfortable on her own yet.” WHAT?! Why was I explaining myself to him? Why did I say yes? That’s not what I was originally thinking. My first thought was full of words I couldn’t even say out loud with out scorching my own tongue and the second was a simple ‘no’. WHY did I say yes? I turned my face down to my notebook and glared. I was going to stab him with my pencil. That would shut him up.
“Thanks. Wait, your bro and sis are here?” He asked. Bro and sis? Really?“My brother Aiden and my sister Viviane. Aiden is a Junior and Viviane is a Freshman.” I was doing it again. It was none of his damn business, yet I was spilling it all.
“I’m the youngest. Surprised I had to leave my old school with only one year left. Thought the rents would let me stay and finish school at least.” He frowned. I cared. Why did I care? IGNORE HIM, my mind shouted.
“Where are you from?” I finally asked. I don’t care where you are from you annoying piece of… but then why did I ask? Think, Lil. I couldn’t, for the life of me, figure out why I was acting this way.
“Um. Well, no place you know of I’m sure.” He shifted in his seat. Did he not want to tell me? Fine. Good. I don’t care! But, I did. I wanted to know. I wanted to pry. I wanted to know every stupid little normal detail of his stupid little normal life and it infuriated me!
“Fine. Don’t tell me. If you are going to start a conversation, make sure you know the angles it’s heading in. If you can’t answer the questions you cause me to ask then just keep your mouth shut!” I was not about to let this BOY get the best of me. It wasn’t going to happen. I was cold, calculated, vindictive, I was a witch and he was not going to get the best of me!
“Avonia. It’s this stupid little town outside of Salt Lake City, Utah.” He winced. No it wasn’t. Or at least, my Avonia wasn’t some stupid little town outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. It was the Other World. The place I’d much rather be than here. When he said Avonia, those diamonds shifted and sparkled. He wasn’t talking about Utah at all! And he was playing with my mind. Making me want to talk to him, making me interested. Jack ass! Oh, he wasn’t going to get away with this.
“Avonia, you say? I’ve heard of it. But, not the one in Utah.” I winked at him, bringing my violet eyes to a blaze and left it at that. When I turned away from him I almost was sure I saw a glint of surprise. Yeah, one up me now, jerk! The bell rang shortly after that. Senior year was going to be fun, even if my joy was only in first hour! The rest of my classes went by nearly the same. Drake just so happened to be in every single one of my classes. He was acting strange, like he was on edge. Had I struck a cord? Who knows, I wasn’t going to let him get in my head again. I had blocked him as soon as he said Avonia. Ha, I win! The lunch bell rang and I flitted out of the class room with a grin on my face. SO happy!
“Hey!” I felt a big hand on my shoulder. I swung around and he was standing there, aggravated.
“Yes?” I replied.
“Lunch? You said you would go with me. I’m not sure how to get there.” He’s frown didn’t waver.
“I’m sorry, Drake. Come on.” I grabbed his hand and tugged him to lunch. I didn’t know if I was happy to think another one of Us was here or if I had a pet for a fun Senior year. Either way, my joy made school tolerable. I was going with it either way.
When we got to the cafeteria I spotted Aiden and Viviane at our usual table. But, there were others there. Some young man next to Aiden and a bubbly looking girl with Viv, besides Claire, the chunky one. That was odd- for Aiden anyway. Viviane had friends, I knew that, but Aiden never cared one way or the other. I turned to Drake. That was it! There were more, weren’t there? He was lying. He just stared at me. I composed myself and spoke.
“What would you like to eat? There’s a plethora of ‘food’ here.” I used quotations with the word ‘food’. I did enjoy the salads, those were always nice and fresh.
“Pizza sounds good.” He finally spoke. I looked at him. He still had that frown. What was wrong with him? Wait, had I let my guard down? No, this was genuine concern, all me, none of him. I cared.
“Are you OK, Drake?” I asked, softening my voice and shaking his hand. He looked at me, and the frown smoothed.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Sorry.” Drake answered. I didn’t believe him, but he and I headed to the pizza line anyway. They had a great antipasto salad there that I was drooling over and he got three slices of ultimate pizza. We paid and headed to the table.
“Aiden, Viviane, this is Drake Snowdeth.” I introduced him. Aiden lit up with a huge grin, odd. Viviane blushed, normal. I smiled at Claire, sat down next to Drake and expected an introduction to the other two. I looked to Aiden and he caught my expectation.
“Nice to meet you, Drake. This is Rowan Derry and that’s his little sister Dawn.” Aiden grinned wide again like he was the only one in on an inside joke. Then I noticed it. The three of them acted like they had just met, but they didn’t say much. They were liars! They knew each other well before today.
I leaned in as if to kiss Drake’s ear and I whispered as soft as could be, “Avonia isn’t in Utah. You better explain when we get out of here.”
He didn’t move. Not a twitch. When I moved away I saw him nod very slightly. He was going to explain. Good.We sat like that, just minimal conversation, probably for Claire and Viviane’s sake through out lunch. After lunch we moved on to our next classes going through the motions until the final bell rang. Drake headed out quickly. He was not about to get away from me. I shuffled past the rest of the class, knocking over this popular girl name Natalie on my way out.
“Where the heck do you think you’re going, Mister?” I trudged up to him grabbing his hand.
“I can’t tell you anything, just drop it. Avonia is in Utah as far as you are concerned.” Drake glared down at me. For once this whole day, well- in pretty much my whole life, I felt pain. He was being mean!
“Oh cut the crap, Drake. You and I both…” He cut me off and pulled me into a tight hug and before I knew it his lips were smashing to mine. My body went limp. The feeling in that kiss was amazing. It tingled, it shocked me, it burned me, it was through to my bones. I had never felt that alive before, ever. He put me down and set me away from him. I couldn’t speak, the words wouldn’t come. I just stared at him, my mouth wide.
“People were listening genius. I’ll be at your house in an hour.” Drake growled and was off. It was my turn to be pushed and shoved as I just stood there in the hallway, frozen. He knows where I live? I finally collected my thoughts and peeled out to my car. I knew Aiden and Viviane would meet me there. As soon as they did I was racing home. It felt like hours instead of minutes or even seconds. Finally, the two of them were walking to the car. With Claire? I was not in the mood. I started paying attention to my breathing. I had to calm down. I couldn’t frighten this little girl.
“Lilith, can we give Claire a ride home?” Viviane asked opening the door slightly.
“ONLY, if she is on the way.” I barked. Viviane nodded and they all climbed in.
I hoped I didn’t scare the poor girl, I had no idea how we got to her house, but we did and then we were off to home. When we pulled into the long drive to the house set far back from the street I saw another car in the circle drive at the house. Crap. Crap!!! Drake was already there. This wasn’t going to be good.
I parked and hopped out. Drake was already getting out of the car when I ran to it. He grabbed my hand and ran to the back yard, hopped the two foot brick wall and shot into the forest. I was right on his heels. We finally stopped about 200 feet in.
“Avonia is not in Utah.” Drake said through deep breaths after running so hard and fast. My eyes met his and I nodded.
“You’re right. It’s not.” I replied. I took that moment to look around. We were pretty deep into the forest which was good, I didn’t want anyone- not even my family, to hear what we were about to talk about. I then turned to look at him. He seemed tense. It wasn’t that big of a deal, it wasn’t like he was telling someone that didn’t already know the true story. So what if he was a part of the Other World- Avonia? So was I. “So, why are you here? And who are those other two?”
“You’re quick.” Drake breathed. Was that it? I was quick? No duh! Did I just use the word ‘duh’? Hm… “Yes, I know. Answer my question.” I glared at him. I was done with the games. It was one thing if he was just a normal human playing their idiot games, but this guy knew at least what I was if not who I was so he had better give me answers.
“I am here because the Royal Guard sent me.” He explained. Or, the lack there of. OK, so the Royal Guard had sent him here. Why?“And…” I was getting more and more frustrated with every second that he let the information stall.
“Rowan and Dawn are, in fact, brother and sister. They are from Avonia as well.” Drake continued. “The Guard thought I should get perspective.” He frowned at that. I could understand, whole heartedly.
“Your final year?” I asked, shocked. How unfair. He only had to suffer one year.
“Trust me, I don’t think it was going to be necessary, accept that you keep acting so flighty.” Drake rolled his eyes.
“Flighty?” I asked, a bit offended.
“You are the heir to the throne and you are walking around here acting out. Childishness is the least of our worries, but still a worry. What if someone caught on? Then what?” Drake glared at me. He was pretty powerful stuff. Maybe it was because I was left alone by my family and my school mates so I hadn’t realized how easy they made it for me to be intimidating. Maybe I wasn’t as good as I thought I was. Self esteem down a notch, I looked at him again.
“Childishness? I haven’t done anything that would make people suspicious of magic. If nothing else they think our house is haunted. Once, someone even said we were the Addams Family. How ridiculous? I think kids are watching too much sci-fi nowadays.” I went on. It wasn’t like me to be open with someone, especially when they were being rude. He must be in my head again, I thought. I checked my blocking and that wasn’t it- strong as ever. Maybe I really wanted to talk to him now, especially since he was like me.
“That’s just as bad. You are drawing attention to the fact that you are different.” Drake complained.
“Worse things could happen. I could be walking around that school screaming ‘Alakazaam‘ and making it rain. I’m not doing stupid things like that. I keep to myself mostly, unless something grabs my attention. But, even then I don’t walk around hexing everything and everyone within a ten mile radius!” I explained myself. Not that I ever felt the need to in all my life, but this guy was just too much.
“I realize that, and that’s what I told the Guard, but they are adamant, you need supervision.” Drake said, eyes on his shoes.
“SUPERVISION?” I asked, no, I more screamed and growled and spit. It wasn’t pretty whatever it was. “I don’t need supervision, especially not from some idiot like you!”
“Don’t be an ass.” Drake finally looked at me again, this time just as angry. “Do you think I enjoy babysitting?”
“Babysitting? Is that what you are calling this? Then go away!” I thought of his smile, his body, wink, his smell- which up until now I didn’t think much of; it reminded me of the beach.- his eyes, even that stupid kiss after school. The one that didn’t mean anything but to cause a diversion. Babysitting, indeed.
“I can’t go away, Lilith. You are my priority. If you fail, I fail- that kind of thing.” Drake said, shaking his head. “You are going to make this Hell aren’t you?”
“I wasn’t planning on it. I thought we were going to be buddies or something since we were both from the same background. BUT, you are turning it into something awful. So, yes, now I am going to make this Hell.” I glowered at him. I visualized him going up in flames, but being careful not to actually will it to happen. Suddenly he looked to be in pain. My eyes went wide, had I hurt him?
“You want to be buddies? You are a princess. I’m a guard- that is kind of impossible, isn’t it?” Drake asked, white as a ghost. No, I hadn’t hurt him- physically!
“What the hell does anything have to do with that? Yes, I am a princess, but not here! I’m some freak of nature in high school. I never thought of it before, because I’ve been so resentful, but I could use a friend.” The words that came out of my mouth shocked me. I was weaker than I ever imagined. Maybe things were getting to me in this stupid town. Maybe I did really want someone to confide in and that’s why I had been so nasty. No matter, as Drake said, I was a princess and he was just a guard.
“Well, if you don’t care I’d really like that.” Drake was kind of pink again. “But, won’t your betrothed be a little ticked if he finds out you are hanging out with me?”
“My betrothed? That idiot? I don’t know who it is, but as far as I am concerned he doesn’t exist. I don’t care what anyone thinks of us being friends.” My chin was raised, I was being defiant again. It felt good after that little slide into weakness.
“You don’t know who it is?” He asked grinning. “I’m surprised your parents haven’t forced him down your throat, especially at this age.”
“I don’t even know his name. Do you know who it is?” I asked, acting curious. I did know his name, but that was about it. I hadn’t thought about the fact that my life was already planned when I got back to Avonia. It wasn’t something I never wanted to think about, so over the years it just disappeared.
“I’ve heard a few rumors, but you know how that is. Half the time it’s bunk.” Drake answered. I realized he was a lot closer to me than he was before. “I’m sorry I kissed you earlier. That was rude.”
“Well, it was a good kiss if that makes any difference.” I was the one blushing now. The feel of his solid body, his soft lips slamming to mine, the way my body went limp with the electricity. I wanted to feel it again, to be honest.
“Really? It was so impromptu.” Drake shook his head, brow furrowed again.
“I like impromptu.” I winked. I heard a rustling in the trees and then heard swearing. “Aiden! What are you doing?”
Aiden popped through the trees, still cussing. I couldn’t understand why. “I was coming to make sure he hadn’t killed you or something. You’ve been gone for a while. And, because I came to find you I stepped in a mound of some sort of shit.” He was not happy. His cinnamon eyes were on fire.
“Relax, Aiden. Drake and I have just been talking. How did you step in crap?” I was trying so hard not to laugh. The look in his eyes made me quite aware that the forest could go up in a blaze, it had been quite dry recently. No need to start forest fires.
“Well. Fine. A waste.” He looked at me, then at Drake, and then snapped his fingers and his shoes were spotlessly clean. My eyes went wide, what was he doing? He didn’t know anything about Drake.
“AIDEN!” I shouted, forgetting for half a second that Drake could probably do the same thing.
“OOPS!” Aiden was no longer mad, he was fearful. I had never seen him pull something like that before in front of a normal person before. Not once. Why did he slip up now? Anger?“You need to be more careful with your anger. Obviously you can’t think straight. You’re lucky Drake practices as well.” I scolded him. His fear subsided into embarrassment.
“I’ve never done this before, Drake! I’m really sorry.” He was sheepish. I hadn’t seen him like that since he forgot to control himself and set the dining room table on fire.
“It’s quite alright, actually. I probably would have done the same thing.” Drake tried to comfort my little brother.
“Really?” Aiden asked hopeful.
“No. Sorry.” Drake laughed. I couldn’t help myself. I almost fell over when the laughter finally hit me. So upset over some poo! And then Drake? What was this, a gift from the Gods? No, more like a cruel joke. I was betrothed, which I conveniently forgot about, and Drake was gorgeous and funny… More like a curse.
Aiden got upset again and stomped back towards home, I kept laughing. Drake was smiling at me, the blue diamonds in his eyes were dancing, making his face light up. Once I calmed down I asked him a question, whether or not he found me insane, I didn’t care. After the information he gave me about being a guard, I was paranoid.
“Drake, is that your real name?” I asked, trying not to look as inept as I felt.
“No, it’s not.” He said between chuckles. He finally became serious and smiled, bowing his head again like a gentleman. “My name is Leviathan Payne.”
Had I not already been laughing, this fit of giggles would not have been easily overlooked. This little bit of hysterics that I now found myself having was because I knew that name. Leviathan Payne was my betrothed. I was right, it was a cruel joke. Would I say oh yeah, by the way you’re my future husband? No, probably not. I wanted to cry so I kept laughing. This was not happening to me. This couldn’t possibly be really happening to me!
“Are you OK?” He asked, looking at me funny. I assumed that ‘is she out of her mind’ look was fitting. I was quite out of it. A bit too far gone for what was natural.
“Yes. I am fine.” I choked out. This time, because the laughter stopped the tears were going to come. “You know, I have a lot to do tonight so I should probably get back.” DO NOT CRY YOU SISSY! I was shouting at myself just trying to keep the tears away.
“Well, that’s abrupt. Was it something I said?” Leviathan asked, concerned. Probably feeling self conscience. I couldn’t have that, but should I tell him why I was having a mini panic attack?
“OK, so this is going to be really awkward. Are there any other Leviathan Paynes around in Avonia that I don’t know of?” I asked, hoping and praying that he would say yes, even though I was more than one hundred percent sure that was not the case.
“You’ve heard of me? No, just me. Unless you count my grandfather who I was named after.” He responded, still keeping his ‘lets put her in a padded cell’ look on his face.
“That’s what I thought.” That’s all I could get out. I wanted to continue saying that you are my betrothed, by the by. Hope that doesn’t freak you right the hell out like it does me, but, I couldn’t seem to bring myself to do that.
“Well, you did say you had to go. I shouldn’t keep you. Will I see you tomorrow?” He asked both disappointed and hopeful.
“Thanks, yeah, you will see me tomorrow.” I smiled. I was excited about tomorrow, about school, since when? Since Leviathan. He smiled back and we walked out of the forest back to my house. When we neared his car he grabbed me up into a big hug. I didn’t want to let go.
“Hope you don’t mind. I can’t seem to keep from touching you.” He blushed again, I am sure I was doing the same thing. No, love, touch me any time you want!“It’s OK.” I winked. I turned to walk in the house before my knees gave out. Something about his touch was just electrifying. I couldn’t understand it. Suddenly, his hand was on my waist, pulling me back to him.
“You don’t mind? Well then…” Impromptu was a good thing. Once again I was smashed against him and kissing him with a passion I had never experienced before. It couldn’t be this easy. He set me back down on the ground, which I thought was shaking under me, and smiled. “Don’t forget, my name is Drake Snowdeth.”
“Uh huh…” Speechless. That had never happened before… I watched him get into his car and take off down the drive. I could feel eyes on the back of my head from my room. Aiden was a dead man.
I rushed upstairs trying to avoid my parents so that Aiden’s death could be quick and I threw my bedroom door open. “AIDEN!” I screeched, my hand was raised to smack him right across the head and then I saw her. Or them. Viviane and Claire and Dawn.
“SORRY!” They ran screaming from my room. I plopped back down on the lounge where I started. Pandora’s box indeed.
