Page 10 of Spelled By Truth and Tresses

Amara glared at me through her reflection in the mirror, then her eyes darted to Jayde as she washed her hands. “What do you think Jayde? Think she’s a danger to us? You heard Professor Elgon. Sirens end up going insane half the time.”

“I’m half-siren,” I snapped. “Besides, if you think I’m dangerous, then perhaps you should heed my warning and get the fuck out of my way.”

Jayde shrugged, then stood in front of the door, blocking it. “Perhaps that’s really why your dad died? Maybe he went mad and shot his brains out so he wouldn’t hurt anyone.” She tapped a long nail on her lips. “You should do the same, save us the trouble of killing you when you become rabid.”

All the blood drained from my face. “What the hell did I ever do to you?”

Jayde’s face warped. “Everyone thinks you’re so special. So beautiful. But I see through that bullshit façade,” she sneered.

I scoffed. Was this really happening? Were they jealous?

Amara continued. “That’s probably why Jax was talking to you.” She flicked her long hair over her shoulder. Her brown eyes focused on me—like a viper ready to attack. “Because you’ve compelled him or something. It’s pathetic.”

The mention of his name snapped me out of the shock restraining me. I shook my head. “Actually, you’re the pathetic one, Amara.” I laughed manically, something dark and powerful building in my core. “This is all about a guy? Do you think if you crawl after him long enough, he’ll fuck you again?”

Her chest heaved. She looked like a volcano ready to erupt.

“That’s what I thought,” I said and turned away from them. “Now get out before I show you some of that madness you’re both so concerned about.”

Amara swallowed hard, then rolled her eyes, acting unbothered although her pupils shrunk to pinpoints. She walked out, pushing the door against the wall with enough force to crack a black tile.

The moment they were gone, I hurried into a stall and locked it. I felt overwhelmed suddenly, as if the numbness was slowly peeling away and I knew I was forced to deal with everything underneath. I checked my backpack as a distraction and the phone buzzed from on top of my Mastering Potions textbook.

I just saw you with Amara and Jayde. Did they hurt you, pet?

I didn’t reply. I held the phone in my hands and slowly, one by one, tears slipped down my cheeks. I didn’t know what specifically I was crying about, but the list of things I should cry about was lengthy. My heart raced, adrenaline soared through my veins, and before long, I was trembling. I wanted to scream and scream until my voice dried out.

Another text appeared on my phone.

If you don’t respond in ten seconds, I’m coming in there to get you.

I bit my cheek, then quickly replied. I’m fine, asshole. Now, fuck off for once.

What was with him? He didn’t even know me. I almost wrote to him and told him to stop writing to me, but the dream from last night lingered in my thoughts. Something was brewing that I couldn’t put my finger on.

After a few minutes, I calmed myself down. I was too tired to stay mad or sad. My eyelids felt like tiny weights were attached to them and my temples throbbed.

I walked out of the cubicle and checked the mirror. “Great,” I said aloud and wiped the streaks of mascara from my cheeks. Red blotches covered my face and neck and veins slithered across the whites of my eyes. I checked the time on the clock over the trash can. I missed the start of class.

I couldn’t bear for anyone to see me like that, so I grabbed my bag from on top of the sink and hurried out of the restroom, walking right to the front doors.

I headed toward the only place where I knew I could be alone without being badgered. I walked down the long-cobbled path through the woods surrounding campus until I made it to the bench beneath a maple tree covered in knots and sat down.

The sun was overly warm for September. It beat down on my back and head, making me feel more exhausted than I already felt.

I welcomed the deafening silence among the trees. They seemed to breathe with me on each inhale and exhale. Here, no one stared at me or asked questions. Their eyes didn’t track me as if I was some pitiful lamb.

My hands were shaking vigorously. I wasn’t cold, they just did that when I was upset. I sat on them, trying to calm myself down. I looked up and watched the leaves as they drifted to the ground.

I rubbed my eyes and took several deep breaths. I had completely lost all sense of who I used to be. I didn’t know who I was anymore. I was a shell of my old self, but I wasn’t sure I missed her.

Being alone gave me some relief. I let my tears fall, but this time I didn’t stop myself. My heart ached—I was finally feeling again, which I guessed was a good thing, but it was agony, and I needed it to end.

I sat for ten minutes, just staring at the leaves, and allowing myself to break.

My phone vibrated next to me. I turned my head just as the screen lit up as it laid on the bench seat, Lalita’s smiling face showed above the text alert.

You weren’t in class. Did you go home?

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