Page 28 of Spelling Disaster

Although I have to admit, she’s convincing; she got me out of my shell.

Until she continues with, “I’m the only witch there who has transformation magic naturally.” She blushes a pretty pink rose color. It matches her hair. “I don’t say it because I have a big head or anything. Apparently, it’s true. I’m being groomed, as it is, to do great things for the magic world,” she finishes. “Or so the headmaster told me.”

“I don’t think you have a big head,” I tell her with a smile. “Well, any bigger than normal. I think it’s amazing. If you’ve got the skill then of course you want to use it for the magic world.”

The store is massive and crazy and fun. There’s so much to see I can’t stop from swinging my head from one side of the aisle to the other.

Blaire realizes, after a while, and stops to chuckle at my wonder.

“Your eyes are all wide, Yazzy. And your mouth has that kinda gaping thing going on at all the options,” she says. “There you go being adorable again.”

“This place is awesome.”

“I think, in order to work magic well, you’re going to need to know about the mortal realm. It’s the world and the people you’re protecting from the magic around you, the power you wield,” Blaire continues.

A little too somber for my peace of mind.

“I don’t think I’m ready for a lesson like that,” I admit.

“Okay, that’s fine.” Blaire’s face splits in a wild grin. “Let’s shop, then. Grab some snacks for later once you realize the dining hall serves glop.”

It isn’t a good idea for me to miss my only afternoon class, not on my first day. Which I tell Blaire, hoping she’ll understand the time limit, and she tells me that it’s not going to be a big deal. Whatisa big deal is soaking in the atmosphere. And after a few more minutes of exploring, she breaks down my defenses and I agree.

Instead of worrying, I have fun in the toy aisle. I grab a bag of chips, and explore a freezer section that makes me ready for winter.

When was the last time I let myself just let go and enjoy? To spend an afternoon laughing without any kind of stress?

I can’t remember.

There’s always been something to do, some kind of pressing responsibility that needs my immediate attention. Or Mom there reminding me of what waited for me in my future.

This time, it’s for me. And although it’s really difficult to let go, I try; being around Blaire helps. She doesn’t judge me for being confused by certain things about the mortal realm. In fact, she’s got the patience of a saint with me.

We make it back to campus a little later than we should and just in time for curfew. Blaire wipes imaginary sweat from her brow the moment we’re on the front stoop of X House.

“See? I told you it was all going to work out.” Blaire spins in a wide circle with bags in each hand acting as counterbalance. “We had a great time, and we didn’t get in trouble. Not to mention we’ve got some great things.”

I laugh, silently thanking whatever good luck put me in the misfit house with Blaire as my roommate. We’re opposites in a lot of ways, but it’s a good thing. If anyone is going to get me to be more confident, then it’s her, without a shadow of a doubt.

“Say it,” she prompts as she drops her arms back to her sides. “Say I was right, Yazzy. I need to hear you say it out loud.”

“You were right,” I reply with a chuckle. Until my breath catches in my chest again because there’s Theo.

God, he really is gorgeous. Each step radiates assurance, the kind that doesn’t come from being forced but is naturally nurtured until it’s simply the way you operate.

The strands of auburn hair catch the light of the moon overhead and gild his features in glowing silver.

I gulp hard enough for Blaire to hear.

He doesn’t seem to be racing back across campus quickly. Not the same way Blaire and I had to hustle to get back to X House.

“Why isn’t he hurrying?” I want to know.

Blaire scoffs. “Because the boys don’t have to adhere to the same rigid routines and curfews like the girls. I mean, they have curfew, but the rules bend more for them. And partially because he’s Theo. Okay, partially because his family’s money is what helps keep the school afloat.”

Ah, so he comes from money. I should have guessed. Money paves the way for so many things in this world, whether mortal or witch.

“You find that attractive about him?” Blaire presses with sweetness I know is false.

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