Academy of Magic Collection

by Angelique S Anderson et al.

“Did your badge work?”

  “Yes, of course. I’m working the late shift today since I was sick earlier and I’m not sure I am in the right lab.”

  “You’re in the right place. Grab the clipboard hanging over there on the desk and I’ll show you what you need to do.” She pointed to the desk in the back and returned to her work.

  Wow. She was a woman few words. I think I might like her once I find out how well she teaches me what I need to know. Grabbing the clipboard and some clean latex gloves, I looked over the detailed questions and I relaxed a bit. The night could be worse. I could be here alone, with nobody to help me but I had her.

  Slipping on the gloves, I placed the clipboard down in front of me. “Thanks for helping me.”

  “Don’t mention it. My name is Claire Sands and the quicker I get you up to speed, the quicker I can go back to working in peace.”

  Flinching I sealed my lips shut. I couldn’t afford to make her angry before she taught me what I needed to know. Five hours passed in no time and the lab was once again as quiet as it was when I came through the door. Claire was an excellent teacher and she explained things more than one way, so I learned not just what to do, but why I was doing it. If only she could teach my advanced calculus class. If things go right tonight, I’m not sure advanced calculus would be necessary.

  “It’s late. If you want to head home, I can clean the lab by myself, since I’m usually the only one who works this shift.” Claire took the last beaker in the tongs and went to the wash station.

  “Nonsense. I’ll help you since I worked in the lab just like you. We can also walk out together since its dark. You know safety in numbers.” Walking to the cleaning station, I started gathering everything needed to clean up.

  Glancing outside I saw that it was much darker than usual, which is nothing new, but my nerves are bad. Things have not gone the way I want them. Shaking off my thought I focused on cleaning up since I didn’t want to be here any later than I had too.

  “Are your parents coming to pick you up or do you live nearby,” asked Claire. She tossed her hair over her shoulders.

  That’s a joke. My mother works two shifts at the steel plant and overnight at the Brady Medical Center. “I’ll be walking home. What about you?”

  Claire pulled her coat off the coat rack in the corner. “I’m walking tonight and meeting up with friends. It’s not safe to walk alone at night. When night falls the safest place is inside.”

  “You work the night shift. I would’ve never thought that you were scared to work at night.” My palms were sweating and I placed them inside my pocket, so I couldn’t rub the sweat on my jeans. Kyra could be out there waiting for me but I’m sure she wasn’t. Has there ever been a time Kyra did something for me or anyone else that didn’t benefit her? My mind was drawing blanks.

  “Arianna, I’m not scared just observant of my surroundings. I’ll walk with you until I head to my friend’s house.” Claire held the door open for me.

  “I met some guys that came out of the woods on the way here. I had never seen them before, but they rubbed me the wrong way.”

  “You shouldn’t walk in the woods. You never know what’s hiding in there,” said Claire.

  The wind was frigid for the middle of May. Ever since we destroyed the earth, the climate changes never stop. It is like mother nature has turned on us for all the years of abuse she’s taken. Kyra was nowhere to be found, and I’m not surprised. We are twins, but we are so different and that probably won’t change. Claire walked with me to the middle of the woods then she stopped.

  “I hope you don’t live much further than this. I’m going to head east now and get to my friend’s house.”

  Dang. I live another forty minutes pass this point. “Thanks for walking me this far. I’ll see you later.” Pulling the phone out of my pocket I sent Kyra a text. If something happened to me at least she would know where I am.

  “I hope so,” said Claire. She turned and disappeared through the woods heading in the opposite direction.

  Branches snapped in the distance. My heart slammed in my chest as I froze, debating whether to run back toward my job or through the clearing in the woods. A gut-wrenching howl pierced my ears. I took off running at full speed through the woods.

  Forty minutes later, I arrived in my neighborhood with my shirt clinging to my back. Sweat dripped off my brows, as I rounded the corner and ran smack into a wall.

  “Why are you running? Did something happen to you?” asked Kyra. She was texting on her phone.

  “Let’s get out of here.” I rushed around the corner and up the stairs into the house. I was already in our bedroom when I noticed Kyra hadn’t locked the front door.

  Five minutes later, the front door slammed. I didn’t bother asking Kyra why she didn’t lock the door. I didn’t have any more patience for her. Tossing my purse on the bed, I yanked my pajamas out of the third drawer. There was no way that I was going into the most important night of my life smelling like a sweaty football team.

  An hour later, I was refreshed and smelling good but my nerves were still on edge. I paced the floorboards of the kitchen while I made dinner. My eyes felt like sandpaper but there was no way that I could take a nap. Mom would be home early tonight and she would need to eat.

  The sink was empty. I looked in the refrigerator and there was no turkey. I closed my eyes to fight for patience. Kyra does not cook, clean or work. Why hasn’t she taken the turkey out of the freezer? I need a change. I’m not sure how much more of Kyra I can take. She’s over there texting on her phone, lounging on the sofa with her foot over the broken arm of it.

  “Why didn’t you take the turkey out of the freezer?” My fists ball at my side. I don’t intend to ask her again. I’ve been saving up every month for the last three years for this day. If I came into my powers, and get accepted into the Angel Academy, I want mom to be able to make it without my income. Mom has done so much for us, and I want to do this for her. If Kyra doesn’t come into her power she will have to stay and help mom.

  “Why don’t we have chicken tonight?” asked Kyra. She giggled and typed something into her phone.

  “Did you buy chicken? You want chicken? Get a job!” I stormed to my room. Looking at my sister makes me want to scratch her eyes out and punch her in the throat. If I’m the only one that comes into power tonight, I will have a break from Kyra. I could use a break and she need to grow up.

  A few minutes later, Kyra closes the bedroom door behind her. “Are you done? What is your problem? We eat turkey every day and I know you hate turkey.” She plopped down on her bed and crossed her arms over her chest.

  “You know how important tonight is and that I worked late helping you, the least you could have done was thaw out the turkey.”

  “You should have taken the meat out before you went to work. You know you need to cook, so you should’ve taken the meat out.” Kyra shrugged.

  “Why do I need to cook? You don’t do anything. I cook for mom. It is not my responsibility to take care of you. Grow up.” I jumped to my feet and tower over her. There was a little satisfaction when some of her cockiness fled from her eyes. We both know I will wipe the floor with her in a fight. I always have and I will do it again.

  “You don’t tell me what to do,” said Kyra.

  “It would be funny if you don’t get your powers then what will you do? I won’t be here to take care of you. You’ll be on your own.”

  “I might get the power tonight and go to the prestigious academy and you will have to stay here cooking and cleaning. Don’t worry, you are not destined to do anything important,” said Kyra. She brushed past me and slammed the door.

  “Good.”

  Two hours passed, and mom still had not shown up. It was eleven o clock. I fixed my plate. I turned on the stove and reheated the food. Mom needed her dinner warm when she came in. The front door slammed shut.

  “I’m here. Has anything happened yet,” asked mom? She left her coat on and walked o
ver to the sofa looking down at Kyra.

  “Ari pushed me down. She’s being a bully.” Kyra lower her phone from her face to poke out her lips.

  “You and your sister need to get along. I do not allow you to fight.” Mom raised her eyebrows when Kyra opened her mouth.

  “She pushed me and told me to get a job. Ari was mad because I didn’t take the turkey out of the freezer.” Kyra surged to her feet and tossed the pillow on the sofa behind her. She flung her hair over her shoulders and headed into the kitchen to sit at the table.

  Picking up the bowl, I scooped mom some turkey stew and placed the bowl at the head of the table. Ignoring Kyra, I took my seat at the table. Kyra’s hands are not broke, so she can fix her own plate of food. I’m not a slave nor am I the hired help, and I am treated much worse. It ends today. I should’ve nipped Kyra’s behavior in the bud years ago.

  “You should have been working a job. All the girls your age have jobs and you should too.” Mom strolled into the kitchen and sat down in her chair.

  “Daddy never asked me to work,” muttered Kyra. She narrowed her eyes at me.

  I sighed. Talking reason to Kyra was like talking to a block of cement. She was not listening.

  “Your daddy died when you were five. He expected both of you to grow up and do great things in society. Frankly speaking Kyra, he would be very disappointed in you. You should be glad that he is not here to see what you have become.”

  Mom must be tired. She never brings up dad, but today she hit Kyra where it hurts. She isn’t wrong. Daddy died when we were five, but Kyra refuses to grow up.

  “What have I become, Mom?” Kyra’s tears ran down her face but her eyes were narrowed at mom.

  “You have become a spoilt, selfish brat who cannot see past herself to anyone else.”

  “I learned that from you. You only favor Ari because she’s stupid enough to give you her whole check. You never used to say two words to her, until she got that stupid job, and now you’re best buddies.”

  Wham. The glass crashed to the floor. Mom had both hands wrapped around Kyra’s neck choking her. “You will never be half the woman your sister is. You had better hope you get your powers tonight because if you do not, you will have to find somewhere to live. I refuse to take care of you until I die!”

  Mom let her go and sank back down in her chair. Kyra was doubled over coughing. When she could draw a full breath, she rose from the table to leave.

  “Sit down.” Mom looked at Kyra. Kyra sat back down with her eyes glued to the clock.

  Kyra has lost her mind. She has driven mom to put her out of the house. Kyra is right. Mom never had much use for me until I got my job. I’m no longer upset about it and it doesn’t cause any sharp pains in my chest anymore. People are who they are, and when they show you who they are, deal with it. It’s like a piece of her died when daddy died too. My muscles feel like silly putty and I don’t want any more of Kyra’s drama. Sliding into my seat I taste my cold stew.

  “Thanks, baby. You did not have to cook tonight. I volunteered to take Sandy’s shift later tonight at two in the morning.” Mom unbuttoned two buttons on her coat near her neck and fanned herself with a piece of paper on the table.

  “Why? We don’t know what’s going to happen.” I’m frustrated that she’d take on another shift when this was important. I guess it was only important to me. Swallowing the cold stew past the lump in my throat hurt.

  “Whatever is going to happen will happen at midnight. We need the money. I would stay if I could, but I cannot afford to turn down this shift.” She glanced at the clock.

  Pushing the bowl away from me, I wiped my mouth. In five minutes, everything would be different, or nothing would be different. I’ve built up this moment in my mind for so long that I’m numb. This night is all I’ve had to look forward to and the thought that I may not be an angel fighting to help makes me frantic.

  Kyra is toying with the tattered tablecloth. She rarely fidgets so she must be nervous too. I can’t imagine Kyra staying here with mom, especially now, with the tensions rising between them. It’s so hard to read her at times. Glancing at mom, I see her nervously looking at the clock then back to us.

  The clock struck twelve. I looked up at Kyra then at mom. I didn’t feel any different.

  “I guess you’re not an angel,” said Kyra. She rolled her eyes and stood up.

  “Just wait a few minutes. Do you feel any different,” asked mom? She looked between both of us and stood.

  “You always said at midnight. Is there a chance that this transformation can happen at any time today?” My stomach rocked back and forth. I stood up.

  “Your father knew more about this than I did. He said at midnight but we only spoke about it a couple of times. He said once you transformed there would be someone from the academy to collect you and take you to the school.”

  “Tonight. You never mentioned that someone would be taking us to the school tonight,” said Kyra. She gritted her teeth and ran her hands through her hair.

  My mouth began to salivate. I wasn’t in any mood to clean vomit up off the kitchen table. That’s gross and I’d never be able to eat at the table again. Swaying on my feet I headed toward the bathroom.

  “Where are you going,” asked mom?

  “I’m not feeling good. Give me a minute.” I closed the bathroom door and locked it. I rinsed my mouth out with warm water. I lifted the toilet seat and leaned over the toilet. I felt hot like my body was in a bottle of chemicals. My skin was itchy and sensitive. Looking out of the small circular window I saw a flash of lightning.

  I’m not an angel. There won’t be adventure and new people in my destiny. What great change can I affect here working my job? Another flash of lightning struck. This time it was close to the house. I could smell the burnt grass out front. Flipping the seat down I stood up. Thunder rumbled loud and dark clouds appeared in the sky. Lightning struck, crushing the glass hitting me in the chest. The force of the impact knocked me against the door.

  “Ari, wake up.” Mom’s voice sounded distant, but the force of her hand against my cheek had my eyes flying open.

  “Please stop slapping me.” I sat up. Frowning I looked at mom then to Kyra whose lips thinned.

  “I guess you got what you wanted. You get to go to the academy. But I wouldn’t be so eager with that hideous red hair. You looked better with blond hair.”

  “Shut up, Kyra,” said Mom.

  “What are you talking about Kyra?” I felt my hair. Yanking out the bobby pins and strands of my hair, my eyes darted to mom when she grabbed my hand.

  “It’s only hair.” Mom held up the cracked mirror that she kept in her pocket.

  “What happened?” My hair was fire hydrant red and I looked pale. How could being struck by lightning permanently change my hair color? My skin still felt itchy. I didn’t feel nauseous which was always a plus. I don’t throw up often and have only done so twice in my life. Both times were because of Kyra’s cooking.

  Kyra didn’t look any different. Well, she looked like I ate the last candy bar from her. She hasn’t even asked if I’m alright, but she has instead focused on herself. There was time for her to get powers too. I don’t know if I have powers or if that was a freak accident.

  “You were in the bathroom, then something loud happened and you ended up in the hallway.” Mom slipped the mirror back inside her pocket and helped me to my feet.

  “She probably laid herself on the ground before we came to the door.” Kyra rolled her eyes and snickered when I frowned holding one red lock in front of my face.

  “Kyra the door is locked. There’s still time for you to get your powers if they find you worthy. Let’s try to take care of Ari right now,” said Mom.

  “Don’t pretend to care about me now.” Kyra looked me over from head to toe then walked past me to our bedroom.

  “I don’t think I have any power. I remember smelling the burnt grass from the bathroom when the lightning struck close to the house.
I think I was struck by it too.”

  Kyra came back out with her phone. She snapped a photo and the bright light blinded me for a second.

  “Kyra. What are you doing?” I moved away from them and staggered over to the sofa. All my strength was zapped. My mouth was dry, but I couldn’t bring myself to walk to the kitchen for some water.

  “I’m taking a picture of you just in case something happens. I’ll always remember you.”

  “I am not surprised that Ari has been gifted with power and you have not. If you change your ways maybe the gods will take pity on you and give you powers later in life.”

  The knock at the door startled us. It was twelve forty-five. It felt like two days had passed and I had done hard labor. I tried to rise but mom waved me down.

  “It must be them. Kyra go to your room and pray,” said Mom. She unbuttoned her jacket tossing it over the sofa before opening the door. She pulled her hospital scrubs down and flung the door open.

  “Are you Mrs. Dorothy Renee Deeds?”

  I frowned. The voice was female. Kyra rushed past mom and sat on the sofa next to me trying to peep behind mom. Everyone that knows mom, knows that she prefers people to call her Renee, which was her middle name.

  “Yes. Who are you?” asked Dorothy. Mom leaned against the door for a moment then opened and allowed the woman to come inside.

  “My name is Sylvia Wilson. I’m head recruiter for the Angel Academy. These must be your lovely daughters.”

  I couldn’t take my eyes off Sylvia. She wore a thick coat and the only thing visible was the black combat boots underneath it. Her long silver hair shined in the light and her eyes were the color of amethyst stones. I’m not sure how angels look, but she looked like a model. Maybe with her recruiting job, she was far removed from the fighting. I guess that made sense.

  “Yes. Can I get you anything to drink?” asked mom. She closed the door and rushed to sit down on the loveseat.

  “No, thanks. I’ve come to grab Arianna Deeds to attend the Academy for Angels,” said Sylvia.

  “I’m Arianna.” I glanced at Kyra and mouth ‘I’m sorry’ but her eyes narrowed.