UnEnchanted

by Hahn, Chanda

  Silence filled the kitchen. Mina held her breath, afraid to move. Brody straightened in his seat and swallowed slowly.

  Sara brushed her hands over her forehead in defeat. “You're enamored, that's it. In another week or so, you will wake up and this will all be a dream. And you will forget that Mina ever even saved your life. She will go back to being my clumsy forgotten outcast teen daughter and you will go back to ruling the school and dating the head cheerleader.”

  Silent tears fell down Mina's cheeks. Mina refused to look at Brody or her mother. She stared at her plate of uneaten pasta and let the words her mother spoke, words she knew were truth, sink in. She could have stopped her mother, but Mina knew that Sara was protecting her, fighting a battle for her.

  Sara pointed her fork at Brody accusingly, a giant meatball stuck on the end. “I've seen it all before. This will fade, it won't last and you will leave Mina for another. We aren't like you people. You two are oil and water. But how we live our life is of no concern to you or your family. My daughter doesn't challenge your choices or way of life, so don't do it to us. You haven't earned that right or proven yourself worthy to.” When Sara had her say she placed her fork down and began slicing the meatball into bite-sized pieces. Placing a piece in her mouth she chewed slowly, challenging Brody with her eyes.

  Mina was stunned at how well Brody took the news. He listened and never once questioned Sara’s sanity maybe because it was her mother, and not Mina herself, who was explaining things to him.

  Brody was quiet, contemplative. “That explains a lot.” Brody stood and excused himself from the dinner table. “Thank you for dinner and an enlightening evening, Sara. Mina.” Brody nodded his head in both their directions and let himself out the front door.

  “What just happened, Mom?” Mina asked. Her lip began quivering, tears flowing freely. Her heart felt like it was ripped in two and stomped on.

  “I think you’ve just been dumped.”

  Chapter 15

  Sara felt awful; she looked at her daughter who was devastated. “I’m so sorry. I judged him wrong, I thought he could handle the challenge of the truth, and may be the one.”

  “What do you mean mom, by the one?”

  “Well fairy tales time and time again tend to have a hero who will battle it to the end to save the heroine. I was hoping he would fight for you more, challenge me, tell me I was wrong and be your knight, like your father was for me.” Sara dropped her head in shame and went to her room.

  Mina went to the living room window and looked out to the street below. Brody’s car was gone. Still silently crying, Mina went to the front door, locked it and put a chair in front of handle. She then went to every window, checked and locked all of them. Going to her bedroom, Mina grabbed a throw blanket, opened her window and crawled up the fire escape to the roof.

  The roof was Mina’s one retreat from the world. Being the only tenant in the small building gave Mina the opportunity to lavish the roof with fun items. Since it was twilight, Mina went to a small electrical outlet and switched on the power. The roof was illuminated with strands of white Christmas lights and various illuminated patio lights. Last summer Mina had dragged up two lawn chairs and had even planted fake plastic flowers in the all planters. She had a horrible green thumb and couldn’t grow anything if her life depended on it.

  Italian music played softly from a restaurant down the street and Mina collapsed in a lawn chair. Wrapping herself in the blanket, Mina watched as steam rose from various vents and chimneys across the building’s roofs. She cried herself to sleep, unaware of the eyes that watched her.

  Chapter 16

  “What do you mean, I can’t transfer? I’m keeping the same classes and teachers just switching the periods in which I take them.” Mina spent the next morning avoiding everyone. After another disastrous art class, Mina decided she needed to avoid Jared altogether.

  She had tried to go do a simple transfer with the school office, it would even mean giving up home room with Nan, but Mina was desperate. She didn’t think she could stomach Brody’s betrayal and Jared’s discord at the same time and survive. Mina had looked for Brody’s car on the way to school and in the parking lot but didn’t find it. He wasn’t even at lunch. Mina pushed her food around on her tray and waited for Nan to join her.

  Her day was going from bad to worse. Along with feeling guilty and depressed, she had opened her locker to find another note, quite a few actually; her locker was stuffed with them. Some said LOSER, FAKE, GOLD DIGGER but one that scared her most was the one written in red ink.

  I KNOW WHO YOU ARE! YOU’RE DEAD!

  Mina couldn’t figure out what she could have done to cause this kind of discord. She had tried to live a quiet and unnoticed life and had been relatively successful until the school field trip. For two whole days she had lived the life of an instant hit celebrity, but after that news died down, she was back to being boring Mina. Except now someone was trying to intimidate and bully her through notes. Her best bet was to try and finish whatever tale she was in right now and move on to the next as soon as possible. If only she could figure out what the Story wanted from her, what did she need to do to finish the end?

  She was so deep in self-pity that Mina didn’t notice someone sit down next to her until they started talking.

  “It doesn’t have to be this way between us you know.” Jared leaned against the table; he was dressed head to toe in black with black jeans, black shoes and jacket.

  “I’ve decided that I would rather not get to know you, since you don’t care enough to explain things to me or help me. So if you’re not going to do either of those than you are just an annoying thorn in my side. Mina started to stab her chicken fried steak with a vengeance.

  Jared looked at Mina’s lunch and laughed. He had a very engaging smile, which made Mina's mood turn darker. Sensing her displeasure, Jared tried to call a truce. “Tell you what, you live out the week and I will agree to help you.”

  Ignoring him, Mina turned on him angrily. “Did you ransack my house?”

  “What? No.” Jared’s smile fell from his face. “I did not, nor have I ever, entered your home, but I probably know who did.” His dark brows furrowed together in thought. “Strange I wouldn’t have thought him to be smart enough to try.”

  “Who, Jared? If you know something that could protect my family then you need to tell me.” Mina was getting frustrated by the minute with Jared. One minute he was charming, the next minute we was as elusive and vague as the best politician.

  “Grey Tail wouldn’t have gone there on his own, he would have been sent by someone with enough power to sway the wolf pack.” Jared looked worried.

  “Wolf pack! Jared what are you talking about?” Mina felt the hair on the back of her arm rise in fear.

  She didn’t get an answer to her question, because Pri and Savannah brought their trays and sat down next to Mina and began chatting like they were long lost friends.

  Jared leaned back and watched the exchange with narrowed eyes.

  “So Mina, what do you think of the theme for this year’s dance; Enchanted?” Savannah asked, drawing attention to her white blonde hair by flipping it over her shoulder. “It will be a ball, we are all supposed to dress up as famous storybook characters.”

  “I didn’t know about the theme, I guess I haven’t been paying attention.” Mina answered distractedly. She had visibly tried to not cringe when she heard the theme. How ironic was that. She had been so distracted she didn’t even know about the dance, but then she did recall Nan texting back and forth with people pictures of possible dresses and costumes.

  “So then Brody Carmichael hasn’t asked you to go with him? Savannah asked offhandedly, her body stiffened waiting for a reply. Mina could have sworn she saw her hold her breath.

  “No, I don’t dance. I’ve been told it’s bad for my health.” Mina answered casually and watched as Savannah visibly relaxed. At least it was bad for Mina’s health, because she has yet to attend a d
ance where it didn’t end in a torn dress, broken shoe or sprained ankle.

  “What about you Jared, are you going with anyone?” Pri asked. Her loaded question hung in the air like an atom bomb. She watched Jared like a hungry lion waiting to go in for the kill.

  “Haven’t decided yet,” Jared answered carefully. “I’m still getting settled in, new student remember.” It was a very well played answer and Mina was envious of his excuse.

  “Well, I am going as Rapunzel and I could use a prince charming.” Savannah actually preened. Mina never thought a human person could do it but she did.

  “Rapunzel is not a good choice for you,” Jared spoke softly. “She was too naïve, too innocent, I would peg you for someone more mature, more cunning?

  “Really?” Savannah leaned forward into Jared’s arm and actually purred. “Who then, should I go as?”

  Jared leaned away from her with disgust. “I would peg you as a jealous stepmother.” Savannah’s face turned red with anger. She was actually so mad she couldn’t form words. “Really, and what would miss Mina be, hhmmmm, the ugly stepsister?” Savannah stepped away from the table and Pri followed after her, like the good follower she was.

  Mina covered her eyes with her hands and tried to massage the headache that was beginning to plague her. “You really shouldn’t have done that.” Mina chastised. “You just made my life harder, not easier.” She stood up and left her lunch tray on the table, her fork still standing at attention in the middle of her chicken fried steak.

  Walking out the double doors into the hall, Mina was surprised to see Brody coming down the corridor toward her. Mina took off down another hall hoping he wouldn’t have seen her, just seeing Brody brought back a flood of feelings that she wasn’t ready to deal with. She was actually feeling relieved that he didn’t show up for school.

  When he called her name, she knew that he must have seen her. Mina ducked into the marked stage doors hoping he would pass her by when he turned the corner. Mina walked up the steps onto the stage and sat down amongst all of the decorations the student council had started creating for the dance.

  There was a tinseled park bench with lights strung around it. A giant gingerbread house with life size candy, a vine covered wishing well, a large stone tower. Mina sat on the bench and pulled her knees up to her chest and buried her face in her knees, gently rocking herself. She wished desperately that there was a way she could turn back time. Maybe if her mother had never signed the stupid permission form, she wouldn’t have gone on the field trip. She wouldn’t have saved Brody’s life and would never have been noticed by the curse.

  She might have made it all the way through high school without having been attacked by a stranger, and with what Jared said earlier, Mina became all the more skeptic of surviving this curse because there was a wolf pack plural as in more of those crazy tattooed biker guys after her.

  Mina thought she was alone on the stage, but the sound of a stage lever being pulled, made her glance up in alarm. The stage was flooded with lights as the dance displays lit up in all of their beauty. They shined, sparkled and dazzled Mina speechless. She actually had to raise her hand to cover her eyes to make out the person who triggered the lights.

  His dark form walked out of the shadows and stood before Mina tall and handsome. Mina actually shivered when she looked at Brody as if her body had gone without water for days and he was the answer to her thirst. His blonde hair and blue eyes stood out upon his strong chiseled jaw. His hands were in his designer jeans and he walked casually out to her on the bench. It was as if she was under a spell, mesmerized by his movements. Closing her eyes, she tried to block out his glorious being. Maybe if she didn’t see him he would disappear. Her heart thudded in her chest and if felt like it would burst forth.

  “Mina.” Brody’s voice sounded husky to Mina’s ears.

  “Go away,” she answered weakly.

  “I need to speak to you.”

  “You’ve done enough talking. You made your point on the whole situation last night.”

  “No, I didn’t.” Brody kneeled before her and stroked the back of her feather soft brown hair. Brody loved the feel of her hair, loved the feel of her breath on his shoulder, loved the way she said his name. It took everything he had to not pack her up and take her home with him. He would have locked her in his home to protect her from what was after her. That was until he realized he couldn’t really protect her.

  “Mina, please hear me out.” Brody reached out and wrapped his hands around her, she was so small, so delicate that he had no problems maneuvering her so that he sat on the bench with her tucked across his lap. She tried to squirm at first but Brody held onto her nuzzling her ear, which made her freeze. “What your mother said last night frightened me.”

  “I know it frightened you away.” Mina tried to move away again but Brody nuzzled her again, making her freeze. It was both an intoxicating feeling and overwhelming rush.

  “Not like you think. I went home, destroyed a few classic guitars, rode my motorcycle across the county and ended up in another state and I still couldn’t contain my thoughts. You are all I think about and last night I had an uncontrollable rage warring within me. I want to fight this battle for you, but I know that it's not my fight. You will tell me what you are afraid of when you feel ready. Your mother's right, I have no right to judge your family. I haven't proven myself yet. And I made it worse by leaving last night the way I did. I’m sorry, I shouldn't have left.”

  Mina’s heart soared to new heights. He hadn’t run from her because he was ashamed of her or didn’t see a future with her, he ran because he wanted to protect her. This time it was Mina who felt protective of Brody. “I’m sorry that I doubted you. You confuse me.”

  “What is there to be confused about?” Brody asked.

  “I thought for sure you had ended our friendship or relationship or whatever this is.” Mina looked into his deep blue eyes and felt herself begin to drown.

  “So you started to build up that wall between us again, I can tell. You like to hide behind that wall, locked inside that tower.” Brody cupped Mina’s face and whispered softly, “I’m going to have to work on tearing down that wall, brick...” he kissed her eyelids, “By brick,” he kissed her pert little nose, “By brick.” Brody continued to kiss her cheeks, her chin and finally her lips.

  Mina knew it was coming but was still startled by the feel of his lips on her mouth. It was glorious, sweet, beautiful and Mina felt herself go lightheaded with joy. He pulled away from their gentle kiss and she felt saddened by his parting, until he placed another quick kiss on her lips. “Brick,” he whispered.

  ~~~

  She was on cloud nine. Mina had never felt so wonderful; in fact nothing Jared could say would ruin her mood. He even noticed the change in her and tried to make a comment that would rile her, but she blew it off. Everything would turn out right, because Brody was there for her, she could feel it.

  Mina was supposed to meet Brody by his locker after school, and as soon as the bell rang she practically floated toward him. But a rough hand on her elbow stopped her.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” She turned and wasn’t the least bit surprised to see that it was Jared grabbing her elbow. “Let go of me.” She tried to shake him off but Jared squeezed tighter.

  “Come with me and I’ll tell you what you want to know.”

  “Why?” He was silent. “I can’t, Brody’s giving me a ride home,” Mina looked at Jared sadly, “maybe later.”

  It was the wrong thing to say to him, because his eyes darkened dangerously. “You don’t know who you are dealing with here. I was going to help you, tell you information to help you stay alive, but it seems you’ve picked your model boyfriend over your life.” He dropped her elbow and strode away.

  Mina waited ten seconds and then chased after Jared down the school steps and into the parking lot. He must have been expecting her because he was already astride a black motorbike. It was sleek, exciting and
dangerous, everything that described Jared. He was holding out an extra helmet to her. “You knew I would come didn’t you?” Mina accused angrily. “You could have at least let me tell Brody where I’m going so he doesn’t worry.”

  Jared shook his head. “It’s a one-time deal expiring soon.” He jump-started the bike. “Like now.” Mina sighed and really wished she had a cell phone to text Brody that she wasn’t in any danger.

  But as soon as Jared peeled out of the parking lot and sped along the road, Mina had to rethink that last thought as she had to grip tightly onto Jared’s waist so she wouldn’t fly off the bike backward. Maybe she was.

  Chapter 17

  Jared sped along the interstate and fifteen minutes later he was pulling up to Emerald Lake. He turned off the motorcycle and removed his helmet laying it on the seat. Turning, he held out his hand for Mina’s safety helmet as well.

  “What are we doing here?” Mina asked pulling off her backpack.

  “Practicing,” Jared answered.

  “Practicing what?”

  “How to stay alive.”

  Mina thought he was joking, but one look at Jared’s set face and she knew that he wasn’t joking. “Why now?” she had to ask, it seemed to come at a most convenient time for him but at an awkward time for her.

  “Why not now? Do you have anything else planned?” Mina started to open her mouth but Jared cut her off. “I do, so it’s now or never.”

  Annoyed, Mina followed Jared out to the water’s edge. He stopped by a tree and broke off two short branches from a maple. Jared closed his eyes and the sticks glowed, grew and he began to form them.

  Mina’s eyes opened wide and she stared in awe. Secretly she knew that there was something different about Jared. He couldn’t be an ordinary boy and know so much about the Grimoire and the curse on her family. But watching him mold and shape a branch with power was very impressive and hauntingly beautiful. She never believed in the magic of fairy tales but now she did. How could she not when she witnessed something so miraculous and beautiful. It was nothing compared to using the Grimoire to chase away Grey Tale. This was magic, beautiful and pure. Mina smiled and looked at Jared. She didn’t see the annoying boy from school. She saw someone that was ethereal and glowing with power. The rush of it took her breath away. There was a moment when she felt envious of Jared.