“What a beautiful pendant,” she said. “May I see it?” I held it up, but she didn’t lean forward to look more closely. I suspected she meant for me to take it off. Everything in me rebelled at the idea of handing it over, but I’d always been told to respect my elders, so I unfastened the chain. I felt a familiar jolt as my hand brushed against hers, followed by her sense of astonishment.
“Fluorite,” she murmured. She turned the stone over and peered closely from every angle, even holding it up to the light. Finally, she held the necklace tightly in her fist and closed her eyes. “This necklace is charmed. I’m very curious about its origin.”
“My father gave it to me before he died. He said it had been passed down from generation to generation. He said…” I trailed off, embarrassed. I didn’t want to finish my sentence, but four faces peered at me expectantly, waiting for me to finish. “He said it would keep my migraines away and to wear it always. He died shortly after, and I’ve worn it every day for the past five years. Well, until recently. Actually, the first day I experienced my problem, I’d accidentally left it behind.” It felt weird admitting this to the Alexanders. I’d never told anyone why my father gave me the necklace.
“I’m sorry about your father,” Abe said. I gave a little nod. “Can you tell us a little about your family?”
“My mother’s family is from around here. I don’t know anything about my father’s relatives. Every time I try to ask my mother about it, she changes the subject. I don’t know if that’s because she doesn’t have the answers, or if it just hurts her too much to talk about him.”
Recently, I’d begun to regret never pressing my father for more information about his family, but I was only eleven when he died and most kids that age don’t think about that sort of thing. I had always been surrounded by my mother’s family, so I’d never felt like anything was missing. Not until recently.
“Rachel,” Abe said, “I don’t want to push, but I’m very interested in the origin of this necklace. I’d like to find out more about your heritage. If you don’t feel comfortable asking your mother, would you object to me trying to find out more on my own?”
I could tell this was important to him. It was important to me too. Not only because of the necklace, but because I wanted to find out if I had any relatives or distant cousins I’d never met.
“What type of research are you suggesting?” I wasn’t objecting, just curious about the methods. My father led a pretty boring life. There wouldn’t be any dirt to dig up, no skeletons hidden in the closet.
“All I need from you is his full name, date of birth, and the date your parents married. From there, I would check out his birth certificate and those of his parents. It’s all public information. Basically, I’ll put together a family tree and then go from there,” Abe explained. “I’ll keep you posted every step of the way, and if at any point you want me to stop looking, I will. Would you like for me to get started on this?”
I was thrilled at the prospect of having a complete family tree of my paternal ancestors. “Yes, I’d like that.”
Jerica handed my necklace back to me and said, “Rachel, I think it’s important for you to keep wearing this, at least for the time being. I believe your father gave it to you for protection and to hide your abilities from others. Unfortunately, this type of protection doesn’t last forever—just until the person wearing it is old enough to learn to protect themselves. Would you be willing to let me help you with this?” Jerica asked carefully. “I can help you gain greater control over your gift. I can also help you discover if there are more of these surprises in store for you.”
“What kind of surprises?” I asked.
“I’m not sure. Magical abilities can manifest without warning. It’s better to be introduced to your newfound powers in a controlled environment.” Jerica glanced at Abe as she said this.
“Magic?” I whispered, “Are you sure that’s what this is? Is that what you have?”
“Magic has been passed down from generation to generation in our family,” Abe explained. “It’s nothing bad or shameful. We’re born this way, just like some people are natural born athletes or musicians.”
“I don’t know,” I said, backpedaling. “I don’t think I have any magic. I’m just extra sensitive to feelings right now. It’s just a phase.” Anxiety constricted my lungs. I looked around the room at these seemingly normal people. “Does Alisa have magic too?” I wondered if that was the thread that tied her to this family.
“No, Rachel,” Alisa said. “I don’t. But I’ve seen enough to believe in it and to know it’s not bad.”
“Can I think this over?” I asked, ready to escape.
“Of course,” Jerica said, her green eyes holding mine in a penetrating stare. “But I need to warn you. Now that your magic has come to the surface, there are people and other beings who will try to steal it. Wear your necklace always. Never take it off. It’s your only protection right now.”
Fear tore through me, raising goose bumps on my arms. I remembered all the times I’d felt like I was being watched. Now I knew these incidents were not figments of my imagination.
“Rachel,” Jerica said, leaning toward me. “We can assign a Protector to keep you safe…”
“What? You mean, like, a guard?” I stammered.
“Something like that. It’s the best way to ensure your safety,” she said.
“No. That’s…no,” I said, shaking my head from side to side. I was finished. Done. The conversation was over. I’d never allow someone to follow me around everywhere I went. It didn’t matter anyway, because it was all a big mistake.
Jerica reached over and grasped my hand. I didn’t know if she was trying to reassure me, or if she was giving me a chance to read her. I allowed her aura to flow through me, her feelings becoming my own. I could feel her concern and fear, her regret at having to frighten me, and her determination to protect me at all costs. Not only was this something she’d done before, protecting others like myself, it was her life calling. In the instant before I released her hand, I caught one word she passed unintentionally. Spellbringer.
Is that what I am? What we are? I’d always known I was different, but thought it was a good thing. I believed what set me apart was my drive and determination to leave this town and achieve my goals, but I was wrong. I was abnormal, an abomination, a freak. Just the word magic set off a series of warning bells inside my brain. Murmuring my appreciation for dinner, I apologized for having to leave so suddenly, and fled.
***
For the second time this school year, I woke up and considered skipping school. That in itself was an indication my life was falling apart, crumbling away. I felt like I had nothing to hold on to or to keep me together. My mother had always tried to instill a sense of confidence and independence in Jeffrey and me. She told me I was a strong, intelligent young woman. I believed her when she told me I could do anything I wanted. I believed her when she told me I was a good person. Now I wasn’t sure. My family was very religious. Our church believed magic was evil. Did the part of me that had magic make me bad? Evil?
I crawled out of bed and got ready for school. I was already seated in first period when Jace and Alisa arrived. Thankfully, some students entered right behind them, so Jace didn’t have time to approach me. I could tell he wanted to say something, but I wasn’t ready to talk to him yet. My thoughts kept drifting back to Jace, his family, and how I fit in with them. I couldn’t help but feel my life was now intertwined with theirs.
As class progressed, I kept sneaking looks at Jace. How could he seem so focused on the mundane activities of school? School had never been further from my mind. Would every day be like this from now on? Waiting for something to happen? As I drove home after school, I could feel another migraine coming on. So much for the magical protection of my necklace.
When I arrived in first period the next day, Jace was sitting alone. I hesitated in the doorway before stepping inside.
“She’s sick,
” Jace said in response to my unasked question.
“How did you know I was going to ask you about Alisa?” I placed my books on my desk and sat down.
“You did ask me that,” he said, closing the book in front of him and looking at me.
“No I didn’t,” I argued.
“Maybe I read your mind,” he said in a lowered voice. I glanced at the classroom door to make sure there was no one to bear witness to our conversation. “Do you want to try it again?”
“No,” I said. “I don’t believe in…that stuff.”
“That’s too bad. Magic can be fun, you know.” He winked at me and pointed toward the chalkboard. The eraser flew toward him and smacked him in the forehead. He reached up to brush the rectangular patch of white dust from his face.
“You’re right, Jace. That was fun,” I said, laughing.
“Okay, so that wasn’t a good example. Remember yesterday when Mr. Kendall couldn’t find his briefcase, so we got out of taking our tests?” he asked. I nodded. “You have me to thank for that. I wonder if he discovered his briefcase in the refrigerator, or if it’s still in there.”
“The refrigerator? With the frogs? But how did you get it in there? He keeps it locked.”
“Magic can be fun and useful,” he said. I couldn’t help but feel a bit irritated by his admission. After all, I’d been up late studying for that test.
“Are you supposed to use your magic to play practical jokes?” I asked, lowering my voice. “Isn’t that unethical?”
“Only if my parents find out.” He chuckled softly, then pulled a sheet of notebook paper from his folder. He scrawled a few quick numbers across the paper and handed it to me. “My mom wanted you to have her phone number just in case.”
“Thanks,” I said reaching out to take it. My hand brushed against his and I felt a familiar jolt. Our eyes collided and my breath came in shallow gasps. I wrenched my gaze away. I tore a sheet from my notebook, wrote down my cell phone number, and passed it to him. “Just in case,” I said.
I thought about Jace all day. More than I should have. Consequently, I had way more homework than I was accustomed to. After cheerleading practice, I did my chores and went up to my room to study. My phone beeped several times while I finished my homework, but I ignored it. I reached for it as I closed my math book and scrolled unenthusiastically through my text messages. There was a text from Alex asking me to go to a movie on Friday. We had a decent time at the dance, but I didn’t want to lead him on. There would never be anything between us but friendship.
The next message was from a number I didn’t recognize. As I read it, my heart began to beat double-time. Call me. I’d like to see you—Jace. I read the message three more times in case I read it wrong the first time, or in case there was some special hidden meaning I’d missed.
Praying he wasn’t inviting me to another family meeting with Alisa, I dialed the number with shaking hands. He answered after the second ring and his deep voice sent chills through my body.
“Rachel,” he said.
“Jace.” I planned to make him do the talking. Not because I was playing games, but because my voice trembled along with the rest of my body. I figured the less I said the better.
“Hey, I wanted to go for a ride over to Lakeview later for ice cream. You want to come?” Jace sounded casual. I tried to do the same.
“That’s kind of far. When do you want to leave?” I wanted to ask if anyone else was going, namely Alisa.
“Anytime. The sooner the better. What do you say?”
“My car or yours?” I supposed I’d find out soon enough if Alisa was coming.
“Mine.”
“Hold on.” I tossed the phone on the bed and flew to the top of the landing, almost falling down the stairs. Breathlessly, I asked my mom if I could go out. I didn’t start breathing again until permission was granted. Dashing back up the stairs, I grabbed my phone.
“I have to be back by nine,” I gasped.
“I’ll pick you up in a few.”
I hung up the phone and sprinted to the dresser mirror. My hair and makeup definitely needed some work, and my clothes were rumpled from lying on the bed. I raced around the room, trying to put together an outfit that was cute, but casual. A car door slammed outside just as I was applying a final coat of mascara. I forced myself to take a few deep, calming breaths before grabbing my purse and walking slowly down the stairs.
My mother opened the door and invited Jace inside just as I reached the foyer. I was relieved to see he was alone. My stomach knotted with anxiety as I waited to see how he interacted with her.
“Hello, Mrs. Stevens. I’m Jace Alexander,” he said in a clear, confident voice while looking my mother directly in the eye. She would appreciate the fact that he came to the door and introduced himself. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Well, come on in, Jace,” she said, stepping aside to allow him entry. “Have a seat in the living room so we can talk a minute.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” He followed her inside. Good. It would be the kiss of death to any potential friendship if he tried to rush me out the door. His eyes fell upon me and he smiled.
Jace endured my mother’s interrogation for a solid fifteen minutes. If he was anxious to leave, he never let it show. I could tell she was impressed by his obvious intelligence and good breeding. He answered every question she asked and never resorted to one word answers or the uncomfortable mumbling which was the calling-card of many teenage boys.
Once we escaped her intrusive clutches, he walked me to his car and opened the door for me like a gentleman. If he immediately started in on a lecture about magic or learning to control my powers, I would be so disappointed I would die.
He didn’t bring it up once. The twenty minute drive was a blur. I was so absorbed in our conversation, I felt slightly disoriented when Jace pulled the car into the parking lot of the ice cream shop and turned off the ignition.
We sat outside on a picnic bench long after our sundaes were consumed, long after the sun set. A light buzz of energy connected us and it felt pleasant, comfortable.
“I have a confession,” he said. “I was supposed to talk to you about training and magic, but I got distracted.”
My heart plummeted. I knew it. It was a ploy to lecture me about harnessing my supposed psychic abilities. “Distracted by what?” I asked.
“You. Us. Whatever it is that’s happening between us,” he said. “When can I see you again?”
I pulled my gaze from his, feeling a sense of overwhelming loss. If he was asking me to go out with him, I couldn’t do it. It wasn’t right. He’d been seeing Alisa, and I wouldn’t be the cause of their breakup.
“We see each other at school every day,” I replied evasively. “So, I guess you can see me in first period.”
“That isn’t what I meant. I want to see you. You know, as more than a friend. Did I misread you? If I did, I’m sorry.”
“No. I mean, yes,” I stammered. “What about Alisa?”
“She’s my best friend.”
“I thought she was more than that. I thought that’s why you took her to the dance.”
“It’s complicated.” He let out a sigh. “When I asked her out, it was as friends. Alisa is special. But the way I feel about you is different. I think you know why.”
Because of the connection we shared? The freaky mind reading? Or was there more?
“I like you, Jace, but I just got out of a relationship. I’m not ready to date, but I do want to hang out with you again. Can we be friends?”
“Of course.”
Like a true gentleman, Jace tried to hide his disappointment, and that hurt me more than anything. I longed for Jace with an intensity I never felt with Robert. It was torture to rein in my feelings, to deny myself the one thing I wanted more than anything. But I couldn’t hurt Alisa. Since Jace moved to town, she seemed so happy. How could I take that away? I couldn’t. Wouldn’t. After everything Alisa had been through—everything
I stood by and allowed to happen—I wouldn’t steal away the one person who gave her joy.
We walked to the car in silence. The ride back to Oaktree was uncomfortable. A feeling of emptiness descended upon me as he pulled the car into my driveway. I wondered if I’d made the biggest mistake of my life.
“I’ll see you at school tomorrow,” Jace said as he walked me to the door. I could only nod, afraid if I opened my mouth to speak I’d say something I’d regret.
That night when I cried myself to sleep, it was little consolation that Alisa’s relationship with Jace remained unchanged. My heart was broken.
Spellbound (Spellbringers Book 1) Page 8