Rebirth: The Awakening Of A Witch

by Jessica S. Quinn

  “Oh, plans changed,” he shrugged, looking at me in the corner of his eye with that satisfied look on his face again.

  I gasped. Everyone turned to me then, causing me to turn my gasp into a fake cough, which he happily pretended to tap my back, a show of mock concern etched on his features.

  When everyone was again busy with their conversations, I turned to glare at him. You sneaky little rat! He just smirked at me and took a sip of his coffee.

  The rest of the afternoon went on like that—me trying to murder Adrien with my eyes, and him just giving me his innocent expression and casual devilish smirks. No one seemed to be bothered by the two of us acting like that. Even Jessica who started talking with Adrien gave up after he just kept on nodding and giving short replies, obviously not interested in what she has to say about cheerleading and stuff.

  I tried to join in with the conversation, ignoring the disturbing presence sitting right beside me and the constant hammering of my heart. I managed to do just that, but it only lasted for a few minutes because by then I would feel his eyes on me. After that, I would just nod all throughout the rest of the conversation, not being able to digest most of the things that my friends were saying.

  There were times that I was bothered by the expression he had on when I caught him looking at me. He seemed concerned, confused, angered, annoyed, and bored. Each of these expressions changed every time I glared at him, skillfully using my eyes to tell him to back off.

  Much to my disappointment, everyone was enthralled with him by the end of the night. It seemed like everyone acted like they knew him a lot longer than a few days.

  Hours later, Nick received a call from his mom and said he had to leave, too. Jess and Sandy already left a few minutes ago, saying that they had to make a quick stop to get supplies for their project.

  “Nick, could you give me a lift home?” Anne suddenly said with an expectant look on her face. When Nick nodded, she immediately waved at us and they both left the café. I sighed when I realized Anne purposely planned this.

  “I’ll give you a ride home,” he said suddenly, which shocked me. I turned to study his expression. He had that flat, bored expression again, not caring in the least. I just shrugged. Despite being annoyed with him, I could use a ride home. I didn’t feel like walking home today.

  “Thanks,” I mumbled before standing and gathering my things.

  As we walked to the café’s parking lot, I got curious thinking what kind of car he drove. I haven’t seen him actually drive to school before.

  My eyes popped when I saw the direction to where we were heading. Directly ahead of us was a silky black Jaguar convertible, comfortably resting under a tree at the end of the parking lot. I immediately stopped, causing Adrien to stop and turn back to me, a puzzled expression on his face.

  “Oh my God! Your car’s beautiful!” I exclaimed, totally unsure if that was the correct term to describe it. I blushed when I realized what I just declared out loud. How could I have not seen this car before? Well, I couldn’t have. We’ve never really been civil to each other since he transferred here.

  When he saw my face, he just laughed and walked back to pull me along with him, making my heart drum at how casually he held my hand. I didn’t pull my hand back when he touched it even if it felt like it was being electrocuted by him.

  He still carried that amused expression as he slowly maneuvered the car out of the parking lot.

  We didn’t talk as we drove all the way to my house. Somehow, I didn’t mind at all. I was actually comfortable with the silence for some unexplainable reason. It was unusual how I felt at ease being alone in a car with this guy. Not to mention how my heart still beat fast at how close we were in this confined space.

  When the car parked outside my house, I turned to him. “Thanks for the ride,” I said, looking straight into his eyes. I immediately made a mental note not to do that again at a close distance. He was easily drawing me in.

  “You’re welcome,” he said as he flashed me a crooked smile. I immediately opened the door before my insides completely turned into jelly. I frowned as I walked all the way to the house. When I was safely inside, I heard the car engine start and speed away.

  He’s a damn light switch! I don’t understand him at all. I sighed as I prepared myself for bed. That night, I slept with a bothered expression on my face.

  I felt myself being thrown somewhere at a very fast pace. It was so swift that I was terrified of throwing up. It almost felt like I was spinning. I tried to stop myself from moving. But I couldn’t. I couldn’t even close my eyes to prevent myself from getting dizzy.

  Just when I thought I couldn’t hold it any longer, I stopped. I thoroughly scanned my surroundings, wondering where on earth I was. The place seemed painfully familiar.

  I couldn’t point out where I was exactly. I was standing on the edge of a cliff, looking at the brilliant show of lightning in the heavens.

  I shuddered when I suddenly remembered. This was the cliff in my previous dream. But it somehow felt different. Why wasn’t I flying? Better yet, why was I standing on the exact spot where I shouldn’t be?

  I panicked when I realized I was exactly on that same spot where that hooded figure stood. I froze at the sudden realization that he was going to be here any moment.

  My breathing increased rapidly as I commanded myself to start moving and run away. But my body still didn’t allow me the freedom I badly needed. Instead of running away, it stepped further into the edge of the cliff and peered down.

  I immediately stopped with my inner battle when I realized I was looking directly at a town, frowning when understanding hit me. I was in Rattford Cliffs. The cliff where I was right now was the highest one in our town.

  What am I doing here?

  Suddenly, an array of lightning appeared followed by several successive, loud sparring of thunder.

  ‘Rattford Cliffs.’ I heard someone say, making me jump. Where did the voice come from?

  ‘This is the place where that girl is hiding... the girl with dark hair and distinct eyes of blue-green—the mark of royalty in our world.’

  I gasped. He’s talking about me. But wait. I frowned. How am I royalty? I was puzzled and scared at the same time.

  I was abruptly alarmed at how long I have been standing here, wasting valuable time listening to someone talking about crazy things.

  Just then, a heavy downpour hurriedly fled downwards. I watched as Rattford Cliffs soon transformed into a dark blurry canvass, the intense rain swallowing what little detail my eyes could make out of the darkness.

  I suddenly felt my lips stretch out and my eyes widen, and I froze. I wasn’t intending on doing any of these things, but I felt my lips turn into what could only be a sinister smile, and my eyes were ablaze with crazed madness.

  Horror completely struck me when I realized that the hooded figure wasn’t coming. He was already here, with me. And I felt my mouth dry up in intense terror as I realized I was trapped inside his head.

  I willed myself to wake up, but I couldn’t. What was happening? Why couldn’t I wake up when I wanted to?

  Lightning struck again as he let out a bellowing cry of triumph, drowning my horror-struck scream.

  Chapter 5 - Upsetting Behaviors

  I screamed as I woke up. I was freezing and yet I felt myself sweating at the same time. Lightning struck outside my windows, and a series of thunder suddenly roared to life afterwards. I’ve never experienced fear like this before. Why did I feel like I was still inside that nightmare? And why did it have to rain this hard just like it was then? I tried to calm myself down, hugging my knees and rocking myself back and forth.

  I was jerked awake. Skylar.

  I immediately lifted my legs off the bed, cradling my head in between my hands as I rested my elbows on my knees, trying to calm my breathing so I could think clearly. When my heartbeat slowed down, I walked to my bedroom window, resting both my arms on the window frames. They would come knocking on my doo
r soon. I clenched my hands into fists.

  It won’t be long now. I punched the wall beside my window, clenching my fists harder until my knuckles turned white. I closed my eyes when I heard hurried steps in the hallway followed by hasty knocks at my bedroom door.

  “Adrien,” Elise said breathlessly.

  “He’s here,” Cole interrupted, his voice a bit strained.

  “I know,” I sighed as I turned to face them. “Get ready. You’re both coming with me starting tomorrow.” I said, trying as hard as I can to control the situation. “Be on your guard at all times. She shouldn’t be left alone at all cost. We’re not taking any chances.” I grabbed my jacket and hurriedly went outside my room, racing for the garage where my car was parked.

  I just needed to be sure.

  It was a long time before I was finally able to sleep. I managed to calm down just after I felt a distinct presence, that same strong, soothing aura that seemed to make itself known recently whenever I’m distraught. This time I could have sworn I could almost touch it, like it was in the same room with me.

  I woke up with the nastiest headache I’ve ever experienced. I couldn’t really swallow anything that Nana served on the plate. I forced a few bites down just so she would stop fussing over me.

  I needed time to think. So I told Nana I was going to school early. Too early. It was only half past six in the morning when I started walking outside. I sent Nick a message, telling him not to pick me up.

  I started trudging the thirty-minute walk to school. On my way, I could vaguely feel someone watching me. I paused every minute or so just so I could look behind me. No one was there. I shook my head and grabbed my jacket closer to me before I started walking again. I was just being paranoid. That nightmare’s going to ruin my day. I can feel it.

  I groaned. My days just keep getting better every day. I sighed and paused at a park bench. It was still drenched from last night’s stormy weather. I opened my shoulder bag and grabbed a few tissues, wiping them on the spot where I was going to sit. They got soaked almost immediately. I shrugged off my jacket and placed it on the bench. I already look bad today so a damped jacket wouldn’t do that much damage.

  It was nice just sitting like this, just feeling the cool breeze prickle my skin and leave goose bumps all over it. It was far too chilly for my taste, but the coolness of my skin was a nice reminder that I was awake and perfectly in control of my body. I took deep, slow breaths to calm my throbbing heart, an effect clearly brought on by a reminder of that terrible nightmare.

  When I opened my eyes, that weird feeling instantly came back again, the atmosphere of being watched. I could instantly tell that this presence was not like the previous ones, but they both have a sense of calm enveloped in them. This one, on the other hand, was of a milder nature. I shook my head slowly so I wouldn’t trigger another headache.

  Yes. This was the worst headache ever. It’s obviously giving me free control to study and compare various auras that were naturally nonexistent. I sighed and stood up, grabbing my jacket and starting the remaining twenty-minute walk to school. I could still feel that strange aura, but I ignored it.

  It was only a few minutes past seven when I reached the school parking lot. I noticed a familiar car parked right in the middle of the lot. I immediately frowned at the thought of him being here this early. I hurried my pace and went straight to the hallway where the lockers were located. I was in the middle of getting the things I needed for this morning’s classes when I felt that all too familiar presence. It was too close, too strong this time.

  I hurriedly closed my bag and turned around only to get smashed into a hard object, instantly making me step back a few steps.

  My world whirled instantly. Then I felt strong arms steadying me by my shoulders. I held my forehead, trying to stop my head from spinning.

  “Sky?” The voice asked. I could easily tell he was tired with the way his voice sounded. I looked up at him and saw his penetrating silver-grey eyes. Unlike most usual days, he actually held a trace of genuine concern in them this time. I also noticed that he had dark circles under his eyes, confirming my notion of him being tired. I wonder what he did to look this exhausted. I shook my curiosity away.

  “You look awful.” I said, finally feeling the nausea subside.

  He laughed, dropping his hands from my shoulders as he shifted back to his annoyingly amused expression. “Thanks. You look great yourself,” he replied.

  I waved a hand to him, dismissing the topic as I walked away, desperately trying to leave a respectable distance between us before a different kind of nausea starts developing. I headed right to the direction of the school grounds where several benches were located. I was positive that he would have left by then, but I was sadly disappointed. When I was able to sit on one of the wooden benches, I was surprised to see him actually there. He sat on the same bench I was comfortably sitting on. I frowned, thoroughly planning on telling him to sit on another bench when I saw him resting his head on the back of the wooden material, his eyes closing slowly. He looked really worn out that I couldn’t make him leave no matter how annoying he was.

  I sighed when I realized that I don’t have the energy to bicker with him today. I mimicked his action and was about to close my eyes when I saw a movement in the corner of my eye. I immediately opened my eyes and turned to that direction.

  I saw two golden haired individuals slowly making their way to us. I immediately recognized the blonde girl. She was the one sitting beside Adrien during the mass, the same girl at that restaurant. I frowned, wondering what she was doing here.

  When they were both standing in front of us, Adrien suddenly spoke, making me jump.

  “Skylar Matthews, my twin siblings,” he lazily said, waving his hand at all of us. I turned to glare at him, annoyed at how he did the introduction. Twins? I suddenly digested what he said and looked at the people in front of us. They don’t look like twins at all. Maybe that’s always been the case with fraternal twins.

  I have to admit that the three of them together would make a stunning sight. The girl was lovelier than the last time I saw her. The boy, on the otherhand, had a boyish charm to him despite his stylishly tousled short hair. They all had silver eyes. I blinked, amazed by that fact. It was rare for all siblings to actually have the same eye color. I did notice that Adrien’s eyes had a darker shade of silver than the ones his siblings had, though.

  I stretched out my hand to his sister first. “Nice to meet you,” I smiled warmly at her which I knew she would return, judging by how she smiled at me back at the church. I was surprised when she ignored my extended hand and suddenly hugged me.

  “You’re so lovely,” she said. I laughed at her comment and hugged her back, reaching my free hand to her twin instead. He gladly took it, smiling at me while he did so. Wow. If Adrien dyed his hair blonde, he could totally look like him.

  “I’m Cole,” he said, still shaking my hand. “This overly excited little minx is my twin, Elise,” he said in a teasing tone, his obvious fondness of his sister clear in his voice. I laughed at what he said and how Elise was now jokingly stabbing him on his ribs with her fingers.

  She turned back to me and gave me the coffee I didn’t see she was holding. I smiled my appreciation and gladly took the cup from her. This is exactly what I needed. I saw her giving Adrien one, too, and I was reminded again of how dog-tired he looked.

  I was still preoccupied with why he looked as tired as I was when Elise grabbed hold of one of my free hands. “This is going to be so much fun. We’ll definitely be seeing more of each other now that we’ve transferred here,” she chirped. She reminded me so much of Anne except that she was going all out with the energetic vibe, much more than Anne was. I just smiled at her while my brain was scurrying for a reply.

  “Oh, so you’re attending school here, too.” I started and continued on when they both nodded. “Then why didn’t you transfer here with Adrien? I would have liked meeting you both earlier,” I said and smi
led at them. I would have actually enjoyed meeting them beforehand. They probably would have taken my attention away from Adrien’s nastiness.

  I felt Elise’s hand stiffen a little as soon as I got that question out, but she quickly smiled so sweetly at me, making me wonder if I just imagined things again.

  “We had to deal with some family matters,” Cole answered, sitting next to me on the bench. He smiled broadly and I could clearly see the two of us getting along well. The twins were friendly enough, unlike Adrien who now held that eternally bored expression on his face as he was drinking his coffee.

  “We’d better head on to the Principal’s office now, Sis,” Cole said. Elise seemed disappointed at having to leave so soon. I just smiled at her and waved a bit when she grinned back at me.

  When they were gone, I turned to Adrien and smiled at him. He raised his eyebrows, probably wondering what brought this light mood on. I shrugged. “Your siblings are adorable. I wish I had one or two of my own,” I blurted out without thinking. I could almost imagine him smirking at me at what I just said.