Rebirth: The Awakening Of A Witch

by Jessica S. Quinn

  What the hell? I dragged my head up, completely destroying the blasted yoga pose and turned to where the fuming aura came from. I automatically plastered my death glare when I saw him staring back at me. He completely looked angry for some reason, before ducking his head back to his knee.

  “Okay, guys. Let’s get on with the Double Boat now. Raise your feet together,” Mr. York cried out the initial instructions. “Be sure to hold your partner’s hands so you won’t hurt yourselves, and don’t forget your breathing exercises,” Mr. York continued on as he slowly walked everywhere, checking on each of our poses.

  I felt like dying right now. I definitely need to start exercising. I was preoccupied with my breathing when his infuriating presence bothered me again. I looked at him with all the annoyance I now felt clear in my eyes. He was so furious that he almost appeared to reach that point where fumes from his ears would be blowing out any moment. I ignored him. I was definitely going to place ‘Why is he mad at me?’ at the top of my long list of questions.

  After about half an hour of stretching, Mr. York finally dismissed the class. I groaned. “Thank you, Lord.” I breathed and collapsed on the mat. Nick chuckled as he stood, towering over me. “Don’t you ever get tired?” I asked him, slightly annoyed that he didn’t seem to look like he even tried putting any effort in the entire exercise.

  “Nope,” he answered, clearly emphasizing the ‘p’ as he replied. He reached his hand out to help me and I gladly took it, ignoring Adrien’s furious aura.

  Nick and I walked to the school cafeteria together. When we reached our table, everyone was already there, everyone except Adrien and Cole. I would know even without looking. I tried locating his presence, trying to confirm once more if it was his aura that was continuously bothering me. And there he was… two tables from our left. I turned to look at him sitting with Cole. He was slowly eating his lunch with a slightly angered look on. I clicked my tongue. What did the food ever do to you?

  At least my theory was confirmed. The only unsolved mystery now is why I could sense his presence. Why is it only him?

  I frowned, turning my gaze back to our table. I saw Elise smiling apologetically at me. I returned her smile. For all of Adrien’s unpleasantness, Elise was the complete opposite.

  I sat down beside her. I would really like spending more time with her and Cole, without having Adrien around to ruin it. Then an idea hit me.

  “Elise,” I looked at her expectantly.

  “Yes?” she asked as she daintily wiped her mouth with a table napkin.

  “Would you like to go to a party with Nick, Anne, and I on Saturday night?”

  Her face instantly lit up. “Oh, that would be great! Is it really okay for me to come?”

  “Sure it is,” Jessica answered almost immediately. “It’ll be much more fun with more people,” she continued on as she winked at her.

  “Take your brothers with you, too,” Anne said while I groaned inwardly.

  Elise happily nodded at Anne and smiled weakly at me. I sighed. I guess it can’t be helped. At least the twins will be there. I gave her a reassuring smile before leaving our table, running after Nick, who was now standing at the end of the line, waiting for the lunch ladies to start serving the food.

  Afternoon classes went by so slowly like the rest of my morning classes did, what with Adrien continuing on with his stalker behavior. I couldn’t concentrate much on the lectures.

  When the last bell for the day finally rang, I felt his presence slowly slip away. I turned to look at where he was seated at the back of the room. He was gone. I frowned. He usually stayed and skulk around some more. I shrugged and glanced at my watch. The Arts club was having one of those monthly meetings scheduled later this day. I decided to go early and maybe start on some project while I’m waiting.

  I made my way to the Art room, which was just located on the floor above Mr. Roberts’ room. I loved this floor. Most of the windows in the corridors were open to allow some of the artworks to dry up. It was very airy and fresh, and I loved the feeling of walking with subtle air blowing against you.

  As soon as I neared the Art room, though, that aura came rushing towards me. I stopped.

  He can’t be here, too. I groaned as I peeked through the nearest door to the room and saw him there. He actually looked at peace while he was painting on a canvass. I’ve never seen him that calm before.

  All of a sudden, he stiffened and looked right at me with his blank expression automatically displayed on his face. I sighed and waved at him as I entered the room and went straight to look at what he was working on.

  I gasped as I looked at the image staring back at me. It was the blue-green marble tree I had on my wall, the exact same one in my dreams.

  Chapter 8 - Saturday Night

  “Adrien, how did you know about this tree?” I softly asked as I dragged my eyes on the entire painting. The colors, the leaves, and the exact position of the branches… even if the painting was still halfway done, it was precisely the same tree I’ve dreamt about.

  I felt him tense beside me. “I just used my imagination,” he answered with much difficulty. I could easily tell that he was lying even if he was wearing that uncaring mask on.

  “You know I can tell that you’re lying, right?” I replied, giving him a wary look. He immediately hardened his expression and didn’t look at me. He just kept quiet, probably trying to find a way to explain. Then, he placed the palette on the table beside him as he bent to pick up his things when I stopped him.

  “Fine. I won’t ask any more questions. Just please don’t leave,” I started. I don’t know why I stopped him, but I just couldn’t let him leave after he painted this tree. My tree. I looked at it one last time before turning my attention back to him. “What are you doing here, anyway?” I asked as I walked towards one of the room’s opened windows. I breathed the air in, enjoying the breeze as it ruffled my hair.

  “I just joined the club yesterday.” He sat back down on the stool in front of the canvass, studying his half-done painting with a calm expression.

  He wasn’t in any of the classes yesterday, and yet, of all the clubs in school, he had time to join this one?

  Thinking about yesterday brought back how he fought off those ruffians, and I looked at him in awe again. I still couldn’t believe he can fight that well.

  I blushed when he caught me looking at him, and I ended up making a fake cough to try and cover up my stupidity.

  “So why didn’t you join the martial arts club? I’m sure they could use someone like you in their team,” I inquired as I arranged my hair, bringing all of it to rest in front of one shoulder so the wind wouldn’t be able to tousle it as much.

  He just shrugged. “With all of that fighting surrounding you, would you still want that violence to continuously consume you even when it’s not needed?” he narrated as he gazed back at the canvass before him. “I’d rather spend my time doing relaxed, laidback activities and enclose myself in soothing environments. Art just happens to do the trick.” He continued on as I stared at him, once again dumbfounded at what he just said. I smiled when he looked at me. I was actually glad that he shared something that insightful with me. It almost felt like we were friends or something.

  Frenemies, maybe. I giggled when that thought crossed my mind. I never thought I’d use that term to describe anything related to Adrien Fields.

  Physically, you wouldn’t be able to tell that he was somehow intelligent. My first impression of him being a badass may be a bit off. But considering how he fought off those hooligans, he may be badass after all. I exhaled loudly. Even his character description is confusing.

  I looked back at him to apologize for my sudden laughter, but I was surprised to see him actually blushing. I was about to comment on that when loud chatters suddenly filled the room.

  Most of the club members were here, and the afternoon’s meeting was about to start.

  The discussion lasted for about three, slow hours. And by the ti
me it finished, it was already dark outside. I dreaded walking home, especially after what happened last night. I was debating whether to text Nick to come pick me up, but he probably would’ve just arrived home by now. I remember him telling me that they were having football practice after school today, but that was already done about an hour ago.

  I sighed when I knew there was no choice. I started walking, making sure to quicken my pace so I could get home faster.

  I didn’t get past the school entrance when I felt Adrien’s presence behind me. He slowed the car down until it was matching my own pace. For a few minutes I tried ignoring him, but he was so insistent that I got annoyed. I stopped walking and looked at him, crossing my arms in the process. He had the car window at his side rolled down and was just staring back at me, clearly amused with himself.

  “Stop annoying me.” I started walking again. He still didn’t go away and kept on following me. I felt like I had my dog with me, accompanying me home—if I ever had one.

  He finally gave up and stopped the car. “Sky, get in already,” he said, clearly annoyed. He probably doesn’t like losing in this kind of game, especially if it’s me he’s losing to. “Come on. It’s dangerous for you to walk all the way home by yourself.” I instantly stopped on my tracks, remembering what happened the last time I walked home. I immediately sauntered to the passenger side and opened the door just to stop the flashbacks from bothering me.

  “Thanks,” I mumbled as I made myself comfortable in the seat, snapping the seatbelt securely.

  “No problem,” he replied as he started the engine again.

  The drive home was quiet at first. I thought it was going to be one of those silent drives we usually have. But I didn’t expect him to say what he was going to say next.

  “Sky, I don’t think you should go to that party this Saturday,” he suddenly stated.

  I turned to him, obvious surprise clear on my face. “Why not?” I replied, annoyed at what he just said. I saw him grip the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. He looked like he didn’t plan on answering my question. I sighed and tried to play this to my advantage. “If I agree not to go, will you be willing to be interrogated?” I asked that question slowly, studying his expression as I did so.

  It was fine if I didn’t go. It wouldn’t be that big of a deal if it meant that I get to know the answers to every single question that’s been plaguing me since last night.

  He clenched his jaw, and I knew I lost…or won. It depends on how you look at it, really. At least I get to have fun. “I guess I’m going to that party then,” I stubbornly declared before turning back to look outside the window. “And you don’t have any right to tell me where I can and cannot go,” I said as I felt my own hands clench.

  Who does he think he is, anyway? I mean, I know he saved my life twice before, but that doesn’t give him the privilege to control me.

  We didn’t talk after that. By the time we reached my house, I just murmured my thanks again before I got out of the car. And just like always, he waited until I was inside the house before speeding away.

  I glanced at my watch. Nick was due here any minute now.

  “Thanks again for inviting me, Sky. I’ve never been in parties since we moved here,” Elise happily said as she clasped both her hands together. She was the picture of pure excitement.

  I grinned to keep my mouth from making that ‘aww’ sound I’ve been dying to do since she arrived half an hour ago. She was just so adorable, so unlike her older brother, which I liked.

  It was now Saturday night. As planned, Elise will be coming with us to Jessica’s house. I arranged for her to come to my house so we can drive with Nick and Anne to Jess’ place.

  The moment I opened the door to let her in, I felt like I wanted to play dress-up with her. She had on a midnight blue tube dress and three-fourth white cardigan that matched the off-white ballet flats she was wearing. I remembered I distinctly told her not to specifically dress up for the party, but she still looked cute.

  “No problem, Elle,” I smiled at the new nickname she told me to address her. “You should get used to it. There’ll be lots more in years to come,” I said as I winked at her. It was true. I was really intending on having a longstanding relationship with her and Cole. They were really nice people to have around, even if they have inherited some weird attributes from Dagger Eyes.

  Still, I don’t know if I feel the same way for him as I do for them. It was a good thing that Adrien wasn’t going to the party. I haven’t spoken to him since he brought me home that night, and we ended up ignoring each other yesterday at school. Sadly, Cole couldn’t join us. So, it was just Elise and me.

  I watched her and frowned when her expression suddenly became glum. Before I could ask her what’s putting her down, she put on her happy, excited face back.

  I guess she got that from Adrien, too. I urged her to drink her coffee. She was going to need it. Jess’ parties were known to go on until dawn, especially now that her parents were away for business.

  The door suddenly opened and Nick came in. “Hey, guys. Come on, let’s go,” he said, waggling his eyebrows at us. He didn’t even stop to snatch my mug of coffee like he usually does every time he comes to pick me up for Jess’ parties.

  “Elle, go on ahead. I’ll just go tell Nana we’re going.” I ushered her to run after Nick. I went up to Nana’s room, knocking a few times before entering her bedroom.

  “Nana?”

  “Yes, dear?” she mumbled as I came in.

  “We’re leaving for Jess’ party,” I said as I sat beside her on the bed. She was already in her pajamas when I came in, comfortably snuggled under her bed sheets while reading a book. “Don’t wait up. I love you.” I hugged her tight before pressing my lips on her cheek.

  “I love you, too, dear. Have fun!” she smiled warmly at me through her reading glasses. I stood and arranged a few wrinkles on my sleeveless tank top before leaving her bedroom.

  I hurriedly grabbed my cardigan from the couch and ran out the door, making sure to lock it.

  Jessica’s parties have always been fun. She served a lot of drinks, non-alcoholic of course, since we were still underage. And I just loved the finger foods she served. The crowd was fun, too. There were about fifty people at her place tonight. I seem to know almost everyone in the party since most of them were from school. The others that I didn’t know were probably Jess’ relatives. I was only familiar with a few of them, those that she frequently invites every time she throws parties like this one.

  Elise was turning out to be the ball of the party, and I was glad that she was constantly talking to different people. She didn’t mind mingling with anyone at the party at all. And I was very happy that she seems to be adapting well to Rattford Cliffs.

  I would have enjoyed the party as much as I could, but I was somehow bothered. I didn’t know why, but I have this heavy feeling inside me. I tried my best to ignore it. I managed to do that for awhile, but the heaviness somehow keeps on sneaking up on me. I sighed and blamed it all on Adrien. Ever since that night he saved me from those thugs, I’ve put so much meaning into every little thing that was out of the ordinary. I’m starting to think that I’ve suddenly become mad. And to top it off, he still didn’t answer any of my questions.

  I still lay awake at night, bothered with every single query. I gave up with typing the questions on my phone or writing them down on a piece of paper. After that first successful exercise, it really didn’t work anymore. Even my mystical tree was starting to lose its magic. I know I needed to get my answers before I die of sleep deprivation.

  I sighed. I have another thing that’s bothering me tonight. Other than that paranoid feeling, Elise was disturbing me, too. She was busy chatting with people, but I sometimes catch her looking at me. Even if he wasn’t at the party, I was instantly reminded of Adrien, because he would probably do the exact same thing if he was here, but only in a much more intense way. I groaned. He must’ve forced her to do this
. I was particularly sure of that theory, because every time I catch her looking at me, she would smile apologetically.

  By midnight, the party was still building its climax. I was having fun dancing with Nick, Anne, Sandy, and Elise when that heavy feeling crept in again. This time it felt like it actually punched me hard in the stomach. I immediately stopped dancing, trying to catch my breath. My friends didn’t notice, but Elise did. She instantly stepped beside me, looking at me intently, studying my face.

  “I’ll just go and get some water,” I shouted over the loud music, pointing to the direction of the refreshments table.

  “I’ll come with you. I need a drink, too,” she shouted back as she held my hand, so we wouldn’t get separated in the crowd of dancing people.