by Valia Lind
"It's like a Hershey's kiss," Aiden whispers in awe, staring straight up to where the funnel is twisting. I grin at his description, because I can see it. The waves move around us restlessly, and we're pushed even closer together. Our noses bump and everything inside of me stills. Aiden's hands flex on my hips, his whole body rigid, and it's like he's holding himself frozen to the spot. The storm around us is the same storm I see in his eyes. My breathing shallows as I try to swallow, but even with all this water, I'm ridiculously thirsty. His eyes flash again, and it's like he can see right into my head. All I have to do is move half an inch and his lips would be on mine. I've never been kissed, and I want him to be the first.
A gust of wind comes out of nowhere, pushing the water over us, and I tear my eyes away from Aiden to watch my magic spin completely out of control. Just for a moment, it's ruled by my emotions, and it's become unstable. The delicate way it was twining together has now become completely unbalanced. I try to pull it in, and I know what will happen when I do.
"Take a deep breath," I command, before it all comes crashing down on us.
22
“Are you okay?” Aiden asks as we pull ourselves out of the water and onto the bank. We're both breathing heavily, soaking wet, and I have no idea how to answer that question. I nod, before I collapse onto my back, staring up at the sky.
Was I really just thinking about kissing Aiden? Did I really let my magic get out of control because I allowed myself to focus on him? This pull, this need I feel towards him, it's terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.
But the logical part of me understands that if he felt anything toward me, he would've taken the opening. Wouldn't he? Maybe that's something I need to talk to Jade about. She's at least has had a boyfriend before. While she might be clueless at times, she definitely knows more than I do. But for now, I'll just lay here, feeling embarrassed. Which is when I realize I'm still near naked, and he's only a few feet away.
"Maddie—" Aiden begins, but I can't meet his eye. Almost blindly, I reach for my shirt, pulling it over my head. I contemplate hiding behind the material, but I don't need to look any dumber than I already do.
"Maddie." This time his voice is a lot closer, and when my head pops out of the collar, I realize he's moved to stand beside me. I'm still sitting down, so I have to look way up to see his face. Which I don't. I reach for my pants next, pulling them over my legs in the most awkward way possible. My clothes soak through, and I shake my head at myself. Closing my eyes for a second, I pull on the water covering my body, flickering it away. Just like that, I'm dry again.
"Neat trick," Aiden comments as I stand. He's still shirtless, but I see that he didn't take his jeans off before jumping in. He was clearly worried about me, and I try to keep my heart from reacting to that.
"Stay still," I say, before I focus on the water clinging to him. It's hard not to stare at his magnificent chest, but I manage, just barely. "All done."
"Thanks."
I move away, as he pulls his sweater over his head, giving me a second to collect my thoughts. I need to stop letting my emotions rule my actions. Aiden and I are not friends. He's told me we would never be friends. I don't know why I would assume or hope we could ever be anything more.
"Do you want to train right now?" he surprises me by asking. I expected him to leave right away. He seems like he wants to.
"Sure," I reply, dropping my sweater before I can put it back on. Aiden takes his stance in front of me, and I follow suit. We've never trained outside before, and the feel of nature all around us exhilarates me. At my core, I am an elemental witch, after all. The more connected I am to the elements, the stronger I feel. And being this close to the water, with the droplets still clinging to the grass under our feet, I feel almost invincible.
Yet, when I raise my head and meet Aiden's steady gaze, all kinds of other emotions rush in. The magic didn't completely dry off his hair, and the water glimmers, clinging to his dark locks. I fight the sudden urge to reach over and send them into disarray with my fingers.
Now that I know what his skin feels like under my fingertips, it's difficult to focus on anything else. He's wearing a shirt once again, but it's almost as if I can see right through it.
"You ready?" Aiden's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. My face heats up, and I duck my head as I nod.
Aiden doesn't hesitate to attack. He moves toward me in one fluid motion, his right arm swinging at my neck. I block automatically, now so attuned to his movements, it's like a dance. My mind goes blank, focusing entirely on the way his body shifts with mine. Somewhere in the last month, we may not have become friends, but we have become partners.
I notice his move just a fraction before he sweeps his leg around. But it's enough for me to throw my body on him instead of falling down to my side like he intended. I wrap my legs around his middle, allowing my whole body to lean into the motion and then we're falling. At the last moment, he cradles me against him, and I unwrap my legs, so as not to get squished. He ends up beneath me, with me straddling his stomach, my head in the crook of his neck. For just a second we lay like this, breathing heavily as we both try to find stability in a world gone mad.
When I finally pull back, my hair falls over my shoulder, barely grazing his neck. His arm comes up, pushing the locks behind my ear and the movement is so tender, it brings tears to my eyes. Once more, we're in this moment of indecision. I want to lean down, and I want him to lean forward and neither one of us moves. His eyes grow dark, and his body tenses beneath mine, and then in one move, he's on his feet and he's setting me on mine.
"You're getting better," Aiden says, before he grabs his discarded shoes and leaves me standing beside the water. The compliment is so unusual that I don't get a chance to reply.
What is happening? I watch his retreating back, until he disappears. That's when I realize he didn't head toward the school. He went into the forest. A part of me wants to race after him, but I know that would be foolish. I've done enough foolish things for one day.
I sit back down on the grass, pulling on my own shoes. My body feels recharged after being in the water, and even that small spar didn't exhaust me like it usually does. Or maybe I really am getting better.
It seems that no matter what I do, I end up with more questions. Talking to my family helped, but it also made me miss them that much more. I can't think about my father without a part of me shriveling up inside. And now, Aiden is a puzzle I can't seem to solve. I'm not sure I'm cut out for all this, but it's not as if I have a choice.
Yet for this one moment, I stay by the water, and watch it dance in the tiny breeze in front of me, soothing my aching heart with its magic.
The next day, Aiden is gone. When I finally got back to my room, I went straight for homework, deciding to keep my weird feelings to myself. At least for now. Even though Jade and I haven't known each other for long, I trust her enough to talk to her about this. Just not yet.
I have to sort myself out before I can articulate what I'm feeling.
"Good news!" Christy runs up to me as I'm heading to potions class. "I got permission, and we're on for tonight!" She does her signature squeal, clapping her hands together and my heart drops a little. Apparently, a part of me was really hoping the faculty would advise her against this.
"We're on?" Jade asks, coming up to us. All four of us are in the class, and I'm sure Vera is already there. She doesn't dilly dally, but usually heads straight for her next class. I kind of like that about her. She's dependable. Whereas Christy is very... loud.
"We are absolutely on!" Another squeal. "I so cannot wait. It's going to be perfect. I'll grab snacks after lunch, since I don't have class. And after Jade's training, I can meet in your room and set it all up. I got a projector from the lab. Oh, and extra blankets."
We reach our class, and I'm thankful. My mood is definitely heavy on the grumpy because I have no excitement in me to be bothered with this sleepover. My eyes scan the hallway outside the room, a
nd I internally berate myself because I'm looking for Aiden. He has a class across the way, but I don't see him.
"You okay?" Vera asks as I take a seat beside her. Even though Vera is a shifter, she has some witch blood in her, so she's been wanting to learn about our ways. I give her a quick nod, and she takes it at face value. Christy is still talking about the party, turned so she can face us. She and Jade are at the table in front of us.
Just when I'm about to put my head down in hopes of Christy taking it as a sign to lower her volume, the teacher walks in. Mrs. Housely always looks like she's ready to walk down a runaway. Today she has on a yellow skirt that hugs her hips and flares at the bottom, with a black and white blouse tucked into the waistline. A large belt sits across her stomach, matching her heels. She's got 50s chic style down, and I'm a little envious. I'd love to be able to pull something like that off. All in all, Mrs. Housely definitely breaks the mold when it comes to what one would expect from potion teachers. From what I've heard they're usually a lot more scattered, and garden oriented. I can't really picture Mrs. Housely as a get down in the dirt kind of a witch.
"Please take out your notebooks," she says before Ben steps into the classroom. "Mr. Light, you aren't part of this class."
"I'm sorry Mrs. Housely, but I have a message for Maddie. It's in regard to her training."
"Very well." She sweeps her arm in my direction, and Ben makes his way toward me. He's got one of his signature tiny smiles as his eye meets mine.
"Maddie." The boy greets me, stopping at my desk.
"Ben," I reply, raising my eyebrows as I wait for him to continue. We've never actually spoken before, so this is new.
"Aiden has been called away for the weekend, so no sessions today or tomorrow." He watches me for a moment, and I expect him to continue, but no. That's all I get. He nods, turning to go, and I surprise myself by reaching out. His arm is hot to the touch, and I drop it almost as fast as I grab it.
But my bravado is gone, and I can't find the words to ask him about Aiden. However, Ben surprises me once more. He steps close to my desk, his eyes intensely on mine.
"If you need anything, just yell."
It's such an odd thing to say, and that's when I realize all eyes are on us. I nod quickly, and Ben seems satisfied with my answer. He gives a parting wave to Mrs. Housley and then leaves. The rest of the class is looking at me, and instead of ducking my head, I meet their eye. The few close by avert their eyes, and I sit back a little satisfied with myself.
"What was that about?" Jade asks, as Mrs. Housely begins talking.
"I have no idea," I reply, opening up my notebook.
For the rest of the class, I take notes, but it's like I'm two different people. My mind is constantly drifting to Aiden. Where could he have gone? We're on lockdown and this is the second time he just disappeared. And what's the deal with sending Ben to tell me about it? He could've sent a note like last time. But no, he's being all weird about it. Which Ben was kind of weird about it too, and what is up with boys? Are they always this confusing, or did I just get a special batch?
23
All day I've been trying to figure out a way to sneak over to the library before the slumber party. Something has been bugging me, and I can't figure out if it may be a passage I read or a book I saw. It's like it's on the tip of my tongue, but I can't find the words to express myself. It's a frustrating feeling, on top of the frustration I feel at myself for caring about Aiden. Or the grumpiness I'm experiencing at the thought of the party. My emotions are definitely heightened, and I'm not sure I know what to do about it. Maybe I should see if I can go out to the pond again and release some of this magic brewing inside me.
"Are you ready for all the fun?" Jade asks as I walk into our room. She's sprawled out on her bed, a book in front of her, but she sits up as I head for my bed.
"Yes, I'm so excited," I say over my shoulder. My roommate doesn't reply, and I turn to see her watching me carefully.
"You don't want to do this?"
I sigh, because of course she can see that. I haven't been all that good at hiding my emotions lately. Must be because of the imbalance I'm feeling. I take a seat on my bed, facing my friend.
"Honestly, I'm not feeling up to anything right now. Also, I've never had a slumber party without my sisters, and I'm feeling a bit emotional about it."
"Is that all you're feeling emotional about?"
At that, I almost smile. Jade deserves much more credit than I've been giving her because she's been paying attention. I still haven't talked to her about my last encounter with Aiden, only because I don't even know what I would say. But maybe this is the opening I need.
"It's weird that Aiden has been gone," I begin, scooting backward to rest against the wall. "But maybe it's been for the best."
"How do you mean?"
"Last time we were together." I swallow audibly, fidgeting a little. "I almost kissed him."
"What?" Jade catapults off her bed and onto mine in one swift motion, which takes me completely by surprise. She tumbles into me and I laugh, trying to push her off.
"Jade!"
"Tell me everything!" She's not to be denied, so I rehash what that happened by the water. Jade listens completely enthralled, her arms wrapped around my pillow. When I'm finished speaking, Jade watches me for a long, quiet moment. Then, she pulls a Christy, squealing loudly and jumping in her seat.
"Oh, Maddie. I've been waiting for this to happen."
"Wait, what?"
"You've been circling each other for weeks. And all that tension and repressed... everything. I mean, ah!"
"Okay, slow your roll. It's not like we're getting together. It's me being all emotional and nearly ruining everything."
"Why would you ruin anything?" Jade seems genuinely confused, and I pause to collect my thoughts.
"It's not like he feels anything for me," I finally say. "And I have to keep training with him, which will make things super awkward. Plus, we're..." My words freeze before I can mention the library. "It would be weird. That's all."
Once again, Jade doesn't speak up right away, and when I glance over at her, she's got that contemplative look about her.
"What?"
"Nothing. You just seem to have made up your mind about the way he feels without actually talking to him."
I stare at my friend for a moment before I shake it off. There's absolutely no way I would tell Aiden what I've been thinking. That's just not something I'm ready to do. Or will ever be ready to do.
"No, thank you," is all I say, as I scoot off the bed. I head toward my dresser, pulling out my comfy and matching pajamas. Now, I'm even more unexcited about the girls coming over. I think hiding under the covers sounds like a much better use of my time.
"Okay, okay." Jade gives in, but I think that's only because she knows the girls are almost here, and I'm shutting down. It's not as if I'm ever really open with my feelings, and Jade knows not to push it.
What she said dances around in my mind as I change. I was planning on asking Jade her opinion after all, it doesn't matter if I don't like it. But she's right. I have already made up my mind about this because I know how things go. Yet, at the same time, people assuming anything about me is one of my greatest pet peeves. So, how do I talk to Aiden about this without revealing my feelings? Is there a way that conversation can be had without me showing all my cards?
"I don't think I'm brave enough to have that discussion," I say not turning around, but I know Jade can hear me. She stops doing whatever she's doing and waits for me to continue. After I pull my shirt over my head, I face her and she's watching me with support shining in her eyes.
"I can't even imagine being the first to share my feelings. I just can't," I say, shrugging.
"I get it, Maddie," Jade replies. "Honestly, I talk full of bravado, but I'm the same way. It's even scarier when it's someone you really care about."
"Is that where I am?" I ask honestly, because I have no idea about anything an
ymore. Most of all this.
"Only you can decide that for yourself," Jade replies, getting off the bed. "But while you do, we're going to watch a movie and eat a bunch of snacks and do our nails and not talk about it. And you're going to feel much better in the morning."
Reaching for my roommate, I give her a big hug and some of the tension seeps out of me as she returns it. Maybe having girl time won't be such a hassle after all. It'll be nice to keep my mind busy with something other than worries.
The girls show up about twenty minutes later, armed with extra blankets and snacks. Christy is over-the-top hyper, which I'm used to. But even Vera seems to be enjoying herself as we make a pillow and blanket fort on the floor.
"Okay, so here is the list of activities." Christy pulls out a piece of paper as the rest of us exchange a look. This girl is really serious about her slumber partying. "Here are some snacks for consumption. We've got face masks and foot scrubs while we watch the first movie. Followed by manis and pedis, both or either, while we watch the second movie. Of course, it's important to hydrate, so there is plenty of water, and I was able to talk a certain lunch lady, who shall remain unnamed, into sneaking over some Coke as well."
Christy sweeps her hand over each item, the ultimate gameshow host, and I grin. This girl really does know how to party it up. Also, I haven't had soda in a very long time, so I don't even hesitate to reach for it.
"Ah, I knew that would be a winner! Let the festivities begin!"
The projector Christy was able to get is an old one, since the school doesn't really employ TV for education very often. Most of the teachers can conjure up whatever images we may need to see. But there are a few movies saved up for movie nights, and I grin as I look over at the selection.
"So, our options are a kid left behind at his house on Christmas, fighting aliens while looking for a way to protect earth from an oncoming evil, or sister witches?" I muse out loud. "That's quite some diversity."