The Arrival - The Madeline Calderon Trilogy: Book 1

by Maymi Alicea

  Chapter 7

  The next morning I am bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as I apply some makeup and decide what to wear to my first official day of classes. The beginning of the psychology program would consist of learning the various theories behind the science. My first class appropriately titled, Theories of Psychology, is more interesting than I thought. We begin by discussing ideas presented by Socrates, Plato, and his student Aristotle. Socrates's point of view was basically that anything and everything associated with the human mind can be contradicted. Plato's contributions discuss human perception and the difference between the physical plane and cognitive one. There are observations that are illusions or specific to the individual; however, some are constant and cannot be changed. Plato's prot?g? Aristotle altered his ideas by suggesting there are perceptions that are universal and those that are simply unique to an individual. Listening to the professor elaborate on these theories makes my mind drift off into thought about my situation, and how I am both of a non-supernatural and extremely supernatural plane. I am lucky to have had the training provided by my grandmother so that I can balance each of my obligations. The more I learn and the more questions that come up I begin to fear whether or not I can handle what lies ahead. "Excuse me Ms. Calderon, would you like to share your thoughts with the class?" I surface from the depth of my thoughts and notice the entire class is looking at me.

  "I was just considering all the contradictions Socrates would make in regard to my thoughts and behaviors and how I might respond," I said as a seemingly failed attempt to recover from the fact that I wasn't paying attention. The professor stood near assessing me. Fear of being asked for an example I continue my explanation. "His views remind me of Tolstoy's question in regard to defining art. The definition or labeling of something or someone is relative and therefore can be argued by one and accepted by another."

  The professor gave me a suspicious look, which turned to a smile. "You see class this is the kind of thoughts I need from each and every one of you. You must place yourselves inside each of these theories to truly understand their benefits and downfalls. Clients will have the same effect on you. There will be some whose behavior you must contradict to provide them with another position to consider, whereas some will need you to be on board with their plight. With these particular clients you will have to assure them you are on their team in order for them to open up. Good work Ms. Calderon." I turn and head toward the front of the room as I catch a glimpse of an energy ball forming from the corner of my eye.

  I turn and notice a group just outside the window using magic to form a psi ball that could wipe out the classroom in its entirety. One broke away from the formation to use telekinesis to open the window wider. I knew I had no time to waste, but that I could not risk exposure. Looking intently toward the front of the room I begin creating an energy ball of my own. Mine is a lighter shade of the bright blue then the one the supes are conjuring outside. Mine, hopefully, will deflect the psi ball coming our way. Just as the dark ball comes flying through the window, my shield grows larger. I maintain my focus on the front of the room appearing to be into the lesson like my fellow classmates. The ball crashes into the shield and brakes into thousands of tiny pieces. From the corner of my eye I can see the group outside the window peering in trying to figure out what had just happened. One yells out, "This is all your fault! You must have been saying the words wrong. I am not taking the fall for this."

  "He's not going to be happy about this."

  "Yea, well what the hell does he expect, it's not like we have experience with this," says the taller guy of the group.

  "Someone very powerful is in there," says one of the guys as he peers into the window. Trying to ensure they do not realize it was me deflecting their attempt to blow up the class, I keep my eyes on the professor.

  The small group turn to face each other and begin arguing even louder, but failing to remember the window was still open.

  The professor reluctantly stops her lecture and walks toward the window, clears her throat and asks, "Would you all mind taking your argument to another part of the campus, I'm teaching a lesson in here?" Translation, Get the Hell Out of Here! They break off their assembly and I can see some walk in different directions. I immediately engage my bionic hearing abilities to get as much details from the two that were still squabbling.

  "What are you going to say to him?"

  "I don't know, he's going to be very disappointed. I'm going to have to come up with a good explanation."

  "Well maybe we can say?" BAM!!! And that's all I could make out before the professor slammed the window shut. For the rest of the class I took my mind off of Socrates and Aristotle and began wondering who is he?

  I waited in the back of the room for the precise moment to jump into action and save the day. I should have known better than to enlist menial, low-level practioners for help. Who knew they couldn't handle something as simple as sending an energy ball through a window? On the other hand I am not dealing with just any witch. The way she picked up on their energy and subtly diffused their plan. Even the manner my Queen handled the facilitator's failed attempt to embarrass her, was nothing short of amazing. Together we will rule not only the mortal world but also the supernatural realm. Our children will be the greatest supernatural beings in centuries. The thought of the power we will all possess as a family gives me tingles. Focusing back on the lesson I realize the professor's lecture is coming to a conclusion. I take one last lingering look at the object of my ambition and affection and remove myself from the room.

  The feeling of being watched is a heavy weight on my chest and I slowly glance behind me. Only a few people sit in the back, one disheveled, nerdy looking guy gives me a beaming smile. Not wanting to be rude I smile back and immediately turn to face the front. The instructor is announcing the reading assignments for the rest of the week and wishing us all a good day. I gather my things and the feeling of being watched strikes me again. This time it is the nerd, "hello, my uh name is Archibald Xavier Wellington, the third. You must be Madeline."

  "How do you know my name?" I think wearily. I mentally perform a magical check on him to make sure my I did not misread my senses. Satisfied with the certainty that he lacked any semblance of power I waited for his response.

  "Well uh, I uh, it's just that I like to check the uh class list online and uh well the professor called you uh Ms. Calderon, so I uh matched the last uh name to the uh."

  "Relax, I'm not upset that you know my name, I was just wondering," I say interrupting the stuttering before the urge to yell "SPIT IT OUT ALREADY" became too much to avoid. "Archibald, may I call you Archie?"

  He begins giggling uncontrollably, "uh of course." I stand up and we both walk out of the class together. "Are you uh from around here?"

  "I was born here but moved away at a young age. I've been living in Delaware with my grandmother and came back for college." Deciding it is best to tell the truth with leaving certain details out is best. After all it is harder to get caught in a lie if you avoid the lying part as much as possible. "How about you, are you from around here?"

  "You know it, Jersey boy through and through. Fist pump, ha ha," Archie replies with a little more ease raising his fist in the air. I can tell he is getting more comfortable by the decrease in the number of uhs used in his last sentence. Not any less of a nerd, but definitely more comfortable. "Hey, if you uh ever need a study partner, you know uh for studying just let me know." And so the stammering continues.

  "Uh, yea that would be great. Let's uh exchange numbers." Oh know the uhs are contagious. We exchange numbers and the feeling of being watched hits me once again, this time like a ton of bricks. I also feel the presence of a strong supe and my mouth begins to drop as I take in Bash and all his deliciousness. Dark blue jeans hug his toned thighs and butt just the right way while the blue, fitted sweater vest shows a silhouette of his chiseled chest. I am certain
he can hear my heart beating out of my chest. After looking him up and down two or three times I realize he is talking to a leggy brunette with piercing green eyes that sparkle all the way down the hall. I guess you could say she's attractive if you like girls who pair knee-high, high heeled boots with skinny jeans and a waist length sweater that works to show off their hour-glass figures. OMG, why do I sound jealous? I barely know the guy.

  "Um Maddie, um did you get that?" I snap out of my Bash trance and focus on Archie.

  "Oh, Archie I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" He repeats his number as I add him to my list of contacts. I recite my number for him and double-checke as requested to make certain it was entered correctly. I didn't need to look over at Bash or enter his thoughts to know he was staring at us and was not happy with what he was looking at. "Thanks Archie, let's get together either this weekend or next to prepare for next Monday's exam.

  "Uh, okay great!" Archie replies enthusiastically. "I'm available the whole weekend, so uh just let me uh know when." Archie waves goodbye repeatedly as he makes his way down the hall just past Bash. I look over at him as if I just noticed him. He looks into my eyes and gives me a devilish smile that would have made me fall to my knees if I wasn't leaning against the wall. I decide to keep my guard up until I find out more about him. I give my best "don't flatter yourself" look and turn to walk away. Shortly I hear footsteps running behind at an abnormal rate.

  "Can I walk you to your next class?" Bash asks following up with that irresistible smile.

  "I don't know, can you?" I am determined to make sure he isn't aware of my feelings for him. I try penetrating his thoughts to gauge his intentions but I am met with a concrete wall. Damn he knows how to block, which is something many find difficult in day-to-day situations. Realizing he is giving me a perplexed look I feel the need to explain. "Using the word "can" suggests you're asking if you are capable, and using the word "may" is asking for permission." I follow with a flirty smile, and being an obvious professional in the game Bash easily wins me over by combining a dreamy look in his eyes with that award winning smile.

  "May I walk you to your next class, my Queen?" Bash says with a side smirk.

  "Yes you may. So what is your major?"

  "Behavioral Science with a minor in philosophy. I'll be heading down the pre-med track. And you?"

  "Pre-med, are you just saying that to impress me?" I smile and giggle as he gives me that one eyebrow raised look. Oh my goodness he makes me giggle. Get a grip Maddie!

  "Just because I am the prince of the underworld doesn't mean I do not wish to help others. Are you really that shocked?" His voice sounding a little hurt.

  "Well the truth is, I don't know you, so I'm surprised but not because it's you. I am studying psychology, and I hadn't thought about adding a minor. But that's a great idea. I wonder if it's too late." The wheels begin to turn as I think about my mortal future and how much I hope my supe life wouldn't interfere.

  "It's never too late. But once you take your thrown I am not sure how much time you will have for a mortal career."

  It's almost as if he can read my thoughts. But I know he does not have access, and that he has yet to try. Which is kind of sweet. Ugh, mental slap.

  "And as for not knowing me, are you interested in changing that?" I look at Bash with a hesitant look concerned with what I was getting myself into. The truth is I want to get to know him more, but worry about Lance. I know I do not owe anything to him but I can't help feeling like I am betraying him. It is the same reservation someone already in a relationship would experience.

  "Yes, I'd like that." I decide to be brave and take the plunge, especially if I'm hoping to learn anything more about him, I'll have to hang out with him more. "This is me," I say as we approach the door to my next class. Thank you for walking me to class." I say avoiding his eyes. Bash takes two steps that close off the space between us. He looks deeply into my eyes and we hold each other's gaze for what seems like an eternity. He leans in and kisses me gently. He hands me his phone and I enter my phone number. Once I am done I unlock mine and pass it to him. He grabs my phone and without taking his eyes off of me, plugs in his phone number.

  "I'll see you soon my sweet." He places a kiss on my cheek and walks away. I look down at my phone at his entry. He labels himself My Future Husband. As I chuckle I go in and change it to his name. I sigh and walk into my next class. Writing 101 is a course all incoming freshman have to take to ensure they know the rules when it comes to writing on a college level. The main bullet in this course will of course be plagiarism and it's life altering consequences. I look around for a seat and my heart drops as I look toward the middle and find Lance nodding toward the seat next to him. Oh boy, here we go!