Chapter 10 - Clara (final part)
1415 Words
I stormed out and up to my bedroom. Let them think about that.
I slammed the door and flopped onto the bed. I hated arguing with them. I knew I'd behaved like a spoiled child, but I didn’t have a choice. They weren’t going to bind my magic, not this time. A smile spread across my face at the thought of turning eighteen. My magic would awaken. I wondered what it would feel like. Would it all come at once and shoot through my body? Would I feel any different?
My eyes closed and I let my thoughts drift, my mind floating away on blue light and images of lightning bolts.
A deep sleep consumed me and another vision came with it. Instead of fields and fog, I found myself in the middle of a desert wearing the same white dress. The sun beating down. Whispers caressed the wind blowing around me, sand lifting as a storm swirled in the distance. A tornado grew, edging closer to me. Voices filled the air.
“I can sense her. She’s near.”
My pulse raced, legs trembling as I remained frozen in place. The storm raged and grew closer. Shadows, black as the night, filled the center of the swirling sand. I gasped, making out the distinct image of wings. Huge, powerful wings that couldn’t belong to a bird.
“She’s here.”
I sucked in as much air as I could and willed my legs to move. Just a dream. Just a dream. The storm was almost on top of me. A burning sensation suddenly blossomed in my chest.
My locket.
I grasped it in my hand…and bolted upright in bed. I stifled the scream that threatened to escape as I gasped for breath. I focused—in and out, in and out—until it calmed.
“Holy, crap. Another vision,” I mumbled as I reached for the glass of water beside my bed. My throat felt raw, and I could have sworn I felt grainy bits of sand being washed down with each swallow.
I looked at the clock. 2pm. The sunlight through the gap in my curtains cast eerie shadows across the room. My body tensed.
Pull yourself together. There’s nothing here.
I was on edge as I made my way downstairs, but I’d decided not to tell Mom or Grandma about the latest vision. They didn’t need to know. Besides, Grandma needed to teach me about magic. I only had a week left.
“Did you sleep?” Mom asked as I wandered into the kitchen.
“Yeah. I was tired.” I filled a glass of water and gulped it down. I swear, there were still a few grains of sand present.
“I didn’t get a chance to ask you before. How did last night go?”
The disco. I’d forgotten. I promised Megan I’d call her first thing.
“Clara?”
“Sorry, Mom. It was good, but Megan and I were tired, so we left a little early.”
“And Scott?”
I looked at her. I had no idea what she meant.
“Grandma told me you used magic on him without knowing.”
“I’m sure it won’t be a problem. He’s not who I thought he was. Where is Grandma anyway?” I asked, changing the subject.
Mom looked at me, but let it go. “She’s in her ‘office’.” She used air quotes when she said office.
I never could figure out why they called it an office. I suppose they couldn’t call it her lab or spell room.
“I’m going to talk to her. Has she calmed down?”
“Yes, but go easy on her. She’s very worried about you. We both are.”
“I know, and I’m sorry about earlier.” I gave Mom a hug on my way out.
I walked down the hall and pushed open the door to Grandma’s office. As usual, she was hunched over the table in the middle of the room, books piled high in front of her. The smell of damp and dust assaulted my nose.
“You could do with some air in here, Grandma. It smells, well, old.”
She looked up at me, brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“Well, it smells musty. I could smell it as soon as I opened the door.”
She frowned and went back to reading.
“Can we talk? I’m sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean to upset you or Mom.”
Her gaze met mine and she sighed. “I don’t blame you, Clara. I’d have been the same. It’s done now, though, so no point in rehashing old wounds. Take a seat. I’m sure you have loads of questions.”
I did. Too many.
For the next two hours, Grandma explained about magic and how it was a force that could be used for good or evil. She explained how words, or spells, could amplify the magic and make it conform to what we wanted.
“It’s all about your intention, Clara. You need to be aware at all times and never intend harm on anyone. No love spells or anything of the sort.”
I blushed. “I didn’t mean to do that.”
“I know.” She laughed. “I bet you got a fright, though.”
I laughed, too. “I did, but he’s not…” I wrinkled my nose at the thought of Scott. “I’m over him.”
Grandma laughed again. “Just be careful when using the word ‘wish’. The more feeling you put behind it, the stronger it becomes.”
“Oh, I will.”
We sat in silence for a few minutes. I couldn’t believe Grandma had actually started teaching me, talking to me about magic. It was strange and wonderful at the same time. There was so much to learn and take in.
“Thanks, Grandma.”
She looked up. “For what, dear?”
“For everything. For talking to me, teaching me, understanding.”
“I knew this day would come eventually, Clara. I just wish it waited a bit longer, that’s all.” She seemed sad.
“What is it?”
“Nothing. Why don’t you go do something nice with the rest of your day? We can talk more later.”
I left her and walked up to my room to ring Megan. There was so much to talk about. She was miffed that I hadn’t called earlier, but once I finished explaining about my outburst this morning, the vision, and that Grandma has started teaching me, she calmed down.
“Oh, my god! This is so exciting,” she shrieked into the phone. “I can’t believe it. You’ve finally got magic. Just think of all the things we can do.”
“Um, aren’t you forgetting something, Meg?”
There was a pause. “What?”
“The rules. Grandma said I can’t use magic on anyone.”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m sure we can think of something to help you practice. You’re going to have to practice, right?”
“I suppose I am.”
We both giggled.
“I’m coming over. This is not something to discuss over the phone. I’ll see you in five.” She hung up.
I flopped back on the bed, starring at the ceiling. This was really happening. I had magic, and once I turned eighteen, it would awaken even more. I imagined myself as an all-powerful witch, like the ones I’d read about in books, battling evil demons. I’d be a badass, and evil would run from me. A big grin spread across my face, disappearing just as quickly when I thought of the shadows that chased me in my visions. Would I be able to stop them? Would I even recognize them?
I sat up and shoved my hands through my hair. No point thinking about what hasn’t happened. Besides, Grandma will know what to do.
I was about to go back downstairs and tell her about the vision when my phone buzzed with a text. I picked it up. I didn’t recognize the number.
Stay away from Scott. He’s mine.
I laughed. There was only one person who’d send that. Marsha. Well, she could have him. He loved himself too much. I texted back.
You’re welcome to him.
I threw my phone onto the bed.
- Writer
