Текст книги "Reckless Magic"

Автор книги: Rachel Higginson

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Текущая страница: 5 (всего у книги 24 страниц)

Chapter Eight

With thoughts of my bizarre dream from the previous night swirling in my head, I stepped out of Aunt Syl’s car unsteadily. Not only was my body psychologically shocked from the sense of realness of my dream, but I was also physically exhausted. My head felt very cloudy from the dull sense of electricity pumping slowly through my veins. Weak and tired, I forced myself forward.

Slowly, I walked up the hill towards the Administration Building. Students passed me as they hurried to class, but my feet felt clumsy, the electricity made me wobbly. At the top of the hill, I took a left on the brick path towards the English Building, and to my surprise, Principal Saint stood on the path, blocking the way.

“Eden, may I speak with you for a moment?” His entire presence exuded a dignitary-like respect, and I was sure people did not tell him “no” very often. Despite the request, he stepped in front of me, giving me no other option. At that moment, all I wanted to do was get to class and sit down. I entertained the thought of walking right past him, pretending I didn’t hear. “Please, it will only take a second,” he asked again, noticing my hesitation.

“Have I done something wrong?” I asked out of habit.

“Not that I am aware…. have you?” he flashed me a smile. He made a joke, but I was too exhausted to respond. He continued, “I am only concerned that Kingsley might be a bit overwhelming for you at first. Are you feeling all right? Has anything strange happened that would give you cause for concern?” His voice was slightly strained, and I saw real apprehension in his eyes. Suddenly he became something to be concerned about. This was getting kind of creepy.

“I’m fine, thank you,” I kept it short and to the point. The last thing I wanted to do was confide in the Principal of the school from hell.

“Of course you are,” he took a quick look around us before finishing with, “If you ever need anything, or if you ever have questions about anything, please feel free to find me immediately.” Before I had a chance to respond, he walked away back toward his office.

That was strange. I wondered for a second if he knew about the weird things going on with me; but then I shook it off. How could he? I never told anyone, not even Aunt Syl. The only thing that could really have alerted him was the mysterious exploding plant, but I was not even sure if he saw what happened, although it was extremely out of the ordinary. I had to admit that.

I continued toward class, realizing now that I was the only student left standing outside. I tried to pick up my pace, but after my brief encounter with Principal Saint, I was more unstable than ever. The pulsing electricity was steadily growing stronger, and my blood felt like there was a current of energy rushing through it.

By the time I entered the English and Arts Building I could barely stand up. I needed to empty myself completely before I continued to class. I looked around quickly. Although no students occupied the lobby, I was afraid to cause a scene. My fingers crackled with the sound of electricity and my skin sizzled from the climbing temperature inside.

As quickly as I could, I ducked into the theater doors, across the hall from the marble staircase. I took a moment to let my eyes adjust to the darkness and started frantically looking around for a place to dispose of my building energy. A sudden burst of electricity surging through my heart made me double over in surprise. I tried to stand up, but only half succeeded. As fast as I could I hurried down the aisle, looking for anything that could be quietly destroyed.

On the stage I recognized the form of an almost hidden tin trash-can. I heard the last bell ring, informing me that I was late for class, so I took the stairs on the side of the stage two at a time and headed straight for the can. Looking around once more to make sure there were no onlookers, I pointed my hands toward the bottom of the can, hoping for a quick second, there was nothing disgusting in it, and released the energy.

The trashcan exploded. Its contents scattered across the stage, along with shredded pieces of tin. I felt much better and although I was sure the explosion was loud, I was confident it couldn’t have been heard upstairs. I brushed what pieces of debris remained on me and ran for the exit, out the double doors of the theater, and toward the marble staircase.

I didn’t make it far however, before I noticed Kiran and Talbott entering the building. They talked quietly, but heatedly, until they looked up and noticed me leaving the dark theater. They instantly stopped talking and gave each other a quick glance.

“What were you doing in there?” Kiran asked suspiciously.

“Nothing…. I got lost,” I gave a sheepish grin and slowed down to a fast walk, hoping to make it to the stairs before them. I felt much better after discarding the electricity and felt an entirely new kind of energy, a natural kind.

“I don’t believe you,” Kiran said bluntly, eyes squinting accusatorily.

“Kiran, let’s just get to class,” Talbott interrupted.

“Good idea,” I agreed over my shoulder, passing them while they still stood in the lobby. I made it to the stairs, sprinting the remaining distance to class. By the time I reached the door to English I was completely out of breath.

“Oh, Ms. Matthews, late again, I see,” Mr. Lambert acknowledged my entrance with disdain and irritation. “At Kingsley we try to make promptness part of our daily routine. I hope this will not be a regular occurrence.” He gave me a snide smirk, but allowed me to take my seat in the back without further commentary. Lilly looked back and rolled her eyes.

A few minutes later, Kiran and Talbott arrived to class. They were both a little red in the face and clearly had continued their argument after I left them. Mr. Lambert offered a genuine smile and said nothing about their tardiness as they took their seats. Now I was the one that was irritated.

English seemed to drag on under Mr. Lambert’s lecture; I struggled to pay attention. He droned on and on about Shakespeare, but my only thoughts lingered on the evidence I left in the theater. At the time I dreaded the consequences of being late for class over the consequences of what would happen to me if the school figured out who trashed the theater…. literally. I groaned inwardly, as I realized I should have cleaned up my mess and destroyed all evidence first and worried about class second.

“Pssst,” Kiran whispered in my direction. When I refused to look at him, he tried again, “Pssssst.” I pulled my hair over my shoulders and blocked my view of him.

“Eden,” he tried a little louder, causing several students around us to turn and glare. “Eden.”

“What?” I whispered back as sharply as I could, peeking out from behind my wall of hair.

“Why were you late this morning?” he smirked, proud that he was able to get my attention.

“Why were you?” I avoided his question. The theater incident was just one of the many reasons I was running late that morning.

“I’m allowed to be late. Didn’t you sleep well last night?” his grin widened into a proud smile and his perfect, straight and white teeth glistened at me.

I let my hair fall quickly back in front of my face, and slouched a little lower. My cheeks burned with the memory of my dream from the night before, being near Kiran with my hand in his, his eyes piercing me, as if he was looking into my soul. Thoughts of how inviting and seductive Kiran appeared in my dream conflicted with my fears of him finding out how crazy I was, more specifically about the trashcan. I heard him laugh softly, and a surge of electricity made my blood feel hot beneath my skin. He completely confused my emotions. I didn’t know what I was feeling anymore.

The bell finally rang and I took my time standing up out of my seat. I gathered my books slowly; all of the time my dark hair masked my face. Eventually, the next class started to file in. I looked up, relieved to be the last junior left. I headed slowly for the stairs, afraid of Drama.

Unfortunately, I didn’t need to wait until class for the drama to begin because Kiran was casually sitting on the black and white marble staircase, blocking my path. He sat in the middle of the fifth step, looking like a model waiting for the photo shoot to begin. His face wore the familiar smirk I had grown accustomed to seeing as he watched me awkwardly approach. I was not totally sure I understood his infatuation with bothering me.

“I was worried you would get lost,” he said smugly as I walked closer.

“Where’s Talbott?” I asked, realizing his absence was strange.

“He didn’t want to be late for class,” Kiran rose to his feet, waiting for me to ascend the steps.

“Me either,” I breathed, picking up my pace, but brushing shoulders with Kiran as I passed. As soon as our bodies connected, the strong shocking sensation seized my shoulder, forcing me to grab it with my other hand for support. I gasped for air and pulled my body away, but I still felt the impression of his skin hot underneath my shirt.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his English accent sounding more like mockery than concern.

“I’m fine,” I steadied myself and continued up the stairs as quickly as I could, although I was still out of breath from what felt like tiny lightning bolts in my blood. The shocking sensation encompassed my entire circulatory system and I cursed underneath my breath, determining that I would not faint today.

“Eden, you are ridiculous!” Kiran sounded exasperated as he caught up with me on the stairs and grabbed my wrist with his hand.

The force of his touch was too much to handle. The electricity surged through my body at an alarming rate, causing my heart to beat wildly. I forced myself to focus, but my vision blurred and a high-pitched ringing sound pierced my ears. I tried to say something but the world darkened around me. I felt myself falling and wondered for a moment if fainting down a flight of stairs would hurt.

–

“Eden…. Eden…. wake up, Love….” a soft, foreign voice pulled me out of darkness.

I opened my eyes slowly, but shut them swiftly when blinded from the light of the crystal chandelier hanging from a lofty ceiling. My blood flowed at a rapid pace and burned with a strong current of electricity. My heart, beating quickly, but somewhat controlled, made me realize that I was lying in someone’s arms.

“Come on…. let me know you are all right,” the voice turned stern. Obeying, I opened my eyes slowly and let them adjust to the light around me.

I groaned audibly when I looked up to find Kiran looking back at me. His expression read concerned, and when I finally focused on him, I watched his facial muscles relax. His piercing aqua colored eyes gazed into mine; I started to remember what happened and how I ended up in his arms.

“Did I faint again?” I mumbled as memories slowly started to come back.

“Mmmm…. hmmm….” Kiran smiled and I realized that we were still positioned on the marble staircase. He must have caught me before I fell down the entire flight.

“Thank you,” my voice was a little hoarse. I found that I was very comfortable lying in his arms. Despite the temperature and activity of my blood, I was hesitant to get up. I groaned again, milking it just a little longer.

“How can you really not know what you are?” Kiran’s voice was soft and soothing, and although I didn’t understand his question, he seemed to find it amusing and laughed a little.

“Mr. Kendrick, Ms. Matthews I believe you are supposed to be in class right now,” Principal Saint hollered at us from the middle of the lobby. Unaware that anyone was around, my cheeks blushed with embarrassment.

I tried to sit up quickly as I heard Principal Saint’s footsteps come closer, but Kiran held me down. I looked at him with pleading eyes, mortified by the predicament Principal Saint had found us in. Kiran laughed again, but slowly helped me into a sitting position.

“I apologize, sir,” Kiran addressed Principal Saint, disdainfully. “You see, we were on our way to class, when Ms. Matthews fainted and nearly took a tumble down the stairs.” I could hear the amusement in his tone and felt like punching him in the shoulder.

“Is this true, Ms. Matthews?” Principal Saint stopped walking when he reached the bottom of the stairs, and eyed me skeptically.

“Yes, it is true.” I defended, terrified of the consequences I was about to face.  “Luckily, Kiran, um, Mr. Kendrick was here to catch me,” I stood up, shakily and looked as grateful as I thought I felt; although I realized it was all Kiran’s fault to begin with.

“Hmmm…. I suppose it was lucky,” Principal Saint did not look completely convinced and eyed Kiran with more suspicion. “Ms. Matthews, are you all right to continue on to class?” I nodded silently. “Fine, then go on. I will inform Ms. Woodsen of the incident. Mr. Kendrick, please come with me, I have an errand for you to run.”

Principal Saint turned on his heel without waiting for a reply from either of us and headed for the doors that exit the building. Kiran gave me a roguish look and a familiar smirk before following behind Principal Saint. More confused than ever, I stared after them, before turning in the opposite direction to Drama class. Electricity still rushed through my veins, leaving me overwhelmingly weak and shaky.

–

By the time I arrived at lunch, I was exhausted. My nerves were completely fried and my hands could not stop shaking from the violent current in my bloodstream. Every small physical contact with another student sent more electricity running through my body, and my head buzzed from trying to function through it all.

When I finally took a seat next to Lilly at a table in the corner of the lunchroom, I was physically ill from the trauma that racked the inside of my body. I knew that I looked like a terrible mess. Beads of sweat dripped down my temples and the back of my neck. My hands, shaking so violently, caused me to clasp them together tightly to keep from making a scene.

“Are you Ok?” Lilly looked at me, concerned.

“Um, I think I might be coming down with something,” I lied, but knew there was no better explanation. This feeling defied explanation and I preferred not to let Lilly know just how crazy I was. I tried to think of a way to sneak back into the theater after lunch. I needed to blow something up, before I blew up instead.

“You’re lying,” Kiran’s stern voice accused unexpectedly. I nearly jumped out of my seat. He sat down next to me, so close that our bodies almost touched. Electricity pulsed through me in waves now and I realized I could be sick at any moment. The close proximity to Kiran had sweat pouring down my face and I could feel my blood boiling.

“About what?” I deflected. My shoulders begin to shake more violently.  It was hard to believe; I was still trying to play this off. My hand reached up instinctively to wipe my forehead, but I quickly brought it down again when I saw how badly it was shaking.

“I saw what you did in the theater,” he whispered. He leaned in so that only I could hear him. “And we both know what happened on the stairs. Now look at you; you are clearly about to go into some type of shock.” I should have been grateful for his discretion, but his nearness caused my vision to blur from the intensity of energy. His warm breath tickled my ear, but a cold shiver ran down the back of my neck.

“I don’t know what you mean,” I tried to deflect again, but now I realized Kiran and Talbott weren’t late to English because they had continued their argument; they had gone to investigate the theater after I passed them. It was stupid of me to rush up the stairs so quickly, and it was stupid of me to linger on the stairs with Kiran. Why was he so damn nosey?

“Yes, you do,” Kiran leaned in closer to my neck, his lips nearly touching my ear. His silky and soft voice lost its edge; his lips brushed my hair. “What’s wrong with you?” He sat back quickly.

I began to convulse, and wondered to myself if this was a seizure. Surely, I was too coherent for a seizure, but my body shook so violently, I could barely stay seated. A small part of me wondered if I should bite down on a spoon, but before I could react, I felt myself falling backwards, slightly aware I was causing a scene.

I fully expected to hit the floor, but instead, I felt strong arms reach out and catch me. I looked up assuming to see Kiran, but instead I was shocked to see Principal Saint looking down at me. His eyes were full of concern and I could see his mouth was moving, but the ringing in my ears drowned out the sound. That was the last thing I saw before I lost consciousness for the second time that day.

Chapter Nine

I regained consciousness in an unfamiliar place. My head was pounding and my mouth felt like sandpaper. The electricity inside me slowed to a soft hum and my blood temperature cooled down a bit. I must have been in the Nurse’s Office because I was lying on a soft cot and a metal medicine cabinet sat directly to the left of me.

As I slowly pulled myself into a sitting position, I realized I was not alone. I rubbed my eyes and moved my tongue around in my mouth, but it was no use. I needed a glass of water.

Arms folded, Principal Saint sat at a desk, staring. A wave of trepidation swept over me.

“Are you feeling alright, Ms. Matthews? You took quite a fall,” his distinct, elegant voice was crisp and serious. He stood up and reached over to hand me a glass of water. I took it, my hands trembling a bit, and drank it quickly.

“I think so,” I still felt weak, and my head was especially fuzzy. “Thank you,” I said hesitantly. He took the cup out of my hand and walked over to fill it again at a sink positioned behind him.

“For what?” he sounded surprised.

“For the water.… and for not letting me fall,” I replied matter-of-factly.

“I did no such thing. You did fall; you fell hard. The student, who brought you here, said you possibly had a seizure. I am here to make sure that you don’t have another,” his voice was full of conviction, but I could have sworn I saw him catch me.

“A seizure?” I said pretending to be confused. Although confident that I was conscious of what was happening to me, I was not so sure now. I didn’t remember hitting the floor at all. I rubbed the back of my head, but nothing felt sore or tender.

“Yes, Mr. Angelo said you began shaking uncontrollably before passing out; you were fortunate he was near and able to act so quickly. Do you not remember any of this?” he looked at me skeptically.

“No,” I said simply. I leaned my head forward to look at the ground, letting my long hair fall in front of my face. I could not look at this man in the eye when I lied to him; he seemed as if he would be impervious to a dishonest student. Obviously still confused, I didn’t remember Talbott being there at all.

“Hmmm…” he clearly didn’t buy it; but I wasn’t sure I bought it either. “Well, the important thing is that you are alright. Do you have any idea of what could have caused this? Has this happened before? What is the last thing you remember?”

“I don’t know,” I paused, trying to remember what happened. What made me convulse so terribly? “I remember talking with Kiran and then nothing.”

“Mr. Kendrick?” Principal Saint’s voice raised in alarm, although I had no idea why. “This is worse than I thought,” he mumbled cryptically under his breath. “Eden, I am afraid there is something we need to discuss. This has gotten out of control,” he looked at me gravely, but did not attempt to stand or come closer. A feeling of dread washed over me, but before he could continue, Mrs. Truance stepped through the door.

“Eden’s aunt is here, sir. Would you like me to send her in?” I was amazed at the tone of respect Mrs. Truance used with Principal Saint. Her quiet, subservient demeanor was nothing I had ever seen her exhibit before.

“Yes, that would be fine. I am sure she is anxious to see her niece,” Mrs. Truance left the room and Principal Saint turned his attention back to me. “Our discussion will have to wait. I am sending you home for the day, and strongly suggest you take the rest of the week off to recuperate. Kingsley does not tolerate sick and fainting students.” He said it with finality and stood to take his leave.

“Oh my word, Eden are you all right?” Aunt Syl was through the door and in front of my face before I could react. She was still in her green doctor’s scrubs, and her hair was frazzled. She reached out to put my face in her hands and I inhaled the strong smell of hospital soap.

“I’m fine, really, I’m fine,” I tried to reassure her, but she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small flashlight to begin examining my eyes. I attempted to push her away but she was persistent.

“They said it was a seizure, I was so worried,” she exclaimed, finally giving up the impromptu checkup and hugging me tightly.

“Aunt Syl, I can’t breathe,” I said, struggling for oxygen.

“Oh, I’m so sorry dear,” she pulled back, but didn’t take her hands off my shoulders.

“I have excused her for the day, as well as the rest of the week,” Principal Saint interrupted from the doorway. “Please, take this time to recover, and we will see you back here on Monday, healthy. I will have Ms. Mason bring over your homework and make sure you are caught up on classes.” With his final instructions, he left us alone, closing the door behind him.

“What happened?” Aunt Syl asked exasperatedly. “The school called me at the hospital and I rushed over here right away.”

“I guess I had some sort of seizure or something…. I don’t really remember to be honest. But I feel much better now; I think I’m fine. Let’s just go home,” I looked up at her with pleading eyes, giving her my most charming smile, hoping to convince her.

“Nice try, but seizures are serious Eden. I am going to take you to the hospital for a full checkup, and then we will go home…. Ok? Who is Ms. Mason?” Aunt Syl was serious. I knew there was no getting out of all of the tests I was about to have run on me. I inwardly groaned, not sure if I was up to being poked and prodded. Still, I wondered if there was a diagnosis for blood made out of lightning.

“Lilly, the girl I was telling you about yesterday,” I hopped off the cot and adjusted my uniform. Aunt Syl checked out with Mrs. Truance before we left; but we eventually made our way down to her car, parked slightly askew in front of the school.

Before we could begin our escape and to my utter despair and frustration, I noticed Kiran jogging down to us from the Administration Building. I cringed, unsure why he just couldn’t leave me alone. Since I was still not feeling like myself, I was in no mood to deal with him.

“Eden,” he called from a few feet away as I tried to slide into the passenger’s seat as quickly as my trembling appendages would let me. “Eden!”

“Who is that?” Aunt Syl was both impressed and confused by the unbelievably good-looking boy jogging in our direction.

“What?” I shouted exasperatedly, stepping back out of the car and closing the door, hoping to shield, whatever this was about, from my aunt.

“Are you Ok?” he came to a stop too close for comfort, but thankfully I only felt the soft hum of electricity that had come to be normal.

“I’m fine,” I said quickly, hoping he would just get to the point.

“Are you sure?” he reached out to hold my hand, reminding me of the dream I had about him last night. I let him hold it for a moment, feeling butterflies instead of overwhelming energy, before taking it back. He smiled slightly.

“Yes, I’m sure, but my aunt is taking me to get a checkup anyway,” I said with slight irritation. “What do you want?” I hoped he was not here to ask me about the trashcan in the theater again.

“I just wanted to make sure you were Ok,” he smiled wider and I found myself smiling back. I couldn’t help it. He was just beautiful with his perfect white teeth, surrounded by perfect lips and perfect dimples. Even his eyes smiled at me.

“Thank you,” I said softening a little. “But really, I’m fine.  Like I said, I’m going to the hospital, and I am sure they will tell me that there is nothing wrong with me. So…. I’ll see you later,” I tried to turn away from him and get in the car, but he was not finished.

“I brought you your backpack,” he blurted, never taking his eyes off mine. I reached out to take it from him, willing myself to look away from his shining turquoise eyes. I felt the heat rush to my cheeks, and let my hair fall in front of my face to hide the embarrassing blush.

“Thank you,” I mumbled again. I took the backpack and our fingertips brushed softly together. Butterflies and electricity surged through my body this time, and I realized it was time to get out of there before Aunt Syl would witness one of my “episodes.”

“Can I bring you your homework tonight?” his eyes wavered for a second and I realized that he was nervous.

“Um, actually I think Lilly is going to bring it,” I replied in a rush.

“Mr. Kendrick, get back to class,” Principal Saint’s voice called from the top of the hill. Clearly annoyed, Kiran looked up, and then looked back at me. His entire body tensed; I could see that he was torn. Surprised by his reaction, I could still relate to it. Every time that Kiran tried to talk to me, Principal Saint showed up out of nowhere to keep us apart. Maybe it was just a coincidence, maybe not.

“We’ll see about that,” he whispered before turning around and jogging back up the hill. I stood staring after him for a moment, wondering if he was talking about class or my homework tonight.

Kiran left me once again confused, but excited at the same time. With so many mixed emotions, no wonder I couldn’t keep control of myself. Thankful I would have something to distract me the rest of the afternoon; I climbed back in the car. I was almost looking forward to the promised MRI and CT scan; maybe Aunt Syl would even throw in a PET scan just for good measure…. one could only hope.