Chapter 14: Spells, Magic, and Danger

ARTEA’S POV

“I didn’t know latin could be THIS hard!” I fell back my eyes were hurting from reading too much, Rhett has been helping me in learning latin and other languages that is acquainted with spells or incantations.

Spargant in Inuisibilitas

“Invisibility Spell… a spell that can hide the physical body from anyone’s sight, this spell doesn’t apply to smell, presence, hearing, or touch…” I read my latin was a bit rough but I can understand the word if I broke it down.

”That spell is really helpful when used on humans… It’s not that helpful on other supernatural beings tho…” Rhett informed me, when I thought about it the written text on the book only said physical body so that means the smell or touch can still work normally.

“Has he still reached out to you?” He suddenly asked by ‘him’ I mean a certain guy who I don’t want to get in contact to. I just shook my head and went back to reading.

~~~

Monday 7:45 AM

Getting my books out of my locker I tried not to look anywhere else because; 1. I don’t want to meet the eyes of the Vertrudes 2. I don’t want to look tense 3. I want to avoid interacting with others as much as I could.

Closing my locker door I walked fast to my first subject which was History, “Artea! Hey!” Quinn caught up to me and placed a hand on my shoulder, “Where have you been? You were AWOL last week and all weekends” she asked me.

It was true I didn’t participate much in cheer team, I hadn’t really thought about it but the mention of the cheer team bores my spirit out. “Quinn, I think I wanna quit…” Quinn whipped her head to face me and made a ‘are you serious’ look, ”Whyyy” she whined.

“I wanna try something else you know? I mean new school new hobbies… I guess…” I shrugged—

*RIIIIIIIING*

The bell rung, “We’ll talk about this later” Quinn said with a pointed look and dragged me into the classroom, I sat in my sit suddenly my body tensed because I felt a specific pair of eyes watching me.

I didn’t face him, I couldn’t, I mean I was avoiding him I can’t just looked him in the eye. If it’s for a reason… sure… but other than that… no. I faced the front and focused on Ms. Fray’s lesson still feeling his eyes on me I looked down on my book and highlighted some words to distract me.

‘That was hell’ I thought, footsteps were getting closer to my desk and when I slightly lifted my head up it was his shoes. So I went to Quinn’s place and talked to her about our discussion earlier quickly dragging her out of the classroom.

Mission Accomplished

Me and Quinn didn’t have the same class for second period so we split up, suddenly I just remembered that most of my classes are with one of the siblings’ which is hard because I actually have to talk to them if necessary.

I just need to get through this day and tomorrow and the day after that and the day after the day after and for the WHOLE SCHOOL YEAR! Jesus help me…

I entered the classroom and sat at my assigned seat it was two seats away from Kelani because I switched seats to ‘see’ better. How can they say no to the new student who just want to learn everyday, I smirk.

*DING*

I looked at my phone and saw Kelani's name; I hesitated because I could feel her eyes on me, but the teacher came in just as my finger was about to click on her name, saving me from the interaction. I let out a relieved sigh and tried to forget about what happened.

As the class drew to a close, I dashed out of the room to use the restroom. As I walked into the bathroom, I could hear muffled sobs coming from the farthest cubicle. I didn't want to be nosy, but I will try to be a caring individual.

“Umm… Are you okay in there?” I asked knocked on the cubicle lightly, the sobs stopped and she responded “Y-yeah…” the voice… I know that voice…

Kaylee?

“—It’s Artea… Do you need to talk?” I asked her because I was concerned since I remembered the bruises the other day, and if my suspicions were correct, she needed help...well, professional help. “I'm fine,” she said, trying to hold back her sobs.

“Well, I'll be waiting for you here... You sound like you're in a lot of pain, and talking to someone will help ease your burden even if they can't do much...” I didn't leave her alone in the bathroom; instead, I sat and waited for her, spraying down the counter top of the sink.

After several minutes of waiting, she emerged, her eyes red and puffy, and her breathing gradually returned to normal. When I looked at her shoulder, I noticed that she had a lot of bruises. She realized where my eyes landed and quickly hid it from me. “I can't pretend I didn't see that.”

“Y-y-you can't do anything,” new tears threatened to spill from her eyes. “Can you tell me what's going on?” I asked him, softly looking at her, to encourage her to tell me about the bruises.

“No…” “But I can show you,” she said, pulling the hem of her shirt up, turning around, and her back was covered in bruises, cuts, and slashes. My eyes widened slightly as I noticed she appeared to have fallen on her back, but each of those wounds was inflicted one by one.

“You have to report this,” I said, jumping off the counter to get a better look at the wounds. “No no, my Mom will kill m—,” she cut herself off, realizing her words and covering her mouth. “I won't say anything, but this can't go on.” I didn't want to pry into family matters, so I advised her to speak to a teacher, guidance counselor, or principal, but she simply shook her head no and promised to keep it a secret.

I offered to meet her after school to tend to her wounds; she said it wasn't necessary, but if I'm keeping it a secret, it's the least I could do for her. After that, we went about our business, avoiding the Vertrudes. At this point, it was clear that I was avoiding them, and they were irritated by how I kept slipping through their fingers.

“Whats up with you today?” Quinn gave me a pointed look well more like an accusing look. “Nothing… Just—” I was cut off by her “Don’t lie Tea! You’ve been avoiding Kane! I saw how he would walk in your direction and you would take a U-turn or how you’ve been using me and the bathroom to escape” she sums up everything.

"If you don't want him, tell him," "Yeah—wait what?" I was taken aback by her statement; did she really believe that? “No, no, no, no, no I just— We don't get along.” I tried to persuade her otherwise, but all she did was give me that ‘I don't believe you’ look.

“Oh, please! Quinn, we're going to be late because of you.” Since we were outside, I jokingly shoved her in the direction of the school. I can't tell her the true reason for obvious answers, but I can tell her a lie. Some people believe that those closest to them do not lie, but that is not the case. The person closest to you could be the best liar ever.

And that’s our next lesson a truth spell and more latin.

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“Keep your friends close and your enemies closer”

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A/N: Sorry for not updating faster! I had a lot to do because of opening of classes were getting closer. Which by the way I am not ready for but we gotta push through. -_- I hope you enjoy this story! And feel free to comment your feelings or other stuff!

Votes and comments are appreciated~