The Songs Of The Flames (The Curse Of The Thirteenth Series)

Chapter 13

"Come on, I feel like we need a break from school. I know a friend in Lockewith's Club who could sneak us in." Alyse persisted. It was a Saturday morning, their day off. Priscilla sat crisscrossed on her bed, braiding her hair, and listening to Alyse's ideas. Sun shined outside, casting a glare off the snow that hurt the eyes.  The pond outside was frozen now, and the day was silent. No animal, magical or not, stirred outside.

"That sounds very dangerous, Alyse, what if we get caught sneaking out of the academy? We could get detention, or even expelled." Juniper protested. Priscilla had heard about Lockewith's club. It was located in Bloanich, and was know for the large parties held there. 

"I'm not sure, Alyse. That might not be a great idea." Trisha said from where she leaned up against the window sill. She stood with her arms crossed over her chest. Beside her, Hazel sat on the window sill's edge, her dark hair up in a ponytail. The ponytail moved from side to side as she shook her head.

"I think it's a good idea." Priscilla spoke up. Everyone's head turned to her. "Like Alyse said, we need some time away from the academy. I think we should go. A girl's night would be a good idea." She said positively. 

Trisha sighed, she uncrossed her arms and glanced at Hazel. They seemed to share a mutual conversation between them without saying a word. Hazel reached down, and grasped Trisha's hand in her own. Trisha began smiling. "Alright, let's do this."

"I'm in." Hazel said, smiling as well. They shared a look, both grinning to each other. 

Each head turned towards Juniper, waiting for her to join in. She still shook her head, her short hair moving across her face. "I think that's a stupid idea. I won't do it." She said. She tucked the loose hair back behind her ears.

"Please Juniper. We don't want to do this without you." Alyse whined. Others joined in allusion, begging Juniper to join in.

"What if we get caught?" Juniper protested.

"We don't get caught. Please Juniper, I promise nothing bad will happen." Alyse said.

"Come with us, Juniper. Please." Trisha begged.

Juniper jumped up in a huff from her bed. "Fine, I'll go. I just don't want to be out too late." She pointed a finger towards Alyse when she spoke.

Alyse cheered. "You will not regret this Juniper." She said as she hugged her. Priscilla smiled from her location on her bed. Tonight would be her first time leaving the academy. She felt a jitter of excitement pass through her. 

Later that night, Priscilla sat in front of a mirror placed by Trisha's bed. Over Priscilla's shoulder, Trisha brushed and styled her hair. Priscilla, not normally one to wear makeup, agreed to let Trisha apply a little mascara and eye shadow. She was amazed by Trisha's skills. The eyes staring back at her had black and gray eyeshadow, making her eyes pop. Gone were the shadows under her eyes and the hollowed out cheeks, she looked completely different. A beautiful woman.

Priscilla watched Trisha put the finishing Bobby pins into her hair from the mirror. "Done! You look perfect, take a look." She handed Priscilla a small silver hand mirror. Priscilla adjusted the hand mirror to see the back of her head. Two French braids wrapped around the sides of her head to meet in the back. Strands of her black hair cascaded down her back in curls. Priscilla's hair was normally straight, but Trisha had worked her magic in curling the hair in ringlets. She felt amazed. She had never felt more beautiful in her life. She tilted her head back and forth in the mirror. 

"Thank you, I look amazing." She gushed. She turned around looking at herself at different angles. "How do you do it?" She asked.

"It didn't take much, " Trisha brushed off. "You're already beautiful, Priscilla."