Wizards

CHAPTER 22: Run, Rei! Run!

Rei Griffin couldn't believe she'd be sneaking out of her own room — and early on Monday too. Not a moment long from opening her eyes, she jumped out of her bed and stumbled across the room. She grabbed her towels and waved her wand, hoping to fix her bed with magic but only made it worst.

     After taking a quick shower, Rei immediately put on her standard black robes and grabbed her books. While walking to the door, she realized she forgot the essay she had been working on the whole day yesterday — she had to go back and forth to the room because every time she stepped outside she will realize she forgot something else inside.

     When she reached the hallway that was straight to the third year's corridors, footsteps echoed. Rei ran to what suddenly became the most interesting thing for her: the pillar. It was placed near the stairway making it the most appealing diversion for her.

     The footsteps grew closer and closer until Rei could see the person walking. Rei let out the air she held for seconds after seeing that it was Markus Jordan from the third year.

     Quickly . . . and quietly, Rei reached the cafeteria and ordered pancakes and coffee which were magically delivered to her table. It was much more peaceful having breakfast a bit earlier than usual. Since every student — in her case, every bully — tried so hard to catch more sleep and wakes up minutes before the first bell.

     Rei's phone vibrated and from the notification box appeared a message, "Where are you?" said Eliot.

     Rei replied, "I can get my own food, PROFESSOR Reeve."

     The phone vibrates, "Stay put, I'll escort you to your class." It vibrated again, "Don't move."

     Of course, Rei moved. She shoved the whole pancake inside her mouth and drank the hot coffee in one gulp. The only protest she got to do was the sound of "mmm!" as she brisk walked her way out of the cafeteria.

     Potions class was on the east side of the castle and she was on the west; enough time to make it before the bell ring.

     It was the only time Rei had the time to appreciate the castle without a strange stare from someone she doesn't know. She wondered: who cleans all these? She never once saw any servants inside the castle, and to keep all of these clean astonished her.

     It was a long walk from the west to the east side of the castle, a quiet stroll until whispers and giggles started filling in the hallways. And it looked as though whispers and giggles were the themes of the day since it was the same inside the classroom of Potions.

     Professor Nymph was surprisingly late, which was rare, Rei thought. After placing her essay on the professor's table, she sat beside Mika who was sleeping in her arms.

     Mika's eyes opened as soon as Rei placed her books on the table. On the far side of the room, students huddled, whispering and gasping one after another.

     "What's happening?" said Rei.

     "You didn't know?" Mika answered, raising her head.

     Rei shook her head, still eyeing the huddle.

     "Racel Sacedor jumped off castle last night," said Mika, placing her head on her arms again as though the topic was the most boring thing in the world.

     Rei wasn't sure, but she felt her eyes rounded and said, "What?"

     "Relax. . . . She's alive. The bubble charm around the castle saved her ass. She did pass out while falling and was rushed into hospital after." Rei met Mika's eyes. "Why so shocked? She wasn't your friend, not even a little close. She's — Oh . . . blood magic acted up last night, didn't it?"