Inferno

Part 4: Meeting Magi

Before opening the door, I take a deep breath. I can't lose my temper in any shape or form when around my mother. To keep myself from running away, I'm making up possible positive scenarios.

Maybe she's sleeping.

Maybe now she's working at the office again.

Maybe she feels badly about what she did.

I doubt the last one. She seemed perfectly content with my pain before I left. My mother was never one to apologize so quickly. No matter what she did, she did it with good intent so she probably thinks she's right about this situation too. I twist the knob and invite myself in.

"Mom?" I yell out to hear an empty echo. "Mom are you home?" Just in case.

I finally stop trying and start my homework thinking about Christian, Eric, Sadie... and Christian. I've never felt this way about anyone before, Christian is so... different. Even among Eric and Sadie, he seems to stand out.

I can't wait to see them again tomorrow morning. Since my mom will probably have a fit again about me going into the woods; I'll just make an excuse about going to school early. Yeah, I think that could work.

Whilst in the middle of my homework, I hear the front door swing open. It must be Mom.

"April?" She calls out.

"Yeah," I call back while hopping down the stairs. "Uh hey mom."

"Hi darling," She suffocates me in a bear hug. This is definitely new. Before Dad died my mom would hate hugs. She only gave me a hug when she was worried, or proud.
It looks more like she's hugging my head than the rest of my body but I don't mind. I always enjoy the rare hugs I have with my mother. Except for this, I don't recognize this.

I try to break free, but stop myself.

Don't aggravate her. I remind myself.

Instead I wait till she decides to let me go. When she does, she has an ear-to-ear grin on her face. I don't know how to feel about that.

"I got my job back!" She exclaims.

Back? I thought she still had her job. When did she get fired? Did she get fired or did she quit? Why wouldn't she tell me something like this? I put on a fake smile.

"Congratulations Mom." I say as enthusiastically as possible. Fortunately, my mother doesn't detect my indifference toward the matter.

••••••

When I wake up, I remember my plans for the morning and jump out of bed. I plan on looking bold today, instead of just rolling out of bed and pulling on slippers. I put my hair in an "effortless" messy bun, which actually takes more effort than the name suggests. I wear my black jeans with combat boots. I put on a cute "mind over matter" t-shirt. I whip on my cropped leather jacket and head downstairs.

Before anything else I secure the entire main floor checking for my mother or traces of her. I see a note posted on the countertop reading "Went to the office -- Mom". I roll my eyes and jog into the forest.

After sprinting towards the general area where I met Christian the day before, I start calling each of their names. Until one by one the trio is in front of me. Eric, Sadie, then... Christian. My breath catches when he appears.

"You said you would explain?" I demand.

"We are all magi. I am a Time Mage. I can warp through different time periods." Eric explains.

Sadie jumps in saying "I'm a Venom Mage. I can make poison out of anything. Also if I'm really energized I can make acid rain."

"I'm a Fire Mage. I think you can guess what I can do." Christian says complacently.

"Okay so where do I come into this?" I ask.

"You are a Mage, we know that for sure," Sadie answers. "We just don't know what kind yet."

"All in all," Christian flashes a grin. "You will have the pleasure of living with us."

I stare at them incredulously. "Excuse me? What about my mom, and school, and my life?"

Sadie and Eric are ready to reassure me but Christian rebuttals first. "One, your mom will get over it, trust me. She doesn't look like the most caring lady in the wor--"

"Christian! You can't say that about her mom!" Sadie scolds.

"Whatever," Christian continues. "Two, when have you started caring about classes? How many times this year have you actually been awake in one?" I'm embarrassed at that. I guess they know me better than I thought.

"And three, do you really have a life?" Christian ends.

Before I start saying some harsh words to defend myself, I think about his question. After my Dad died, my life withered away with him. I'm basically a waste of space. I'm not smart, I'm not useful in any way, and it's not like anyone would miss me.

Then I look at Christian and Sadie and Eric. These people I just met but who know me more than anyone else. Maybe I can make a life for myself. But first, let me investigate this wizardry claim.

"So, ready for the adventure of a life time?" Christian asks me and holds out his hand.

Here goes nothing.

I put my small hand in his palm, and evaporate.

〰 AUTHOR'S NOTE 〰
1.) Sorry for the short chapter. I thought it should end this way.
2.) Sorry not sorry for the cliff hanger, part 5 is coming up soon so please read!

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-- Helen