Unmarked

Chapter 33

Lavina grabbed the fence as she leaned back on her heels. She looked into the yard at all the different kids and smiled. Then one of them ran over to her.

"Lavina, what are you doing over here?"

"I thought I might check in on you, how are you liking your new school?"

"New school?" She questioned.

"Uh, yeah, it's new right?"
"Yeah, but you realize I've never been to, uh, what did you call it, school?"

"Oh, well, how is it?"

"It's amazing! I never knew there was such a way to learn. Plus they don't focus completely on magic. There's history and math, and this thing called ELA."

"So you like the typical academic classes then?"

"Well, I like it all, but we're learning Catonin magic, not royal magic."

"Well, maybe you can work up to it. There might be a course you can take in high school, once you're older and have a bit more experience."

"Oh, is that how it works?"

"Ophelia, who are you talking to?" Lavina looked past Unora and to the woman walking up behind her.

"Oh Miss. Hznmfkoygdk." She struggled to say, turning around with her finger on her chin.

"And who might this be on our fence?"

"Oh, uh-" Lavina stood up as Unora staggered off in her voice. Lavina extended her hand.

"Hello, I'm Lavina Ozedk, Ophelia's older sister." The woman shook her hand and nodded.

"You seem to be quite the topic at that Marked Academy you attend, Miss. Lavina. Have you ever thought about attending our prestige academy?"

Lavina laughed, "I'm not quite into the magic arts like my sister is here. I'm honestly just taking the chance to relax before I head off to college."
"Ah, well that's always a good plan."

"You have such wonderful uniforms by the way. Little Ophelia's here is just so cute and adorable."

"Say, Ophelia," The lady turned to her. "Why don't you go over and practice with the other kids."

"Yes, ma'am." Unora turned and ran over to the other students and did as the woman said.

"Your sister is quite the gem. I never thought that she would have forgotten everything, but it seems to be that way, hm? It's such an honor having such a high ranking witch among us at our school."

"Yeah, I suppose it's a little strange, but my mom learned from her, and I suppose she was the best."

"Yes, well, I have enjoyed our chat, Lavina. But I must return to my students before they make a mistake."

Lavina laughed and then the teacher turned around and went over to the group of students. Lavina took her leave and left back out for her next class. The rest of the day went swimmingly, of course. She walked home with Anghi as usual and started her homework. A few hours later she heard a knock on her door. She took off her headphones and looked to the door. Then it creaked open a little bit, Unora popped her head in.

"Oh, Ophelia, what's the matter?"

"Oh, uhm, can I talk to you?"

"Yeah, of course." Lavina sat up and patted her bed. Unora came into her room and then shut the door behind them. Next she hopped up onto Lavina's bed. "What's wrong?"

"My magic is weird."

"Is it, now?"

"Yes, things have been happening that I can't control."

"I see." Unora looked at her.

"What should I do?"

"Well, what did your parents do?"

"This never happened with them."

"Do you remember them ever casting some sort of spell on you? So you could more easily grasp onto your magic abilities?"

"No."

"Well, you can always get more practice with my mom. You don't have to wait for school. Plus she knows royal magic."

"Oh, I don't know." Unora started. "I've already done so many horrible things to your mother, I don't know how she'll ever forgive me."

"Oh," Lavina said, putting her hand on her head, "She does. Why do you think she's taking care of you?"

"Out of pity." She teared up.

Lavina laughed, "Oh young Ophelia. She wants you to be happy. You can determine your own path now. Your life will never be the same as it was before, yet, at the same time, you will never have to feel such bitter rage and loneliness. It only happens when you decide it. So if you want to be nicer, be nicer. But only you can determine that." Unora looked at Lavina and then smiled. "Well, I suppose it's getting late, hm? Perhaps you should head off to bed."

"But you leave tomorrow."

Lavina chuckled, "Yes, I know."