Magic Wielders

Chapter 3

As the day progressed, Hazel couldn't stop thinking about what had happened earlier. But, she knew she needed to focus.

Finally at the end of the day, everyone was sitting in class and waiting for the bell to ring to dismiss everyone. Everyone was very hectic, considering it was a Friday. They all had exciting plans for the weekend, but most of them just wanted to sleep.

2 minutes before the bell rang, though, the principal decided to make an announcement on the loudspeakers.

"Attention everyone; please listen, as I have a very important announcement to make."

Everyone automatically became silent, as they heard the worried tone in the principal's voice. They all wondered what was happening and wanted to know badly.

"What I have to say is very important, so I need all of you to listen up. You might not believe me, but..."

The principal cleared his throat nervously, creating suspense and dramaticness. Everyone sat uneasily on the edge of their seats, staring at the loudspeaker in their classrooms nervously.

"I'm just going to get right into it. Magic is real."

Everyone was silent. They definitely did not expect this. Especially from their principal. Even the teachers were confused. They all thought their principal was delusional, and they whispered a bit to each other.

"Now, I know that probably no one believes me right now. I wouldn't blame anyone, though."

He chuckled again, making everyone more confused than they already were. What was going on??

"I doubt any of you will watch the news these days. Even the teachers. Which is why the government told every school to tell their students and teachers about this."

Even from this explanation, everyone still thought this was some kind of joke. The students started whispering about this being some kind of April fools joke, even though it was September.

The principal continued with his announcement.

"I don't have much time to explain since the bell will be ringing in a minute, so I just have one more thing to say about this. You will each be getting an element power on Monday, when we return. Water, fire, earth, or air. The whole world is going to change now that we've found out magic is real, so I expect shock about this amazing discovery. But once we get these powers, please be mature about them. Only use them when necessary at school. When you're out of school, you can do whatever you want. I'm going to send an email out with more specific instructions, so please check your emails as soon as you get home. This is very important, considering everyone should be aware of what exactly is going on. That's all. Thank you, and have a good weekend."

As soon as the principal stopped talking, the bell rang.

Everyone poured out into the hallways. Everyone was talking about the principal's announcement. The hallways were way louder than usual. Everyone was buzzing with excitement, worry or surprise and were taking this announcement more seriously now.

As for Hazel, she was very shocked by this. She didn't know what to think of it. Magic? After all this talk about how science works, how matter can't be created or destroyed and all of that. It's all fake, now that magic is real. Science would literally have to be reinvented. Hazel's head started spinning with thoughts. What would it be like now with powers? Would people still have the same mindset as before? What power would she get?

As if hearing her thoughts, Ebony and Raven's laughter suddenly filled the air.

"Hey, look!"

Ebony pointed at Hazel with a smirk on her face, who looked surprised that Ebony now seemed like she was never crying before, and her attitude was very different. She was crying so much earlier that her makeup looked demented on her face. Now, there's no trace of tears or smudges of mascara and eyeshadow in random places. Raven and Eve stood behind Ebony, as usual. Ebony continued talking.

"It's that Hazel loser! That's redhead freak's little friend. I hope you don't actually think you'll get an element power."

Hazel stood with her backpack; a hurt look on her face. Ebony continued to laugh, while Raven now spoke.

"Look at you! You're so weak and fragile, I bet just trying to use your power will rip you to pieces! You might as well just not get your hopes up!"

Eve sighed dreamily and replied without thinking, staring off into her own fantasy little world.

"Oh, no. If she really tries, she'll be able to do it..."

Hazel smiled a little, amused at Eve's behavior. Even if it was normal, Hazel was always surprised at how Eve was still hanging out with Ebony and Raven. She deserved much better.

Ebony and Raven, however, shot Eve a glare. That was enough for Eve to quickly snap out of her daydream and pay attention to what was going on around her. She placed an apologetic face towards Ebony and Raven.

Ebony and Raven turned back to Hazel. Ebony looked Hazel up and down.

"Seriously, I don't understand why you're even here. I'd punch you like I did to that mutt earlier, but I don't want to ruin my manicure. My underlings just did it at lunch."

Hazel turned pale hearing this, as Ebony looked at and admired her nails. Raven and Eve looked quite proud of themselves, hearing Ebony compliment their work.

Suddenly, River appeared next to Hazel again.

"I thought I told you to stay away from us, Ebony."

He had a stern look on his face again, as he stared at Ebony. Hazel looked surprised again, but she didn't say anything. She just watched the scene unfold.

Ebony looked at him defiantly.

"Yeah? And why should I listen to you? After you just dumped me like that? As if."

She scoffed and flipped her hair dramatically. It hit Eve right in the face, but Eve knew better than to complain. River glared at her.

"Don't make me hurt you. I don't want to, but if you keep annoying us I will."

Ebony scoffed again, but Hazel could tell Ebony was losing her cool composure bit by bit. She felt satisfied, but she was also a bit worried. Hazel didn't want another fight to break out. Especially after one just happened. She didn't want to see anyone else get hurt. Even if it was Ebony who was going to get hurt.

River's fists started to curl, and Hazel could see a tiny sweat bead forming on Ebony's face.

'Good, she'll back away and no one'll get hurt!' Hazel thought, and a relief started to show on her face.

Ebony started to back away a bit.

"Yeah, w-well... this is isn't over yet, River!"

Ebony angrily stomped off, Raven and Eve hurrying off after her again.

Hazel sighed, and River seemed to take notice of it. He smiled.

"You really don't like fights, do you?"

Hazel nervously chuckled and faintly blushed.

"Not really..."

"Well, let's go then. Are you going on the bus?"

Hazel followed River down the stairs from the second level.

"No, I'm walking."

"Oh, I see..."

River seemed to think for a bit, before speaking again.

"Well... would you like me to drop you off? I've got my own car, so it won't be a problem."

Hazel blushed at this. A tiny part of her wanted to say yes. She smiled.

"O-Oh, uh... n-no it's alright. Really, I can walk... but thanks."

"Alright then, see you Monday. Can't wait to see what power you get!"

River waved to her and joined his friends, who got into his car with him. Hazel watched them drive off from a distance. Once she realized what she was doing, she quickly stopped herself from doing so.

Hazel started to walk home, her mind wandering over everything that had happened at school that day.