The Runaway Magicians

Chapter 4

After a couple of minutes, Sapphire decided to unpack her suitcase. She unzipped it, revealing a small leather covered book on top of her stuff. What is this thing? she wondered. I don't remember packing this. She felt the smooth leather cover and traced the book bind with her fingers.

"This book is fricken old." Sapphire whispered to herself.

She opened the cover. There was no title. No words. She flipped through the pages quickly. Then, something floated down out of the book and landed gently on the floor in front of her feet. It was a folded up piece of binder paper.

"What the-" Sapphire bent down to pick it up. She set the book down on the hardwood floor and felt the binder paper with her hands. It was crisp. So it was new, or freshly folded. Sapphire pushed the locks of magenta hair out of her face and unfolded it. Inside, someone had wrote, or scribbled, a quick note.

Saph,

You've probably opened your suitcase just now and found the small book laying on top of your clothes. This book is no ordinary book, so don't lose it, okay? I've enchanted it so you can send messages to whoever you want. Ask Aunt Delia on how to use it. She'll know.

Sorry for such a quick note. I'm writing this just minutes before we leave for Aunt Delia's house.

Love you, Sapphire.

Love,

Mom

Tears gathered in Sapphire's eyes but she wiped them away. It was going to be months until she saw her mom again. But, ...what if I never see her again?  Sapphire shook her head. Nah, that only happens in fictional stories. But seriously, what the hell did she mean she 'enchanted' it? Is this a joke? How am I supposed to send messages with this? Write a letter and send it at the post's office? Sapphire was beyond puzzled. Her mom's note made no sense at all to her. She reread it again and again, trying to make sense out of it.

Maybe I should ask Aunt Delia, Sapphire pondered. She took a deep breath. Alright, I'll go downstairs and just ask her. She exited her room with the book held close to her chest. Then, suddenly, Nathan's door opened with a click. The oldest son of the family stepped out. So he must be Nathan. I don't see anyone else in the room. Sapphire observed him. He had deep blue eyes and messy dark brown hair like he had just woken up. He noticed her staring at his face intently.

"Hey," he said nonchalantly.

She glanced away and replied, "Hey." Then, she remembered that he and his little brother were talking about her just a while ago. Her fists clenched and she continued walking.

"Nice hair," the oldest son commented while putting his hands in his jean pockets.

Sapphire stopped and turned to face him. His blue eyes lit up in amusement. He's teasing me about my magenta hair. That stupid prick.

"Shut up," she replied, gritting her teeth in irritation. He smirked. I'm washing the dye off tonight, she told herself as she started climbing down the stairs. What is he doing outside of his room anyway?

She continued to let her mind drift about Nathan until she reached the living room. Sapphire saw Delia sitting on the green couch with a perplexed expression plastered across her face. She was on the phone talking to someone, but didn't seem to notice that Sapphire was present. Aunt Delia was unconsciously playing with the hem of her floral patterned top while listening to whoever she was talking to.

Finally, Delia spoke, "Maybe you should've stayed over too."

What the hell is she talking about? Sapphire wondered. And who is she talking to?

There was a pause. Then Delia sighed, looking disappointed and... worried? Sapphire couldn't tell.

"Alright then," Aunt Delia huffed. Her voice grew soft. "Stay safe, okay? I'll call you again soon." She hung up and laid the phone aside on the dark coffee table in front of her.

At first, Sapphire wasn't sure what to do. Delia was still sitting on the couch, pondering about something that seemed to trouble her. Should I ask her about the book? Or, just wait until she notices me?  Sapphire asked in her head. Ugh, just go for it.

"Uh, Delia- sorry, Aunt Delia?" she started awkwardly as she held the small book tightly.

Delia jerked around suddenly to face her. "Oh, Sapphire, I didn't realize you were here." Her tight smile made Sapphire think that Aunt Delia didn't want her there. She got up from the couch and approached her.

"I found a book in my suitcase and, uh, my mom wrote a note saying I should ask you how to read it." Sapphire held the book out to her awkwardly. "So, um, here, if you want to look at it."

Delia's eyes brightened with amusement and she took the book, flipping through the pages. She chuckled to herself, which made Sapphire raise an eyebrow. What was so funny? She toyed with her hands as she waited impatiently for Delia to say something.

"You know, Elean- sorry, your mother, and I use to send messages with this too," Aunt Delia commented, her thoughts occupied with sweet memories. She sat down on the green couch again. Sapphire chose a leather chair nearby to sit in.

Delia opened the book to a random blank page and glanced at Sapphire. "I'll show you how to use this. It's simple."

She reached for a pen on the coffee table and clicked it. Sapphire watched Delia gracefully write the words, 'Hello Sapphire', on the white paper. Then, she gripped the paper and ripped it off like it was nothing. As soon as she tore it off, the paper glowed a luminous hue of blue and slowly, it floated above Delia's open palm. Sapphire's eyes widened and her jaw dropped open. What the hell is going on?  It magically folded itself together, producing crisp sounds each time it folded and creased. Finally, it transformed into a fragile paper airplane, which was still levitating above Delia's hand. Aunt Delia gave a small smile as she observed the finished product, as if she hadn't seen one for years.

Before Sapphire could ask her what that whole thing was about, Delia interrupted her.

"Now, I'm going to send it to you," she instructed. "It's simple. Just blow."

She formed her mouth into the shape of an 'o', and blew softly. The enchanted paper airplane flew away from her palm, floating in the air. Then, it swerved towards Sapphire and landed on her thigh softly as if it was a feather.

"Would you like to try?"

Sapphire looked at her strangely and blurted, " No, wait, what the fuck was that?"

Delia was taken by surprise at her best friend's daughter's foul language.

After several seconds of silence, she muttered to herself, "Oh. I see. Your mom hasn't told you yet."

Sapphire was baffled, yet curious. "Told me what? She's been hiding a secret from me?" Her voice gradually grew louder. She stared into Aunt Delia's eyes, searching for answers. "Tell me what she is hiding. Please," Sapphire begged urgently, her hands gripping on the chair arms tightly as she leaned forward.

Delia sighed and hesitated for a quick second. "Well, dear, your mom is a... magician," she looked deep into Sapphire's green eyes. "Or, in other words, your mom has magic in her blood."

Aghhh, this was the hardest chapter to write. I rewrote it 3 times trying to figure out the best way to continue the story. It's not exactly how I thought it would turn out, but I think it's good enough. So, enjoy it, alright?

- K