Crossed Spells

Chapter 6: First Lessons (Part 2)

Monday morning arrived, bringing with it a wave of apprehension for Aria. As she prepared for school, her mind oscillated between excitement about her new discoveries regarding her powers and anxiety about facing her classmates after the party. And then there was Lucas... How would he react after what had happened?

Aria took a deep breath in front of her bathroom mirror, trying to keep calm. She could feel the familiar energy pulsing gently under her skin, reacting to her agitation. "Control yourself," she whispered, remembering her mother's lessons. She closed her eyes, focusing on her breathing until the sensation subsided.

The journey to Ravenswood High seemed both too short and endless. With each step, Aria felt the weight of gazes upon her. Was it her imagination, or were people really looking at her differently?

No sooner had she crossed the school doors than a familiar voice called out to her. "Aria!" Ivy rushed towards her, a wide smile on her lips. "My star! How are you feeling after Friday night?"

Aria forced a smile, grateful for her friend's enthusiasm but uncomfortable with the attention she was attracting. "I'm okay," she replied softly. "Just a bit tired."

Ivy gave her a playful nudge. "I bet! You surprised us all, you know. Who would have thought our little newcomer knew how to have fun like that?"

Aria felt her cheeks flush. "It was nothing, really. Just one drink."

"One drink that got everyone talking," Zoe interjected, appearing beside them. Her tone was light, but Aria could sense a hint of... something in her voice. Jealousy? Distrust?

"What do you mean?" Aria asked, a knot forming in her stomach.

Zoe shrugged, a small smile on her lips. "Oh, you know how people are. They talk. Especially when the new girl manages to do what no one else has."

"And what's that?" Aria asked, although she had an idea of the answer.

"Attract Lucas Blackwood's attention, of course," Zoe replied, her tone falsely casual. "He didn't take his eyes off you all evening."

Aria felt her heart leap in her chest. Lucas had been watching her? She had no memory of it. But before she could respond, a male voice interrupted them.

"Who attracted whose attention?"

Aria turned to see Marcus approaching, his usual mischievous smile on his lips. But what really caught her attention was the person following him. Lucas.

Their eyes met and Aria felt her heart race. Lucas's expression was unreadable, a mix of curiosity, concern, and something else she couldn't identify.

"Hi," she said softly, unsure of how she should behave.

"Hi," Lucas replied, just as softly. There was an awkward moment of silence, each seeming to search for what to say.

It was Marcus who broke the tension. "So, Aria," he said with a wink, "looks like you made quite an impression Friday night. Who would have thought our new recruit knew how to have fun like that?"

Aria felt her cheeks burn. "It was really nothing," she mumbled, wishing she could disappear.

"Don't be modest," Marcus insisted. "It's not every day we see someone attract so much attention at their first party here."

Lucas shot a warning look at his friend, but Marcus royally ignored it. "You know," he continued, addressing Aria, "Lucas here never really participates in these parties. We've all tried to get him to loosen up a bit, but to no avail. And you come along and in one evening, you become the center of attention."