The Magic Within: Shadows of Two Worlds

Chapter 11 ~ Ella

     Before I went to sleep, I wrote my first journal entry.

August 24, 2019

     I have an assignment Psychology and the Good Life. I have to write in this journal and see how it makes me feel. Professor Honey let us each choose a friend to get one too. Jamie and I decided to use them to start writing about our hybrid troubles. It's hard, having to keep all these thoughts and feelings inside. We thought this would be a good way to stay okay. We are going to be extremely careful about hiding these journals, for obvious reasons. We don't think there are many hybrids at our college. As far as we know, nobody else is a hybrid. Though many could be hiding just like us. There is also our best friend Jake, who we have known since grade school. He definitely doesn't have magic; he has said before that his family hates the thought of magic. He doesn't care, though. Still, we haven't told him just in case. We also are sort of friends with two girls; Amelia and Lilly. We're not very close yet since we only met them a few days ago. Perhaps we can find a way to alert magical people. A sort of sign that only those with magic can see? Maybe.

     When I got up in the morning, I felt pretty well rested. I was about to start yelling at Jamie, but I reconsidered. Jamie Elaine Glynn, wake up this instant! I thought. She jerked up. She glanced around, confused for a moment. "You sounded just like Mom." I grinned. "That was my intention." We quickly got ready then went to Jake's dorm. "Liam had another party," he said, yawning. I shook my head. "Today marks the first week of classes and he has already thrown two parties. That is ridiculous." Jake shrugged. "He isn't that bad. He said that he feels pressured because a lot of his high school friends are here too. He does care about doing well." He glanced around, making sure there was nobody else in earshot. "Liam even told me that some of his friends cheated on the exam to get in." I was disgusted. "Seems to me that Liam needs new friends." Jamie smiled slightly. "Maybe we can help him with that." Jake considered this. "Jeff, that guy you have been talking to is one of his friends. One of the few that didn't cheat." Jamie grinned. "That's great! Maybe we can all hang out sometime." We got breakfast then went our separate ways. I had Foundations in Education Studies first. Lilly waved at me excitedly when I walked in. "I know this seems random, but did you dye your hair? I love that blue." I smiled. "Actually, it magically changed color overnight..." She looked surprised, but hopeful? "Just kidding," I said quickly. Lilly looked slightly disappointed, but laughed. "Even though we have only known each other for a week, I feel a sort of connection with you, Ella," she said hesitantly. "I feel the same way! I like you a lot. In fact, I don't think I have ever become so close to someone so quickly." Her entire face lit up and she blushed. "Thanks." I impulsively pulled her into a hug. When she hugged me back, I felt happy and free. I had been analyzing everyone. Even Jeff. I didn't feel that connection and spark with anyone else. I was really beginning to think that Lilly Jones was like me.

~~~

     When we got food during the lunch break, we invited Jeff and Liam to sit with us. "I really appreciate this. I know that I need to stop hanging out with my other friends, but I don't know how to tell them," Liam said. Jeff put a hand on his shoulder. "I will help you figure it out. We will tell them that we are done messing around. Unlike them, we care about our futures." Liam nodded gratefully. "You can always come to us too," I said. Once again, he looked very thankful. Jeff stood up. "I will be right back." When he was out of earshot, Liam looked at Jamie worriedly. "Be careful, Jamie. I love Jeff, but he can be...a lot. Keep that in mind." She nodded. "I will. I have dealt with many playboys." Liam's mood suddenly changed. He turned towards Jake. "Thanks for being so understanding. I would totally understand if you resented me for keeping you up all night." Jake smiled. "It's really no problem. I'm just glad I could help." Jeff then came back. "We should all go out for dinner later." He glanced at Jamie. "Text me when you are done with your homework. Ella told me that you were up late last time." She glared at me. I smirked. Now will you listen to my advice? I thought. Never. She replied. We shared a smile. Lunch ended soon after. I continued to talk to Lilly a lot during Social Contexts and Policy and Choir.