Three Teens and a Little Magic

Naphtali...

I decided to ride to school, telling my dad to drop me off as he left for work. I didn't want to risk walking the shortcut after yesterday. The image of the man burning, eyes wide open, arms thrashing as he screamed out his pain would forever be engrained in my mind. Naphtali....

I shook my head to clear my thoughts. It didn't involve me so why should it matter?

Because you were there, you saw it all. It's not everyday you see a man being burnt alive and with magic, no less.

From the corner of my eye I could see Hannah, staring off into space, an indescribable expression on her face. In front of me, Ange had the exact same expression. Then they both turned to look at me. And I knew exactly what they were thinking...'cause I was thinking the same thing. An unsatisfied curiosity about an event that could somehow provide the answer to why we had magic. We need to talk about this.

The rest of the class passed by in a blur as we tried to focus our attention on something else. But it was hard. Finally, the siren called. Lunch time.

Students instantly stood up from their seats as soon as they were dismissed. Hannah, Ange and I made our way to the canteen to grab some lunch. We chose a secure sitting spot in an area between our homeroom and the school fence to make sure no one would be able to overhear. For a moment we sat, eating in total silence. Ange was the first to speak up.

"We need answers."

Hannah sighed. "I don't think he's gonna tell us why he killed that man. Besides, he murdered someone, we should tell the police."

Ange scrunched up her face. "I'm not talking about the man he killed, Hannah. And no one would believe us if we went to the police and reported it. You saw him, he had magic. Maybe he can tell us what we are!"

"Yeah Ange, maybe. Or he could make like he did yesterday and dump our bodies in the swamp!" I interjected. "Even as curious as I am, I quite like being alive, thank you very much!"

Hannah was frustrated. "I would also like to know what we are but shouldn't we put our lives and our families' safety first? We've all seen what he's capable of, maybe even more! What if he tries to kill us as well?"

Ange looked torn between her thirst for answers and keeping her family safe. She ran a hand over her face. "Why did this have to happen to us? We're teenagers, we shouldn't be worrying about this shit!"

I sat there, silent, also torn between wanting to protect my family and getting the answers I craved for. Naphtali...

I hate my curious mind.

***

The gravel crunched under my feet as I walked cautiously along the well-worn path. I knew I woud be leaving, alive or not at all. The longer I was here, the more I was risking my life. The trees stood firm, casting luminous shadows as the leaves danced with the wind. I was in the same spot once more. It took me a day to work up my courage. It was now or never.

Taking a deep breath, I let it out. "Naphtali..."

It came out as a mere whisper. The wind picked up and I shivered under my large polyester t-shirt. The hairs on my arms and back of my neck stood on end. Slowly, I turned around. There he stood, eyes flaming brighter than ever. He was staring at me with a glimmer of recognition in his eyes. His eyes narrowed slightly as if to say "you."

I couldn't help but notice how handsome he was. Smooth light caramel skin stretched over taut muscles and his strong jaw was clenched. His dark, curly hair framed his face, demphasizing his strong features.

"What are you doing here?" He asked, his deep voice cold and unfeeling. I clenched my jaw and crossed my arms, imitating him.

"I could ask you the same thing." I matched his tone.

"Then why don't you?" He replied, still emotionless. I raised an eyebrow, or tried to anyway.

"What are you doing here?"

"I was waiting for you and your friends." His fiery eyes held mine in a stare so intense I was afraid to look away.

"Why?" My voice betrayed the fear I felt and he noticed. His lips twitched and his expression grew softer.

"You girls saw something you weren't supposed to see. I can't let you live." He almost sounded as if he was sorry. Almost.

My eyes widened. He was going to kill us? I backed away. This was a bad idea. I shouldn't have come. Stupid, stupid, stupid! What was I thinking?

You thought you would be able to get him to tell you what you are.

"If you were going to kill us, why didn't you come after us instead of waiting here?" I asked.

"I had a feeling you would come back."

Dear lord, I walked right into his trap. Wait! I held out my hands. "Please, I just want to ask a few questions!"

He paused. "What makes you think you can ask questions?"

"Um, last words?"

He rolled his eyes, nodding slightly. "Okay, five questions. I'll answer them. You're going to die anyway."

"What are you?"

"I'm a User."

"What's a User?"

"A User is someone who has the ability to use magic."

"Why did you kill that man?"

"He was a traitor."

"What if I told you I was a User too?" With that question, I knelt down, slamming my palm against the hard earth. Instantly, it vibrated, caving slightly as an after effect.
He stood, gazing at me with his intensely flaming eyes. His mouth hung open, almost in disbelief.

Slowly, I stood. "Naphtali...?"

He blinked and gazed at me, awe in his eyes. "Your friends are Users too.

It wasn't a question but I still nodded, unsure. Where was he taking this? His eyes glazed over, and he blinked.

Then he spoke, whispering so quietly, I strained to hear him.

"I can't believe I found you."