Ascendio - Book 1

Chapter 13 - Crescentia

Out of the edge of my vision, I see Chandler sneak out through the door.

"What was that all about?" I question, turning to Tristan.

"He was just telling me that I can't take up all of your time anymore, now that you guys have made up." Tristan taps his fingers on the table nervously. I narrow my eyes.

I won't question you further for now, but I'll find out what you're hiding eventually, I think. You're not getting away that easily.

We tried to study and do our homework, but it was getting a little awkward. I packed my things and left, telling Tristan I would meet him back in class. He seemed relieved, but sad at the same time. It's confusing... But I think this has something to do with Joyce. That was what we were talking about before Chandler and Tristan had their little discussion...

I released a breath that was half sigh, half snarl, and set course for the Ravenclaw Common Room.

---

Joyce was waiting outside of the door to her Common Room. Seeing her leaning on the wall, shrouded in shadow, was honestly a bit intimidating. I walked up to her, slinging my backpack on to the ground.

"We need to talk," we said at the same time. We glared at each other for a moment, before I waved my hand and said, "Go ahead."

She sighed, standing up straight and walking towards me. She poked me in the chest, and I tried not to flinch. I've never seen the bookworm so... angry.

"There are three, simple words you need to remember, Cress." She spoke quietly, but her normally soft voice had edges of sharpened steel.

"Wake up, Joyce?" I guessed.

"Tristan. Is. Mine." with each word, she poked me again.

I laughed. "Calm down, Joyce. We're eleven years old. I doubt Tristan would date anyone at this age."

"Says the girl who spends every single moment with him." Joyce's eyes glint in the dark corridor.

"Just trying to be friends. Isn't that what friends do? Spend time with each other?"

"If you're his friend by spending two weeks with him, then I'm practically his true love. I've known him all my life."

"All two years of age? Because that's what you're acting like, Joyce--"

"No, I'm acting like a reasonable, calculating person. You don't deserve Tristan. You're stuck up, arrogant--you disowned your own twin for weeks just because you weren't sorted into the same house!" She's talking so fast, I can't get a word into the conversation.

"Honestly," Joyce glares at me, rapid firing her sentences like bullets into my heart. "You're unfeeling. Stupid. What do you even give him? What does he gain by being friends with you? You. Are. Useless! And I'm... I'm everything that Tristan should want. I'm smart, I'm nice, I've been his friend for years! And you're just pathetic--"

"Let me speak!" I yell at her, shoving her away. Joyce stumbles back, her facade of confidence disappearing with a single move. "You think you're nice?! You just insulted me! And if you think I'm unfeeling, then you must be a hunk of rock! All you do is stand there and be quiet! You don't talk to him, you aren't his friend, all you do is sit and smile!"

Joyce is shaking, and my rage washes away from me. I stare down in horror as she curls herself tighter and tighter into a ball. I reach out a hand, and she shies away from it. "I-I'm sorry," I say. "Let me help you up."

Joyce looks at my hand, then at me. I can see something... dark festering in her eyes. In a swift motion, she flings her arm across my face, sending me to the ground.

I gape at her, a hand tenderly cupped around my face. It actually stings, I think to myself. The full pain hasn't registered quite yet.

Joyce stares at me in shock and horror, like she can't believe what she's done. "Why... why did you make me do that?" she whispered.

"What are you talking about?" I nearly scream at her. "You just slapped me across the face, and you're blaming it on me?!"

"You must've used the Imperious Curse!" Joyce scrambled to her feet. "I don't do things like that! I'm calm, reasonable, perfect Joyce! You're the brash and violent one!"

"What?!" I can start feeling my face again--but I sincerely wish I couldn't. "I didn't do anything! I haven't touched my wand since I got here!"

Joyce stared at me. Then at her hand. Silently, slowly, she picked up her things and ran down the hallway.

"What the heck just happened...?" I wonder to myself.

Sorry for the short chapter. While still at home for spring break, my family is doing lots of stuff and I'm busy at the present moment in time. I am not sure I will be able to write more, but I will to the best of my ability.
I hope you guys have an awesome spring break! :)