New Scales and Tails

Lunch Magic

Jake entered the lunchroom. It was loud, crazy and messy.

He sighed, thinking about the ice wall again. It seemed like a days ago. Weeks, even. He could see feel the smoothness of the ice, and how strong it was when he couldn't break it with his shovel. It was amazing. It was magical.

He suddenly spotted Avery in the crowd, sitting alone and eating a sandwich. He didn't see her in his classroom. 

He instantly walked over to her and sat down. 

"Hey." Jake greeted.

Avery jumped at the voice, but just realized it was him. "Oh. Hey." She welcomed politely.

"Want to go swimming at my house later? Katie's going to be there."

"No thanks."She shook her head.

"Why not?"

Avery didn't answer, but pick at her turkey sandwich. 

This was it. Jake had to ask. He's been holding it in all day. "So, Avery, why ice? Why not lava?"

Avery looked over at him, and realized he was still talking about the ice wall. Of course he was. That was all he could think about!

"I don't know. You must have been thinking about ice when you were 'trapped'." Avery answered. 

She had to be lying. I have to try again.

"Why did you create the ice wall?"

"I didn't."

"Who did?"

"Your mind. Gez, Jake. Just let it go. The. Ice. Wall. Isn't. Real."

Jake let out a sigh of frustration. He was getting no where at this point, it seemed like.

Avery seemed frustrated too. She bit into her sandwich angrily. Good.

One last time.

"Why an ice wall? Why not an ice cage?"

"Because then you would see us. With a cage, you can look through. A wall? Not so much." Avery answered. She seemed to be talking without thinking. 

There we go. Jake smiled a little. 

"Why can't I see you in the pool, Avery?"

"Because I have a tai-"

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Avery realized that she slipped! She told Jake that the ice wall was real, and almost told him that she was a mermaid!

Scared, Avery put her hands together to make it windy. Jake was lifted up in the air. 

He shouted and screamed as he flew out of control. Avery did that on purpose. 

How dare he...

Everyone watched, amazed and confused. 

Avery slowly dropped him, remembering not to draw attention to herself. Not here. Especially not here. 

Jake landed on his feet wrong and twisted his ankle. "Ow." He mumbled.

He looked up at Avery, but she was already gone.