The Prime Of The Outcasts

Part 8

I swerved around in such a dash I felt my feet numb gingerly. I let the suspended layers of my hair rocket from my back as my dramatic twirl stopped at a halt. It was at that very moment my dizzy eyes caught sight of a tall fair girl staring back at me with a gleaming white smile. Beautiful dark eyes hidden beneath lashes squinted up at my gaze. She was smaller than what I was, (only by a fraction), but her legs were bone to the core. Her mass of curly locks was just as fair as her skin. It had a little waterlily brooch holding up the dangling fringe at the front, but the rest of the beauty dangled over the shoulder straps, complimenting the stunning red dress she wore.

'Um... Hello!' I tried to say as comfortably as I possibly could. She hesitated for a moment, trying to take in the rather disappointing sight facing her. (Which to her dismay, was me).

'Who are you?' She asked with both a coloured tone of interest and curiosity. 'You're not from here, are you? Well, neither am I, but you surely haven't been in these parts for as long as I have.' I nodded blatantly to confirm her theory. Whilst trying to politely smile back at her I yanked the door handle harder than humanly possible. When that didn't work, I pushed until I heard an unforgiving crack sound from the bark. Nothing would work. Red didn't notify me about needing a key or a doorbell in order to get in. I looked beyond idiotic prodding at the key hole with the tip of my finger, but this girl in front of me seemed to find it hysterical. I eventually caved in and decided to ask her upfront.

'Excuse me...,' I started.

'The name's Astrid!' The girl interrupted perkily. 'You're my new roommate Serena Pavock, am I right? You look as if you don't know how to enter our house. Of course, everyone who has magic can function it. You're magic, right?'

I was completely transfixed by Astrid's talking span. It was like she could read my mind. It was all done with such simplicity that I was afraid to have anymore private thoughts. I did bow my head with great shame though. Apparently everybody who has powers can make this door move like it was second nature, (maybe I wasn't much like the supernaturals' after all).

'I do apologise Astrid. But I'm new here, and so I haven't quite mastered the technique required to undo the lock here. Could you show me?' Astrid's eyes widened like this was the most surreal sentence that her ears ever had the displeasure of hearing. She tried not to express her frustration too much in the tone of her voice.

'Wow, you're really not from here, are you?' She responded. 'I wish I could help, but the getting in part is up to you. I guess you could watch me enter though, it's a piece of cake if you know how to control your magic.' At these words, my face heated and turned cherry red. I observed quietly without saying anything else, and took many steps backwards. 'It's easy,' she said. 'You see the key lock here? You have to outline it with your finger. You need to conjure an amber flame on your index and draw around it. Once you've completed that task, the door will swing open and you can walk through. You can't be too slow on that part though, the door snaps shut behind anybody who's five seconds through the door. I'd allow you to follow me, but it can sense when somebody hasn't undertaken due magic. This is purely to protect any other element members' from entry. Water, Wind and Earth elements can't perform anything to do with fire.'

As Astrid performed the process with no problem at all, it was my turn. If I could create fire before, I could surely do it again couldn't I? My mind decided to blank out just as I tried to focus my concentration. I could see lights turn on from the other side, how I was craving warmth. The vampires jittering beneath me were getting angry and frustrated. The faeries up above started tittering in their silvery voices, I could hear them muttering about time wasters.

From my shirt dress pocket I withdrew a shaking finger. I tried to form a mental image of a sweltering fire ball in my brain. I made countless sparks fly and swarm around it. I created the most vicious, burning sphere that I could conjure. It was at that precise moment I had my most history making moment. Bigger than when I stood up in front of my class at school to read aloud. Bigger than that horrid dress my mom made me wear to the Tarmonty Spring Fair. I controlled my powers all by myself!

Just as I'd pictured as vivid as a rainbow, fire, small but sizzling set alight the tip of my index finger. The spark spread a small blinding light across the horizon. I felt the wind stop abruptly, and my nerves, anxiety, stress and excitement had been thrusted kicked and rolled into one. My eyes gaped wide at what I was holding. My moment of great joy had to be put on hold though. I could see Astrid miming words in agitation from behind the door.

'What are you doing?' She yelled. 'Come on in.' I nodded promptly. I took the light on my finger and outlined the interesting key hole shape. Either my whole life had flashed before my eyes, or I had witnessed  the bright light that was flared attack my vulnerable eyes and show what was concealed on the houses interior design. Before I could take in my weird and wonderful surroundings, I felt the my hand being snatched at the arm, and dragged carelessly inside before the door was ready for its closing.

I stole my arm back and looked up at Astrid, attempting to re-gain my breath with struggle. She shook her head as if I had gone completely mad.

'Wow!' She exclaimed. 'You are somebody I don't come across everyday.'