Hush

> Chapter Sixteen <

Raine

The first thirty contestants—me included—sit in chairs on the stage as the school principal gives a speech, explaining the Spelling Bee rules and such. I tap my foot impatiently, ready to just get this over with. The girl that speaks to me says encouraging words, telling me that her magic has almost been restored and to stop worrying. Every time she talks, I see her face now. It's unforgettable.
          "Ross MacLaughlin, to the podium, please." Mr. Lawrence says into the microphone.
          Ross stands up from the first chair and steps up to the wooden podium. The principal, Mr. Lawrence, reads a word from a list. The word is endurance. Ross attempts to spell it, stopping to start over every few letters.
          It was painful to watch, to say the least.
          He eventually finished, ending with a monstrosity of a word; the way he spelled it, he ended up with endorens. I cringed mentally, and I heard the girl's laughter in my head. In the end, Ross was eliminated.
          Mr. Lawrence called up five other people—with another elimination—before it was my turn.
          "Raine Hathaway, to the podium, please." the principal instructs. I march up confidently, a large grin on my face. "Your word is discrimination."
          I inhale deeply. I don't know how to spell this word. I suddenly hear the girl.
          It's alright. I'll help you the best I can. My power hasn't fully returned, so there are no promises, but I'll try.
          I feel a small tingling feeling around my mouth, but as I spell, it fades and comes back, fades and comes back. "D-E-S-C-R-I-M-I-N-A-S-I-O-N." I spell out into the microphone, my confidence faltering along with my smile. Seeing the way I spelled it in my head, it doesn't look quite right.
          But it's too late now.
          I'm so sorry, my dear, sweet Raine, the girl apologizes worriedly.
          Save it for if I lose.
          "I'm afraid that is incorrect. Please take a seat in the front row of the audience. Thank you for your participation." Mr. Lawrence says, shaking my hand. I ball my hands into fists at my sides as I stomp down the stairs to sit in a cushioned seat.
          Raine–
          You said you would make me win!
          I warned you about my power, Raine. You must understand.
          I want what you promised me! I want that award you were talking about!
          You can still have that. All you have to do is find some other way to get to Fellhollow. My power will be completely replenished at midnight. I can brainwash your parents to make them think you won, and I can bring you here myself.
          Really? You can do that? When can you take me?
          On Sunday. So, tomorrow, if that's fine with you.
          Thank you! I can't wait to receive whatever award you have for me.
          Anytime, dear.