Star Crossed [Sample Only]

7] The Void

The Void

My eyes open as my alarm goes off. It was the last day I would refrain from using my magic. I smile at the thought of a distressed Alex. I sit up and gather my thoughts for the day, thinking of what subjects I had at school and what books I needed to bring with me. As I yawn, waking up from a groggy sleep after a massive physical workout the evening before, there is a knock at my door.

"Honey, wake up!" it's my mum and the sudden noise freaks me out. I take a moment to realise I have just jumped out of the bed in fright and my fire is completely encircling my hands. I was definitely jumpy... it was the fourth day of no release.

"Fuck!" I yell as the bottom of my shirt catches alight and starts to burn. I force the flames around my hands to disappear. The fire doesn't burn me, but I don't want to be accidentally setting the house on fire. I pat out the flames with my hands as my mum opens the door.

"Are you alright?" she asks as she comes in, watching me put out the last flame on my favourite loose PJ shirt.

"I am," I reassure her with a small smile, "but my top isn't..." I frown and she comes over to give me a hug.

"Good morning," she smiles tightly, giving me a hug that lasts a long time.

"What's the matter?" I ask as she lets go, "Are you worried about something?"

It was nice of her to come in, but my parents usually didn't because they'd be getting ready for work on Tuesdays. I could tell my mum was anxious about something.

"I'm just making sure you're alright," she explains gently, "You know we'll always be there for you?"

I suddenly remember about the whole 'I'm adopted' business. It still freaks me out that my mum isn't my actual mum but I wanted her to know I was coping fine with it all. At least I thought I was.

"It's ok mum, don't stress out," she releases her clasped hands.

"Now, what brought this on?" her voice rapidly changes to a scolding tone straight from motherly worry. She is looking at my burnt shirt, "Are you using your magic enough?" she asks. I avoid her eyes as I reply, walking past her to the bathroom.

"Actually, I haven't been using it or sharing it," I reply in my most mastered relaxed tone, to try and show that it's nothing to worry about.

"Jasmine!" she scolds me again, "Why? You know you shouldn't be doing that, it's reckless."

I walk back to mum and decide to explain why I haven't been sharing my magic for the last three days. She listens attentively. She could tell when I was lying and I wanted her off my back about it.

"As long as you're alright, ok, darling?"

"Mum," I reply, "Of course I am, you can trust me," she smiles and puts her hands on her hips.

"Jazzy, you and your team must be working so hard to train. I think you all need to have a break from the hard work and have some fun! Why don't you invite your team over for dinner? Your father and I will cook."

"Oh, ok," I'm happy with this suggestion, "I'll ask them at school. I'll see if any of them can make it to our house after training."

She hugs me one last time and heads down the stairs to continue to get ready for work.

****

At school, it's lunch time and I've finished a history class with Mr. Henson. He'd asked me to fetch him a cup of tea from the staff room. He said in return I wouldn't have to clean the tables for the rest of the week. I gladly agreed. I thought I got off lightly and I'm assuming it's because he was in a good mood for once. I was walking down the hall, tea in hand, walking slowly so it wouldn't spill over the rim of the cup.