Conquest of Magic

Part 1

I was awakened by the sound of thunder. Water dripped from the open window's corner as the clock struck 7:00 a.m. It's difficult to get up early in the morning during the rainy season. I'm too lazy to get out of bed, but I need to get ready for the big day...

My vacation is over, and I'm about to start my final year of college. With that excitement, I sprang out of bed, yanked off the covers, and ran to take a shower. During the cold rainy season, nothing beats a hot shower.

I dashed to the dresser, where I had placed my dress for the day—simple black jeans with waist-length tees—and looked deeply into the mirror at the girl staring back at me. The thing I love best about myself is my brownish hair, slim body, and slightly tanned skin. I prefer to look good on my skin and not rely on makeup. I wore my hair in a bun and kept my outfit simple and neat.

Kristen! Breakfast is almost ready. My aunt called from downstairs. Anna is my mother's younger sister; her husband died in a car accident a year ago, and she nearly committed suicide, so my parents agreed to let me live with her until I finished college. She always treated me as if I were her daughter.

Pancakes were scattered across the table on a plate. "Good you are up on time for college" Anne spoke out humorously. My aunt is very health-conscious, and she makes the most delicious pancakes, which I love.

Outside my house, I heard Jacob's car screeching down the slick road. I guess your eccentric friend, has arrived. Anna uttered, smiling... I dashed outside my house and gave a quick goodbye hug before leaving.

Hey! Princess. Hop in; he greets me with that adorable smile.

I slid into the passenger seat of the car, his one hand was over the steering wheel, the other resting on the gearshift. He looked more tone since I saw him last time. His dark brown eyes focused on me with a smile.

I looked over at Jacob, my gaze landing on his tousled hair, which was even messier than usual. "Did you shower?" I asked, raising an eyebrow and trying to stifle a grin.

He gave me a cheeky smile, his brown eyes flashing with amusement. "Did I?" he replied, leaning in close enough for his head to be near my nose. "Is my hair smelly?"

"Arhhh, get away from me!" I swatted his arm.

Jacob simply laughed, clearly enjoying my annoyance.

He started the engine and pulled away from my yard.

"Where have you been this summer?" I asked him curiously.

"I had to travel to a few places to complete my research work," he replied, his expression radiating a kind of satisfaction.

"Oh, that ancient stuff... Right?"

"Yea!" he responded, his smile widening even more as he chose not to go into the details.

"Are you ready for the senior year?" he asked, smoothly shifting the topic.

"Just a little nervous about the final year." Jacob's eyes crinkled at the corners, his cheeks lifting as he laughed at me.

"I'm sure you'll do great. You're always well prepared." He looked confident which made me smile and relax. We got into a conversation about random topics, the kind of light humour that flowed naturally between us. We've been childhood friends since grade one.

Me, Jacob, Emma, and Lucy have become inseparable since arriving on the first day of college. We were a team that faced everything together, and today was no exception. As we pulled into the college parking lot, I glanced at the clock on the dashboard. Jacob's amazing driving got us there half an hour earlier. I let out a breath of relief, knowing that being late on the first day would have been the worst. Instead, we had time to spare.