Untold Secrets

Chapter 7

The spy

Watch out! Watch out!
There is a spy
If you don't find him out
You might actually die

I go towards the bench and see Cordelia. She's sitting there, looking thoughtful. When she notices me coming, she gets up and runs towards me. She hugs me, without saying anything. Sometimes this is all you need, just comfort no words.
We stay there, hugging each other for a while.  
"I don't even know where to start from." Cor whispers
"Same here."
She steps back, enough to look me in the eyes.
"Okay, just promise me no matter what, you'll see me as the same person I was yesterday. No matter what I tell you."
"I promise, but only if you'll do the same."
She looks confused, then she takes a deep breath and says
"I am a witch"
She waits for my reaction, as if expecting me to laugh at her or call her crazy.
"I am a Traveller."
We stare at each other, not really knowing what a Traveller and a witch is. After a second, Cor starts laughing and I too join her. This situation is so bizzarre, it's not even funny. So we go on with our hysterical laughs, cause the other option would be crying or going insane.
"Damn Hec, I was so nervous and afraid of losing you because of these secrets. All this sounds crazy, but I'm relieved I'm not alone in all this."
"Yeah, me too. There are a lot of things I have to tell you."
"Me too."
So we sit on the bench and talk about everything that happened last day. When we finish, I feel much better. I'm really grateful to have Cor, to share my secrets and worries with her.
"So now you're going to learn how to use your powers."
"Yeah, I wonder what these powers are. You know I love challenges. But I'm also afraid, what if it's dangerous? What if I also become like Aunt Emi, alone and called insane by everyone?"
" It won't happen, Cor. You'll always have me and I won't let you go insane. I need my partner in crime, after all."
"Yeah, that's true. No one would tolerate you besides me anyway."
"Hey!" I pretend to be angry.
It's good to joke with her like we used to do before all this. Her friendship is one of the most important things in my life and I know it's the same for her.
"So..Daemon, huh? You really gonna stay away from him?"
" I told you about my powers and my epic family secrets and the only thing you're interested in knowing is about Daemon? Go figure!"
"Oh shut up! You know what I mean, don't try to change the subject"
"There's nothing like that. He's..dangerous."
"And when did you start being afraid of danger?" She gives me a knowing smile
"Stop giving me that smile. I promised Mom that I won't even talk to him. I don't want to have anything to do with him."
The look on her face says "If you say so..but I know it's not true"
I'm going to stay away from him. It can't be that difficult.

Yeah, sure.

Later we go to school in Cor's car and the whole time I have butterflies in my stomach. Will Daemon still be there? Will he try to talk to me? Will I answer or just ignore him?
Ignore him. The answer is Ignore him.
Ignore Daemon, Ignore Daemon, Ignore D..
This is my new mantra right now.
Finally we arrive and I'm still thinking about him.
Ignore Daemon, Ignore Daemon, Ignore..
"Hec, you all right?"
I look towards Cor and curse myself.
I need to stop behaving like an idiot.
"Yeah, all good"
We get out of the car and go towards the open door of the entrance.
Our school Liceo Linguistico A. Manzoni, a linguistic college I have no idea why I chose to attend, is one of the most important schools of our city. It's a very old building, but with some modern touches. We study almost every subject here, to be prepared for any kind of university in the future. I love learning about new cultures and languages, but unfortunately there are also scientific subjects to study. I just hate them, any subject with numbers is too complicated.
Today we have maths lesson in the third period. Yippee!
We go towards our class, the first period we have French. In fact, as soon as we enter, Madame Louise, greets us with "Bonjour", which means Good Morning in French.
"Bonjour Madame" we answer.
We get to our usual seats in the right back corner, but this time not for gossip. This is one of the few subjects we're interested in.
"Aujourd'hui on va parler de.."
And she starts speaking about what we're going to do today.
The lesson passes by quite fast and now it's time for the history lesson. The one Daemon showed up yesterday at.
I keep looking around, trying to catch a glimpse of him. But he's nowhere to be seen. Did he leave, after what happened yesterday?
"Looking for someone?" Cor gives me that knowing look.
"No." I answer frustrated, not even knowing why I am frustrated.
"He's not here."
I don't answer. I know who she's talking about.
The history teacher enters in the class and after a few moments, the lesson starts. I'm still thinking about him. Did he really leave? And why do I care if he did?
I get more and more frustrated, as the lesson goes on. The minutes pass by and slowly the lesson comes to an end. I get out of the class, needing to breathe.
"Hec, I have to go to a meeting for that art project I told you about. Are you sure you're fine?"
"Yeah, I'm good. Just tired."
She doesn't believe me, but let's it go. She knows I don't like to be pushed, I'll talk about it when I'll feel better.
"Okay, see you later."
"Later"
We have a 10 minutes break before the next lesson, so I get out. I need some fresh air. The day is sunny, but there's still a chilly wind. I go to a quiet place, far from the other students. I need some time alone. Just when I thought I could relax, I hear a voice.
"Good morning, Miss.Brook"
I turn around and Mrs.Bianco, my maths teacher is standing in front of me.
"Good morning, mam" I don't hate the woman, but her subject is so boring I don't really like her either. She, on the other hand, has always liked me since she joined our school a few months ago. I have no idea why.
"What are you doing out here all alone?"
None of your business.
That would be my first response, but of course I can't say it out loud.
"Just needed some fresh air and some time alone."
And I hope she gets that I really want to be left alone right now.
So to make it more clear I turn around and start walking on the other side.
Suddenly, I feel a rush of wind behind my back and when I turn, there's Daemon. And he's holding my maths teacher by her neck.