Every Witch Way: The Rueda Twins

Chapter 2

Diego hated first days of school.

What was the point of even going if the most exciting thing that happens is getting a biology textbook with a publication date practically in the Stone Age?

And this first day had a horrible start. As soon as Diego turned on the water in the shower, he coughed and let out some accidental kanay power. Every individual droplet turned into ice and clanged to the ground with a shattering noise. He had quickly turned off the water and shoveled the solid water into the trash, but he knew that Gigi was suspicious. It freaked him out that his sister always wanted to know what was really going on with him. Why couldn't she just mind her own business? It seemed like she wanted the record EVERYTHING in his life. She always has to butt into people's private life.

Just like now. Diego was trying to listen to what Mr. Alonso, both Emma's father and the new principal, was saying during an assembly. He flinched every time his twin, who was sitting two rows in front of him quickly glanced at him. It put him on the edge. He had even taken off the winter gloves just so she'd knock it off and stop asking him about them. Of course the two of them were twins, and that meant they both had some of the same qualities, stubbornness being one of them.

Daniel, who was sitting next to Diego, raised an eyebrow. He was quickly becoming Diego's new best friend after Mac had moved to Texas. Mac's parents had gotten an amazing offer there for their veterinarian practice.

Diego knew that unlike how accepting Mac had been, Daniel was still a little freaked by magic. Diego didn't blame him. If Diego didn't have to live with it every day, he'd be freaked out as well. If fact on mornings after a particularly bad nightmare, he'd wake up to a frozen pillow or a lampshade on fire. Either event would seriously rattle him after a frightening night.

"And that means no texting during class." Mr. Alonso was saying, "Just because I'm a hip young principal, we'll still have most of the same rules as your former principal."

Everyone had to hold in their laughter and Diego watched Emma slouch down in her seat on the other side of Daniel in embarrassment. Daniel put his arm around her, but that only made his girlfriend's face flush more.

"And lastly I have excellent news!" Mr. Alonso wrapped up, "Because of their exceptional times from last year, our own Sharks have qualified for a new division to lead them to compete at nationals this year!"

Cheers erupted everywhere. Andi, Daniel, and Diego were shocked. They had hoped they'd go a division up, but they had no idea that it had actually happened. The three swimmers high-fived and whooped.

"Why don't you guys come up here?" Mr. Alonso said.

The three of them walked up to the auditorium stage with huge grins.

"These guys have really pushed the envelope for swimming at Iridium High." the new principal continued, "No swim team has had as good times as this one right here in the history of our school. Let's get a big round of applause!"

The school was ecstatic! Diego felt really proud. He was super excited to go to nationals too. Oh, no, he thought suddenly, Calm down. Don't want to let any powers loose.

It was too late.

He suddenly felt the unmistakable feeling of tugging on his stomach. Diego tried to compose himself, but he knew harm was already done. He gave a panicked look to his teammates and they quickly mirrored his expression when they realized what was going on.

Suddenly it started to rain. Scratch that, pour, on the stage. Mr. Alonso, Daniel, Andi, and Diego were soaked instantly.

"What's going on?" Mr. Alonso yelled into the sea of students, all looking at the stage in awe. He had taken off his blazer and held it over his head like an umbrella.