Wicked

Chapter Seventeen

I wasn't looking forward to school. Then again, I never really did. Specifically, I didn't want to see Erik. I was still freaked about what I had seen. The images kept flashing in my brain, attempting to make sense of it, but it was no use. It wasn't logical, like so many things that were happening in my life.

Gran dropped Dara and me off at school. Gran was still being extra quiet and Dara was going back to her normal self. She was still, technically grounded, but my mom had this bad habit of forgetting us. As long as Dara kept it low key, she wouldn't be grounded. Today, I noticed Dara was in an unusually good mood.

I went to ask her why, but then I saw Levi leaning on an oak tree. I walked away from Dara. Levi was alone, back in his tunic and leather boots. His arms were crossed and he looked like he was daydreaming. It was silly, but with him standing there he appeared almost human. A twinge of guilt crossed my mind.

"We need to talk." His voice coarse. I surveyed the area, there were only a couple people out in the courtyard and they were all on the other side. I can't believe I'm about to talk to Levi, out int he public like this. Hell, I can't believe I'm talking to a ghost at all.

"I know, I've just been--

"Busy." He sighed, uncrossed his arms and walked closer towards me. "Cornelia, you need to be careful. People aren't always as they appear." He was using his serious tone that reminded me of my mom when she scowls at people.

"Is that you making a pun because you're a ghost?" I asked him. He started to glare at me. "What are you talking about Levi?" I didn't have time for his ramblings. He was the one that wanted to talk, but here he was stalling.

"I've tried to be patient, but I can't coddle you any longer." He grabbed my shoulders. "You are a Witch, don't you get it? Why else can you see me? Sarah Good wasn't just accused of Witchcraft, she was a Witch. You being a descendant of her, only proves you are magically blessed." His teeth barred at me were what I chose to focus on.

Not his words, those weren't right.

I was not a Witch.

I tried to push Levi away, but he was surprisingly strong for a ghost. His eyes burned like coals on a fire. I don't know why he's lying to me. Does he think this will get me to help him?

"That isn't funny Levi." I finally told him my voice shook with every syllable.

"I am not in a joking mood, Cornelia. It is time you grow up and follow your destiny. I worry about your safety if you stay in denial much longer." He dropped his gaze to the grass. His shoulders slumped.

"You're not making any sense." I heard myself saying.

He turned, straightened, then faced me. His eyes were almost completely black.

"I can't help you if you choose to keep your eyes closed." He was angry again. Instinctively, I took a step back. "Be careful, Cornelia. I do pray for thee's safety." Then, he walked away, slowly evaporating into smoke. Once the smoke was gone, I tried to go to class. My legs felt frozen and my mind was racing. Again, I didn't know what to believe.

There was something about his words that triggered a portion of my brain. It was the small part of me that wanted a reason for seeing the things I could see. Unfortunately, the rest of my brain shoved those ideas down, stuffing them away so I wouldn't think about it. I felt better -- safer while bathing in denial. This way, I wasn't crazy.

But seriously? Did he really think I would believe I was a Witch? I wasn't anybody, just a teenage girl with anxiety. I just wanted to get through High School. I don't have a destiny -- just a normal life. I tried to calm myself down with these thoughts, but it didn't really work.