The Haze [The Rosati Series]

seven

My heart was practically jumping out of my chest.

"Celine, the reason we've been protecting you is because - well some people are after you. Some very bad people. People that'll give you the ultimatum to either join them, or die." Amerie said, her eyes glazing over darkly.

I laughed at the absurdity of it all. This was a joke. "People? After me?" I managed between laughs, holding my stomach to ease the pain from the constant laughter.

I could tell my reaction wasn't at all what they expected. Nate glanced nervously at Amerie, and she simply shrugged.

"Celine this isn't a laughing matter." Derrick said.

I rolled my eyes waiting for Amerie to continue.

"Look Celine, Derrick's right.

"Okay maybe if any of this was adding up I would take you seriously." I replied honestly. "Just tell me why someone would want me? I'm not special, or any different than your average joe."

"And that's where you're wrong. Celine you've always been...different so to speak." She said thoughtfully.

"Could you guys please stop talking to me in this cryptic beating around the bush type of way and just come out and say whatever it is? I can handle it!" I yelled out of frustration.

"Fine, you can handle it? Then I'll tell you." Derrick said firmly, slowly advancing towards me. "You're a witch. We are all witches. We've always been witches."

Amerie's eyes grew wide and so did mine. "Wh- What are you talking about? That's ridiculous. A w-witch? Those only exist in fairy tales." My voice had lost its confidence.

"It's true." Nate confirmed.

"I can't believe this. You guys are willing to go this far in hiding the truth that you think I'd believe something so..." I trailed off, too angry to continue.

"It is the truth." Derrick boomed.

I was startled by the sudden loudness of his voice, and the harsh tone that accompanied it.

I didn't know how to react to their words. Everything they were saying was absolutely crazy, right? Saying that witches exists would mean that vampires and werewolves did too; and we know that's a lie. Heck, might as well throw in Santa Claus while we're at it.

"How could I possibly be a witch? I don't have magical powers, or even the slightest knowledge of spells. I can't fly away on a broomstick and cast curses-"

"Whoa slowdown! First of all, we don't use broomsticks." Nate said rolling his eyes. "Typical human myths."

"We?" I eyed him oddly. "Look witches, vampires, heck even trolls; none of those exist. Those are just tales your parents tell you before bedtime. Those are ideas people use to create their next Halloween costume. I'm just not that gullible." I rambled doubtfully.

Nate smirked. "Who are you trying to convince; looks like yourself more than any of us."

"This isn't funny Nate." I said glowering at him.

"Never said it was."

"Just think about it. You've always been different. You're naturally gifted at athletics or even just simple running." Amerie started.

"I hate running." I interrupted flatly.

"Regardless, you pick up other languages abnormally faster than most."

"Spanish was always an easy subject. Ms. Knowles practically spelled everything out."

Amerie laughed dryly. "You're missing the signs. They are small things, but they add up."