CRITICAL POINT/ THE BLACK KING (MAGIC CHRONICLES #1)

Chapter 16:

Friday, 7:00 p.m.

Inside the school gym

Commerce City High School

            “You are a true artist, Laura,” Joyce said in awe as she looked around.

            It was practically the same reaction everyone gave once they saw the designs used for the lanterns and decor. While the budget wasn’t that much, Laura’s skillful hands had turned the ordinary materials into intricate, tasteful displays. Even the rest of the decorations committee was amazed once they’ve attached everything.

            “Well, what can I say?” Laura said, “I just did my best.”

            “Really, but these are the type that should be put on display outside. I mean, they’re so beautiful.”

            “Well, why don’t you do it? The football field is a good place to start.”

            “We can, but I don’t know. Remember, the center of the field was burned up. Sure makes me wonder who would do that stupid prank.”

            Laura swallowed. It was a close call last night when they did the clean up. While Rick and Juris were able to remove the corpse of Craven, they were not able to solve the burned up spot. There was just too much miasma spreading out at that time. The best they can do is to leave it as it is, and bring Laura straight home, instead.

            During this time, Juris helped fill up Laura’s questions about the Vessel. While the sound of having some powers seems cool, the older man gave her enough ideas to get rid of that thought. It was too dangerous for her to keep it. Not at this time.

            “But it’s too bad Mr. Potters had to move town,” Joyce said wistfully.

            “Yeah,” Laura said warily.

            Rick had just told her this morning that they were able to arrange Craven’s disappearance to be a sudden change of work place. The people at the Magic Inquisition will take care of things from there.

            “Oh, I’d gladly give up my life just to see him here.” Joyce declared.

            “I’m not sure you’d want to do that,” Laura smiled thinly.

            She definitely doesn’t want to remember her would-be killer.

            “What do you mean by that?” Joyce eyed her suspiciously.

            “Gotta go, Joyce,” Laura said, spotting someone familiar.

            She left her pouting friend and walked steadily towards the entrance. Standing near the doorway, smartly dressed in a suit, was Rick Alderfer. His short height may look conspicuous compared to their taller schoolmates, but Laura did not care. In her eyes, he was the coolest guy she has ever known.