Experimental Magic ✔

Deal with The Devil

Once Misty recollected herself, she went into the library. She headed straight to the most secluded section she could find and made herself comfortable. She did her best to bury her head in a book to get her mind off her conversation with Scottie, but it was useless. Her mind was restless. She couldn't stop thinking and wondering about what he would ask of her. She watched the clock anxiously, willing time to go by faster. She wanted nothing more than to get their "talk" over and done with.

Finally, after hours of agonizing, the clock struck 12:00. Misty jumped up from her seat and hurried down to the courtyard, taking the steps two at a time. He didn't say where in the courtyard they were supposed to meet and she didn't see him anywhere so she chose a spot by the back wall where she was visible, but not too visible. She waited there, tapping her foot and obsessively checking the time for what seemed like an eternity. 

This is ridiculous, Misty thought to herself, he's not coming. He's just trying to make me look like an idiot. But then, sure enough, he came sauntering towards her with his hair perfectly quaffed and a cigarette hanging from his lips.

"Sorry I'm late," he said casually as he leaned against the wall. "I got caught up."

Scottie reached into his pocket and pulled out a solid brass Zippo lighter. With a swift flick of his wrist, he popped it open and then brought the flame to his cigarette. He took a long draw and let the smoke escape slowly from his lips. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes as he cherished the moment. Smoking was strictly prohibited in the Derringer household. Scottie's grandfather was repulsed by his smoking habit and was not shy about voicing his opinions. School was the only place Scottie could smoke in peace. And man, did it feel good.

Scottie blew out the last little puff of smoke before opening his eyes and turning his attention to Misty.

"Want a smoke?" He offered, holding his cigarette out to her. 

Misty looked at his cigarette with disdain and turned her nose up at the offer. 

"As if," Misty said, channeling her inner Cher Horowitz. "I don't smoke." 

"Suit yourself," Scottie said with an indifferent shrug. 

Misty watched him impatiently as he took his sweet time smoking his cigarette. She didn't exactly appreciate him acting like an office worker who was using their smoke break as an excuse to hide from their boss . Especially since this whole rendezvous was his idea in the first place.

"You wanted to talk, so talk," Misty finally snapped. 

Scottie blew out a stream of smoke as he turned to face her. His movements were slow and lethargic. Unlike Misty, he had no desire to rush through their conversation. He enjoyed her company and had every intention of extending it for as long as he could. 

"Not one for pleasantries, are you?"

Misty rolled her eyes as her shoulders dropped in exasperation. She was tired of waiting. He had made her wait hours to have this conversation and she saw no reason to continue dragging it out. And on top of it all, now he was patronizing her for not wanting to make small talk. 

"Excuse me, where are my manners," Misty retorted sarcastically. "Hi Scottie, how are you? How's your day been?"

She hoped he could pick up on her obvious sarcasm, but he either seemed to not get it or not care at all. He just gave her a shrug and responded as if she genuinely cared. 

"It's been alright. First day back is always a bore. Teachers, classes, syllabuses, blah, blah, blah. Nothing to write home about. How about you? How's your day been?"

Misty stared at him blankly with her arms crossed, completely unamused. Scottie couldn't help but smile at her reaction. It was exactly what he expected and he wouldn't have it any other way. 

"Just tell me what you want."

Scottie paused to take another draw of his cigarette, once again slowing the pace of the conversation. He surveyed the courtyard and watched first-year students gather in groups, laughing and smiling without a care in the world. He let his mind wander back in time for a few moments before finally giving Misty an answer.

"It's simple," Scottie said. "You, me, and a bottle of French champagne."

Her jaw dropped.

"Are you serious?" Misty said in disbelief. "You're blackmailing me into going on a date with you?"

"Well, when you say it like that, it sounds pathetic," Scottie said with a laugh as he rolled his cigarette between his fingers.

"It sounds pathetic because it is pathetic. Honestly I was expecting more from the heir of the grand master of punishment."

Scottie chuckled as he shook his head. He supposed he should've been embarrassed about having to blackmail a girl into going out with him, but he had a real Machiavellian approach to life. As long as he got what he wanted, the how was irrelevant. The end always justifies the means. 

"A date with you is the only thing I want," Scottie said. "Why ask for what I don't want?" 

"Don't you want anything else?" Misty moaned. 

"'Fraid not."

Misty let out a huff and fell back against the wall. What did he think, she was a prostitute? She certainly didn't remember hanging out on any street corners recently. 

"So, do we have a deal?" Scottie prompted. 

"Absolutely not."

Misty turned sharply and walked off without giving it a second thought. She wasn't thinking of the consequences her rejection might have. She didn't care if she hurt his feelings or if he was offended. She wasn't going to degrade herself by accepting his insulting offer. 

Scottie watched her walk away with a smile on his face. He wasn't worried about losing the fight. He knew exactly what to say to bring her back. 

"What about your sisters?" He called after her.

The mention of her sisters stopped her dead in her tracks and struck fear in her heart. Millie and Meadow's faces flashed in her mind. She was painfully reminded that this wasn't about her and her pride. If Scottie decided to tell based on her refusal, she wouldn't be the only one to pay the price. It wasn't just her life that would be ruined, Meadow and Millie's would be too. 

She paused to swallow back the nervous lump in her throat before turning to face him.

"Don't bring them into this," she warned.

"I'm not the one who did," Scottie said back. "You were the one who defied The Assembly, remember? I was only a witness." 

The truth hit Misty like a ton of bricks. Scottie wasn't the cause of the problem, he was a symptom. Her and her bad decisions led her here. She created this problem and now it was her responsibility to fix it. 

"One date?" She questioned reluctantly.

"One date," Scottie confirmed. "That's all I'm asking."

Misty took in his words and softly nodded her head. Her mind was slowly being made up. She didn't want to do it, but what choice did she have? She couldn't let Meadow and Millie pay for her mistakes. 

"Okay," Misty painfully agreed. "I'll do it."

"Good choice."

Scottie smiled as he finished off his cigarette. It wasn't exactly the enthusiastic yes he was hoping for, but he had gotten what he wanted and that was good enough for him. She'd change her mind about him. He was sure of it. All he needed was one night. 

"See you Friday," he said with a wink before he flicked his cigarette and walked away.