Different worlds - Kai Parker

31

I sipped my hot coffee through the lid hole, anxiously awaiting for Ric to arrive in the teacher's lounge.

After kai had persuaded me to at least give the position a chance, I called mr. Saltzman, and he was elated to hear that I was interested in the job. He wanted to talk about my role in the school and go over the curriculum before I started, hence why I can't seem to put the cup of coffee down. To say I'm nervous is an understatement. I just don't like the idea of screwing up since the children's education is at stake.

As I was running a hand through my wavy curls, the chair in front of me began moving backwards- on it's own. I glanced around the room, but the only other person in here was sitting by the window, glued to an old grimoire. What the fuck? For a sheer moment, I thought it could be my own magic spiraling from my nerves over today. However, I felt fine. So I knew it had to be something else.

The chair continued to move languidly, and before I had the chance to investigate any further, I heard whispered laughter coming from the hallway. I turned to the direction of the open door, and from the corner of the threshold I saw two kids around the age of seven. One of them, a little blonde girl, was twirling her finger around in a circular motion in the direction of the chair. Huh, that's impressive for a little witch.

"Girls, I thought I said you're not allowed to use magic as a toy? Go apologise to ms. Tilbury", a familiar voice echoed in the hallway.

I tried to hide my chuckle at the scolding, it reminded me of Ben getting into trouble with Wendy when he was using his magic to prank guests at the ranch. The little girls ran away giggling, and Ric strolled into the teacher's lounge wearing an amused grin.

"Lyla, hey, good morning. Sorry about that, my girls have a fascination with pranking new teachers", he spoke as he sat into the velvet chair across from me.

"No worries, that was actually quite impressive. I didn't know you had kids?", I replied while clutching the cup of coffee between my cold hands.

Ric pulled out a stack of books and pushed them towards my side of the table, expressing a look of appreciation. "Yeah, well, myself and Jo wanted to leave it as a surprise, you know? Especially for Kai, since both of them are in his class. I don't think he's grasped the fact that they're his nieces yet, its amusing", he pursed his lips.

My eyebrows instantly raised, "wow..Kai's an uncle? That's..wow. Wait, they're in his class? So, that means they're-"

"Siphoners? Yeah, it was a shock to us too. We learned to adapt though, I mean, I'd rather they have a permanent source of magic but hey, who am I to question the ways of magic?", he chuckled under his breath.

I couldn't believe it, Kai has two nieces that share his unusual gift. It also made him seem oblivious given the fact that both of them are in his everyday classes. I also couldn't wait to tease him about it later.

"I'm happy for you and Jo. I bet you're great parents", I smiled warmly at the dark blonde.

"You're too kind, kiddo", he grew bashful before continuing. "So, these books are gonna be your best friend. There's everything from spells to herb potions, and it goes right back to basics. Listen, Lyla, there's no doubt in my mind that you'll excel in teaching magic to my students. But I need one thing from you", he raised his eyebrows with expectation.

"Um, sure- wha-"

"I want you to believe in yourself. Kai may have filled me on your..lack of confidence.", Ric waved his hands around in exaggeration. "You know, I never thought I'd say this- but he's a good guy", he added as he pressed his lips into a tight smile.