by Marian Gray
James’ eyes stretched across his face. “Momma. Stop. We’re not watchin’ pornography.” He turned to head downstairs into the basement that housed the family room.
“All right, I was just checkin’,” she called after us as we hopped down the stairs.
“I’m so sorry about her,” James said to Eddie.
Eddie chuckled. “There’s nothing to apologize for. I thought she was kind and charming.”
“She just doesn’t know when to stop sometimes.”
“You’ll miss it when you’re gone though,” I told him. “I know I did.” Mrs. Peterson had always been more warm and caring toward me than my own mother. She often joked about how happy she was that I had befriended James at a young age because she had always wanted a daughter.
“I doubt it.” James rolled his eyes. “So, what are we watchin’ again?” He combed a hand through his hair. It raked through clean and smooth. He had showered.
“Holmgang.” Eddie slung his backpack down to the ground and retrieved a wooden case with bronze trimmings from his back. “It’s a sport that wizards and witches play.”
“This is what you were talkin’ about the other day, right?”
“Yes. This is what I play at school.”
“I still just can’t imagine you bein’ an athlete. You’ve always been the more intellectual type.”
I sunk in my seat. The girl that James knew had long since disappeared. Only her spirit remained.
Eddie cracked open the box. As the lid opened wide, a shelf rose from the case. A gold scissor extender lifted the wood pedestal high into the air. Atop the walnut plank was a projector, but it was missing the reel. Eddie pointed the mechanism toward a blank white wall and pressed one of the small buttons atop the projector. In black letters, Winter Opening hovered in mid-air before us. The words disappeared, and two wizards emerged from thin air.
James and I jumped.
“Who are you?” James quivered.
Eddie broke into laughter.
“Hello, gentle wizards and witches, thank you for joining us for this year’s opener,” said the taller wizard, his eyes stared past us. “I am Rhett Green, and this is my co-host Knut Kippler.”
“They’re not real,” Eddie explained. “We’re basically watching 3D television.”
“And what a show we’ve got for you all,” the second wizard added. “In just fifteen minutes, London HC and Fogo of Rio de Janeiro will set out on the pitch to compete in a fiery competition.”
James waved his hand out in front of him, trying to catch one of the hosts’ attention. Their faces stared straight passed us. “That’s incredible.”
“That’s magic.” Eddie sat on the couch beside James and I. “Is Elijah watching the game?” A sly smile spread across his lips.
“I don’t know.” I shrugged, attempting to squash the topic.
“He hasn’t sent you a note today?”
A voice note, or just a note, was the communication medium preferred by the younger generation. All of my classmates loved them, but I wasn’t a fan. They were audible to everyone within hearing distance. “Nope.”
Eddie’s eyes went wide. “Why not? You guys don’t talk?”
“Why would she need to regularly communicate with him? He’s just the captain of her team. That’s it.”
A devilish grin popped on Eddie’s face.
“It’s been a week and a half since we came home from school. He doesn’t need to contact me every day.” Academia and his career consumed his life. This break was a chance for him to be by himself, and I had every intention of not stealing that away from him. Our relationship wasn’t born out of clingy affection, but a deep respect for the other’s trials and tribulations. Badgering him with notes wouldn’t make either one of us happy.
“This is some fine weather we are seeing today in Auckland, Rhett,” Knut Kippler added.
“You couldn’t be more correct.” Rhett Green turned to glance behind him. “And it looks to be bringing out some big names. I believe I see Adeleid Harvey with her father Nolan Harvey, owner of Harvey Enchantments.”
A young woman with prim dark hair and a Windsor pink hat popped into view along with an older, bald man with a face that hung heavy in wrinkles. Her head turned, and the sharp angle of her jaw grew prominent.
Rhett Green continued, “And there are some players from other professional holmgang teams as well. Aksel Murdock from Barcelona and the lovely Tomyris Kagan from Paris.”
“And there’s America’s pride right next to her, Elijah Harlow.” Eli’s smiling face alongside Tomyris’ filled my eyes. He leaned back in his chair and whispered in her ear. Her tan hands clapped together in a laugh. “That’s a good looking pair if I ever saw one.” My heart deflated.
Rhett’s laugh echoed around the room. “Tomyris is supposedly dating Yuri Popov.”
“Or maybe she’s dating Ryan Rosewall. The Emporium did report that he was seeing a mystery woman.”
Eddie turned to me. “Did you know he was going to be at the game?”
“No.” The shock of seeing him washed over me. I was sitting in a basement in Roanoke, Virginia watching the game, while he was there in Auckland with some woman named Tomyris Kagan. My body drained of joy. But with James inches away I had to keep my emotions from pouring out.
“Why does it matter?” James looked between Eddie and I.
Eddie shook his head. “You can’t be the ‘cool’ girlfriend with him, Kim.”
“Girlfriend?” James choked on the word.
“Well, I will not be the clingy one either.”
“Send him a note asking where he is and see what he says.”
“No.” I shook my head. “I’m not going to test him. That’s not what you do when you care for someone.”
James flung himself forward. “That guy is your boyfriend,” he hissed. “Elijah Harlow. You said he was the captain of your team.”
“Well, he’s both.” I avoided his eyes at all cost.
His face transformed from a light tan to a bright red, and cheeks puffed. “You lied,” he growled. He jumped from the couch. “How could you do this to us?” His body shook with a slight shiver. “Answer me, Kim! How could you?” His hands lingered inches from his face, ready to provide cover should he start crying. “No. No!” He shrieked. His head vibrated with anger. “You’re a liar. You’re ruining it for us!” His arm flung to his side. Balled fists knocked against his bony hips. I awaited the real explosion, but he threw himself up the stairs. The basement door slammed behind him.
Eddie turned to me, mouth open. “What the hell was that?" He shook his head. "There’s something off with him, Kim. That was not a normal reaction for anyone, crush or not. Explosive anger and anxious mannerisms—the boy is riddled with issues.”
My head sunk in the feather pillow. The old case surrounded my nose, filled with scents of laundry detergent and aging cotton. There was one window in the attic guest room, and it sat in the ceiling. The night was dark with the new moon hiding its face behind long strips of clouds.
It was past midnight, yet I couldn’t sleep. My brain wouldn’t shut down and leave me in peace. James’ melt down replayed over and over. I didn’t know what I could have said or done differently. Even if I would have told him the truth earlier, it wouldn't have curbed his rage. That volcano was going to blow no matter what course of action I took.
But it was weird. James had never been a quick-tempered individual. That’s what made our friendship great. He was easy-going, kind, humorous, and had a laid-back attitude about the world.
A tiny envelope hit my face. From its size I knew it was a voice note. I opened the front flap and retrieved a small blank card.
Elijah’s voice filled the attic. “Are you still awake?”
“Yes,” I answered and placed the note back in the envelope. It disappeared from my grip. But was back in seconds.
“I miss you.” His voice was thick with sincerity.
“I miss you too.” I thought
these things were silly. It was easier to use the telephone. But there was also something so intimate about exchanging letters with a lover who was half way around the world.
“I want to drown in your blue eyes.” His tone dropped an octave in desire. “To sink my hands in your hair and to feel your naked body against mine once again.”
The confession filled me with heat. “When I’m alone, and the room is still—sometimes I can still feel your fingers sliding up my hips and curving around my breasts.”
“You’re such a beautiful woman.” The note caught his sigh. “Being away from you has been far more torturous than I would have ever imagined. It doesn’t matter if I’m in a stadium full of people or with a few friends, I’m lonely because you're not by my side.”
“Come to Roanoke and spend the break with me. I’m sure my aunt would love to have you in the house.”
“I wish. My agent has me in New Zealand doing team promotions.”
“I figured. I saw you with Tomyris Kagan.”
“She’s… odd. I wanted to bring you, but I was afraid it might be a little too much too soon.”
He was smart to be cautious, but thought of being in New Zealand with him consumed me. The days spent in exploration. The evenings passed in adventurous outings. And the nights, locked in each other’s arms.
Another note arrived before I replied. “When do you want to tell others about us?”
My eyes lowered. “Let’s wait until we see each other in person to discuss this.” I didn’t know if I ever wanted the world to learn about us. I hated having my life broadcasted.
“All right, gorgeous.” His voice softened. “I’ve got a dinner to attend, and you need to get some sleep. I’ll message you again as soon as I can.”
“Sounds good. Enjoy your dinner.” The heat left my body. Within seconds I was all too aware of just how large the attic was and how small I seemed in the queen-sized bed by myself.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
It was late when I arrived at Ivory. The tram puffed into the empty university station. It had been a long, quiet trip without Eddie there. Since the school loosened its grip on arrival times, Roanoke to Ivory now had several travel windows instead of just one. Eddie’s family refused to let him leave on this first date, but I couldn’t spend another moment in Roanoke.
I hiked through the trickling tunnel beneath the mountain and up the snow-covered path to my dorm room. My key slid into the lock and turned. A metal clink sprung from the lock. I stepped into my dark room and tossed my bags onto my bed. The blinds flapped open and shut, flashing the snowy scape.
“I’ll be back to pester you later.”
I hurried out of my room and into the barren hallway. A few soft voices could be heard in the bejant dorms, but the volume level was low and gentle. As though whispers haunted the Scottish chateau.
My boots paced out of the bright ivy doors and trudged through the powdery paths. I had the briefest of knowledge as to where I was going. I had never been there. I had only passed the thin walkway that led to the squat building. The flora surrounding the turnoff was overgrown with needles, cones, and evergreens. Even in the middle of winter, the plants hid it from sight.
The brush swiped at the shins of my pants as I marched along the path's compacted back. The dirt was hard as rock, despite the moisture from the snow. Several rocks poked through and soon turned to stone steps. I marched higher and higher. Tall, black pines rose from the mountain’s flank. Just when I thought I had taken a wrong turn, I saw it.
It was smaller than my own dorm building, but part of it hung off the cliff while another piece sat tucked inside the ground. My legs ached from the ascent, but my pace quickened to reach the silver doors. They twinkled in the moonlight, enticing me. My fingers curled around the metal ring pull and gave a slight tug. The thick cut of wood creaked on its hinges, heavy. I yanked again, harder this time, and slid in.
A red Persian rug met my feet, running from entrance to hall. A small common area sat to the right, with ruby red velvet upholstered armchairs. They faced a hearth that flamed to life. Its mantle cut from thick, oiled oak. The fire warmed my cold-kissed cheeks.
My feet stepped forward as my fingers unzipped and removed my coat. He had said I would know which door was his, but as I drew down the long corridor, it as obvious they all looked the same. The only difference between the dual row of crimson doors was the number pasted on their faces. When I reached the spiral staircase at the end, I worried I had missed it. The apprentice doors were a mystery to me.
My boots carried me along the spiral steps. Halfway up the turret, I caught sight of Ivory’s Scottish manor house. It was lit, highlighting its grandeur. But from up here, it appeared as a fairytale castle in the town center.
The second floor mimicked the first. But at the far end, there was one door that stood out from the rest. Its vibrant color had been covered in sheets of paper. When I neared, I saw all sorts of handwriting scribbled across the sheets. Some notes just had names on them with their year and specializations—all were notably female names. There were well wishes, confessions of admiration, and requests to meet for a drink or two. My fist lifted and knocked on the paper-posted surface.
There was a small rustle from inside before the lock clinked. The thick door swung open on its hinges.
“You look far more beautiful than I remember.” Elijah leaned against the door frame. His eyes drifted across my face, mapping every line and curve.
A smile curled upon my face. “You weren’t supposed to be back this early.”
He shrugged. “I wanted to surprise you. I knew you would take the first tram back.”
My entire body tingled. I leaned and took a fistful of his shirt. I tugged him toward me and his lips met mine without protest. They were warm and soft. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too.” He opened the door wider, allowing me entrance. “Come in.”
His dorm had less space, but the furniture was nicer. A thick cushion covered his desk chair; the mattress on his bed was twice the size of mine; and the floor was buffed wood in place of laminate. “They spoil you guys.”
“You think so?”
“Absolutely.” I sat on his bed. The covers were rife with his distinct smell. My breath caught in my throat. Reality hadn’t sunk in, and now that I was here, alone with him in his dorm, it was all crashing around me.
“Then maybe we should make this a frequent thing? That way you're not stuck in your dingy, drafty dorm all day.”
“My savior.” I teased. “Rescuing me from the perils of a being a bejantine.” He snickered in response. “And it’s only drafty because my blinds have a mind of their own. They like to bully the window.” I fell back onto the comforter with my head against his pillow, staring at the same ceiling he saw every night before he closed his eyes. It was a simple, flat white.
He lay beside me, burying his face in my hair. “I’d rescue you every day of the year if it meant I got to bring you back to my room.”
The words forced a smile from my mouth. His feelings never ceased to stun me. I had spent months believing him to be completely indifferent toward me, but in reality, he had harbored his own secret affections. “Why me?”
His hand grabbed my hip and rolled me onto my side to face him. “In the beginning, because I was attracted to you. When the semester started, because I was intrigued by your journey of self-improvement. And at the end, because I couldn’t get my mind off of you.” His eyes met mine and held. “You smell like jasmine and taste like green tea. Your eyes are honest and spirit resilient. You like me for who I am and not for who I could be. You’re humble, bewitching, and strong. But most of all, you feel like home.”
A heavy exhale escaped my lungs. “If you really believe all of these things, then why did you wait so long to do anything?”
“Because, in your interview with the Emporium you said you were here to discover yourself. I didn’t want to interfere or influence you in someway, but you see how great
I am with self-control? I still sought you out after the article and found you in the old cathedral. I stopped by to offer some advice, but it was mostly to make you aware of my existence. And then the Emporium pummeled you over my lack of discipline—so I stayed away.” His palm cupped my face as his thumb strummed across my cheek. “Why didn’t you come after me? This is the twenty-first century.”
His fingers were soft, save where his wand roughed them. “It’s a bit difficult to muster up the confidence to approach a renowned name when you’re being told from every angle that you aren’t good enough or worthy.”
“I heard the same things, but I didn’t listen.”
My eyebrow cocked. “What do you mean?”
A tinge of pink grew in his cheeks as he dodged my eyes—Elijah was blushing. “You remember how I told you my dad and I are close?” I nodded. “Well, I told him about you when it was eating at me back in October or November. I was upset with myself. I was supposed to be professional and train you for the sport, but there I was, falling in love and letting my thoughts run wild.”
“What did he say when you told him?”
“He laughed and told me I was out of my league, and that I could dream all I want because that’s all it ever was going to be—a dream. I’m from a blue-collar wizarding family. What hope do I have of being with a Blackwood?” He leaned and placed a peck on my lips. “But I showed him, huh?”
A light laugh tumbled from me. “And what did he say when you told him we were together?”
He rubbed his lips to a hide his smirk. “He took me out, and we celebrated.”
“Celebrated?” Uncle Hank was displeased just to know that the two of us were communicating.
“You don’t think requited love is worth celebrating?”
“Love? I didn’t know you were such a romantic.”
“Neither did I.” His finger hooked onto my belt loop and pulled me closer. Our lips met, desperate for the other's taste. My body tensed as his chest pressed against mine. “Why do you get nervous whenever we touch?” He kissed my neck.
