by Sandra Love
“No, it can’t be. I’ve never seen this guy before in my life,” I whisper in astonishment as the other students trickle into the room. The first bell rings and I put away my pad.
“So Kelsey, are you taking Mr. New Guy to homecoming?” Macy asks the witch.
“Of course I am! Why do you ask such stupid questions? Sometimes I wonder why we hang out; you act so dumb.”
I see the sadness appear in Macy’s eyes as I watch their exchange. “Stop looking at us, Skank. We were not talking to you, were we?” The whole class laughs.
“Simmer down class,” the teacher began as he walked up to the board. “Okay, today we are pairing up and reading Romeo and Juliet. Then, I want you all to write a summary by the end of the month. Yes, that means you might have to meet after school and work on it,” Mr. Dawson explains.
The class starts to pair up, and of course, no one wants to work with me. Good thing it is an odd number of people in the class. Or it is, until he walks in.
“Sorry I’m late; the office said this class was available. Hello Mr. Dawson; I’m Cameron Douglas.” The men shook hands.
“Cameron, we are starting Romeo and Juliet. You will partner with Cordelia, and after you both read it you will need to write a summary.”
“WHAT!!!!!? Mr. Dawson, let Macy work with her. I want to work with Cameron.” Kelsey is throwing a fit and I can’t stop the laugh that quietly escapes my lips.
“Miss. Stewart, calm down or I will ask you to leave. He is working with Cordelia and that’s my final decision.”
She starts to mumble under her breath, and I can’t help the feeling of victory that passes through me. Take that, witch.
“Hi, I’m Cameron,” the new guy says as he walks over to me. “You must be Cordelia.”
“Hi Cameron. I’m sorry you have to work with me. I know you would probably like to work with someone else.”
“Don’t be silly. So Romeo and Juliet, tragic love story. Good thing I’ve already read it. We can just get to know each other better.”
I look at him with a surprised look. The look on his face seems sincere enough, but it’s still hard to believe that someone wants to get to know me. I smile, excitement zinging through my veins.
“Excuse me class; I need to run to the office.”
As soon as Mr. Dawson leaves the class, Cameron open his mouth to say something else, Kelsey starts running her mouth again.
“Aww look everyone, Cameron feels bad for the loser and is trying to make her feel better.” Everyone laughs… Everyone except Cameron, which is curious.
“Kelsey, you come off as being a bitch. I know you think you’re coming off cool, but you’re really not. So, why don’t you shut up and do your work for once and stop trying to be a bully.” Did he just say that to her? I look at him with my mouth open. No one has ever stuck up for me. He turns back to me and smiles. “Like I was saying, Cordelia, before I was rudely interrupted, how is your day going?”
I have no idea what to say to him. I still can’t believe he is talking to me, let alone being actually interested in me and my day. God, he is so perfect. I know a lot of girls say that about almost every boy out there, but for him it was true. It’s like he was chiseled from stone or something, because it doesn’t seem like a single feature of his is out of place or crooked. His smile could make you melt if you stared at it long enough. He has the whitest teeth; they were like a beacon to heaven, yet his smile held a sort of rebellion in it. The picture I drew of him didn’t do him any justice.
Cameron lets out a little laugh. “Cordelia, are you just going to stare at me until the bell rings?”
“Oh, I am very sorry; I’m having an off day. Do you like it here so far?”
He sits back in the chair. “Yeah, it’s okay. People here can be a little rude, though. I’m not for the bullies. They rather piss me off. And,” he leans toward my ear, “Kelsey seems like the biggest one here.” He gives me goose bumps. Something in me wants to kiss him right here in front of everyone.
Then the bell rings. I’m so disappointed. I want to keep talking to him forever, but I know that if I don’t move on to my next class I will get in trouble and my father will be called, and that’s the last thing I want. I stand up and grab my bag, starting for the door.
“Hey Cordelia! We need to get together for the assignment. Would you like to meet up after school?
I already know that’s not possible. “Um, I need to ask my father first.”
“Okay, let me know.” He winks and then he starts down the hallway. I can’t believe he actually talked to me. I head out of the class to get to my next one, all the while being glared at my Kelsey and her minions.
Chapter Five
Cameron
I can’t believe how beautiful she is. She smelled like peaches as I leaned across her desk and spoke to her. I wanted to run my hands through her long black hair and kiss her small, delicate lips. She is more beautiful than anything I have ever seen. I swear I saw her lips curl up into a smile. I want to make her smile every day for the rest of our lives. I don’t understand why no one can she her beauty. She has the fairest skin, like a new angel glistening in the rays of the sunshine.
“Earth to the new guy,” I hear someone say beside me. “What has you all in a daze? I know it’s not that bitch Kelsey.” I look up at a guy that was in English—I can’t for the life of me think of his name—and is also in this class with me; Botany. I have no idea why I have to take this class; it’s very pointless.
“Hey, sorry; I’m just tired. So, what are we supposed to be doing?”
“Studying the plant life,” he says with a roll of his eyes. “Dude, this class blows.” He extends his hand and I slip mine into it for a quick handshake. “I’m Paul. Cameron, right”?
“Yep,” I confirmed. “Hey, can I trust you, Man?”
“Of course, what’s up?” He asked.
“What’s the deal with Cordelia? She seems so shy. Why does everyone hate that poor girl?”
“Well, she is really weird. She stays to herself and she always wears black. I mean, what is she; a devil worshipper? I swear she is like a witch or something. Wait… Cameron, do you like her?”
“No, Man. I was curious. The people at this school are mean to her. Have you ever tried talking to this girl? Maybe she is a nice person.”
“If I was to talk to freak-girl, do you know how many people would make fun of me? Yeah, I’m on the football team and my girlfriend is Macy. Yeah, Man, not going there. Macy would have my balls.” I really want to punch this douche bag in the face. The bell rings and I’ve never been more glad to hear that sound. I don’t want to get in a fight on my first day, but if I talk to this idiot any longer I won’t be in control of my actions.
“Well, see you tomorrow, Paul.” I pick up my stuff and walk out of the class. That’s when I see her making a quick exit. I want to talk to her more, so I decide to follow her. Yeah, I think, Kaleigh is right; I’m stalking her.
I start to run to keep up with her. “Cordelia, wait up!”
“Yes, can I help you?” Once again, I can’t help but think she looks like a beautiful angel. I really want to take her far far away from here, and be with her and make her happier than she’s ever been in this life.
“Can I walk you home?” The look on her face tells me she is shocked.
“Umm, I don’t think that’s a great idea. My father doesn’t like when I have people over. He’s really shy.”
I sighed. I know she’s lying to me, and I hate that, because I wish she didn’t have to feel afraid of the man that was masquerading as her father. “Well, can we go to the park and chat for a bit? I really want to get to know you better and…”
She cut me off. “Listen Cameron, if that’s your name, I don’t think that’s a great idea. I am to go straight home. My family needs me. Really, do you want to be the next target at school? People hate me here; I’m just a freak to them all. You are new. You shouldn’t ruin your reputation by trying to
talk to me. You will regret it.”
She looks so sad; I wish could just engulf her in my arms and sooth her until all of her pain and worry disappeared.
“There you are, Cameron. Did you get lost walking home?”
“No, Kaleigh,” I told my eavesdropping sister, “I didn’t. I was just talking to Cordelia. We have the same English class together.”
“Hello Cordelia,” she says with a cheery smile as she introduces herself to Delia. “I’m Kaleigh, Cam’s sister. I love your name by the way; it’s so pretty.” They shook hands. “Hello. I’m sorry to both of you, but I really need to get home now.” Cordelia turns and starts to run.
“Cam, you need to stop or people will get hurt. I love you, Brother, and I can’t and won’t lose you. She will learn her identity on her own. Her birthday is arriving and the truth will come to. Now, please don’t become friends with her.” We start to walk home, and then I look at my sister and confess something that I know she won’t like. “I’m planning on asking her to prom, Kaleigh.”
She stops dead in her tracks, and I wince. I knew she wouldn’t like it. “Cam, The Old Ones know everything. This will turn out bad. Stop acting like the hero and act like a fallen angel. You are to watch out for the charge, not date them. They will rip out your wings and leave you to die. I don’t think I could live through that.” Tears spill from her eyes and my heart wants to split in half. I hurt her before with Anna; I can’t do that again.
“I promise, I will step back from her. I will even be mean to her, if that’s what you want. It’s you and me, Sis. I love you, and I know what happened to our parents destroyed you.” I pull her into a bear hug.
“Don’t be mean to her, Cam; just don’t invest all your time trying to impress her. Remember, once she is 18 we are done with her. No matter if she finds out or not, we are here to watch her, and only watch her. I know you want to save her, but sometimes people don’t want to be saved.”
“I know. I just feel something for her and I can’t explain it. I will ignore the feelings in order to protect us. Now, let’s go home…Well, the cabin.”
We both start to laugh, and head to the little cabin in the woods. I love it there. It’s so peaceful. I wish I could bring Cordelia here. I inwardly sigh. I really need to stop thinking about her.
Chapter Six
Cordelia
I run so fast to get away from Cameron and his sister that my feet don’t even feel like they are touching the ground. Why is he being so nice to me? No one is nice to me. Maybe it’s a set up. Maybe they all planned this; kind of like that Carrie movie. Maybe they all got together the day before and thought, hey let’s be nice to the new girl, and then BAM we’ll douse her in pig’s blood.
I stop a block away from my house to catch my breath. I really don’t want to go home after what happened to my mother this morning. I know I will get the worst beating ever and my body can’t take anymore. I feel so broken and damaged, to the point that I know I will never be whole again. I continue to walk home, and when I got close enough I notice the van is gone. My spirits lift a little, and run toward the front door. I walk in and do a search.
Yes! I’m finally alone. I need to search my father’s study, and see if he has anything that will tell me more about what he had said that morning. I walk to the only door that was closed in our house. I slowly open the door to reveal a neat and clean room, with a mahogany desk in the middle. I walk to the desk, and notice that there is a brand new laptop sitting there. I wonder where he got the money to get it. I sit at his desk and am very glad to notice that I will be able to hear if anyone pulls up in the driveway. I start with the desk, searching for something that is tied to me; like a birth certificate or something about my childhood. I don’t find anything in the desk, so I get up and move over to the file cabinet. I open the top one to find nothing. I open the second one and BINGO! A whole folder with my name on it sits nestled between the others. Then I hear a car drive up, and I start to panic. I grab the folder and run, shutting the door behind me. I run into my room and place in my closet. Oh shit, I think. I left my bag in the hallway. I know I will pay for that one.
“CORDELIA ROSE, GET IN HERE RIGHT NOW!”
Great, he sounds so mad. I sigh and head for the living room, keeping my fingers crossed that he is just begging for something to eat instead of waiting to beat me.
“Yes sir?” I brace myself for what is to come.
“You listen, and you listen good. Your mother will have to stay in the hospital until they find out what happened. I know this has something to do with you. I will be staying at the hospital with her, and if I find out you did anything to her, I will beat you so hard you will not be able to move. You may leave my sight.”
I run to my bedroom and shut the door. Feeling relieved that I will be alone, I can finally watch T.V. and listen to the radio, and everything else that I have not been allowed to do in more years than I can remember. I hear the door shut, and seconds later the car starts up and leaves. I walk out into the living room, almost tentatively as if I’m afraid he lurks around every corner.
After I’m sure that he is not sitting in the shadows, waiting for me, I go to the study again and try to turn the knob. I sigh when it doesn’t move an inch. I should have realized he would lock it; my luck isn’t good enough for him to have left it open again. I am somewhat disappointed, but I decide that there are other things I can accomplish while he is away. Like food! I can actually eat normal food! Thank the goddesses! I walk into the kitchen and pull out ham, cheese, bread, and mustard. I make myself a huge sandwich; practically too big for me to bite into. But I don’t care. It is like pure heaven. I’ve never eaten something so good. I finish the sandwich and sit back in relief. Then my stomach starts to hurt and I realize I ate too much. But the pain is bearable, unlike the many punishments I’ve received from my father, and I do not regret the giant sandwich I just inhaled like a starving wolf.
As I sit there, basking in the wonderful feeling of my full belly, despite the pains, I start to think about the folder I found. Then I head to my room and grab the folder. I am feeling very nervous, because I don’t know what to expect. I sit on my old ass bed and slowly open it. There was a letter in it, and on the envelope, it said:
To My Darling Daughter:
Cordelia Rose Cassen
Cassen? But my last name is Newton. Why does it have a different last name on it? I am afraid to open it. I sit there for a few minutes, just staring at the envelope. Then I get the courage to open it and am shocked by its words.
My Dearest and Lovely Daughter Cordelia,
My sweet baby girl, I bet you are so confused by now. You should’ve come into your powers by now. I’m sorry I had to give you up. The Old Ones would have tried to experiment on you. I had to lie to your mother and tell her you died by the hands of The Old Ones. I am very sorry for this, Sweet Pea. I will try my hardest to come get you from my brother. There is a story there with how he is not in Ithaca anymore. Baby, you have to know I am trying to protect you from your mother. She has become an evil witch. I met her when she was a white witch, but during her pregnancy she decided to turn to black magic. I didn’t want you near all of that. I have no idea what you will become; it’s a mystery. But I hope that I am back to get you before your 17th birthday. I love you, my sweet Delia.
Love Always,
Your Father
Tears spill down my cheeks while I stare into space. These horrible people are not my parents. Why have I been lied to all my life; and what the hell am I? A mystery? I am so freaking confused! This has to be a joke, a sad twisted joke. My whole existence is a lie. I fold up the letter and put it back into the folder. As I am putting it in my bag, a photo falls out. I pick it up and I can’t believe what I am seeing. This has to be a dream. No, no, no, this cannot be happening. A woman with long black hair and grey eyes stares up at me from the image. No! I flip it over and see the name Amelia Cassen printed on the back in scratchy handwriting.
“Oh
My God,” I whisper into the room. “It’s the woman from my dream.”
The photo slips from my hands, and then everything, once again, goes black.
Chapter Seven
Kaleigh
(Yes you read that right)
Cameron and I walk home in silence. I can tell this is eating him up inside, and that kills me. When we had to watch our parents die like that, it destroyed him, and now he is falling in love with the reason our parents are dead. I can’t bring myself to tell him this. You see, our parents were wonderful friends with Cordelia’s parents. No, not the ones she lives with. She has no clue what she truly is. How powerful she is. She is truly unique; there is no one like her. Her biological mother is a bitch, and we need to keep her away from here and away from Cordelia. I don’t hate Cordelia, not one bit, but because of all that has happened in Ithaca when I became a fallen angel, I lost my love. Not one day do I live and not think of that beautiful angel, Kale. I wish my parents didn’t try and hide Cordelia from The Old Ones. I have no idea what they want with her, and how they found out that she existed. I don’t want to know. I want to do my job and move on.
“Earth to Kaleigh,” Cameron’s voice cut into my mind as he waved his hands in my face.
