Discern (Mosaic Chronicles Book 1)

by Andrea Pearson

  Nicole watched as the fire grew. “That’s pretty cool,” she said.

  The fire went out as the paper supply ended, and Nate slumped, clearly exhausted. “Paper is hard,” he said somewhat loudly. “Like I said, plastic is easier.” He took a drink from his pop can, set it down, then cleaned up the paper mess, replacing it with the plastic forks.

  “Lizzie, if you would,” he said.

  Lizzie was much faster this time, and one of the forks caught on fire immediately, surprising Nicole. She wasn’t aware that plastic could actually burn—she thought it only melted. Almost as quickly, the magical fire grew as Nate took over. It was obviously much easier for him this time. The strong smell of burning plastic wafted through the room.

  “Disgusting,” Austin said. He reached for the glass of water, but instead of picking it up, he hovered his hand above it for a split second and moved over the fire. A little cloud appeared there, smothering the flames. Water pooled into the cookie sheet, and the glass he drew from emptied.

  “Awesome!” Lizzie said. “I didn’t know you could control other elements.”

  Austin glanced at Nicole, then Lizzie. “Only to a degree.”

  “Why isn’t your hair gray?” Lizzie demanded. “Do you dye it?”

  “Not yet. There’s plenty of gray in it already, though.”

  Lizzie walked behind Austin and inspected his hair. Nicole rolled her eyes—only Lizzie could get away with something like that.

  “I see some. But there’s not much. You still struggle with things, right?”

  Austin grunted. “Some areas are difficult for me. I haven’t mastered much of the Wind abilities. But I will someday.” His eyes flicked to Nicole again, and she felt herself flush under his gaze.

  She looked away. “You’re not the only one who struggles with that.”

  No one said anything as Nate cleaned up the mess.

  “We’d better get going,” Lizzie said. “Got homework to catch up on. Thanks for the demonstration.”

  She hugged Nate, then the two girls left.

  “I told you Austin thinks you’re hot,” Lizzie said when they got to the car.

  Nicole didn’t respond. She couldn’t stop thinking about his intensity and moodiness, but also the hunger she’d seen behind his eyes. He shared her passion to understand everything about the Arete world, to become powerful, to learn every element.

  They also shared something else—the frustration at being unable to control Wind.

  At least Austin could do other things with his magic. Until Nicole figured out what was holding her back, she was powerless.

  ***

  A knock on the apartment door woke Nicole from her Sunday afternoon nap. She got up, rubbing the mascara from under her eyes, then redid her ponytail and glanced around the main room. At the moment, it looked like college students lived there. Textbooks were strewn across the table and their second couch, her laptop was open on the floor near where she’d fallen asleep, and the sink was full of dirty dishes.

  Sighing in resignation, Nicole padded to the door and peeked through the peephole.

  Her mother, Tiffany, was on the other side.

  Nicole’s heart stopped beating for a moment. There was only one reason Tiffany would come visit. Nicole flung the door open. “Mother! What’s wrong? Is it Dad?”

  Tiffany stared at Nicole, and Nicole felt her cheeks redden. She must look horrible—a stark comparison to Tiffany’s professionally applied makeup, expensive dress, and stylish hair. As usual, her clothing hid her worst features while accenting her best features—pretty blue eyes and naturally dark hair.

  Nicole’s cheeks reddened even more when she realized her mom was waiting to be invited in. She stepped back, holding the door open. Tiffany breezed past without a glance at Nicole and gave herself a tour of the apartment, starting with the bedrooms. Nicole hovered behind her, anxiously glancing ahead, hoping she’d made her bed that morning.

  Tiffany stared into Lizzie’s room, then strode into Nicole’s, fingering the designer comforter on the well-made bed and checking the dust on Nicole’s antique vanity and dresser set. She glanced out the window and turned back to the room, a disapproving expression on her face. Her disapproval turned briefly into approval when she saw the spider traps—why would she approve?—but the cringe immediately returned as she resumed her tour.

  Not looking at Nicole, she continued back down the hall and stepped into the bathroom, where she inspected the sink, toilet, and shower.

  Nicole breathed a sigh of relief, glad she’d cleaned the bathroom after making her bed. But she dreaded her mother’s reaction to the kitchen and living area. She followed her mom into the kitchen, practically dragging her feet.

  Tiffany froze in the main area, her blue eyes first like saucers, then narrowing into slits as she stared at the dishes in the sink and the books all over the table. A determined scowl marred her otherwise perfect features and she set her lips in a firm line, dropping her purse on the counter. Still not saying anything, she turned the water on and emptied one side of the sink, filling it with soapy water.

  Nicole groaned. “Tiff—Mother, stop, please. This is my apartment, not your house.”

  Tiffany didn’t respond. Shoulders slumping in resignation, Nicole cleared the table, knowing nothing else would happen until every inch of the apartment was clean.

  “You should have called before coming.”

  “Don’t give me attitude, Nicole. I sent you a computer message.”

  “You’ve sent me many ‘computer messages.’ I can’t keep up with them all. Why the sudden interest?”

  Her mom splashed a large pot into the soapy water and bent over it, scrubbing furiously, her shoulders bunched up.

  Nicole watched for a moment, then shook her head and finished the table. She moved to the living room and stacked Lizzie’s books, glad that her friend would understand. She went back to her room and changed into more “Mother appropriate” clothes—a conservative skirt and dark top. She fixed her makeup, but left her hair untouched. Tiffany would have to deal with a little bit of disorderliness.

  Nicole returned to the kitchen just as her mom finished the dishes, and together they stepped into the adjoining living room. Nicole slumped on the couch, watching while her mother started dusting on the left side of the room with a slightly moist rag, fingering books on the shelves, reading titles, approving and disapproving, then moving on.

  Finally, she stopped scrutinizing and sat on the couch. She gazed at Nicole’s posture, her eyes narrowing. Nicole groaned and sat up straight, tucking her legs underneath her, folding her hands in her lap.

  “Doesn’t that feel better, dear?” Tiffany asked.

  “Yes, ever so much better. Thank you so very much for your consideration, Tiffany.”

  “Don’t call me by my first name, Nicole. I expect you to treat me with respect.”

  Nicole nodded and let out her breath. Antagonizing her mother only led to prolonged situations that were nightmare worthy.

  “What can I do for you?” she asked.

  “I wanted to see how you were faring.”

  Nicole stared at her mother. She’d come all the way from Texas to make small talk? Ridiculous. “Yes, you said that multiple times in your emails, but again, why the sudden interest?”

  Tiffany sniffed. “I’ve always been interested in your life, Nicole.”

  “No, you haven’t. You’ve made it clear that you detest what I am.” She folded her arms. “Why you and Dad even went to all the work to have a Fourth is still beyond me.”

  Her mom looked away. “It wouldn’t have been appropriate not to.”

  Nicole leaned forward. Tiffany had never said even that much before. “Not appropriate? Why? Because all your friends were trying for Aretes?”

  “We didn’t want to be different.” Tiffany got to her feet and returned to inspecting the shelves in the room.

  “Oh, yes, the ever-important appearance.” Nicole also stood. “Will you plea
se just relax and ignore how things look here?”

  “Cleanliness, Nicole, is next to godliness.”

  Nicole rolled her eyes. “I’m hardly a slob.”

  Her mom grunted. “I know some who’d disagree.”

  “If you’re only here to insult me, please, just go. I don’t need to deal with insults.”

  Tiffany gave an exaggerated sigh, her hand on her chest. “I wish we could be friends. You know how I hate your animosity toward me.”

  Nicole’s animosity? And what about Tiffany’s? Nicole slumped back on the couch.

  “I wish you’d enrolled in Armitage University,” Tiffany said. “Katon is just so far away. Mothers need their daughters.”

  Not this mother.

  “It’s only four years. I’m sure you’ll manage.” Nicole tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “How is Derek doing?”

  “Still trying to be an attorney, regardless of how Dad begs him to take over the business. None of my children, it seems, desire to respect their parents’ wishes.”

  Tiffany returned to the kitchen, rinsed out the rag, wrung it, and then draped it over the edge of the sink. “I’ve some errands to run, dear,” she said. “I hope you don’t mind my short visit.”

  “Oh, not at all.” Definitely not at all. Nicole walked her mother to the door in silence.

  “We would’ve been able to . . . to enjoy one another’s company for much longer, had your apartment not been in such disarray.”

  Nicole chose not to respond.

  Tiffany stepped across the threshold, pulling keys out of her small white purse. “That tree out front is beautiful, with all those vines growing on it. How long has it been there?”

  Nicole shrugged. “Many, many years, I’m sure.”

  “You used to climb trees a great deal—have you tried that one?”

  Nicole raised an eyebrow. “Of course not. My mother taught me it wasn’t ladylike to behave that way.” Besides giving her the creeps, the tree was also covered in moss. If Nicole had tried to climb it, she would’ve slipped and fallen—most likely to her death.

  Tiffany nodded. “Well, be sure to keep me posted on your studies. And on any books you’ve read lately.”

  That was one thing they had in common. They both loved reading. “Oh, you know I will.”

  Nicole knew she wouldn’t.

  And Tiffany knew it too—her expression of annoyance was enough to make Nicole grin.

  Nicole shut the door and leaned against it, letting the wind out of her lungs. She shook her head. Only her mom would fly thousands of miles for a thirty-minute visit.

  Too bad Lizzie hadn’t been home—she could usually diffuse awkward situations, or at least distract Nicole from them. On the other hand, Tiffany had never approved of Nicole’s relationship with Lizzie. Lizzie’s family wasn’t exactly poor—her father made just under six figures a year—but it still didn’t compare to the large fortune Tiffany had inherited as a child when her great-grandfather died.

  Why that money hadn’t gone to her mom’s parents or grandparents, Nicole still didn’t know. One thing was for sure—she was a conniving, difficult person. Nicole wouldn’t have been surprised to learn that her mom had somehow convinced her great-grandfather to change his will.

  Nicole took several moments to rid herself of the feelings of frustration and anger her mother always brought, then grabbed her book and settled down to read until it was time to play Ultimate Frisbee.

  ***

  It took twenty minutes for them to find the correct field. The GPS on Lizzie’s phone had told her to expect it to take thirty, but with how she drove, Nicole wasn’t surprised they arrived early. Several moments later, Austin pulled up in his car with a girl next to him. Nate sat in the back.

  Nicole smiled at the expression of annoyance on Lizzie’s face. Apparently, she’d also noticed the girl.

  “You know,” Nicole said, “it’s okay if Austin is dating someone.” She felt a sense of relief at the idea, actually. It removed a lot of the pressure she’d been feeling to impress him. She hated that part of being single.

  “No, it’s not.” Lizzie undid her seatbelt, sending Nicole a glare. “I’m not letting you out of it that easily. You guys are supposed to be together.”

  “By whose edict?” Nicole grabbed her bag from the backseat. “Just because you think it, doesn’t mean it should happen.”

  Lizzie jumped out of the car, not responding, and Nicole growled at her friend. That girl . . .

  Nicole took off her flip-flops and put on some socks and a pair of cleats. She tied the cleats tightly and joined Lizzie right as Nate jogged over, giving big hugs to both girls.

  “I’m so glad you made it!” he said.

  “We didn’t really have anything else to do,” Lizzie said.

  “And we’re always ready for Ultimate.” Nicole pretended not to notice as Austin walked up and stood next to her.

  The new girl followed him. Her dark blond hair fell in perfect ringlets down her back and was nicely highlighted with gold and red. Her manicure did not look like it would go well with a Frisbee, and by the expression on her face, Nicole wondered how long it had taken Austin to convince her to join them. The magical pulses surrounding her were stronger than those that flowed around Nate and Lizzie, but not as strong as Austin’s. Obviously, she was an Arete, and probably a good one. By the way she and Austin stood, it was obvious they were very familiar with each other.

  “Lizzie, Nicole, this is Savannah,” Nate said, pointing to the girl. “She’s here to help us get the field ready to play.”

  Nicole tilted her head, wondering what all that would entail.

  Another carful of people pulled up, and Nate continued the introductions. Nicole already knew Lacie from the party and was grateful for a friendly face.

  Austin and Savannah led the way across the pavement to a grassy field surrounded by trees. Several benches faced the field, and it was on one of these that Nicole set her phone.

  “You might want to keep that with you for a bit longer,” Austin said.

  She glanced at him, but he’d already started toward the middle of the field, with Savannah and the rest following. Nicole pocketed her phone and joined them, then turned her attention to Savannah when everyone else did.

  Savannah closed her eyes, raising her face to the sky. Her shoulders and chest rose as she inhaled. Nicole watched closely, trying to figure out what the girl was doing. It was obvious she was gathering magic toward herself—the pulses were increasing and swirling.

  Moments later, the water in the grass began lifting and spraying to the edge of the field, splashing all the benches. The water resembled a sprinkler, creating a circular arc that swelled five feet into the air and whooshed away from the group on all sides.

  Nicole stepped to the edge of the water and put her hand into the stream. It was gentle—not much force behind it—and she suspected that Savannah was probably struggling with even this much. Still, Nicole couldn’t help but be impressed. It was the most she’d ever seen anyone use their magic.

  Pretty soon, the entire field was fairly dry.

  “We don’t want it perfectly dry,” Nate said. “Otherwise, things start dying. But Austin, the wuss, doesn’t like playing on wet grass.”

  Austin raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything. He escorted Savannah to the edge of the field, where she used her magic to push water off one of the benches and settled down with a book.

  “She’s a Water Arete, if you hadn’t figured that out,” Nate said. “She can’t create or control water other than being able to push it away. But even that much is really nice, here in Seattle.”

  When Austin returned, Nate put everyone on teams. Nicole and Lizzie were assigned to Austin’s, which he didn’t seem pleased about.

  At first, no one tossed the Frisbee to Nicole—they threw to the louder Lizzie until she dropped it enough times for them to figure out she couldn’t really play. She laughed it off as usual and continued egging th
e other team on, particularly Nate.

  It wasn’t until the third or fourth time that Nicole slapped the Frisbee out of the hands of an opposing team member that her own side began taking her seriously. From then on, she was included, and she knew her team didn’t regret her joining them.

  The longer they played, the more Nicole was able to relax and really get into the sport. It felt good, being able to put her frustrations aside for a couple of hours.

  Every now and then, she caught Austin watching her even when she didn’t have the Frisbee. But then his eyes would stray to Savannah, and Nicole was left to wonder what role the girl played in his life, if any.

  After three games, with Nicole’s team winning two, the players decided it was quitting time. Nate and Lizzie left the field first, laughing and joking, and Nicole slowly followed, not wanting to be a third wheel. Austin lingered in the middle of the field and Nicole glanced back when she sensed his pulses increasing. The humidity in the air around her also increased—she couldn’t see the water, but she could tell he was trying to set the field back to the way it was before they’d arrived.

  Nicole changed her shoes back to flip-flops, then she and Lizzie headed out.

  “So,” Lizzie said, glancing at Nicole. “I know you’re not going to ask . . . but I also know that you’re wondering. She’s a sophomore at Katon. They’re not in a relationship, though they did date on and off in high school. He broke up with her after Christmas, and they haven’t gotten back together again. Nate spilled everything.”

  “They still hang out? That’s weird.”

  Lizzie shrugged. “Being friends after a breakup is sometimes possible.”

  “Not usually.”

  Lizzie agreed, then changed the topic, apparently wanting to complain about a test she was taking in biology the next day.

  Nicole did her best to follow her friend’s train of thought, but found herself thinking about what Savannah had done on the field. It had been pretty cool. She couldn’t wait until she could exhibit that level of control over her powers.