Spark of Knowledge

by Jacie Douglass

  “And finally the front row. Johnathan, Sarah, Juan, Emilienne, Amy, and Eliza.” Are you kidding me? How did I end up in the front row? It takes all my self-control to make it to my seat without making a face. Sitting down, I glance at the clock. Wow that did take almost the entire hour. What a time killer. At least I got a seat next to Shy Girl. I pull out my music and turn to the back where my post-it note is. I glance over at her expectantly. I did warn her after all.

  “Psst!” Shy Girl looks over and starts to giggle when she sees me ready to add her to my post-it.

  “Amy,” she tells me, and I add it to my note. That should help, as long as I remember to look at it.

  “One more thing, Class. We’ll start working on the Winter Concert tomorrow, starting with Winter Lullaby,” Mr. Morison announces and the class groans. He ignores them and continues. “The Assistant Conductor and Solos will be posted by the end of today, so be sure to check the bulletin board tomorrow.”

  I cross my fingers I won’t be chosen and put away my music just as the bell rings. Giving Amy a quick wave, I head for my next class. Maybe I should have taken the opportunity to talk to the Rock Star instead of being a coward. Oh well, there’s always later.

  I make it to Creative Writing class early, and leave the thermos of coffee on Jared’s desk. Today I’ll find out if Clayton’s theory that Jared’s surely moods are a result of coffee deprivation is correct. As usual, the two of them arrive together, looking like night and day. Jared with his pale skin, long blue-black hair and lean build; compared to Clayton’s dark chocolate skin, shaved head, broad chest and wide shoulders. If they weren’t close to the same height, they’d be opposites in every way. Both are dressed casually in jeans and tee shirts. Jared’s tee shirt is a blue that matches his ocean blue eyes, while Clayton is wearing a light green tee shirt. Clayton looks damn good. Good enough to eat, in fact.

  OMG I did not just think that! I hide my face in my hands, feeling the heat rising in my cheeks.

  “Hey Trouble,” Clayton rumbles, and I hear him taking his seat next to me.

  “G’mornin,” I mumble, peeking between my fingers to watch Jared. The look of surprise on his face when he sees the thermos is priceless. He sits down and turns to look at me.

  “Hey,” Jared says, picking it up. “Did you leave this for me?” Moving my hands from my cheeks, I interlace my fingers and flash him a smile.

  “Yup. Clayton mentioned you did better with a steady supply of caffeine…” I glance over at Clayton, who rewards me with one of his heart-melting smiles. “And I made too much coffee this morning,” I tell him with what I hope is a casual shrug. Jared opens the thermos and takes a drink. Setting it down, he graces me with what might be the first genuine smile I’ve seen from him.

  “Wow, this is really good. Thanks Pixie.”

  I duck my head in acknowledgement. “No worries.” I look up, intending to smile back, only to be greeted by an explosion of different blues swirling around him. I blink rapidly in surprise. The colors around Jared had never looked like that before. Did it mean something that there weren’t red streaks anymore? The bell rings, breaking the spell. I focus on pulling my notebook out and finding a blank page.

  “Hey, are you ok?” Clayton asks. Protective energy rolls over me. I glance over and catch his dark eyes watching me intently.

  “I’m alright,” I tell him, forcing myself to smile. “Something is aggravating my allergies today. My eyes are super itchy.” I avoid looking at Jared. I need time to process this, time I don’t have right now.

  Mr. Christy’s already written the instructions for today’s writing assignment on the board, and we spend the class working in silence.

  The bell finally rings and I grab my things. Somehow I managed to be the last one out again. Clayton falls into step beside me when I hit the hall.

  “Hey, Trouble,” he grins. “Are you joining us for lunch today?” I glance over at him with a smile.

  “I suppose that depends on if you’re eating outside or not,” I reply, dodging behind him to avoid a couple of guys in football jerseys charging down the hall.

  “We’re eating outside today,” Jared says coming up on my other side, causing me to jump. How did I not realize he was there? Now that I think about it, I hadn’t felt his energy during Creative Writing either. His usual cloud of anger and irritation was completely gone. Without it, I hadn’t even noticed him.

  “In that case, sure, why not,” I give in. Clayton drapes his large arm over my shoulder and pulls me up beside him. I let him lead the way to the patio where we sat last week. Oh Wow, was it only last week? It seems so much longer. He guides me to the same table, pulling me onto the bench next to him. Jared sits down across from me, setting the thermos down on the table.

  “Did you want something from the cafeteria?” Clayton asks, pulling out his phone. “Bast and Samil are in line now and can grab it for you.”

  Did I want something? Umm… What can I ask for that’s simple and they might actually have? Fries! Jared had fries last week, so that should be a safe request. Clayton looks at me expectantly.

  “An order of fries would be cool,” I smile. Clayton goes back to texting, and I pull a bottle of water out of my bag.

  This was different, nice but weird.

  “Where’s Ian? He hasn’t answered me still,” Clayton asks, looking over at Jared.

  Jared frowns, glancing at his phone. “He probably lost track of time in the computer lab. The teacher had some kind of special project for him. I’m guessing we won’t see him till Study Hall, if then.”

  “Ah, gotcha,” Clayton nods, shoving his phone in his pocket.

  “So, do we know what the birthday plans are for this weekend?” Jared asks. I assume he’s talking to Clayton still. I didn’t even know there was a birthday this weekend, but it does make me wonder how old they are. I figured we were probably around the same age, but they could be younger.

  “Haven’t heard anything official yet, but I’m assuming the usual.”

  “Search and Rescue or Seek and Destroy?” Jared muses, drinking his coffee.

  Wait. Say what?

  “Probably Treasure Hunt, but that’s just a guess. Bast mentioned wanting to switch up the treasure this time.”

  What the heck are they talking about?

  “Sprite!” Sebastian calls, putting an overflowing tray of food down on the table. Laughing, he wraps his arms around my shoulders. “Clay said you were here, but I didn’t believe him. You didn’t say anything in the group chat.” I push him away with a laugh, and he squeezes onto the bench next to me, crushing me between him and Clayton. The Rock Star ambles over to join us with another tray full of food. He passes out the plates before taking the spot next to Jared.

  “I turned my ringer off last night and never turned it back on,” I shrug, taking a drink of my water.

  Sebastian’s eyes widen in horror. “What? You can’t be serious? You haven’t used your phone at all today?”

  I laugh, shaking my head. His reaction is too funny. Like the world will end if I don’t constantly check my phone.

  Clayton passes me a basket of fries from the tray. I flash him a smile before turning back to Sebastian.

  “Why would I? The only person that messages me is my Mom, and she left me a note about her plans this morning. Apparently she’s hanging out with your mom today.” I grab a fry, surprised to find it’s actually halfway decent. I’d sort of expected it to be gross, considering it was cafeteria food after all.

  “Of course. Martha Morgan is always looking for new allies,” he leans in conspiratorially. “She’s plotting a coup d'état of the Country Club Ladies Association. They’re sure to be out late planning their world domination.” Snickering, he grabs a handful of fries from my basket.

  I playfully slap his hand. “Don’t you have enough food already?” I ask, pointing at his plate, piled high with pasta.

  “But I forgot fries,” Sebastian grins, snatching another one. “And everyt
hing is better with potatoes.”

  I snort and roll my eyes. “That reminds me though; who do I owe for lunch?” I ask, trying to figure out a way to reach my bag, preferably without my head ending up in someone’s lap.

  The Rock Star waves away my question. “Don’t worry about it, it was just fries,” I frown, opening my mouth to reply but he cuts me off. “If it’s that important, you can catch the bill another time.”

  I nod, figuring that’s the best I’m going to get from him. The guys fall silent, completely focused on devouring their food. I pick at my fries, trying to figure out the best way to bring up our conversation yesterday. As they finish up, I figure I better do it now, before they get talking again.

  “Soooooo…” I start, drawing all their attention.

  “So what?” Sebastian asks. I can feel their eyes on me, and I straighten my back, determined to forge ahead.

  “I was hoping we could talk more about Sunday. I’d love to know how you’re going to decipher my scars.”

  The guys all look at the Rock Star, making it clear who’s the leader. Ugh I need to remember his damn name! This is SO frustrating. I swear I’m going to study that group text till his and the other twin’s names stick in my head.

  “Like we said yesterday, we have access to some unique resources,” he replies without looking up from his lunch. His magenta hair hangs in his face, and I have the urge to lean over the table and push it out of his eyes. “Ones that the authorities don’t have. We’ve already started working on identifying the symbols.”

  “What kind of resources? And how do you have this information, if the authorities don’t?”

  “It’s complicated Em. And this really isn’t a good place to talk about It.” he says, looking pointedly at the windows to the cafeteria. “We should meet up after school.”

  “Ok… Sounds good to me. Where?” I press on, refusing to give up without a solid plan. “The library? My house? Just tell me where and I’ll be there.”

  “The library is too public, and my place is too crowded,” the Rock Star hedges, glancing over at Jared.

  “Can’t be our place today. The Parents are in town and working from home this week.”

  “We can do it at my house,” Sebastian jumps in. “It’s one of Mom’s Country Club days, and Sprite’s already confirmed that she’s got a new minion to indoctrinate, so we’ll have the place to ourselves.”

  “Sounds like a plan, Bast,” the Rock Star nods, stacking the now empty plates on the trays. The warning bell goes off and the guys scatter before I can say anything. I swear... If they think I’m going to let this go, they are in for a rude awakening.

  After failing to get anything out of them at lunch, my Fashion Construction class drags. I can’t focus on what the substitute is saying. Hopefully it is just another reading assignment and nothing important.

  The guys are noticeably absent from Study Hall, and a small part of me worries that they changed their minds and are avoiding me. I end up wasting the hour doodling in my sketchpad, unable to even lose myself in my book.

  When the bell rings, I breathe out a sigh of relief. Packing up my stuff as quickly as possible, I slip out of the library and rush to my car. Tossing my bag in the back seat, I pull out my phone and load up the group text.

  Me: We still meeting at Bast’s?

  Angel Sebastian: Absolutely, give us an hour or so. Say 3:00?

  Me: Ugh Why so long?

  Vampire Jared: Aww miss me already Pixie?

  Me: You wish…

  Rock Star Samil: We need to get cleaned up, see you soon Em

  Me: ….

  Angel Sebastian: ;)

  Me: Ok. Sure, see ya then

  Tank Clayton: Stay out of trouble, Trouble 

  The clock on the dash lets me know it’s only 2:05pm, and I sigh in frustration. I swear this is the Longest Day EVER.

  Unfortunately, I manage to make it home in record time, leaving me 40 minutes to wait. After shooting Mom a quick text to let her know I made it home, I debate how to kill the time. It seems stupid to drive next door, but walking along the side of the road holds no appeal either. It would be nice if they had sidewalks on the street, but I guess rich people aren’t supposed to walk. I suppose I could take the path Sebastian pointed out yesterday. Assuming I can find it. But not until I change my clothes. This outfit is not “trekking through the woods” appropriate.

  With that settled, I grab my bag and run up the stairs. I toss both it and my jacket on the bed, moving towards the closest while stripping off my dress and tossing it in the hamper. I quickly change into a pair of black sweatpants I can pull on over my Docs and black tee shirt with “I Only Look Sweet and Innocent” emblazoned in purple glitter across the front. Once dressed, I take a quick look in the mirror. Awesome, my makeup is still good. Blessings upon the inventor of long wear makeup once again. My hair is looking a little worse for wear though. I take out the rubber bands, give my hair a quick brush, and then redo the pigtails. There, perfect. Oh wait! I’m supposed to make a hair appointment to have the pastel colors reapplied for my rainbow highlights. I grab my phone from my jacket and quickly search for the nearest hair salon. In less than 5 minutes, I’ve got an appointment for next Wednesday after school. Perfect. One item on my ‘To Do’ list accomplished! I make sure to turn off the alarm I created this morning to remind me to make an appointment. God it would be embarrassing if that went off in the middle of talking to the guys.

  Slipping back into my jacket, I pocket my phone and double check to make sure I’ve got my keys. Satisfied I’m good to go, I head back downstairs. 25 minutes to go still, Ugh. Grabbing a bottle of water, I go out the back door, locking it behind me. From the porch, I can’t see the trail we took yesterday. With a fortifying breath, I head down the stairs and walk towards the woods. I take my time, carefully scanning the tree line for the path. There it is!

  Yup, I can do this! I grin to myself and veer off into the trees. Walking at a brisk pace, it doesn’t take long for me to reach the fork Sebastian had pointed out. Turning to the right, I head up the unfamiliar dirt trail, keeping my fingers crossed that I’m not going to end up lost. After what feels like forever, but according to my phone is only 15 minutes, the trees start to thin. I find myself frozen in place by a mixture of shock and horror when the back of the house comes into view. It’s a wall of windows at least two stories high. Who… Why… Gah…

  Who would choose to live in a glass house? I shudder at the thought of people being able to see inside my home. This can’t be the right place… Can it? I must have gotten turned around in the woods, taken the wrong path or something. I turn to go back, when a shout stops me. I look over my shoulder and see Sebastian running towards me; his golden hair wet and slicked back.

  “Hey, Sprite,” he grins, not even winded from his dash. “You’re not backing out now, are you?”

  “Wha?” I shake my head in confusion. “Oh no, of course not. I just wasn’t sure I was in the right place.” I motion towards the house. “It’s not exactly what I expected.”

  Laughing, he loops his arm through mine and turns me back to the house.

  “Not what you expected, huh?” Still laughing, he guides us across the yard. “My Dad has pretty terrible taste, right? He didn’t want to miss any of his ocean view. Don’t worry; the front isn’t quite as bad. Come on, the guys are already inside.”

  “Hey, look who I found wandering out back.” Sebastian announces, pulling me through the open French doors. I find myself in a bright white living room. The guys have already made themselves comfortable, sprawled out on the huge gray sectional that dominates the room.

  “Can I get you something to drink?” Sebastian asks. I shake my head, holding up my water bottle. He flashes me a bright smile. “Well grab a seat and make yourself at home, then.” Sebastian throws himself down on the sectional next to Jared and motions for me to join him. Looking around the room, I settle on a chair where I’ll be able to see all of them instead. They
’re strangely quiet and I have the distinct feeling that we’ve interrupted their conversation. The silence grows, and I roll my eyes.

  “Well? We’re alone now. How about that explanation I was promised?” The guys exchange glances, engaging in another silent conversation.

  “It’s hard to know where to start…” The Rock Star finally says.

  “Just start somewhere,” I growl, starting to lose my patience.

  “Do you believe in magic, Emmy?” The Nerd asks, his eyes hidden behind his long purple bangs.

  I turn towards him in confusion. “Magic?”

  “Yes, magic,” Jared replies confidently. “Powers and abilities that defy scientific explanation.”

  “Ummmm. I don’t know? I never really thought about it,” I shrug. “Outside of being something I’ve read about in books, it hasn’t really come up.”

  “Our Great Granmama was a believer. She felt it was her duty to keep the old ways,” The Nerd says quietly. I look at him quizzically, but manage not to say anything. I’ve noticed of all the guys, he speaks the least. I wonder if that’s a side effect of growing up with Jared. How weird must it be to have an identical twin? I can’t even imagine what that would be like. “When we were little, she’d tell us bedtime stories about a time when the world was full of magic. Before the Magi were driven into hiding.”

  “Magi?” I ask, unable to keep quiet.

  “The Magi were a race of magic users that lived at peace amongst the humans.” He says with a soft smile. “They were at one with the elements, and could control them at will. They used them to benefit Magi and Humans alike. Soothing the weather, helping the harvests, and for centuries there was peace between them. Up until the rise of the Great Church. At least that’s the way Granmama told the stories.”

  “So what happened to the Magi?” Just thinking back to the shows I’d watched and things I’d read, I had a pretty good idea. But I couldn’t help but ask.