by J E Mueller
“Or I could give you a ride?” He laughed, shaking his head at me.
Oh. That hadn’t occurred to me. “Yeah, that would make sense.” I grabbed my bag and got him his cables back. “Thanks,” I said as we finally headed off towards school. “Sorry you’re late, though.”
“It happens.” He shrugged not seeming to mind. “I’m sure everyone will understand winter car problems.”
It dawned on me that Diamond might have seen me leave with Vincent. “Shoot, I hope my sister doesn’t notice.”
“Think she’d really hate you for needing a ride?”
“If you didn’t pick up on the not caring for my existence let alone me talking with the current man of her dreams then I’d be surprised if she was cool with it,” I replied dryly.
“She is certainly dreaming on that one.” He snorted, disgust evident in his face.
“So, what’s your dream girl then if it’s not some shallow illusion?” I asked, amused by his reaction.
Vincent shrugged, not taking his eyes off the road. “I don’t know. I guess similar interests, a fun personality? Ummm… probably with some sort of magical talent. Magic users tend to have a better understanding over one another. I don’t know.”
“How wonderfully generic.” I laughed.
“Fine, what’s your dream guy then?” He smirked as I fumbled to find an answer.
“Uhhh….” I had to laugh. “You’ve got me. I’ll go with generic ideal soulmate excuse for the win. Though I’ll throw in they need to have a decent taste in music.”
“Ohhh generic with a subjective viewpoint. What is decent taste in music then?” he asked, pulling into the parking lot.
“We can swap lists later. I’ve got a sprint ahead of me,” I replied. “But thanks so much for the ride.”
“Any time,” he replied, giving me a friendly wave off.
After class Callie was on me about why I was late. I was always at least somewhat early.
“Wait, Vincent gave you a ride? That’s awesome luck.” Callie seemed a bit too excited about it.
“Good luck that he was there, yes, but now I need to find a ride to get a battery and that’s more money out of my savings.” I gently hit my head against the table a few times before looking up at Callie.
“True. That car hasn’t helped with your savings plan at all this year.” Callie sighed but quickly smiled. “Still, cute boy gave you a ride.”
“Cute boy that my crazy step sister has her eyes on.” I sat up straight. “I really don’t want her drama in my life.”
“Ah…” Callie relented. “True. Darn. It’d be so cool for you to finally have a date.”
“We both know full well I can go on dates. Just with their approved list.” I cringed as a shiver worked its way through me. Their list was… less than appealing.
“Ew. Have they made any more recommendations on that end?” Callie cringed with me.
“Evan Baxter.” I gave her the most disgusted look I could manage. My stomach turned at the thought of my sister trying to hook me up with her favorite hookup. There were too many levels of wrong there.
“Your sister’s on again off again thing? How is that even a suggestion?” The grossed out look covered all my feelings on the subject.
“I’m assuming because my sister doesn't actually want him, but he’d be a good family connection. His family is worth quite a bit.” I tried to shake the thought of him near me from my head. “I don’t know why we pretend to be in modern ages when they literally want to marry me off for social ties.”
“Because they suck.” Callie shook her head before spotting Vincent and waving him over.
Vincent joined us with his tray of food. “Afternoon, ladies.”
“There’s the man of the hour.” Callie laughed. “Great job on the rescue mission.”
Vincent shrugged. “We were going to the same place. Of course I’d help?” He seemed confused by her excitement.
I shook my head. “Callie thinks this is over the top exciting news.”
“You talking to anyone new kind of is,” she pointed out.
“Yes, every three years or so I swap out friends. Guess this is the beginning of that rotation,” I teased.
“You can’t get rid of me. We’ll both be stuck here forever,” Callie joked back.
“Ugh, don’t hold me down here,” I grumbled as I poked at my lunch.
“I won’t. That car will, though.” Callie smirked. “How much has it cost you this year?”
“Too much,” I agreed “but whatever. It is what it is.”
“If you can hang around until my next class is over, I can take you to get a battery.” Callie glanced at her watch before taking a giant bite of her food.
“Yeah, I’ll just have to call the store and let them know. Not like any of them want to or can pick me up.”
Callie glanced over at Vincent. “Unless you’re free sooner?”
Vincent shook his head. “I’ve got two classes after this,” he admitted.
“Well, let’s see who answers the phone. If it’s Diamond, she’ll demand details. If it’s Steph, she’ll be whatever,” I said pulling out my phone.
“What if it’s your stepmom?” Callie leaned closer, as if she could hear the person on the other line. “Lecture?”
“Of course. Lectures are her favorite thing. Clearly I’m terribly irresponsible. I let this happen.”
“They all die eventually.” Callie shrugged.
The phone rang twice before Diamond picked up. Sighing, I explained that my car was dead and that I’d be late getting back because I needed to wait on a ride. To my surprise she just wanted to know details I picked up from Vincent. She saw us leave together and she hoped I knew better than to try and steal her man.
I glanced over at Callie and Vincent and rolled my eyes. “Of course I’m not stealing your man. You’ve got a chance. He loves a girl with magic. Sadly, I did find out he’s only here another week before continuing his school rotation thing.”
“What?” She screamed into the phone. “He can’t leave!”
“It’s a sad truth. He’ll be gone soon. Maybe you can make distance work,” I suggested, rolling my eyes once again as Callie tried to stifle a laugh. Vincent looked annoyed at the thought.
“Forget that. I’ll get what I want from him, then be done.” She immediately hung up on me, and I laughed.
“What was that?” Callie asked, already laughing.
“I don’t know if I want to know.” Vincent eyed me carefully.
“She won’t do distance, so good for you, Vincent.” I glanced over at Callie who was stifling a giggle.
“But?” He knew something was coming.
“She’ll get what she wants before you leave.” I tried to stifle a laugh as well. “Good luck dealing with her now.”
“What is wrong with her?” He groaned tiredly. He raked his hands through his hair as he vaguely motioned for a moment before giving up on speaking and just shook his head.
“I don’t have time to write a list.” I shrugged, going back to my lunch.
“The funny thing is she’s not as bad as she used to be.” Callie glanced at her watch again. “Well, this has been fun, but I’ve got class.”
Nodding, I continued my lunch as she left.
Vincent sighed. “I think I just might avoid the shop then.”
“I wouldn’t blame you.” I felt a little disappointed though. Why did I feel that way? He was gone soon anyway.
“Unless you want me to stop by.” He seemed to be watching my face carefully.
“I wouldn’t put anyone through that hell.” I shook my head. Everyone deserved better.
We were quiet for a moment before he spoke again. “Oh! Did you bring those extra books?” He seemed happy to remember last night’s offer.
“Oh yeah, I completely forgot about that.” I pulled a few from my bag. “Thanks again.”
“No problem. I hope the school can get its programs together. There isn’t much r
oom for continued success past the basics of the programs.” He took the first book and quietly muttered something.
“It probably won’t. It’s not uncommon for small local colleges to have just basics. You worry too much about something that’s not going to change.” I continued eating my lunch.
Vincent quickly worked his way through the small stack before handing them back. “You don’t know what can’t change until you try.” He gave a wink. “Anyway, bring them back tomorrow and I can do that again.”
“Sure.” I hoped I could manage it. “I’ll try, anyway. I hate figuring out how to detect and dispel illusions. What’s the point if it’s not bothering me?”
“There’s several good points. Seeing someone for their true self. You can learn how to see past illusions without dispelling them. That even works on places. It’s extremely helpful.”
“Maybe in places with a high mage population. It’s a fairly underdeveloped skill set here.”
“True as that might be, if you really want out of here, wouldn’t that be perfect to know?” He smirked, knowing he won.
“Fine. You’ve got this round.” I shook my head and put the books away.
“I intend to win them all.” He gave a sly smile.
“Like what? Best music, because you haven’t listed a single song. A loss in itself,” I replied smugly.
“Now sadly, I have to get to class, but I will have a list for you and another win for me,” he replied, gathering up his things.
“Uh huh.” I rolled my eyes at him.
“What about video games and books?” he asked as he slung his bag over his shoulder.
“I haven’t played too many games recently. Just not a lot of extra funds. Ebooks have saved me a ton though,” I replied.
“Top five trade off later?” he asked, not moving until I gave my answer.
“Sure. Top five. Three topics. Be ready to defend your choices,” I agreed. With a smile he waved and headed off.
I certainly planned to challenge his list and started to mentally prep mine. Wait, was that flirting? I shook my head before it hit me that I was going to miss him when he left. Ugh, stupid boy feelings.
4
It was getting late when Vincent messaged me. Late for me anyway. Being up at four in the morning kind of ruined what was left of my social life.
“Top five music?”
I shook my head at the question. “Nope, you have to answer first. That was my question.”
“That’s not fair. Not fair for you since you’ll have to answer mine first then!” Without hesitating he listed his favorite bands and four of the five were mine.
“Trade Total Temptation for Deathwish and you have a real list.” I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Nah, that’s an easy top 10, but we’re only doing the absolute bests.”
I raised an eyebrow at the message. “Those are fighting words right there.”
“Bring it.” he sent back.
Laughing, I didn’t know what to say. Anything that came to mind came off as flirty. Was this whole thing flirty? I was out of my element here.
“Top five games?”
Back and forth we bantered over favorites until I finally had to call it quits.
“Gotta sleep. Works too early not to.”
“Ah, that sucks. Okay.” There was a pause before he sent, “Oh, did you finish dispelling all that stuff?”
“If I say yes can we pretend it’s true? It’s a lot harder than I was expecting.” I hated admitting I couldn’t get them all, let alone only being able to knock out one.
“Haha, no. It’s no big deal. You just need more work. Didn’t you say something about time off of work? I can help you.”
I shook my head. I forgot I had told him that. “Normally yes, but my youngest step sister had a ‘big project’ this week so I was working her hours. So, no off day for me.”
“What about after work?”
“I don't know.” This was hard. I didn’t want to deal with Diamond finding out about this friendship, but I also did need help.
“Secret meet up? All covert and hush hush?”
“Fine. Meet at close. Bring the magic.” I gave in. We’d have to see how this went.
“Excellent. Mission magic up has been accepted. Until then!”
Until then indeed.
The day went quickly. Diamond was upset in the morning when Vincent didn’t show up. I shrugged it off, suggesting he might be sick. The terrible weather could do that to anyone. I just didn’t mention he was at school. Diamond skipped out of work early, leaving just Steph and I to close. No big deal. We put on some good closing music and started to clean the floors for the last half hour. We’d barely get a handful of customers so late, and most wouldn’t even notice the change in music.
Vincent came in as Steph was about to head out.
“Want me to jump on the bar?” She was already bundled up and ready to go as I finished mopping the cafe area.
“Nah, go on.” I waved her off.
Steph shrugged before heading out the door. “Until dawn!”
“May your dreams not be of here.” I called back as I laughed at her dramatic exit.
“Looks like I picked just the right time.” Vincent grabbed a seat.
“That it does.” I gathered up the mop and whatnot. “Want a drink?”
“Do you have any teas?”
“Sure, what kind? We’ve got all the basics covered.” I walked around the counter towards the tea.
“Something herbal and sweet.”
“Always with the sweet.” I sighed, trying to guess which would be the best.
“Of course. I’m not a bitter person.” He smiled brightly.
“Uh huh.” I prepped the tea. “Where would you like to go practice? I’d really hate for Diamond to see your car here.”
“Hm? Oh.” He glanced back at his car and muttered something for a few moments and it was gone. “Next problem?”
“I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised the illusion guy could hide a car.” I laughed, leaning on the counter.
“Objects are the easiest to manipulate. Living things are a little more complicated.” He shrugged.
“True.” I brought his tea over. “Guess I’ll go grab the books.”
“I’m surprised you’re not worried about her driving by and seeing someone in here.” Vincent smirked.
“I’m surprised the illusion master didn’t notice you can’t see from the outside in.” I raised an eyebrow and happily walked off. I could hear him mutter ‘well now I do’ as I left.
My bag was just sitting in the back so it was a quick trip.
“That spells pretty decent. Did you do it?” He asked, curiously.
I shook my head. “Carissa, Diamond’s friend did that like two years ago. She’s crazy talented. It’s just starting to wear down, but it’ll probably be several more months.”
He looked in deep thought for a moment as he nodded to himself. “There’s some great layers to it. She has a tutor, right?”
“I believe so.” I shrugged. “Wouldn’t surprise me.”
“You can do better than this spell by Sunday,” his words caught me off guard.
“Psh, no.” I laughed, taking the seat across from him.
“Sure, I could be wrong. But what if I’m right?” He raised an eyebrow. “Now which one did you figure out?” He motioned towards my bag.
I started pulling everything out and he quickly jumped into a lesson. Going through the varying layers of the different magics and how they can strengthen one another. Finding the fringes of where these magics met reality was the biggest part of detecting an illusion.
Slowly we worked on getting through the spells he placed on the books and what went into each one.
Finally, I couldn’t stop yawning. “We’re going to have to call it a night.”
Vincent nodded, echoing my yawn. “At least you got some of this down better.”
I nodded, feeling more tired than happy about i
t.
“Most of the stronger mages have three areas they excel and concentrate their studies in,” he said off-handedly.
“Mhm. And did you want to brag about yours?” I gave a small laugh as I took his cup back to be washed.
“Well, I suppose I could. You already know my best one, then there’s enchanting and destruction.”
“Fancy. If you can’t fool them, destroy them.” I smirked.
“Haha.” He rolled his eyes at me. “What about you? I’d love to know how your magic works together.”
“Eh, I’ve just concentrated on the two. It’s too expensive to worry about a third. Illusion is a lot of work as it is, but I’ve a natural enough talent for potions and mixtures.” I set the cup into the sink.
“But what is the third? I know you’ve got to have one,” he happily pressed on.
I rolled my eyes but conjured up an orb of light. I left it to hang above the sink.
“That’s pretty awesome.” He actually seemed impressed.
“It’s just a light.” One of the easiest spells to learn in the conjuration class.
“You should consider it. There was no hesitation in creating that,” he insisted.
“I’ve no idea how to make you understand it’s just not possible right now.” I sighed, coming back around to gather up my books.
“I’ll think about it,” he said, finally standing up. “Tomorrow then?”
I had no idea what there was to think about. There was no easy way to turn everything around and just make it work. I shrugged. “Sure. Unless you’d rather do something else. This can’t be too exciting.”
“Proving you wrong will be exciting enough.” He wasn’t going to give up on that ‘by Sunday’ idea. “I will help you improve this. Though I’ll have to leave some extra hard assignments behind when I leave. No way you can slack off once you’ve made progress.” His friendly smile turned to a sly smirk.
“Uh huh. Just keep telling yourself that.” I unlocked the door to let him out.
“I will.” A sly smirk lit his face as he stepped out into the night.
Silly know-it-all boys. Quickly I locked the door and gathered up my books. It was getting to be past my bedtime.
